Illustration of a felt Santa in a wooden armchair as a small felt child shows him a paper list near a fireplace and trees (Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade)
Other Christmas Activities

Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade

Spectators gather along downtown sidewalks and street intersections to watch a procession of lighted floats make their way through town. Viewing takes place from designated curbside spots along the route from First and State Streets toward the parade finish.

Sun, Nov 29, 2026 All ages

Plan Your Visit

Hours

6:00 PM parade begins; 6:20-6:30 PM first floats reach First and Main; 6:45-7:00 PM first floats reach parade end; 7:20-7:45 PM final floats reach parade end. Times are estimates.

Neighborhood

Downtown Los Altos

Parking

Handicapped parking is available in Plaza North, between 3rd and 4th Streets (behind Wells Fargo Bank). Enter from Edith at Third Street; do not attempt to cross Main Street.

Accessibility

Handicapped parking is available in Plaza North between 3rd and 4th Streets, accessible from Edith at Third Street.

Pets

Leave pets at home.

Location

Los Altos, CA Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and local holiday parade fans

Vibe

Festive and community-focused

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Wait until noon on parade day before placing chairs or other viewing markers on public property; earlier reservations are not allowed.
  • Choose a sidewalk or intersection for viewing, and keep out of the roadway and parklet fronts to comply with the viewing rules.
  • Use Plaza North handicapped parking between Third and Fourth Streets, entering from Edith at Third; do not try to cross Main Street.
  • Plan downtown access around the 4:00 p.m. closure: the Downtown Triangle and Foothill Expressway access at Main Street will be closed.
  • Dress in warm layers for the outdoor evening parade, and leave pets at home as organizers request.

Special Events & Promotions

  • The 2026 parade is the 50th edition.

Links & Contact

Run by Los Altos Festival of Lights Association

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I watch the parade?

Watch from sidewalks or intersections along the route. Viewing in front of parklets is not allowed.

Can I place chairs or belongings in the roadway?

No. Chairs and personal items are not allowed in the roadway while it is open to vehicle traffic; do not block pedestrian routes or wheelchair ramps.

Where is handicapped parking available?

Plaza North, between 3rd and 4th Streets behind Wells Fargo Bank. Enter from Edith at Third Street; do not cross Main Street.

Can I bring my pet?

No. Leave pets at home.

Browse Christmas in Los Altos

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Event details verified: