Light Up the Night is Hopewell’s largest holiday celebration featuring the annual Christmas parade, grand illumination ceremony, and downtown winter festival. Read on to learn more about this exciting community event.
Parade
• Date: Sunday, December 3, 2023
• Start time: 4:00 p.m.
• Starting location: Cavalier Square Shopping Center
• Ending location: Ashford Civic Plaza
• Route: 15th Street, City Point Road, & Main Street
• Viewing locations: Any public sidewalk/parking area
• Motorist should expect significant delays if traveling in the vicinity of the parade route
• All spectators are asked to remain on the sidewalk at all times
• Once the parade begins, crossing the street will be prohibited
• Help us keep Hopewell beautiful by disposing of all refuse properly
• Physical distancing recommended while viewing parade
Grand Illumination Ceremony
• Date: Sunday, December 3, 2023
• Start time: Immediately following conclusion of parade
• Location: Ashford Civic Plaza
• Brief remarks will be made by City officials before the illumination
• A special guest from the North Pole will assist with the illumination
• Physical distancing recommended while viewing ceremony
Downtown Winter Festival
• Date: Sunday, December 3, 2023
• Time: 6-8 PM
• Mini Train Rides (Library Street)
• Craft Activity (Library)
• Petting Zoo (Cawson Street Lot)
• Vendors and other activities (East Broadway)
• Face coverings recommended for indoor activities
• Physical distancing recommended for outdoor activities
Visit with Santa
• FREE
• Located in the Hopewell Public Library
• Take your own pictures
• Held on mezzanine level (elevator available)
• Please note that this attraction may require a significant wait
Parade Registration
Guidelines for units can be found here once registration opens.
Please ensure you have the following information when applying for the Light Up the Night Parade:
• Unit’s point of contact information
• Description of parade entry in detail
• If using a vehicle in your parade unit, please provide driver’s information, this includes their Driver’s License Number
• Narrative for your unit, limited to three sentences, the committee has the right to shorten your submission
The committee looks forward to reviewing your submission. Be sure to apply before the deadline of November 20, 2023. Register HERE!