Pleasanton’s annual Hometown Holiday Celebration is gearing up for a festive return on Saturday, December 6, and the city is calling on residents, community groups, schools, and local businesses to help bring the magic to Main Street. The parade will showcase decorated floats, classic cars, marching bands, civic organizations, youth teams, and performance groups, followed by a community tree lighting and live entertainment to cap the evening. Applications are now open for parade entries, volunteers, announcer auditions, and sponsorships, offering multiple ways to get involved whether you want to march, host, support, or cheer from the sidelines. Organizers emphasize that opportunities are open to participants ages 16 and older for most volunteer roles, making it a welcoming event for students seeking service hours as well as adults who want to give back during the holiday season.
Parade entries will be curated to highlight Pleasanton’s community spirit, creativity, and holiday charm. Float builders, neighborhood associations, nonprofits, cultural groups, dance troupes, and car clubs are encouraged to apply early to secure a spot and ensure adequate time to finalize staging and safety details. Sponsors can select from several tiers, including presenting partner, supporting stage sponsor, or in-kind refreshment donor, each offering visibility to thousands of attendees while directly funding production costs such as staging, sound, lighting, and public safety. For groups unable to field a float, crowd-engagement roles such as banner carriers or costumed walkers provide a simpler way to participate while still contributing to the parade’s color and energy.
Parade registration applications must be submitted by Sunday, November 23, and the entry fee paid by 5 p.m. on Monday, December 1. Volunteer opportunities include parade marshals, route guides, staging assistants, set-up and tear-down crews, and hospitality support; most positions require check-in before the 7:30 p.m. start and conclude after the tree lighting. The city is also seeking confident voices to serve as parade announcers. Auditions will be held November 17–18 from 6 to 7 p.m., and anyone 16 or older may apply. Announcers will help keep the crowd informed and energized, introduce units as they pass the reviewing stand, and share fun facts about local participants. All accepted applicants will receive event-day instructions, arrival windows, and attire guidance to keep the program running smoothly and on schedule.
Event date and time: Saturday, December 6, with the parade stepping off at 7:30 p.m., followed by the tree lighting and entertainment. Parade entry deadline: applications due Sunday, November 23; payment due by 5 p.m. Monday, December 1. Announcer auditions: November 17–18, 6–7 p.m. Volunteers: roles open to ages 16+ across marshaling, staging, set-up, and clean-up. Sponsors: community sponsor, stage sponsor, and in-kind refreshment donor options available. For complete information and to apply for parade entry, volunteer shifts, announcer auditions, or sponsorships, visit the city’s Hometown Holiday site or contact 925-931-5352 or [email protected]. With community help across floats, funding, and friendly faces, Pleasanton’s Hometown Holiday Parade aims to deliver a cozy, small-town celebration that shines bright for families and visitors alike.
