Lighted Christmas Parade and Downtown Party

The holiday season officially kicks off in Bishop as the community gathers for the annual Bishop Community Christmas Parade & Downtown Festivities on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

This year’s parade theme, “Christmas Through the Decades,” will bring nostalgic fun to the streets with floats, marching bands, and community groups celebrating holiday traditions from years past. The parade is hosted by the Bishop Chamber of Commerce, the City of Bishop, and supported by many volunteers and local co-sponsors.

Before the parade begins, families are encouraged to come early to enjoy an afternoon of downtown festivities. Visitors can shop for unique gifts from artisan vendors at the Eastside Guesthouse and Academy Street Markets, savor seasonal treats from food trucks, and take advantage of local store specials. The evening will also feature tree lightings, cozy fire pits, festive music, and a special visit from Santa Claus.

The parade and downtown festivities are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to find parking and enjoy shopping and dining downtown before the parade begins.

Parade participant entry forms are available now at Bishop City Hall and online. Parade entry fee is $20 and form must be returned to Bishop Chamber of Commerce by 11/24/25.

***Note road closure/detour begins at 3:30 pm. Plan to arrive downtown early to get good parking spot and enjoy the festivities.

3pm – parade entries begin to line-up on South Street

3 – 8pm – Academy Street Vendor Party

3-4:30pm – Visit Santa at Academy Street/Talmadge Park (Santa must depart promptly at 4:30)

3:30pm – Main Street closes to through traffic

3:45pm – Santa Mile Fun Run (starts at Bishop City Park, run south bound to Line & back to park)

4:30pm – Parade Begins (start at South Street, end at Bishop City Park)

5:30-6pm – gather for hot cocoa provided by Salvation Army in front of Bishop City Park

5:30 – 8pm – Visit Santa at Eastside Guesthouse (Santa will get off fire truck at end of parade at Eastside Guesthouse)

6pm – Tree Lighting at Eaststide Guesthouse

7pm – Tree Lighting at Talmadge Park/Academy Street

Downtown Shops and Restaurants Open Late

Download the Christmas Parade Entry Form

For more information:

Parade – contact April Kress, Bishop Chamber of Commerce (760)873-8405

Academy Street Market – contact Kellie Bell (760)937-0314

Eastside Guesthouse Market – contact Ashley (760) 787-7077