November 21, 2025
By Eve Copeland

The Pickerington Lions Club is gearing up to spread Christmas cheer across the community with its inaugural Holiday Lights Parade, a “dazzling new tradition that’s set to kick off the season in style,” according to parade chair Brent Thompson.

Partnering with the Pickerington Village Holiday Gathering and the City Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, the Lions Club is “pulling out all the stops to make this one spectacular, can’t-miss event,” Thompson said.

The collaboration aims to create a seamless, festive night filled with lights, music, and community celebration in the heart of Pickerington.

Thompson expressed appreciation for the Village partnership, saying, “We would like to thank the Pickerington Village Association for inviting us to join their beloved holiday celebration.”

Residents, families, and groups of all kinds are invited to participate. Thompson emphasized that “you do not need to be a business, organization, or school group to join in the fun. Neighbors, friends, teams, and families are encouraged to demonstrate their holiday spirit with music, lights, costumes, floats—anything that brings you joy at the holiday season.”

Colorful floats, festive music, and “a sea of smiling faces” will illuminate downtown Pickerington as the parade makes its debut. Prizes will be awarded for the most festive floats and displays, and participants are encouraged to begin planning now.

“Start planning your float—let’s see who can bring the most holiday sparkle!” Thompson added.

To complement the festivities, the Lions are also encouraging families to bring two non-perishable food items.

“Place them in the bed of the designated pickup truck,” Thompson said, “and the Lions will deliver them to the Pickerington Food Pantry at the conclusion of the parade.”

The parade steps off on Friday, Dec. 5 at 8:00 p.m., beginning on Park Alley and heading north on Cross Street, turning right onto Church Street, then Center Street, before following Columbus Street and looping back to Cross.

Thompson hopes the community sees the event as more than a parade.

“We are confident that it will be a great combination of family fun and festivity,” he said. “Those who join this year will be part of Pickerington’s very first holiday parade and leave their mark on this new tradition. We hope that together we will be creating memories for families that last a lifetime, just like those precious memories that moved us to bring a holiday parade to downtown Pickerington.”

Questions or ready to sign up?
Email Lionbrentthompson@gmail.com to register your group and “join the fun and showcase your creativity.”