Sparkle Parade, Tree & Menorah Lighting

Note: The information on this page is about a past event. Stay tuned for details about Sparkle 2026.

Sparkle Parade

The Sparkle Parade is a magical nighttime parade with more than 50 parade units decorated with holiday décor and sparkling lights.

Parade highlights include:

• Marching bands
• Performers and dancers
• Characters and cosplay
• Community floats and groups
• Special appearances, including Santa Claus

Step-off time: 6:00 p.m.

Note: For safety reasons, please do not cross the street while the parade is in progress.

❄️ View Sparkle Parade Route Map (PDF, opens in new tab)

Parade Viewing Areas

The parade route begins at the intersection of Mount Vernon Highway and Lake Forest Drive, travels down Mount Vernon Highway, turns onto Galambos Way, and ends just past Sandy Springs City Hall.

Note: For safety reasons, please do not cross the street while the parade is in progress.

☃️ Sparkle Wonderland

For the ultimate parade experience, head to Sparkle Wonderland, located along Mount Vernon Highway west of Sandy Springs Circle, near Sandy Springs United Methodist Church. Enjoy larger-than-life inflatables, singing carolers, and more. Learn more about Sparkle Wonderland.

This area tends to have the lightest crowds, so folding chairs are allowed. Low-back chairs are preferred.

While the tree and menorah lighting takes place near City Hall, both will remain lit for everyone to enjoy throughout the season.

Restrooms: Portable restrooms are located near the crosswalk, across from Sandy Springs United Methodist Church.

🛣️ Mount Vernon Highway

The parade continues down Mount Vernon Highway and passes by the South Parking Lot and Shuttle Drop-Off.

Both sides of the road may have barricades, so anticipate standing in this section. For safety reasons, please do not cross the street while the parade is in progress.

Restrooms: Restrooms are located on both sides of Mount Vernon Highway: in the brick building near Skate City Springs and in the portable restrooms in the South Parking Lot.

🎄 Galambos Way

The parade turns down Galambos Way, passes the tree and menorah, and ends just past Sandy Springs City Hall.

Galambos Way is best for viewing the tree and menorah lighting. Both sides of the road may have barricades, so prepare for standing-room-only views.

Restrooms: Restrooms are located on both sides of Galambos Way: in the brick building near Skate City Springs and inside City Hall.

Tree and Menorah Lighting After the Parade

The excitement builds as the Sparkle Parade winds through the City Springs District and Santa passes by City Hall. Then, the grand finale begins with a symbolic lighting of the Hanukkah menorah, followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree. This will occur after the parade, at approximately 6:50 p.m.

After the lighting ceremony, City Springs remains aglow all season long. The tree will remain lit until New Year’s Day, and the menorah will be lit each night of Hanukkah, following the Hebrew calendar.

❄️ Sparkle Sandy Springs Homepage