See you at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.

Parade entries now being accepted. 

The Victorian Sleighbell Parade presented by Filer Credit Union down historic River Street is one of Michigan’s most memorable holiday traditions. This authentic parade features horse drawn carriages, turn of the century characters, 30-foot Christmas tree pulled upright by a beautiful horse team, bagpipers and much more. The parade concludes downtown’s west end near the fountain with community caroling and lighting of the tree.

The 2025 parade is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. 

Enter the parade here.

 

 

Parade Entry Guidelines

  1. The 36th annual Victorian Sleighbell Parade is at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.
  2. No motorized vehicles with the exception of automobiles built prior to 1901. (Before Queen Victoria’s death).
  3. Clothing must appear to be of the Victorian period. (Wool, corduroy, cotton, etc.)
  4. Visible material displayed on entries must be of the Victorian period. No plastics, artificial greenery, etc. Everyone is encouraged to use sleighbells, live greenery, cloth ribbons and fresh fruits.
  5. Music performed must be from the Victorian period.
  6. Recorded music or amplification of any kind is not allowed.
  7. Lighting on entries must appear to be in the form of candles, lanterns, oil lamps, etc. No electrical or battery-operated lighting will be permitted unless previously attached to buggies, wagons, sleighs.
  8. Signage must appear to be from the Victorian period with appropriate lettering.
  9. Banners must be sized at a maximum of 2-feet high x 8-feet long.
  10. Animal drawn entries of the Victorian period are encouraged, as are horseback riders, and any animal that can be led on a leash. You may decorate your animals, if appropriate, with bells, ribbons, bows, etc.
  11. Businesses are encouraged to sponsor entries with appropriate signage. With imagination, almost all businesses can relate to the Victorian theme in some way. Be creative and come up with truly unique and original entries.
  12. All parade entries are at the discretion of the parade committee. Entries will be previewed by the parade committee for authenticity and carrying out the Victorian theme before being approved.
  13. Tossing and throwing items along the parade route is prohibited.
  14. Please keep in mind there are animals in this parade, and while we make every effort to maintain the cleanliness of the street, it is not always possible. A team will pick up behind horse teams.

For-profit businesses that are not already Sleighbell Parade sponsors will be charged $150 if they intend on having a banner in the parade.