Electric Light Parade

A beloved tradition since 1997, the signature Electric Light Parade will dazzle spectators with over 70 brilliantly lit entries. Watch as nine high school marching bands, festive dignitary carriages, and Santa Claus himself parade down the streets of the capital city. Don't miss special performances by the Drum KINGZ and the Petoskey Steel Drum Band, along with a special appearance by Paws, the Detroit Tigers' mascot! The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. from the corner of Lenawee Street and South Washington Square.

Best Illuminated Band Awards

The participating high school marching bands will compete for the Best Illuminated Band awards during the parade. Awards are given in two categories: large band and small band. The high school bands that are most well-lit in each category will win $500 courtesy of the Lansing Board of Water and Light and a $500 gift card to Marshall Music, courtesy of Marshall Music. 

2025 Electric Light Parade Grand Marshal: Herman Moore

A week before the Detroit Lions take the field for their annual Thanksgiving clash, a legendary hero for the Honolulu blue and silver will usher in the official start of the holiday season as the grand marshal of the Electric Light Parade.

A dynamic wide receiver, Herman Moore was selected by Detroit with the 10th pick of the first round of the 1991 NFL draft after a stellar career at the University of Virginia. As a Cavalier, he established school records for receiving yards (2,504) and touchdowns (27) and set an Atlantic Coast Conference record for receiving yards in a season (1,190 in 1990) en route to two All-American selections.

After joining the Lions, Moore paired with running back Barry Sanders to give the team a dynamic offense. In his rookie year, Moore helped Detroit earn a postseason berth for the first time since 1983. He was a key contributor to the team’s first playoff win since 1957, hauling in six passes for 87 yards and a touchdown as the Lions defeated the Dallas Cowboys, 38-6.

Moore would go on to play for the Lions through 2001, setting team records in catches (670), receiving yards (9,174) and receiving touchdowns (62). He remains No. 2 on the team leaderboard in all three categories behind only Calvin Johnson. Moore is a four-time Pro-Bowler, a three-time NFL All-Pro and a 2010 inductee to the Michigan and Virginia sports hall of fames. He was inducted into the Pride of the Lions — Detroit’s Ring of Honor — on Oct. 28, 2018, during a home game against the Seattle Seahawks, along with Alex Karras and Roger Brown.

After retiring from football following a short stint as a member of the New York Giants in 2002, Moore turned his attention to the business world. He experienced significant success as a corporate franchisee and, at one point, operated every Cinnabon franchise in both Michigan and Florida. In 2003, he was featured on the Crain’s Detroit Business 40 under 40 list. He also spent time as an NFL analyst and served as a business consultant.

In 2013, Moore founded Team 84 LLC, a certified minority business holding company. The corporation groups together a family of companies offering a full suite of services, including manufacturing, e-commerce, employee incentives, marketing, branding and business intelligence.

A dedicated philanthropist, Moore established the Herman Moore Tackle Life Foundation in 2011 to help foster essential life skills that catalyze growth and development in underserved and at-risk adolescents and young adults. Programs include sports camps, health and nutrition workshops, comprehensive fitness and mental health initiatives, career development and entrepreneurship education.

This year, Moore — a Michigan resident — was selected as a recipient of the Spirit of Michigan Community Impact Award by the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council. He was honored for exemplary leadership and a lasting legacy of service that continues to inspire communities across Michigan.

Electric Light Parade Participants

Electric Light Parade Marching Bands

Parade Announcers

Main Stage, corner of Capitol and Michigan Avenues: Chris Holman with the Michigan Business Network.

200 S. block of Washington Square: Chris Tyler and Stephaine McCoy from Duke 94.1

100 N. block of Washington Square: Nick Chase and Randy Stine from Crusin 92.9

Capitol Ave./Allegan Street: Span and Terry with Q106