The deadline to apply to be in the Aldergrove Christmas Light Up Parade is Dec. 5.

The parade is then only three days after that, with people lining Fraser Highway through Aldergrove on Dec. 8.

Parade applications are available online and set out the rules for participation, including that people can't throw candy and items from floats due to the risk of injury.

This is after all, a family event intended to provide magical memories for young and old.

Organizers, who are all volunteers with Aldergrove community groups, work hard to make this event successful, even enlisting the help of sponsors to host hot chocolate stations along the way so people can enjoy themselves no matter what the weather is like.

Leading up to the parade will be the The Walt Levy Light Up Aldergrove Contest. It's an opportunity for people to transform the street view of a home or business into a light-up spectacular.

Judging will take place Dec. 6 and people who want to be part of the contest must enter using the online application. More information is at www.aldergrovefestivaldays.com.