Parade 25’

Christian Center School is honored to take part in the 33rd Annual Coeur d’Alene Lighting Ceremony Parade — a cherished tradition that brings families from across the Inland Northwest together to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season.

This year, CCS will proudly present “Bethlehem Beat” — a live manger scene that blends faith, music, and community spirit. Our 24-foot float, pulled by the CCS Lions Van, will glow with Candy Cane themed LED lights and straw-white décor, transforming into a moving stage of worship and joy.

Join the CCS Parade Team!

We’re inviting students, parents, and volunteers to help bring this vision to life — from setup and design to walking in the parade alongside our choir and athletics teams. Come be part of a memorable evening that shares the light and hope of Christ with our community!

Join the Cast and Team

Vision for Our CCS Float

Cast Requirements

  • 🎶 JoyTones Choir (performing and singing to backtrack “Bethlehem Beat” Musical, JoyTones shirts over warm clothing)

  • ⚽ Varsity Soccer Team (uniform over winter clothing, light sticks or lighted candy canes)

  • 🏀 Varsity Basketball Team (uniform over winter clothing, light sticks or lighted candy canes)

  • 🏐 Varsity Volleyball Team (uniform over winter clothing, light sticks or lighted candy canes)


    🧣 Parade Rehearsal

    📅 Monday, November 24th @ 4:00-4:45 p.m.
    📍 School Parking Lot

    Let’s practice, prepare, and get ready to shine bright for this special night! 🌟

Why This Matters

At Christian Center School, we believe in shining the light of Christ through music, performing arts, athletics, and service. The parade is more than just a celebration—it’s an opportunity for our students to glorify God, bless the community, and share the true joy of Christmas with Coeur d’Alene.

The candy cane—a central part of our float’s theme—carries beautiful Christian symbolism. When turned upside down, it forms the letter “J” for Jesus. Upright, it resembles a shepherd’s staff, reminding us that Jesus is our Good Shepherd. Its white color reflects His purity and sinless life, while the red stripes represent His sacrifice—the bold red for the blood He shed for us, and in some traditions, three thinner stripes symbolizing the Holy Trinity or the suffering He endured before the cross.

Gear and Resources

Battery Operated Lighted Candy Cane - Home Store

Drum Set for JoyTones

Glow Stick Pack (Red and White)

Parade & Festivities

This year’s Coeur d’Alene Lighting Ceremony Parade celebrates the theme “Candy Cane Lane” — a joyful kickoff to the Christmas season!

Event Details

📅 Date: Friday, November 28, 2025
⏰ Time:

  • 4:00 p.m. – Staging and preparation

  • 5:00 p.m. – Parade begins, followed by the lighting ceremony and fireworks
    📍 Location: Sherman Avenue & the Coeur d’Alene Resort Lawn

After the parade, the celebration continues on the Coeur d’Alene Resort Lawn, featuring Christmas carols, a countdown to the lighting ceremony, and a spectacular fireworks show presented by the Hagadone Corporation.

Parade Staging

Subject to Change
Staging will be arranged in blocks east of 8th Street on Sherman Avenue at 4 p.m. The entire parade route will be closed to through traffic, and ‘No Parking’ will be enforced on the route after this. The parade will begin at the intersection of 8th street and Sherman Avenue and continue west on Sherman Avenue ending at the intersections of Lakeside Avenue and Government Way, just before Northwest Boulevard.

LINE UP: The Parade Line-up will be released the week prior to the Lighting Ceremony and will be emailed out to all participating entries.

WHEN: All participants must arrive by their assigned line-up time (between 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm). The parade will begin at 5:00 pm.

WHERE: Beginning at the intersection of 8th St and Sherman Avenue. Each group's line-up position is determined by parade officials. Line-up positions will be emailed to participants before the parade but are subject to change.

ROUTE MAP: https://cdadowntown.com/cda-events/lighting-ceremony/#tab-196393

Float Project Director: Jaret Paulson

Christian Center School is blessed to have Jaret Paulson leading this year’s Float Project. With over five years of experience directing parade floats during his previous career in law enforcement—where he served as a Community Liaison Officer—Jaret brings a wealth of creativity, organization, and leadership to our team. His eye for detail, commitment to excellence, and heart for community service make him an incredible asset to CCS. Under his direction, our float embodies both craftsmanship and purpose—shining the light of Christ through teamwork, artistry, and joy.