Photos courtesy of the City of Rolling Hills Estates
The Peninsula Holiday Parade of Lights has been a cherished community tradition since 1999, when the first procession made its way through the Commercial District along Silver Spur Road. Guided by former Rolling Hills Estates Mayor and Councilmember Susan Seamans, the inaugural event coincided with the grand opening of The Avenue of the Peninsula — bringing new life to the commercial district and launching a festive holiday celebration. What began with decorated vehicles, equestrian units, youth groups and local organizations quickly grew into a Peninsula-wide favorite. Decades later, the City of Rolling Hills Estates continues the tradition with the same spirit, sending floats, marching bands, youth groups, civic organizations, and equestrian units down Silver Spur Road, Deep Valley Drive, through Promenade on the Peninsula, and onto Norris Center Drive.
Over the years, the parade has honored a remarkable variety of Grand Marshals whose lives and achievements reflect the spirit of the Peninsula. Past Grand Marshals have included historic figures such as Olympic runner and war-time hero Louis Zamperini and Holocaust survivor and former World War II spy Marthe Cohn — chosen to represent resilience, courage, and hope. Other honorees have reflected the Peninsula’s local flavor: from sports star Kenley Jansen, to musicians, civic leaders, and community contributors. Local notables such as broadcaster Petros Papadakis, entertainer Larry Joe Campbell, and musician David Benoit have also served as Grand Marshals — each representing a different piece of Peninsula history and community life. Through every era — from those earliest parade nights to recent celebrations — the Parade of Lights remains a living tradition. It brings together multiple generations in festive celebration, reconnects neighbors, and shines a spotlight on both past and present community spirit.
