Decorating Golf Cart For Christmas Parade

Christmas is a month-long state of mind for me. This festive time of loved ones, parties, gifts, and religious celebrations is so special.

Once decorated, your golf cart makes a fine lawn ornament for your seasonal display. Take it for a ride too or join a parade.

Virginia Allain

Christmas Decorations and Parades

Will Santa show up in a golf cart this Christmas? Golf carts aren't just for golfing anymore. In many communities, the golf cart serves as a second car, and people zip around in them just for fun. Actually, we're a two-golf-cart family since we keep one for running around our retirement community and keep the other one loaded up ready for the golf course.

Some communities with lots of them hold a Christmas parade. Even if you don't have a parade, you can still decorate yours for the holiday. You'll enjoy the surprise on people's faces when they see your Christmas-themed golf cart coming. I've even seen the golf cart serve as part of Christmas yard decorations with the addition of lighted reindeer. Just put Santa and his pack of toys into the cart and make your yard stand out from all the rest on the street.

christmas-golf-cart-decorations — Photo taken by Virginia Allain

This is an evening parade, so there are lighted decorations on the carts. I really liked one cart that was decorated like an igloo. There were some other great ideas in the parade, too. Solivita holds this parade annually, so I've added just one sample YouTube video for you. There are more on their website.

Below are some ideas for decorating your own cart.

Solivita (Florida Retirement Community) Christmas Golf Cart Parade

You can imagine how dramatic these look once it gets dark. This cart will put on a real light show for the evening parade.

Virginia Allain

Add Some Red Underbody Glow Lights

Choose a color, almost any color, and glow, glow, glow. The lights come in green, blue, and other colors, too. The green would look quite festive on a red cart.

These lights look great for a golf cart parade or for just driving around your community in the evening. The first time I saw these on a cart, I had to look them up. They look super. I haven't been able to get hubby to buy us some yet, but my neighbors have them and love the look.

These are starting to catch on in our community. If you haven't seen them yet, be the first. Everyone will want them after they see your cart with that awesome glow under the body.

Pick a Theme to Decorate Your Cart

This red cart went scarlet all the way from front to back.

Use Party Light Sets and 12-Volt Light Strings

Right after Christmas is a good time to get some buys at the local hardware store or discount stores. Any place that carries Christmas lighting will usually have them on sale after the holiday. If you are lucky, they may be discounted 50% or even 75%.

Some wide angle lights give off a great glow.There are 12-volt lights and LED which gives quite a bit of light while using minimal power. You can even hook up Christmas lights to the golf cart's battery.

I asked the owner of this cart about how they powered the lights. She showed me the small generator/battery pack they had placed under the back seat. It's hidden by the giant snowflake. Some have a power point added linking to the cart's batteries.

Virginia Allain

Using Lights And a Generator

You'll need some power for a light display like this one

Use Lots of Poinsettias to Decorate

When attaching garlands to the top of the golf cart, you could run cords or a netting across then tie the garlands to that. Test it out by driving up and down your street to see if anything falls off, then you need to secure it more.

Winter Garden's Lighted Golf Cart Holiday Parade

This cart had poinsettias front and back plus all across the top.

Daytime Christmas Golf Cart Parade in The Villages, Florida

These aren't lighted since it is a daytime parade, but there are lots of decorating ideas here.

What's Your Experience with Golf Carts Decorated for Christmas?

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Questions & Answers

Question: What items such as material and other items do you use to make the decorations so it doesn't scratch the paint on the golf cart?

Answer: I'd stay away from strong tapes like clear duct tape or strapping tape when decorating your golf cart. Use ties (like clothesline or plastic zip ties) to attach things to the metal uprights to the golf cart's roof or attach to the bumpers. Look at those Command strip things too that can be used on walls without damaging those. They will stick to metal or glass and be easily removed.

Question: If I have a gas cart how can I get power?

Answer: Look for a "Portable Power Station" that you can place on the floor of your golf cart or in the basket area. I see a variety of them on Amazon and probably can be found at Walmart, etc.

Question: Where can I find a Christmas golf cart parade?

Answer: Search on Google for "Christmas golf cart parades." Many senior retirement communities in warmer climates (Florida and the South) use golf carts within the community. Call one near you to ask if they have a golf cart parade.

Margaret Schindel from Massachusetts on November 17, 2018:

This looks like such fun, Virginia! I've never seen anything like it, but I'd sure love to. Wonderful photos and ideas!

Glenda Motsavage from The Sunshine State on October 04, 2014:

Can you believe we've lived in Solivita since its inception, and have never seen the Parade of Golf Carts? We're usually traveling, and unfortunately, this year is no exception. I had no idea the fun we were missing. Your article was informative... and festive! Pinned to my 'Fabulous Finds in Florida' board!

Angela F from Seattle, WA on September 10, 2014:

This would be such a fun tradition during the Holidays!

N376 on September 09, 2014:

Parades are fun!

taipangolfcarts on August 22, 2013:

Great ideas! I can't wait to dress up my golf cart for the upcoming holidays.... so excited!

Virginia Allain (author) from Central Florida on January 15, 2013:

@OhMe: Golf carts are such fun anyway and adding holiday decorations just makes it

more fun!

Nancy Tate Hellams from Pendleton, SC on January 15, 2013:

Our Golf Cart has been used in the local Christmas Parade to carry the Elves. You've got some great ideas here for decorating a Golf Cart for Christmas

anonymous on December 07, 2012:

Never seen anything like this in my life..very nifty

jseven lm on December 06, 2012:

My neighbors used to soup up their lawnmowers and race them down the dirt road. I've seen it all now...very cool!

BuckHawkcenter on December 05, 2012:

I haven't golfed in years, but I still love all things golf, including this page!

Lauren from Florida on December 29, 2011:

This is very interesting and quite prevalent where I live (South Florida).

CruiseReady from East Central Florida on December 26, 2011:

Well,. I think I need to put it on my list to get to Solivita or The Villages to see one of these golf cart Christmas parades next year!

Gayle from McLaughlin on December 22, 2011:

What an interesting Christmas article! I laughed all the way through this!

kerryhrabstock on December 15, 2011:

Cool. I was wondering about that battery power for portable lights.

Joan Haines on November 16, 2011:

I need me a cart, some chicken wire, a bunch a tinsel, and a soldering iron...

gottaloveit2 on August 15, 2011:

A friend of mine lives in Tampa where golf carts rule the resort. They decorate theirs at every opportunity. Fun lens, Virginia.

Patricia on December 22, 2010:

Too fun! I bet our Squidooer Joan would love this! And no, I have never been to a golf cart parade.

Cynthia Sylvestermouse from United States on December 04, 2010:

I think it is a wonderful idea! I want to see the parade!

piedromolinero on November 22, 2010:

These decorations make me want to start playing golf.