How to Decorate a Golf Cart for a Christmas Parade
Short answer: Pick one theme, decorate the roof first (it is what the crowd sees), then the front, then the seats. Use battery-powered lights or a light kit made for your cart's voltage, keep everything clear of the driver's view, the wheels and the pedals, and do a full test fit and a short test drive at least a week before the parade.
Christmas parades in beach towns, retirement communities and small downtowns have made the decorated golf cart a tradition. Here is how to plan one that looks good from the curb and is still safe to drive at walking pace for an hour.
1. Read your parade's entry rules first
Every parade sets its own rules, and they change what you can build. Common ones: a maximum height (for overpasses and trees), whether you may throw candy, whether music is allowed, whether lights must be battery-powered, and whether drivers need to be licensed adults. Some parades judge entries, which rewards one clear theme over a pile of everything.
2. Choose a kit type
We counted the Christmas-themed parade kits in our own catalogue (55 listings, 21 October 2026). The types overlap, since many kits combine a hat or antlers with lights and garland:
| Kit type | What you get | Listings | Price range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa hat and beard kits | An oversized hat over the roof, with beard and eyes for the front | 5 | $42.72–$83.81 | $50.93 |
| Reindeer antler kits | Antlers on the roof, a nose for the front, often with a wreath | 2 | $42.72–$52.30 | $52.30 |
| Gingerbread and candy-cane kits | Printed panels, candy-cane balloons and bows | 9 | $27.65–$56.41 | $35.87 |
| Big balloon, tinsel and garland kits (40+ pieces) | Lots of small pieces; the most coverage per dollar | 13 | $24.91–$37.24 | $29.02 |
| Wreath and light sets | A front wreath plus battery string lights | 22 | $24.91–$60.52 | $35.87 |
| Christmas seat covers | Stay on all season; most are sized for a 2-person bench | 21 | $22.99–$60.52 | $30.39 |
Browse them all in Christmas golf cart decorations, or the wider parade and holiday decoration kits for other themes.
3. Decorate in this order
- Roof. A hat, antlers or a garland border along the roof edge reads from across the street. Tie it to the roof struts or canopy frame, not just the roof surface.
- Front. A wreath on the front cowl, a nose or a face set. Keep the headlights uncovered if you will drive after dark.
- Sides and struts. Wrap garland or lights around the roof struts. Leave the driver's side opening clear so you can get in and out quickly.
- Seats. A Christmas seat cover is the cheapest big change, and it can stay on until January. Most are made for a 2-person bench of about 51–52 by 30–32 inches; check the size for a rear seat or a 4-seat cart.
4. Attaching everything
- Zip ties and hook-and-loop straps are the most secure. Cut zip-tie tails flush so they do not scratch passengers.
- Magnets only hold on steel. Plastic body panels and aluminium parts will not hold a magnet, so test every magnetic piece before you rely on it.
- Tape is fine for light paper pieces on a dry day. On cold, damp evenings it lets go; zip-tie anything that matters.
- Inflatables and balloons catch wind. Tie them at two points, and keep the cart's speed low.
5. Lights: battery strings or a cart kit
Most parade kits come with self-contained string lights. Check each listing for how they are powered, and pack spare batteries. If you want lighting wired into the cart, use an LED strip or underglow kit rated for your pack voltage, or a golf cart light kit.
For any mains-powered lights you use at home for the build, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission advises using only lights tested by a nationally recognised laboratory such as UL, and checking that outdoor lights are certified for outdoor use. Throw away any set with cracked sockets or frayed wire.
6. A safety check before the parade
- The driver can see forward and to both sides; mirrors are clear.
- Nothing hangs near the wheels, steering column, pedals or the forward/reverse switch.
- Headlights and taillights are uncovered.
- Nothing heavy is mounted high on the roof.
- Do a slow test drive around the block, including a tight turn, and re-tighten anything that moved.
7. After the parade
Take the decorations off before the cart goes back into storage; damp tinsel and tape residue are hard on vinyl. If you are parking the cart for winter, a storage cover and our winterizing checklist are worth a look. Looking for presents for the golfer in the family? See golf gifts under $50.
Frequently asked questions
How do you attach decorations to a golf cart?
Zip ties and hook-and-loop straps around the roof struts and canopy frame hold best. Magnets only work on steel parts, and tape lets go in cold, damp weather.
Can I run Christmas lights off my golf cart battery?
Only with lights made for your cart's pack voltage, such as an LED strip or underglow kit rated for it. Most parade kits use self-contained battery string lights instead.
Will a Christmas seat cover fit my golf cart?
Most are made for a 2-person bench of about 51–52 by 30–32 inches, which suits common Club Car, EZGO and Yamaha front seats. Check the size for rear or 4-seat benches.
How early should I decorate for a parade?
Do a full test fit and a short test drive at least a week before the parade, so there is time to fix anything that sags or rattles.
Sources
- US Consumer Product Safety Commission: holiday decorating safety (tested lights, outdoor certification)
- Golfavero catalogue: Christmas and parade decoration listings (snapshot 21 October 2026)
Last verified: 21 October 2026. Specifications, fitment and prices can change; if you spot an error, tell us and we will correct it.