The judges use several different criteria when judging floats. For each category several criteria are analyzed and points are awarded based on how the judges feel the float fits the criteria for each category. The floats with the three highest average scores are the winners.
The categories and criteria are listed below:
- Originality (one to twenty-five points awarded)
- Uniqueness and appropriateness for Christmas
- Fresh idea or use in a new way or application
- Interpretation of the Parade Theme (one to twenty-five points awarded)
- How well float adheres to parade theme
- Workmanship (one to twenty-five points awarded)
- Appearance of the float from a simple construction standpoint
- Detail in design, and creation of float objects using effective materials
- Animation and Sound (one to twenty-five points awarded)
- Incorporation of any motion or sound on or alongside float
- Effective Use of Lighting (one to twenty-five points awarded)
- Use of lights and lighting
- Effect well integrated into overall float
- Visual Effect (one to twenty-five points awarded)
- Overall visual effect of the float