Downtown Arlington is proud to host the 20th annual Holiday Lights Parade again this year. The parade begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 14 with dozens of floats.
“The Holiday Lights Parade is now a 20-yearlong tradition that brings the community together each year to enjoy the holiday spectacle and get in the spirit,” said Maggie Campbell, Downtown Arlington Management Corporation President and CEO. “We love seeing the creativity of the entries, and the joy of families who choose to celebrate the holidays in downtown Arlington.”
The parade will begin at College and South Streets, pass Levitt Pavilion, circle around the
Downtown Arlington Public Library, then end traveling west on Abram Street. A map of the
route is available at holidaylightsparade.com.
Parade day activities:
• 2 to 5 p.m. – Reindeer Games
• 2 to 5 p.m. – Pictures with Santa at the downtown library
• 4 p.m. – Levitt Entertainment: Miss Persis’ Elf Show & Pretty Little Things Holiday Market
• 5 p.m. – Levitt Entertainment: Patrick Pombuena Orchestra
• 6 p.m. – Holiday Lights Parade begins
• 7 p.m. – Tree lighting ceremony
• After tree lighting to 9 p.m. – Pictures with Santa
“Our motto is, ‘Come early, stay late’ as Downtown Arlington offers something for everyone,”
said the parade organizer Elle Stubbs.
Reindeer Games run from 2 to 5 p.m. and will occur inside at the library and outside on First
Baptist’s North Lawn. Reindeer Games at the library include crafts, games, face painting,
balloon artists and Santa Claus. Reindeer Games on First Baptist’s North Lawn are hosted by
More Church and include crafts and bounce houses. Arlington Fire Department also runs snow machines over the lawn during the Reindeer Games.
At the conclusion of the parade, Mayor Ross and Santa have flip-the-switch honors to light the 65-foot Christmas tree designed especially for Arlington.
Businesses with floats include J & M Electrical Services, Childcare Network, Colorful Landscape and More, The King’s Electric, Symphony Arlington, Theatre Arlington and Ladies’ Auxiliary.
Individuals participating include the Jewell Family and Pure Grinch. Cub Scout Packs, Girl Scout Troops, Arlington, Lamar, and Martin High Schools and Ousley Junior High are just a few of the youth organizations and schools participating.
Downtown Arlington Management Corp.
817.303.2800
The parade organizers recommend parking in any public parking outside the box formed by
Cooper to Mesquite and the railroad tracks to UTA Boulevard. Cars parked inside that box may be towed.
While both UTA and First Baptist open most of their parking lots to parade spectators after 2
p.m., parking does take time, patience and walking so arrive early.
The parade will continue as planned even if there is rain or snow, but not during icy conditions, lightning or other safety concerns.
For more information and updates, visit holidaylightsparade.com or follow Holiday Lights
Parade on Instagram.
The Downtown Arlington Management Corporation is a private, non-profit community
development organization dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality and environment of
Downtown Arlington. Governed by a Board of Directors composed of community stakeholders, the organization manages services and operations while promoting growth and community engagement. In 2016, the Arlington Cultural Arts District was officially recognized by the State of Texas. Visit DowntownArlington.org for more information.
