Arlington Holiday Lights Parade Returns to Downtown Arlington December 12

The Arlington Holiday Lights Parade will return to Downtown Arlington on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 6 p.m. The longtime holiday tradition will bring families, friends, businesses, organizations and community groups together in celebration.

This year’s parade will celebrate Arlington’s 150th anniversary, adding a special milestone to a tradition that has brought generations of Arlington families together for over two decades.

For 25 years, the Arlington Holiday Lights Parade has been a beloved holiday tradition in Arlington, bringing generations of families together each year. The parade was organized and presented by Arlington Christmas Parade Inc., led by longtime volunteer Elle Stubbs, whose dedication, along with that of countless volunteers, helped make the event a cherished part of the community’s holiday season.  

The Arlington Holiday Lights Parade will be presented by Downtown Arlington as the tradition enters its next chapter and is free and open to the public. The parade will take place along West Abram Street between Levitt Pavilion and Cooper Street in Downtown Arlington.

“As Downtown Arlington takes on the parade, we’re excited to see this beloved tradition continue and look forward to celebrating Arlington’s 150^th anniversary together,” said Jim Ross, Mayor of the City of Arlington. “We are especially grateful to Elle and the many volunteers who have given their time and energy to this tradition for so many years.”

Businesses, nonprofits, schools, community groups, and other organizations are invited to participate. Parade entries are now open, giving participants the opportunity to decorate their floats, vehicles, or groups with holiday lights and join the celebration.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for organizations looking to play a bigger role in this year’s celebration. Sponsors can partner with Downtown Arlington to bring professionally designed floats, large-scale balloons and live bands to the parade. Sponsorship also provides visibility through parade promotions, event materials, and the celebration itself.

Parade route information will be announced as details are finalized.

Additional holiday festivities, including the annual Christmas tree lighting at Levitt Pavilion, will be announced separately as details become available. 

Enter the Arlington Holiday Lights Parade

Organizations interested in participating can register to enter the Arlington Holiday Lights Parade.Entry opportunities are available for businesses, nonprofits, schools, community groups and more. 

ENTER THE PARADE

Become a Sponsor

Looking to make a bigger impact at the 2026 Arlington Holiday Lights Parade? Sponsorship opportunities offer organizations the chance to support parade elements like floats, bands, balloons and more while putting their organization in front of parade attendees and the Downtown Arlington community.