Holiday Lights Parade will light up downtown’s streets

The 20th annual Holiday Lights Parade is hitting Downtown Arlington’s streets at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 with dozens of floats! Grab your lawn chairs, text the family group chat and bring some hot cocoa to enjoy the pre-parade festivities and admire each parade entry as they cruise through downtown Arlington. 

“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.” 

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 

Levitt Holiday Market vendors include: 

• K Puffs - Freeze dried candy, viral candy, trending items 
• The Doggie Spot Shop - Reversible doggie bandanas, dog toys, and dog treats. 
• Scurlock's Apothecary - Teas, tinctures, bathsalts, incense, sage/cleansing sticks, palo santo, tarot/oracle, decks, pins, stickers, metaphysical/holistic herbal books 
• Partain Pottery - Handmade ceramic goods, like garlic graters, olive oil containers, mugs 
• Wuumela Boutique - Necklaces and accessories 
• Amouxthrifts - Vintage clothing and shirts  
• Lovely Links Permanent Jewelry - Permanent jewelry 
• Luna Bella Designs Shop – Shirts, tumblers, totes, pullovers 
• Cuquitas Cositas - Mexican Artesania 
• Mister Picoso - Chamoy candy and chamoy rim paste 
• TexiCali Jewelry - 925 sterling silver jewelry and handmade jewelry 
• Virya Organics - Organic skincare and haircare products 
• Momma’s Kitchen - Buñuelos, conchas, cookies 
• Bohemian Bazaar - Handcrafted crystal and semiprecious stone jewelry and accessories. 
• Yaya Novelties and Treats - Kid toys 

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. 

“Our motto is, ‘Come early, stay late’ as Downtown Arlington offers something for everyone,” said the parade organizer Elle Stubbs. 

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. 

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 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. 

Make this a yearly family tradition, bring the kids to see Santa or just get in the holiday spirit yourself! 

*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.