Reindeer Games, Pictures with Santa, Tree Lighting and More Planned for Holiday Lights Parade, Set for Dec. 11 in Downtown Arlington

By Office of Communication

Posted on November 29, 2021, November 29, 2021

The Holiday Lights Parade in Downtown is one of Arlington’s biggest Christmas celebrations. But it's much more than just a parade. Here's a guide to all the fun planned for Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021.

Reindeer Games/Photos with Santa

 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.

 George W. Hawkes Downtown Library

 The Downtown Library is the place to be before the parade. There will be guest story time readers and crafts for the entire family. Bring your camera for a chance to get your picture taken with Santa. The Downtown Library is located at 100 S. Center Street just north of Arlington City Hall.

Pre-Parade Entertainment

 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

 Founders Plaza

 Celebrations also start at 4 p.m. at Founders Plaza near the Levitt Pavilion just south of City Hall. Stop by for food trucks, vendors and Christmas carol performances by Jesse Spradlin, John and Sara DeMore and Tamara King on the Levitt Pavilion stage before the parade begins. 

Holiday Lights Parade

Downtown Arlington

 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

 The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. at the intersection of South and Lampe streets. From there, it moves through Downtown before ending at Abram and Cooper Streets. Visit the Parade website for a route map. Handicap parking is available in the lot at South Street and Oak Street.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

 7 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

 Founders Plaza

 At the conclusion of the parade, Mayor Jim Ross and Santa Claus will flip the switch to light up the Downtown Christmas Tree, a spectacular 65-foot tree designed especially for Arlington.

Pictures with Santa

 7:15 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

 Levitt Pavilion

 Following the Tree Lighting, bring your camera and take pictures with Santa after the parade at the Levitt Pavilion in Founders Plaza.

 Please note that all times are approximate and are subject to change. Be sure to visit the Holiday Lights Parade website, holidaylightsparade.com and Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/LightsParade for the latest and most up-to-date information.