Make Merry Memories at the 20th Annual Holiday Lights Parade, Set for Dec. 14, 2024, in Downtown Arlington

By Susan Schrock, Office of Communications

Posted on December 02, 2024, December 02, 2024

The 20th annual Holiday Lights Parade in Downtown Arlington is set for Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, with activities starting at 2 p.m. and ending around 9 p.m.

Reindeer Games/Pictures with Santa

• 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• George W. Hawkes Downtown Library

The Downtown Library is the place to be before the volunteer-organized parade, offering visitors crafts, games, balloon artists, face painting and pictures with Santa. Visitors can also sign up for a library card. The Downtown Library is located at 100 S. Center St., just north of Arlington City Hall.

Pre-Parade Entertainment

• 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
• First Baptist Church of Arlington’s North Lawn and Founders Plaza

Family friendly activities, hosted by More Church, will also start at 2 p.m. on the First Baptist Church’s North Lawn, where the Dream sculpture is located. The Arlington Fire Department will also be on hand to create magical memories with snow machines.

Then at 4 p.m., activities coordinated by Levitt Pavilion Arlington will begin at Founders Plaza, located just south of City Hall. The schedule includes the Miss Persis Elf Show, live music performances, vendor market and food trucks and more.

Holiday Lights Parade

• 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Downtown Arlington

The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. at the intersection of Lampe and South streets. The parade route will then head north on Oak street, east on Abram Street, north on Center Street, west on Main Street, south on West street, and then west back to Abram St. The route will end at College and West streets. More than 100 entries, including floats, equestrian teams, drum lines and classic cars, are expected. Be sure to check your Waze app for road closures.

Announcers will be stationed throughout the route. 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. The tree was funded through an Arlington Tomorrow Foundation grant in 2019.

Pictures with Santa

• 7:15 p.m. – 9 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. A special appearance will be made by Mrs. Clause. DJ Gurrl will perform.

Stay Up-to-Date on Parade Event Schedules

Please note that all times are approximate and are subject to change. The parade will continue as planned even if there is rain or snow, but not during icy conditions, lightning or other safety concerns. The event has only been canceled three times since it first began in 2002, including during the coronavirus pandemic.

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.