The public is invited to help capture the spirit of the holidays on Saturday, Dec. 8 in downtown Arlington. The City of Arlington and Downtown Arlington, Inc. will present the Celebration of Lights. The City will light up the downtown Christmas tree and a variety of free holiday activities are planned for the entire family, beginning at 5 p.m.

At 6 p.m., Mayor Pro-Tem Wayne Ogle will lead the official countdown that lights the tree. Last year, more than 3,000 people witnessed the spectacular tree lighting. The Celebration of Lights Event in downtown Arlington started in 1995.

The 47-foot tree is located in front of City Hall on Abram Street. This year’s celebration will also feature the Arlington Community Band, photos with Santa, free horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday street entertainers, face painters, choral groups and twirlers. Concessions such as hot dogs, pop corn, soft drinks and hot chocolate will be sold. The public is invited to bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to the Arlington Fire Department’s toy drive.

Free public parking will be permitted at Center and Pecan streets at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center. Free parking is also available at the City Hall west employee parking lot at Pecan and Abram streets and at the Central Library, which is accessible form Center and Mesquite streets. Detours and signage will be set up throughout downtown to assist motorists in the area. The City of Arlington reminds motorists that Center and Mesquite streets are one-way streets.

Southbound Center Street at Front Street

Eastbound Main Street at Pecan Street

Westbound Main Street at Mesquite Street

Eastbound Abram Street at West Street

Westbound Abram Street at Mesquite Street

Northbound Oak Street at the Municipal parking lot

Northbound Pecan Street at South Street