Celebrate the 21st Annual Holiday Lights Parade in Arlington Dec. 13
Published on November 25, 2025
By Susan Schrock, Office of Communication
The 21st annual Holiday Lights Parade in Downtown Arlington is set for Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, with activities starting at 2 p.m. and ending around 9 p.m. Visitors are invited to bring a new toy donation for Mission Arlington.
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 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
- 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
- Levitt Pavilion
Holiday activities are also planned at Levitt Pavilion Arlington, located at Founders Plaza just south of City Hall. Activities include the annual Miss Persis Elf Show, the Pretty Little Things vendor market offering seasonal gifts from local vendors until 9 p.m. and a youth spotlight showcase featuring Max Segura, Mason Engler and Kadence Breaud.
Holiday Lights Parade
- Starts at 6 p.m.
- Downtown Arlington
The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. at the intersection of College and South streets and loops around Arlington City Hall and the Downtown Library before ending at College and Abram streets. Announcers will be stationed throughout the route.
Holiday Lights Parade Route Map
More than 100 entries, including floats, drum lines and classic cars, are expected. Be sure to check your Waze app for road closures.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
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. Linebarger is a tree lighting sponsor this year.
Pictures with Santa
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. Claus.
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.
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.