2023 Arlington Holiday Lights Parade Map
The most recently approved route is posted here.
Handicap parking is available in the lot at South Street and Oak Street.
About the Parade
The 2023 Arlington Holiday Lights Parade will brighten the streets Saturday, December 9!
Bring your friends and family to enjoy the Annual Holiday Lights Parade. Thousands of people will gather for the pageantry which is followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree.
Don’t forget to bring your camera and take a picture with Santa before the parade at the Library at 100 S Center Street or after the tree lighting at the Founders Plaza at 100 W Abram Street.
Parade will continue as planned rain, snow, or shine… but not ice, lightning, or other safety concerns!
General Schedule
2 – 5 p.m. – Events at Library
2 – 6 pm – Events at FBCA North Lawn
4 – 9:30 p.m. – Events at Levitt Pavilion Arlington
6 p.m. – Parade (Announcers @WORTHINGTON @THE MAN’S SHOP)
After the parade – Tree Lighting
Levitt Pavilion Arlington
3:45 p.m. – Miss Persis Elf Show
4:30 p.m. – Hankins Band
5:00 p.m. – September Moon
7:30 – 9:00 p.m. – DJ GURRL
Following the parade – Tree Lighting
Following the Tree Lighting, bring your camera and take a picture with Santa. A special appearance will be made by Mrs. Claus. Santa will head back to the North Pole at 9 p.m.
George W. Hawkes Downtown Library
2 – 5 p.m. – Picture with Santa
Note that all times are approximate and subject to change at any time. Please visit our web site on the day of the event and follow us on Social Media sites for the latest and most up-to-date information!
2023 Schedule
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2 - 5 p.m. Reindeer Games
The celebrations start at 2 p.m. at the Library!
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2 - 5 p.m. Pictures with Santa
Before the parade, bring your camera and take a picture with Santa at the Library.
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2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Parade Day Entertainment
The celebrations start at 2 p.m. on the First Baptist Church of Arlington North Lawn with entertainment coordinated by First Baptist Church of Arlington and at 3:45 p.m. in Founders Plaza with entertainment coordinated by Levitt Pavilion!
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6 p.m. Holiday Lights Parade
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following the parade Tree Lighting
At the conclusion of the parade, Mayor Ross has flip-the-switch honors, along with Santa Claus, to the Christmas Tree, a spectacular 65-foot tree designed especially for Arlington.
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following the tree lighting until 9 p.m. Pictures with Santa
Following the Tree Lighting, bring your camera and take a picture with Santa at Levitt. A special appearance will be made by Mrs. Claus. Santa will head back to the North Pole at 9 p.m.
Note that all times are approximate and subject to change at any time. Please visit our web site on the day of the event and follow us on Social Media sites for the latest and most up-to-date information!
Parade Rules & Regulations
- All parade entries must complete an Entry application and description of entry form. Entry applications and description of entry forms must be received or postmarked by application deadline (see application).
- Because Santa will be on a special float in the parade, all entries are restricted from having a live Santa.
- All parade entries are limited to 13 feet in height.
- All floats, vehicles, persons walking and animals must have a display of lights. Entries must have a minimum of 100 lights total.
- Fire proof or fire-resistant materials should be used whenever possible.
- A fire extinguisher, Type ABC, must be on every float and in every car.
- Vehicles participating in the parade must be in good running order and be able to idle for periods of time without overheating.
- Vehicles are strongly urged to show up with a full tank of gas or have a gas tank in the vehicle for refueling.
- Absolutely no candy or any other enticements will be thrown or distributed from any entry. Anyone violating this rule will be removed from the parade immediately!
- Each float must be escorted down the entire parade route by two entry marshals (walkers) one on each side of the float.
- Any unit with children under the age of 12 must have two adults on the unit and one adult walking on each side.
- Vehicles not in the parade will not be allowed in the staging area due to limited space.
- Due to safety concerns, the parade committee suggests that children under 8 years of age not walk in the parade. They may ride on floats, vehicles or bikes under adult supervision.
- Holiday attire is encouraged.
- Following the parade, the pictures with Santa location will be announced at the tree lighting ceremony. We invite the public to bring their cameras.
- Signage for parade entries and/or parade vehicles is the responsibility of the parade entry.
- Vehicles need to turn off vehicle headlights while on parade route in order to showcase the Holiday lights on the parade entry.
- Alcohol is strictly prohibited.
- We have the right to refuse an inappropriate entry.
- Parade application fees are nonrefundable.
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If the weather, public health, or other conditions prevent the parade from happening, the parade will not be rescheduled.