Everything you need to know about the Fort Worth Parade of Lights: route, parking, tickets
Over 100 floats will illuminate downtown this weekend at Fort Worth’s 41st Parade of Lights.
The GM Financial Parade of Lights kicks off Sunday evening at 6 p.m. The parade was started in 1983 as a way for Fort Worth to celebrate family and togetherness, and the event has grown in scope ever since.
TCU’s head football coach Sonny Dykes is the grand marshal for this year’s parade, where the theme is “holiday magic”. Dykes’ role is to celebrate TCU’s 150th anniversary.
For parking and ticket costs, here’s everything we know about the Parade of Lights:
When, where is the Parade of Lights in Fort Worth?
The parade doesn’t begin until early evening, but organizers are encouraging folks to spend the day in downtown Fort Worth:
- All day — Businesses and restaurants will be open.
- 4:30 p.m. — Come early to grab a seat and hot chocolate.
- 6 p.m. — Parade begins.
- 7:20 p.m. — Santa Claus will begin his trip around the parade.
Fort Worth Parade of Lights route?
The parade will start near the Tarrant County Courthouse and finish near the Aloft Hotel in downtown.
- Parade starts on Weatherford Street and Throckmorton Street.
- Moves east on Weatherford street past the Tarrant County Courthouse and turns south on Commerce Street.
- Proceeds south on Commerce Street and turns west on Ninth Street.
- Moves west on Ninth Street past the Fort Worth Convention Center, then turns north on Houston Street.
- From there, parade moves north on Houston Street to Second Street.
- Turns west on Second Street to Throckmorton Street, then turns south.
- Parade ends at Third Street and Throckmorton Street.
A full map from parade organizers can be found, here.
How much are parade tickets?
People can view the parade from the sidewalks for free, but there’s also street-side seats available for those who want a closer look.
Street-side seats are available in sections along a majority of the parade route. All paid seating areas consist of chairs, so people can take a seat while the floats pass by.
Ticket prices vary according to seating, but generally start at $27.50 for adults and $25 for children and seniors. There’s also family fun packs that bundle four tickets together for around $25 a piece
Is there free parking around downtown for the parade?
Yes, there a several free parking garages that will be open on Sunday:
- City Center Garage #2 — 400 Jones St.
- The Tower Garage — 400 Taylor St.
- 777 Main Parking Garage — 601 Commerce St.
- Sundance Square Parking Garage #3 — 345 W. Third St.
Several of Trinity Metro services will be available Sunday including the bus, TEXRail, ZIPZONE and bike sharing. To plan your ride, visit here.
Downtown parking meters will also be free on Sunday.
Will there be road closures around the parade?
Yes, over a dozen streets in downtown will be closed Sunday for the parade. The full list can be found, here.
Can you watch the parade at home?
Yes, there a few ways to watch this year’s parade from home.
The parade will be broadcast on KTXA 21 and on CBS Texas at 6 p.m. Sunday. The parade will also re-air on the same channels at an unannounced time on Dec. 25.
Viewers can also watch the parade on Sunday via the Parade of Lights Facebook live stream.
What will the weather feel like on Sunday?
Sunday’s high will be in the low 70s and the low temperatures are in the mid-50s, according to the National Weather Service.
The day will be cloudy with a slim chance of showers throughout the day.
