Christmas parades 2026Dallas–Fort Worth · The Metroplex

Christmas parades and tree lightings in Dallas–Fort Worth, 2026.

We found 12 Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Dallas–Fort Worth with 2026 dates: six parades and six tree lightings and lighting nights, ten free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.

The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?GM Financial Parade of Lights: Nov 22 · 6pm. Plus 5 more.6 paradesWhen’s the tree lighting?Light the Night at Watters Creek: Nov 21 · 4–8pm. Plus 5 more.6 lightingsIs it free?10 of 12 are free to watch; the rest list a price.10 freeDaytime or after dark?3 daytime, 9 in the evening. Each card is marked.9 evening

Last checked · 12 events · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first

Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.

21NovSatLight the Night at Watters CreekTree lighting · 4–8pm21NovSatCity Rink Tree Lighting CeremonyTree lighting · Evening21NovSatSouthlake Home for the Holidays Tree LightingTree lighting · 4:30-8:30pm22NovSunGM Financial Parade of LightsParade · 6pm23NovMonCarol of LightsTree lighting · 4–8pm3DecThuGrapevine Parade of LightsParade · 7pm4DecFriA Garland Christmas on the SquareTree lighting · Evening5DecSatDallas Holiday ParadeParade · Step-off 8:30am5DecSatDenton Holiday Lighting FestivalTree lighting · 3–9pm5DecSatHolidays at Heritage: Parade & Tree LightingParade · 6pm5DecSatMerry Main Street and Santa & Friends ParadeParade · 3-7:30pm12DecSatArlington Holiday Lights ParadeParade · 6pm

Christmas parades

Christmas parades in and around Dallas–Fort Worth

Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.

Tree lightings

Tree lightings and lighting nights near Dallas–Fort Worth

Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.

Nov21Sat

Southlake Home for the Holidays Tree Lighting

Southlake Town Square, 1400 E. Southlake Blvd, Southlake, TX 76092 · Southlake

Tree lightingFreeEvening
Time
4:30-8:30pm; tree lighting at 6pm
Price
Free

Good to know: Free admission and parking, with photos with Santa, a three-lane snow hill, free crafts and school groups on stage. Fireworks follow the lighting.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem

Before you go

Three things that make parade night easier

SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.

Every year

Parades and tree lightings that come back every year

Each of these comes back every year. Its page keeps the last confirmed dates, and the new ones go up there once they’re posted. Every year in Dallas–Fort Worth

Light the Night at Watters CreekNext: Nov 21, 2026GM Financial Parade of LightsNext: Nov 22, 2026Carol of LightsNext: Nov 23, 2026Grapevine Parade of LightsNext: Dec 3, 2026Dallas Holiday ParadeNext: Dec 5, 2026Arlington Holiday Lights ParadeNext: Dec 12, 2026

Keep planning

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Good questions

Christmas parades in Dallas–Fort Worth: the FAQ

GM Financial Parade of Lights: Sun, Nov 22, 2026, 6pm (Fort Worth). Grapevine Parade of Lights: Thu, Dec 3, 2026, 7pm (Grapevine). Dallas Holiday Parade: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, Step-off 8:30am (Dallas). Holidays at Heritage: Parade & Tree Lighting: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 6pm (Irving). Plus two more on this page.

Light the Night at Watters Creek at Watters Creek Village: Sat, Nov 21, 2026, 4–8pm; tree lighting and fireworks 6:30pm. City Rink Tree Lighting Ceremony at Main Street Garden: Sat, Nov 21, 2026, Evening; see the event page (rain date Nov. 28). Southlake Home for the Holidays Tree Lighting at Southlake Town Square, 1400 E. Southlake Blvd, Southlake, TX 76092: Sat, Nov 21, 2026, 4:30-8:30pm; tree lighting at 6pm. Carol of Lights at Historic Main Street: Mon, Nov 23, 2026, 4–8pm.

Ten of the 12 we list are free to watch: Light the Night at Watters Creek, City Rink Tree Lighting Ceremony, Southlake Home for the Holidays Tree Lighting and GM Financial Parade of Lights. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

Daytime ones are easiest with toddlers: Dallas Holiday Parade, Denton Holiday Lighting Festival and Merry Main Street and Santa & Friends Parade. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 30, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Dallas–Fort Worth that weekend, parades included.

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