Downtown Fort Worth Prepares for 42nd Annual Parade of Lights

Downtown Fort Worth is set to welcome the holiday season with the 42nd annual Parade of Lights on Sunday, November 24, 2024. The event, themed «Holiday Wishes,» will feature a dazzling display of over 100 illuminated floats, balloons, giant inflatables, and live holiday performances.

The parade route, stretching 1.59 miles through downtown Fort Worth, will culminate with the traditional appearance of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Tens of thousands of attendees are expected, drawn by the spectacle which is known as the largest illuminated parade in Texas.

The parade officially begins at 6 p.m. on November 24. However, road closures will start much earlier, at 6 a.m., to accommodate the massive event. Key streets affected include Weatherford Street, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Streets, along with Taylor, Lamar, Burnett, Cherry, and Florence Streets. Spur 280 from Interstate 35 will close at 4 p.m., while other main thoroughfares such as Belknap, Henderson, and North Main Streets will remain open.

Organizers advise those planning to drive into downtown to arrive from the direction of their chosen viewing spot due to numerous street closures. Several free and paid parking options will be available, though parking next to bagged meters is prohibited. For those preferring public transit, the Trinity Metro’s TEXRail service will be operational, offering park-and-ride options at select stations. Riders can benefit from a 50% discount using the GoPass app with the promo code POL24A.

The parade route will commence at Weatherford and Throckmorton Streets, proceeding east along Weatherford Street. It will continue south on Commerce Street, turning at 9th Street to head west to Houston Street, then north to 2nd Street, and finally concluding at 3rd and Throckmorton Streets.

As with previous years, the event features paid and reserved «Street Seats» for those seeking premium parade views, with tickets starting at $15 for children and $17.50 for adults, available for purchase online.

This year’s parade will be honored by the presence of grand marshals from the 2023 World Series champion Texas Rangers, including standout outfielder Evan Carter and mascot Captain. The Grand Marshal float will also carry the 2023 World Series Trophy.

The Parade of Lights will be broadcast live on KTXA-TV / TXA-21 and available to stream online, with an additional airing scheduled for Christmas Eve. Social media updates can be followed using the hashtag #ParadeOfLights2024.