Fort Worth knows how to put on a Christmas parade without forgetting what makes this city special. On Sunday, November 22, the GM Financial Parade of Lights returns to downtown, bringing thousands of neighbors together for an evening of glowing floats, marching bands, decorated carriages and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

It's the 44th year for a tradition that has become part of the holiday season in Cowtown. This year's theme, A Legacy of Lights, is a fitting one. Fort Worth has changed plenty over the past four decades, but there's still something familiar about families gathering downtown to watch the Christmas lights roll by.

The parade begins at 6 p.m. and general viewing is free. That makes the evening simple enough to enjoy, provided you've figured out one important detail before leaving home: how you're getting downtown.

When and where does the parade begin?

The 2026 GM Financial Parade of Lights takes place Sunday, November 22, from 6 to approximately 8 p.m.

The procession begins at Weatherford and Throckmorton streets and follows a roughly 1.59-mile route through downtown Fort Worth. More than 100 illuminated floats and parade entries are expected to take part.

You'll see marching bands, decorated antique cars, horse-drawn carriages and holiday performers along the way. The evening finishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus aboard a specially illuminated finale float.

Kyle Birch, president of North American Operations for GM Financial, will serve as this year's grand marshal.

You don't need a ticket to enjoy the parade

One of the best things about this Fort Worth tradition is that families can still enjoy it without purchasing admission.

Public viewing along the parade route is free. Find a comfortable place along the route, arrive early enough to settle in and enjoy the evening.

For those who would rather have a designated seat, reserved Street Seats are available. Advertised starting prices are $15.75 for children and $19.50 for adults. Prices and availability may vary as the event approaches.

If you're bringing grandparents, younger children or a group that would appreciate guaranteed seating, it's worth looking at the reserved options. Otherwise, free sidewalk viewing remains a perfectly good way to be part of the celebration.

You can find seating information through the official Parade of Lights website.

Downtown parking can be a bit of a puzzle

Anyone who knows downtown Fort Worth knows that the right parking plan can make an outing considerably easier. Parade night is no exception.

Weatherford Street between Henderson and Throckmorton is scheduled to close at 6 a.m. for staging. Additional downtown streets begin closing around 3 p.m., and highway access may be affected, including Spur 280 from Interstate 35.

Belknap, Henderson and North Main are expected to remain open during the parade, but traffic around the event will still be busy.

If you're driving, arriving before the afternoon closures is the easier choice. It also leaves time to enjoy downtown rather than spending the first part of the evening trying to find a garage entrance.

The parade organizers direct visitors to FortWorthParking.com for garage and parking information. Check the location and access route for your intended garage before heading out.

Consider TEXRail instead of driving downtown

For some families, the simplest parking solution may be to leave the car outside the busiest part of downtown.

TEXRail offers park-and-ride options, including North Side Station at 2829 Decatur Avenue and Fort Worth T&P Station at 221 West Lancaster Avenue.

North Side Station also has an overflow lot at 3001 Decatur Avenue. The parade organizers say trains will run approximately every 30 minutes on Sunday to help move visitors.

Check the latest Trinity Metro schedule and fare information before choosing this option. You'll still want to allow time to walk from your station to a comfortable viewing place.

Make an afternoon of it

There's no need to treat the parade as a quick trip downtown.

Fort Worth has plenty of places to enjoy a meal or browse local shops before the first float appears. Around Sundance Square and the surrounding downtown streets, an early arrival can turn the parade into a full afternoon together.

If you have a favorite independent restaurant or shop, check its Sunday hours before making plans. The extra foot traffic can make some places busier than usual, and road closures may change how easily you can reach them.

Bring comfortable shoes, check the weather before leaving and dress for spending a couple of hours outdoors. Families with young children may also want to choose a meeting point in case someone gets separated in the crowd.

Staying home? You can still watch

Not everyone wants to navigate a crowded downtown street, and that's fine.

The parade is scheduled to air live on TXA-21 on November 22, with a Christmas Eve rebroadcast planned.

It's another way to enjoy a Fort Worth holiday tradition, particularly for families who would prefer to watch from the comfort of home.

A Fort Worth tradition worth keeping

There are bigger cities with bigger spectacles, but Fort Worth has never needed to borrow another city's personality to celebrate Christmas.

The Parade of Lights belongs to the families who return year after year, the marching bands and community groups that take part, and the downtown businesses that welcome the crowds.

Whether you reserve a seat or find a free viewing spot along the route, give yourself plenty of time and enjoy the evening. Christmas in Cowtown is better when nobody has to rush.

Quick Facts

Event: GM Financial Parade of Lights

Date: Sunday, November 22, 2026

Time: 6–8 p.m. CST

Where: Downtown Fort Worth, Texas

Parade starting point: Weatherford and Throckmorton streets

Admission: Free general viewing

Reserved seating: Starting at $15.75 for children and $19.50 for adults

Road closures: Staging closures as early as 6 a.m.; additional downtown closures beginning around 3 p.m.

Official information: FortWorthParadeOfLights.org

Sources and Further Information

Official GM Financial Parade of Lights website

Downtown Fort Worth 2026 Parade of Lights announcement

Parade transportation and parking guidance

Official parade FAQ

Downtown Fort Worth street closure information

Trinity Metro

Verified November 10, 2026. Confirm event-day transportation, road closures and ticket availability with organizers before leaving home.