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Your Last-Minute Guide to the 43rd Annual GM Financial Parade of Lights in Downtown Fort Worth on November 23

November 18,2025

Everything you need to know about the parade—from pre-parade fun and special guests to street closures, transportation/parking, and the best viewing options

The 43rd annual GM Financial Parade of Lights will illuminate Downtown Fort Worth at 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, officially kicking off the holiday season. This year’s “Sparkle, Dazzle, Shine!” theme will come to life with over 100 illuminated floats, festive marching bands, horse-drawn carriages, and the much-anticipated arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. With thousands expected to attend, here are the key details for a magical parade experience.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy pre-parade festivities. From 2-5 p.m., the Sid Richardson Museum will host a free Pre-Parade Family Day. Families can enjoy creative fun with friends from KERA and take photos with special guest Xavier Riddle from PBS. Early arrivals can also enjoy festival holiday décor, music, and the tallest live Christmas tree in the state of Texas – an 86-foot-tall Norway Spruce hailing from northern Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

The parade’s Grand Marshal is Chris Cassidy, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, former NASA astronaut, and President and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation. His legacy of service adds an inspiring element to this year’s celebration.

While the parade is free to attend, reserved "Street Seats" are available for purchase to guarantee prime viewing. Tickets are still available, and start at $15.75 for children and $19.50 for adults and can be purchased online at https://fortworthparadeoflights.org/parade-information/street-seats/

For those watching from home, the parade will be broadcast live on KTXA-TV / TXA-21 and streamed online at CBSDFW.com and the Parade of Lights’ Facebook page. A second broadcast will air again on KTXA-TV / TXA 21 on Christmas Eve, December 24.

The 1.59-mile parade route begins at the intersection of Weatherford and Throckmorton Streets. The parade will proceed east along Weatherford Street, and turn south on Commerce Street all the way to 9th Street. At 9th Street, the parade will proceed west to Houston Street, and then turn north on Houston Street all the way to 2nd Street. At 2nd Street, the parade will proceed west to Throckmorton Street, then turn south and conclude at 3rd and Throckmorton Streets. To view the complete parade route and map, visit https://fortworthparadeoflights.org/parade-information/.

On parade day, highway ramps and several streets will be closed starting at 6 a.m., including Taylor, Lamar, Burnett, and Cherry Streets, and portions of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Weatherford, and Florence Streets. Primary streets along the parade route will close at 3:30 p.m., and streets remaining open to traffic include Belknap, Lancaster, and North Main Streets. For a full list of street closures and times, visit https://fortworthparadeoflights.org/parade-information/street-closures/

Due to numerous street closures, attendees should plan their travel and parking in advance. Trinity Metro’s TEXRail will operate its regular Sunday schedule to and from Fort Worth Central Station, just blocks from the parade. If driving and parking, it is recommended to enter downtown from the same direction as your planned viewing area. For a full list of parking and public transportation options, visit https://fortworthparadeoflights.org/parade-information/parking-and-access/.

The official hashtag for the 2025 GM Financial Parade of Lights is #ParadeOfLights2025. For the latest updates, visit the Parade of Lights: