Don’t Miss These Texas Holiday Parades
Parades are an oft-overlooked holiday hack. After all, what’s better than holiday magic you don’t have to plan yourself?
OK, a little bit of planning is involved. Scope out the parking ahead of time, dress appropriately for the weather, bring a folding chair, and arrive a little early so you can snag a spot at the front — the spectacular lights are well worth the effort. Here are some favorite family-friendly Texas holiday parades.
Holiday Lighted Parade, Kerrville (Nov. 22)
Kick off the holidays with Kerrville’s annual downtown parade, full of loud, lit-up floats of all kinds. Children will love seeing Santa Claus waving from a fire truck.
Parade of Lights, Fort Worth (Nov. 23)
Over a hundred floats are set to dazzle downtown Fort Worth in this annual parade beginning at the intersection of Weatherford and Throckmorton streets. Show up as early as 4:30 p.m. to enjoy various street performances. Not up for an outing? You can watch the whole thing online.
H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade, Houston (Nov. 27)
This is one of the oldest Thanksgiving Day parades in the country, so understandably, it draws huge crowds. Expect a spectacular show as talented performers, massive turkeys, and inflatables wind their way through downtown Houston.
Light the Night Christmas Parade & AfterGlow, Fredericksburg (Dec. 5)
What’s even prettier than the Hill Country? The Hill Country all aglow with illuminated floats, of course. Get there early to secure your seats, or you can purchase reserved bleacher seating online. Stick around afterward for children’s activities and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Dallas Holiday Parade, Dallas (Dec. 6)
Now in its 37th year, this parade has become a must-see with floats, antique cars, marching bands, dancers, and inflatables. This is Dallas’ largest one-day outdoor event, and you can catch it on local TV if you can’t make it in person.
Christmas Boat Lane Parade, Kemah (Dec. 13)
Watch from the boardwalk as more than 60 literal “floats” (illuminated, decked-out boats) cruise by on the Clear Lake channel. This extremely popular event is in its 64th year and is presented by the cities of Clear Lake Shores, Kemah, Webster, Nassau Bay, and Seabrook. Fireworks bursting overhead are just the cherry on top.
Find more holiday magic in these Texas towns.
