There are traditions or events that have been around all of our lives. For me that is the Fort Worth Stock Show which happens at the end of December beginning of January and the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas.
As a child I remember my dad rushing home from work on the Friday after Thanksgiving getting everyone together including my grandparents. We would climb aboard the City Bus the T and head into Downtown Fort Worth.
We would stop at Leonard’s Department Store and head down to the basement to look at all of the Toys and watch the Train. We would ride the Trolley Car. My grandfather and I would head to Woolworth’s and we would sit at the Counter and order Tater Tots for me.
We would head to the Tree Lighting Ceremony and to see Santa Claus. This was my favorite time of year. When Suzzane was born I kept this tradition alive by taking her to see the Tree Lighting even though Downtown had changed and the Stores had closed down.
When my sister was off we would take both Suzzane and David M. to see the Christmas Tree and they loved it just as much as I did as a child. Fast forward and life has moved on. When Charlie was little David and I took Charlie to see the Christmas Tree being lite.
Now that Charlie is turning 15 he thinks he is to old for these traditions but since I’ve never gotten to take my Niece Lily and my nephew Jason I am going to ask my sister if we can go as a family this year. Which means Charlie and David are going to come with us. Would you like to come as well? Family is extended freinds.
“Lights, Camera … Christmas” with Texas A&M University chancellor John Sharp as the Grand Marshal is the title of this years Christmas Tree Lighting. With an opening ceremony at 6 p.m. at Weatherford and Throckmorton streets.
Facts about Texas’ largest illuminated holiday parade “Lights, Camera … Christmas”
- 120 floats will parade through downtown
- 500,000 lights with illuminate the City
- 35 streets will be closed on Sunday starting at 6 a.m.
“Lights, Camera … Christmas” will commence shortly after 6 p.m. The Parade will take about 40 minutes to make its way through downtown. Here’s the route it will follow:
- East on Weatherford Street to Commerce Street
- South to 9th Street
- West to Houston Street
- North on 2nd Street
- West to Throckmorton
- South to 3rd Street
Here’s the route this years Parade will follow:
Before you leave you and your family can take pictures with Santa. Grab a Hot Chocolate, and check out the Sundance Square Christmas tree.
Tips
Free and paid parking options (inside garages) are available throughout the area. Meters are free on the weekend or avoid traffic and take the TEXRail into Central Station, which will let you off two blocks from the parade route.
If your afraid you can’t see the Parade from the Street you can ensure you have the best seat by purchasing a street-side ticket in advance for $25+. If you plan on watching the Parade from the Street expect the best seats to be chosen pretty early so you will want to get there early and stake out your spot.
If you can’t make it downtown to see the Christmas Tree be lite in person you can stay warm and watch the Parade on channel KTXA 21.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
