The new 65-foot Christmas tree in downtown Arlington boasts the beginning of the holiday season.
The artificial Christmas tree is located in founders plaza next to the Levitt Pavillion. The American Dream City’s tree is one of the largest in the state will be present for the Arlington Holiday Lights Parade. The parade is a free family-friendly event where attendees can expect live music, photos with Santa, and several eye-catching floats. The parade begins on Saturday at 2 pm in Downtown Arlington.
Volunteers with Arlington Christmas Parade, Inc., the nonprofit organization that has put on the Downtown parade for years, have been hard at work finalizing parade details and assembling the tree across the street from City Hall. Community members donated about 100 volunteer hours to add hundreds of ornaments to the tree branches earlier this month ahead of the installation. Starting December 2nd, the thousands of lights and 7-foot tree topper will be illuminated.
While the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation awarded a $250,000 grant to the nonprofit to help purchase the tree, the organization will need to continue collecting private donations and obtaining sponsorships to cover long-term tree installation and maintenance costs.
“We hope that seeing the Christmas tree helps people kick off the Christmas season in their hearts,” said Elle Stubbs, Arlington Christmas Parade Inc. board member and Arlington Parade of Lights director. “With the location in Downtown, our hope is that the community and our visitors will feel welcomed to stop at Founders Plaza and get a good picture for their memory book.”
Residents are invited to attend a Christmas Tree Dedication Ceremony with Mayor Jeff Williams at 6 pm on Monday, December 2nd in Founders Plaza, 100 W. Abram St. In keeping with tradition, the official tree lighting ceremony will follow the end of the Arlington Holiday Lights Parade at around 7 pm December 14th.
For the finalized parade route, visit the official website www.holidaylightsparade.com.
