One of our new favorite holiday traditions is attending the annual lighting of downtown Dallas, known as City Lights! This fantastic free event kicks off the holiday season downtown and ranks at the top of our Holiday Fun in Dallas list!
It takes 
place this weekend, Saturday November 16th starting at 5:00pm. The event takes place along Main Street from 5:00 – 10:00pm with plenty to see and do before the main event of the downtown tree lighting in Main Street Garden and Santa’s big arrival scheduled for 7:00pm.
There are various vendors, strolling carolers, other characters including storm troopers, face painting, and of course beautiful lights illuminating our beautiful downtown cityscape! We have never had a problem finding a parking space. There are plenty of parking lots around the event. I suggest bringing some cash. The following parking garages are also options:
Metropolitan Garage: 1310 Elm Street at the corner of Field and Elm Streets.
Elm Street Garage: 2000 Elm Street – corner of Harwood and Main Streets.
Dalpark Garage: 1600 Commerce Street – corner of Commerce and Ervay Streets.
Food and drink are available for purchase. Last year we grabbed some hot dogs and popcorn from one of the street vendors and staked out our seats for the tree lighting. We may stroll a bit more this year, taking in the musical performances at Belo Garden, now that the kids are a little older.
If you have older kids, definitely head to the Neiman Marcus tunnels. The line gets pretty long due the popularity of this amazing experience, but I hear it is definitely worth the wait. I cannot wait for my kids to be able to join in this fun!
After you have walked around, had some tasty food, and enjoyed some fabulous musical performances, get ready for the main event! Santa’s arrival and the lighting of the tree at Main Street Garden is scheduled for 7pm. Santa always makes a statement arrival from zip lining to flying in with a jet pack. I cannot wait to see how he makes his grand entrance this year! If your little ones can stay up a little later (and aren’t too scared of the big guy), you can get photos with Santa on the mains stage starting around 8pm.
This event is still evolving and growing each year, which is fun to see and experience. The organizers and volunteers of this event really do a fantastic job of kicking of the holiday season in downtown Dallas!
What is your favorite holiday festival or tree lighting event?
