City Lights Festival & Parade

Downtown Wichita Falls • Saturday, December 6, 2025 • Free to Attend

Kick off the holidays where Wichita Falls shines brightest—downtown. Spend the afternoon exploring local makers, music, and family fun, then watch our lighted parade bring 8th & 9th Streets to life after dark. It’s the city’s favorite tradition, packed with small‑town heart and big holiday energy. Bring your people. Make a night of it.

Enter Float

Be A Vendor

2025 Parade Theme: A Country Christmas

This year’s City Lights Parade celebrates the heart and soul of small-town traditions with A Country Christmas. Think rustic barns, glowing tractors, twinkling hay bales, cowboy boots, and plenty of Texas charm — all lit up for the holidays. Join us as Wichita Falls turns downtown into a country-style winter wonderland filled with lights, music, and community spirit.

What to Expect

Santa Land at Park Central – Photos with Santa, lawn games, story time, and festive fun for kids.

Holiday Market @ the Downtown Farmers Market – Shop local gifts, cocoa & s’mores, and food trucks.

Lighted Parade After Dark – Marching bands, illuminated floats, and plenty of cheer along the red‑brick streets.

Community Vibes – Thousands line the route every year—arrive early for the best views.

Get Involved

Pick Your Lane

Enter A Float

Light it up and represent your business, school, or organization. Prizes for top entries.

Float Application

Be a Vendor

Reserve a booth at the Holiday Market; perfect for handmade goods and seasonal treats.

Vendor Application

Volunteer

Short shifts, big impact. Help with staging, route support, and Santa Land activities.

When & Where

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025 | Festivities Start at 5 | Parade Starts at 7

Location: Downtown Wichita Falls (Park Central • 8th & 9th Streets corridor)

Cost: Free to attend (bring cash/card for food and market purchases).

Parking & Route

Route: The parade starts near Travis & 8th, travels down 8th to Ohio, then up 9th to First Baptist Church.

Parking: Use downtown surface lots and side‑street parking. Please respect closures and watch for pedestrians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it free?

Yes—attendance is free for the festival and parade. Vendors set their own prices. Wichita Falls
What should I bring? Layers, comfy shoes, and a chair or blanket if you want to stake out a spot along the route.

Weather plan?

We’re a rain‑or‑shine event, with safety‑first decisions communicated on our site and social. (In 2014, severe weather forced a rare cancellation.)

Who puts this on?

Downtown Wichita Falls Development, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with help from sponsors and volunteers.

About Downtown Wichita Falls Development

We’re a nonprofit working year‑round to make downtown a great place to live, work, play, and grow—and City Lights is our thank‑you to the community. Want to help? Volunteer and be part of the magic.