XTO ENERGY PARADE OF LIGHTS 2015 CELEBRATES 33RD YEAR IN DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH

On Sunday, November 22, 2015, tens of thousands will gather in the streets of Downtown Fort Worth to ring in the holiday season at the 33^rd annual XTO Energy Parade of Lights, the largest illuminated holiday parade in Texas. Featuring over half a million lights, Fort Worth’s signature Parade of Lights has become a beloved tradition in the North Texas community. In addition to the dazzling illuminated floats, the parade will also showcase brilliant antique cars, lively marching bands, precision equestrian units, decorated horse-drawn carriages and carolers frolicking through the 1.58-mile parade route. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also make their highly anticipated appearance on the specially designed, LED-lit, grand finale float, sponsored by parade producers, Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc.. To cap off the evening, the 59-foot blue spruce Sundance Square Christmas Tree will be lit in Sundance Square Plaza immediately following the parade.
 
Although the event is free to attend, participants can purchase reserved “Street Seats” in advance online starting at $9.50 at www.FortWorthParadeOfLights.org. This year’s XTO Energy Parade of Lights has already received a generous outpouring of support from across the Fort Worth community. Dr. Kent P. Scribner, the new superintendent of the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD), Dr. Patricia A. Linares, outgoing interim superintendent of the FWISD, and Jacinto "Cinto" Ramos, Jr., board president of the FWISD, are serving as the 2015 Parade of Lights’ grand marshals. Other confirmed participants include Mayor Betsy Price and other city leaders, title sponsor XTO Energy, and nonprofit organizations such as the Cowboy Santas Program, Inc. and the Fort Worth Bicycling Association, all lighting up the night and doing their part to encompass this year’s theme:  “Let The Season Begin!"
 
The full schedule of activities for the 2015 XTO Energy Parade of Lights is as follows:

• Throughout the day
  • Guests are encouraged to arrive downtown early and enjoy the many shops, restaurants and amenities offered, such as:
    • Book a room and stay overnight in one of downtown’s many hotels, such as the Omni Fort Worth Hotel, The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel, Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown/Blackstone, Etta’s Place, and Embassy Suites Hotel;
    • Visit the new retail shops that have recently opened, such as Sunglass Hut, Overland Sheepskin Company, White House Black Market, Coyote Urban Boutique, and H&M;
    • Dine at one of the 40+ restaurants in downtown, such as the new Yolk, Bird Café, Del Frisco’s Grill, The Cheesecake Factory, Taco Diner, and Hoya Korean Kitchen;
    • Enjoy through the new Sundance Square Plaza, including its four 32-foot canopy umbrellas, large jetted fountains and water features, and outdoor stage featuring live holiday entertainment; and,
    • Take a “selfie” in front of the beautiful Sundance Square Christmas Tree.
• 2 p.m.
  • The T’s expanded bus service begins (Route 7) from Farrington Field ($3.50 round trip, exact fare required). Parking at Farrington Field is free.
  • Exciting, live holiday entertainment will take place throughout downtown.
• 4:30 p.m.
  • Houston Street and Commerce Street close for pre-parade entertainment.
• 5:30 p.m.

• Cowboy Santas will march up and down the parade route to accept toy donations for children in need. 

• 6 p.m.

• The 2015 XTO Energy Parade of Lights officially begins at Belknap and Throckmorton Streets.  The parade proceeds east along Belknap Street, turns south on Commerce Street and goes all the way to 9th Street. At 9th, the parade turns west, proceeds past the Convention Center to Houston Street, and then turns north on Houston all the way to Weatherford Street.

• 7:10 p.m.
  • Santa begins his trip along the parade route on the Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. float.
• Immediately following the parade (appx 7:45 p.m.)
  • The lighting of the Sundance Square Christmas Tree will take place in the Sundance Square Plaza.

• 10 p.m.
  • Last bus departs for Farrington Field from the ITC