Arlington, Texas - Christmas 2011 Activities

Beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 3^rd, Arlington, Texas, will officially start the 2011 Christmas Season with free holiday entertainment on the Levitt Pavilion Stage. The Levitt Pavilion is located in Founders Plaza at the corner of Abram and Center Streets and is directly across Abram Street from Arlington's City Hall. Founders Plaza is an outdoor park with limited seating. Porta potties are usually set up for events held at the Levitt Pavilion and the bathrooms in City Hall are also open to the public during events at the Levitt.

All parking at the Levitt Pavilion is free, however, it would be wise to watch for business, or academic, signs that warn of towing. Directions to the Levitt Pavilion and a parking map can be found at: http://www.levittpavilionarlington.org/YourVisittotheLevitt/DirectionsParking/tabid/81/Default.aspx The map also shows the handicap parking area and the location of vendor concession stands.

At 6 p.m., the Annual Holiday Lights Parade will make it's journey through the Downtown and University area. You can check out the Arlington parade route map at: http://www.holidaylightsparade.com/route.html

When the parade ends around 7 p.m., the lights on the city's Christmas tree, located on the steps of City Hall, will be turned on.

Immediately after the tree-lighting, the action switches back to the Levitt Pavilion where Santa will visit with children while their families take photos (bring your own camera) and everyone will be invited to join in the Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long.

For your comfort, folding chairs and blankets to sit on, or bundle up in for warmth, can be brought into Founder's Plaza, as well as snacks and drinks (exception - no glass containers are allowed). You are expected to dispose of your litter in garbage containers located in various areas of Founders Plaza.

Arlington's weather has recently turned chilly, so be sure to dress warmly and arrive early to be able to park near the Levitt Pavilion. Arlington's George W. Hawkes Central Library is located on the diagonal corner from the Levitt and would be an excellent place to park and spend an hour or two browsing. Note: The Central Library closes at 6 p.m. on Saturdays. The parking lot at the Central Library is small, so again, I suggest an early arrival.