Events? We have several every weekend, but there are a few key ones that may not even be official but are musts including these Arlington, Texas Traditions Not to Miss.
There’s always something to do in Arlington but there are a few key days that make it even more fun to live in the Dream City. Here are 5 Arlington, Texas Traditions you need to make.
Light Up Arlington
July 3 & 4
The Arlington 4th of July Parade prides itself on being the oldest event in Arlington and one of the largest parades in the state of Texas. Parade regulars get to the parade hours early to secure their favorite spots and come prepared with lawn chairs, shade, drinks, and food. Once you pick your spot you’re likely to see the same folks next to you year after year, many friendships in Arlington have started this way! The big fireworks show happens the night before, on the 3rd, at The Levitt Pavilion. Light Up Arlington is an all evening event with a kids zone, concessions, and live music. Then the celebration finishes with the fireworks show.
PC: Julie Measures
Texas Rangers Opening Day
Held in April each year, many in Arlington would consider the Texas Rangers Opening Day an annual tradition. Of course this is a tradition that needs planning, and tickets, in advance so you better get on that if you expect to be in attendance. It happens during the day, so many folks ask off work and bring their kids along as well for an fun way to kick off the season for our favorite baseball team.
PC: Julie Measures
Interlochen Lights
December 16 – December 25
The holidays are a big deal here in Arlington and for the past 40+ years one Arlington neighborhood has been decorating their homes for the Interlochen Lights.Running along Randol Mill Road and Westwood Drive the homes are illuminated in the 10 days leading up to Christmas. The drive-through light show draws families from all over the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Organized by the neighborhood known as Interlochen in middle Arlington, families load up the car and companies rent out limos, load up the hot cocoa and blankets and blast their Christmas music for a drive through the area (which can take 1-2 hours to enter and another 2 hours to complete. Key here is not to go during the weekend and get in line early otherwise you can get turned away.
Texas Christkindl Market
November 24 – December 23
Another holiday tradition in Arlington is the Texas Christkindl Market that happens next to Globe Life Park each year. In its sixth year, the market is inspired by German traditions and Arlington’s sister city Bad Königshofen. The month-long market, which has been recognized by Travel Magazine, Country Living and USA Today, features German foods, unique holiday shopping, live entertainment, and kids activities. This is where you can get walk around for free, get into the holiday spirit, purchase specialty goods and just enjoy the opportunity to be outdoors in an experience much like the Christmas markets you’d find throughout Europe.
PC: Texas Christkindl Market
Holiday Lights Parade
First Saturday in December
We couldn’t finish our talk about Arlington traditions without another parade. This time is the Holiday Lights Parade that happens each year in Downtown Arlington. This is when the city lights the Christmas tree and Santa comes for a visit and photos.
What’s your favorite way to celebrate in Arlington?