Light the Night Christmas Parade
Spectators line historic Main Street to watch an illuminated night parade featuring more than 150 community floats. Festivities continue at Marktplatz with food and beverage vendors, holiday music, and children's activities. Visitors can also meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for free photos at Peppermint Platz inside Oktoberfest Halle.
What to Expect
Illuminated night parade featuring over 150 dazzling floats on Main Street.
Event Details
Duration
1 hour 30 minutes.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Fredericksburg
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Fredericksburg TX Chamber of Commerce
Food & Drink
Food and beverage vendors are available on Marktplatz during the event.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children and holiday parade fans
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Reserved bleacher seating is available for purchase Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus are free. – Get tickets
- Hours: Food & beverage vendors and kids activities: 3:00PM - 9:00PM; parade: 6:30PM - 7:45PM; free photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus: 8:00PM - 9:00PM. The parade is also described as starting at 6:30 p.m.
- Parking: Downtown parking is free and first come, first served. There is no reserved parking included with your bleacher seats. We recommend looking along Austin Street or at the Visitor Information Center. Parking may require walking a few blocks, as this is a popular event.
- Accessibility: A designated drop-off lane is available near the reserved bleachers for guests with mobility issues.
Tips & Advice
- Bring lawn chairs to claim a viewing spot along Main Street, since curbside spots along the route are free and first come, first served.
- Arrive early to enjoy the food, music and kids' activities on Marktplatz, which get going hours before the parade.
- Park along Austin Street or at the Visitor Information Center, and be ready to walk a few blocks to the route.
- Reserved bleacher tickets are non-refundable, but they are honored on the alternate date of December 11 if weather cancels the parade.
- Make a weekend of it with Kinderfest and the Singing Christmas Tree at the Pioneer Museum, both part of Fredericksburg's holiday festivities.
Special Events & Promotions
- Free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Peppermint Platz after the parade
- CBS Austin broadcasts the first 30 minutes live, with the full parade livestreamed on Fbg.Live
- Limited reserved bleacher seating sold separately in front of Pioneer Memorial Library
- If weather cancels the parade, bleacher tickets are honored on the alternate date, Friday, December 11
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I park?
Downtown parking is free and first come, first served. Try Austin Street or the Visitor Information Center, and expect to walk a few blocks. Bleacher tickets don't include parking.
Can I get reserved seating?
Yes. A limited number of reserved bleacher seats are sold. They're in front of Pioneer Memorial Library, facing Marktplatz. Spots along the rest of the route are free and first come, first served.
What is the AfterGlow?
It's on Marktplatz before and after the parade, with food and beverage vendors, holiday music and kids' activities. After the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus pose for free photos at Peppermint Platz in Oktoberfest Halle.
Can I watch from home?
Yes. CBS Austin broadcasts the first 30 minutes live. The full parade is simulcast on the station's website and livestreamed on Fbg.Live.
How do I enter a float?
Fill out the Parade Float Entry Form. All participants must review and agree to the 2026 Parade Rules & Safety Standards first.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.