Fort Worth, October 10, 2025
News Summary
The GM Financial Parade of Lights will once again illuminate Downtown Fort Worth with its 43rd edition featuring over 100 elements including floats, marching bands, and more. The parade’s captivating theme, ‘Sparkle, Dazzle, Shine!’, promises to engage families and attendees as they enjoy the joyous celebration. Viewing options include reserved ‘Street Seats’ for purchase, while the parade remains free for all to attend. Chris Cassidy, a former Navy SEAL and NASA astronaut, will serve as the grand marshal, adding prestige to this beloved community tradition.
Fort Worth — The GM Financial Parade of Lights will take place on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 6 p.m. This is the 43rd year of the holiday tradition in Downtown Fort Worth. The parade theme for 2025 is “Sparkle, Dazzle, Shine!”
Key information
More than 100 elements will participate in the parade, including floats, marching bands, antique cars, and horse-drawn carriages. Chris Cassidy, president and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, will serve as the grand marshal for this year’s parade. Chris Cassidy is a retired Navy SEAL and former NASA astronaut.
Cassidy announced he will be stepping down from his position at the museum after four years. The construction and opening of the museum, located in Arlington, were led by Cassidy during his tenure.
Reserved “Street Seats” for the parade are available for purchase, starting at $19.50 for adults and $15.75 for children. The parade is free to attend for anyone who prefers to gather along the route.
Broadcast and viewing
CBS Texas will broadcast the parade live on KTXA 21 and stream it on the CBS News Texas streaming channel. Encores of the parade will be available on CBS News Texas throughout the holiday season. Viewers planning to watch from home should check local listings and the streaming platform for start times and availability on the night of the parade.
Scale, purpose and support
The parade has grown into one of the biggest illuminated parades in the country since its inception in 1983. The parade intends to bring joy to the community and celebrate the spirit of togetherness. Hundreds of volunteers help manage the logistics of the parade.
Sponsors for the event include Texas Christian University (TCU), the Texas Rangers, and Frost Bank. Event organizers work with city officials, public safety personnel, and volunteer teams to manage street closures, crowd flow, and safety protocols along the route.
Family features and finale
Families are encouraged to stay for the finale when Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on a new float. The finale is scheduled at the end of the route and is typically timed to allow families to depart in an orderly manner after the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Logistics and attendance
The parade route runs through downtown and includes designated viewing areas. Those who purchase reserved “Street Seats” will have assigned seating along portions of the route, while members of the public may stand along sidewalks and public spaces for free. Attendees are advised to arrive early, expect limited parking close to the route, and follow posted directions for drop-off and pick-up zones.
Organizers emphasize coordination with volunteers, sponsors, and municipal services to keep the event safe and accessible. Public transit and rideshare options are commonly used by attendees to reduce parking congestion.
Background
Since its start in 1983, the GM Financial Parade of Lights has expanded in size and scope, adding illuminated floats, community groups, professional performers, and corporate sponsors. Over four decades the event has become a regional holiday tradition and a major nighttime parade.
This year’s parade continues that history with more than 100 participating elements and a themed presentation that highlights lights, color, and seasonal entertainment. The selection of the grand marshal reflects involvement from the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation and leadership tied to recent museum development in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will the parade take place?
The GM Financial Parade of Lights will take place on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 6 p.m.
How long has the parade been held?
This is the 43rd year of the holiday tradition in Downtown Fort Worth.
What is the parade theme for 2025?
The parade theme for 2025 is “Sparkle, Dazzle, Shine!”
How many elements will participate?
More than 100 elements will participate in the parade, including floats, marching bands, antique cars, and horse-drawn carriages.
Who is the grand marshal?
Chris Cassidy, president and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, will serve as the grand marshal for this year’s parade.
What is Chris Cassidy’s background?
Chris Cassidy is a retired Navy SEAL and former NASA astronaut.
Is Cassidy remaining at the museum?
Cassidy announced he will be stepping down from his position at the museum after four years.
What role did Cassidy have with the museum’s construction?
The construction and opening of the museum, located in Arlington, were led by Cassidy during his tenure.
Are there reserved seats?
Reserved “Street Seats” for the parade are available for purchase, starting at $19.50 for adults and $15.75 for children.
Is there a free viewing option?
The parade is free to attend for anyone who prefers to gather along the route.
Will the parade be broadcast or streamed?
CBS Texas will broadcast the parade live on KTXA 21 and stream it on the CBS News Texas streaming channel.
Will there be replays of the parade?
Encores of the parade will be available on CBS News Texas throughout the holiday season.
How large is the parade historically?
The parade has grown into one of the biggest illuminated parades in the country since its inception in 1983.
What is the parade’s purpose?
The parade intends to bring joy to the community and celebrate the spirit of togetherness.
Who helps run the parade?
Hundreds of volunteers help manage the logistics of the parade.
Who are the sponsors?
Sponsors for the event include Texas Christian University (TCU), the Texas Rangers, and Frost Bank.
Is there a special finale?
Families are encouraged to stay for the finale when Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on a new float.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date and time | Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 6 p.m. |
| Anniversary | 43rd year of the holiday tradition in Downtown Fort Worth |
| Theme | “Sparkle, Dazzle, Shine!” |
| Participation | More than 100 elements including floats, marching bands, antique cars, and horse-drawn carriages |
| Grand marshal | Chris Cassidy, president and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation |
| Ticketing | Reserved “Street Seats” starting at $19.50 for adults and $15.75 for children; parade is free along the route |
| Broadcast | CBS Texas will broadcast the parade live on KTXA 21 and stream it on the CBS News Texas streaming channel |
| Sponsors | Texas Christian University (TCU), the Texas Rangers, and Frost Bank |
| Finale | Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on a new float |
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: GM Financial Parade of Lights
- NBC DFW: Fort Worth Parade of Lights 2024
- Culture Map: Fort Worth Parade of Lights
- Star-Telegram: Fort Worth Parade Information
- My Curly Adventures: Thanksgiving Parades in Texas
- Wikipedia: Parade
- Google Search: Fort Worth Parade of Lights
- Google Scholar: Fort Worth Parade of Lights
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Parade
- Google News: Fort Worth Parade of Lights
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
