Abilene Lights Up Downtown with Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights December 2, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Abilene, TX -The City of Abilene is thrilled to announce the annual Downtown Christmas celebration will continue this year featuring activities from the lighting of the Christmas tree at Abilene City Hall and the popular Parade of Lights.

Scheduled for Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the signature holiday event is designed to boost community spirit through musical performances, holiday shopping, and family-friendly fun.

"It's my great pleasure to announce that the City of Abilene is taking over one of my favorite holiday traditions," said Mayor Weldon Hurt. "Dozens of floats, bright lights, and holiday music will fill the streets of downtown Abilene. It's a wonderful way to kick off the season and celebrate our community spirit together."

Event Highlights & Schedule

• Musical Performances & Downtown Activities
  From 5:00 p.m. onward, visitors are invited to enjoy a variety of performances from Abilene ISD musical groups staged throughout Downtown Abilene. Local businesses will remain open for shopping, and the festive atmosphere will be amplified with seasonal décor and opportunities for community engagement.
• 5:30 - Revolution Strings at City Hall
  At 5:30 p.m., the Revolution Strings, an Abilene ISD ensemble, will present holiday selections on the steps of City Hall at 555 Walnut Street.
• 6 p.m. - Christmas Tree Lighting
  Following the performance, residents will gather for the lighting of the 45-foot City Hall Christmas Tree, led by Mayor Weldon Hurt.
• 6:30 p.m. - Parade of Lights
  Scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m., the Parade of Lights will start at North First & Pine Street, proceed east to North First, north on Walnut Street, west on North 6th, and return south on Pine Street.

After completion of the ongoing Cypress Street Improvement Project in 2026, the parade will revert to its traditional path on Pine Street and Cypress.

Participation Opportunities & Deadlines

• Floats & Bands
  Applications for parade floats, including marching bands, open Monday, October 20, 2025. Interested participants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be due November 7. Float acceptance notifications will be emailed by November 14 along with parade and site placements.
• Vendors
  Food and beverage trucks and trailers are welcome to come serve our ever-growing audience. Vendor applications open Monday, October 20, 2025. Vendor acceptance notifications and placement will be finalized by November 14.
• Volunteers
  Community members, groups, or organizations are needed and welcome to volunteer during the event! A volunteer submission form is available on the City's website here at the bottom of the page.

Other Information & Logistics

The website abilenetx.gov/downtownchristmas has been created as an information hub for everything you need to know to enjoy our holiday celebration.