Another COVID Christmas Casualty: Arlington Holiday Lights Parade Canceled

Another Christmas event is being altered due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The Arlington Christmas Parade, Inc. announced on Wednesday that the parade and tree lighting ceremony will not be held in Downtown Arlington this year as planned.

Instead of the traditional parade, there will be a recorded program that will be shared on the Holiday Lights Parade Facebook page on Saturday, December 12th.

The events include Christmas sing-alongs, reindeer games, and story time with the Mayor.

Ellie Stubbs, parade organizer, said, "While it is disappointing that we will not be coming together in person this year, we do want to make sure our community is healthy and safe."

Arlington residents will also be able to enjoy the 65-foot artificial Christmas tree from the comfort of their own homes.

There will be a pre-recorded video of the tree lighting ceremony, which is typically held at the parade.

The Christmas tree will remain lit all month and features various styles of red and silver ornaments, thousands of lights, and a 7-foot tall lighted star tree topper.

If residents want to take photos with the tree, they are being asked to remain socially distanced from others to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Photo: Getty Images

Source: CBS DFW