What to watch: The 2025 Midland Merry Lighted Christmas Parade steps off at 6:30 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 13. Leading the way will be the Midland High Honor Guard, Grand Marshal Alejandro Barrientos, and Santa Claus riding atop a gleaming Midland Fire Department engine.

The Midland lighted Christmas parade first sparkled through the streets in 2009. It has since grown into an annual highlight, with themes evolving over the years to keep the celebration fresh while fostering community spirit.

The big picture: Grab blankets and lawn chairs and claim your spot early. The parade kicks off at the corner of Venture Avenue and North A Street, rolls south past waves and cheering crowds, and finishes on Illinois Avenue, usually wrapping up between 8:00 and 8:30 p.m.

This year’s theme is “Midland Merry Lights,” and more than 80 entries are ready to shine. You’ll see hometown favorites like H-E-B, the Midland RockHounds, and Lone Star Sanctuary for Animals alongside local organizations, dance teams, and school groups.

Expect classic parade favorites: marching bands playing carols, candy tossing, Christmas music, vintage cars dripping in lights, horses decked with bells, and one dazzling float after another. After the final float passes, Santa makes a second appearance at the Wadley-Barron Park gazebo for free photos.

Go deeper: While spectators can have great views of the parade from any spot along A Street, prime viewing is set up at Wadley-Barron Park, with the judges’ stage, live performances, and a festive vendor village. Food trucks will keep everyone fueled with ice cream, sodas, cookies, candy apples, Mexican favorites, and plenty of hot cocoa while the judges decide which floats deserve top honors.

One magical Saturday night turns downtown Midland into a river of lights, music, and pure Christmas joy you don’t want to miss.