Tyler Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting Scheduled for This Evening

TYLER — The 30th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on the T.B. Butler Fountain Plaza immediately following the Tyler Rotary Club’s Christmas Parade, kicks off tonight at 6:00 in Downtown Tyler. Parade floats will follow the same route used in previous years, moving southward on Broadway Avenue from Bow Street, turning west on Ferguson Street, south on Bois D’Arc Avenue and east on Erwin Street before returning north on Spring Avenue. Immediately following the parade, the Texas Miracle Child, Luke Skinner, will light the Christmas Tree with Mayor Martin Heines. There will be performances by the Sold Out Jazz Orchestra (SOJO), the Clarkston Elementary Chorale and the TJC Apache Belles. Santa Claus will be available for photos and to take gift requests.

All parking in the Fair Plaza Garage will be free after 5:00pm on Thursday in honor of the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. The Salvation Army will provide free hot chocolate to parade viewers and concessions will be available for a fee.

The following streets will be closed for the parade from approximately 5:00 to 8:00pm: North Broadway Avenue from Gentry Parkway to Elm Street, Ferguson Street from Bonner Avenue to Center Avenue, Bois D’Arc Avenue from Ferguson Street to Erwin Street, Erwin Street from Bonner Avenue to Center Avenue and Spring Street from Elm Street to Valentine Street. Those already parked in this area will be able to exit after the roads have been closed. Anyone who uses North Broadway Avenue on their route home is asked to use an alternate route on either Glenwood Avenue or Beckham Avenue.

Following the parade, Liberty Hall will feature the movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at 7:00pm. Tickets are $7 and may be purchased at http://www.LibertyTyler.com or at the door.