A holiday tradition continues as Santa Claus arrives in town for the Annual Holiday Lights Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony in downtown Arlington on Saturday, December 7. Lighted floats and antique cars, marching bands and mounted units, carolers and choirs will welcome the holidays.

Festivities for the 2013 Holiday Lights Parade, sponsored by Decorator's Warehouse, will begin at 4 p.m. and the parade will start promptly at 6 o'clock. The staging area for the parade will be located at Mesquite and Center Streets behind the City's Municipal Office Tower.

Find your spot early along the parade route which will travel west on Main Street, south on West Street and east on Abram Street in front of City Hall and the George W. Hawkes Central Library.

After the parade the official lighting of the Chesapeake Energy Christmas Tree will be conducted in front of City Hall. Santa Claus is also expected to make a special appearance so bring your camera and take a picture with him at the Levitt Pavilion following the tree lighting ceremony.

According to event organizers, the Arlington Holiday Lights Parade in downtown Arlington continues to be a holiday tradition for people of all ages.

"The parade is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season and create some long lasting memories," Co-Chair Don Duke said. Visit the Parade of Lights website for more information at www.holidaylightsparade.com.