FREDERICKSBURG, Texas (November 13, 2026) – The holiday season will shine a little brighter in Fredericksburg on Friday, Dec. 4, as the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce presents the annual Light the Night Christmas Parade, sponsored by H-E-B. This beloved community tradition will bring more than 150 illuminated floats to historic Main Street, along with an expanded lineup of family activities, live entertainment, food and beverages throughout the evening.

This year's celebration will offer even more reasons to arrive early and stay late, with activities and entertainment taking place on Marktplatz from 3-9 p.m. Families can enjoy an expanded selection of free children's activities, including face painting from Sunshine the Clown, balloon art by Twisty Art Entertainment and additional activities hosted by the Hive Collective and the National Museum of the Pacific War. The Teddy Bear Mobile will also be on-site, giving children the opportunity to create and purchase their own stuffed animal, while the Spirit Platz will offer a selection of Battlin' Billies merchandise and other favorite gear.

Adding to the afternoon's entertainment, the Army Band from Fort Hood will perform from 5-6 p.m. beneath the Adelsverein Halle on Marktplatz. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of food and beverages from local vendors throughout the evening. Food options include Cartwheel Coffee, Fruiti Patuti, Opa's Smoked Meats, Eaker BBQ, Mystic Lobster Roll, Conchitas Mexican Fusion, Texas Concessions, Mac'n Wag'n, HTeaO, the Fredericksburg High School Culinary Trailer and the Fredericksburg Force baseball team, which will be serving pulled pork sandwiches. Beer and wine will be available from Lost Draw Cellars, Belly Up Brewpub and Texas Wine Collective.

"The Christmas Parade is my favorite night of the year, and it's incredible to think about how much it has grown over the years. The first parade in 1994 featured just three floats circling the Vereins Kirche, and now we have more than 150 floats and thousands of people coming together to celebrate. We want to make the evening special for everyone, so invite your family from out of town, bring the kids and make it a holiday tradition. There's something special about sharing this experience with the people you love," said Kelly Criddle, Director of Operations for the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce.

The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m., traveling along Main Street from Washington Street to Bowie Street. Spectators will enjoy a variety of floats showcasing the creativity, community spirit and holiday traditions of Fredericksburg and the surrounding area. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, bring lawn chairs and find a favorite viewing spot along the route. A limited number of reserved bleacher seats are available for purchase in front of the Pioneer Memorial Library.

Following the parade, the celebration continues at Marktplatz with the AfterGlow and free family photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Peppermint Platz, located inside the Oktoberfest Halle. As well as a performance by the Hodos Society Youth Worship Concert in the Adelsverein Halle presented by the Harvest Project.

The holiday festivities will continue on Saturday, Dec. 5, with the Harvest Project hosting a German Christmas Market featuring artisan vendors, a Christmas choir and The Greatest Story Ever Told, a multimedia experience performed by the Rev1211 Orchestra. 

The Light the Night Christmas Parade is produced by the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce and made possible through the generous support of local businesses, organizations and community partners. The Chamber extends its appreciation to presenting sponsor H-E-B and supporting sponsors the City of Fredericksburg, Gillespie County, Texas Regional Bank, Methodist Hospital Hill Country, Allen's Boots, Pioneer Museum, SME Accounting, The Hoerster Mediation Firm, Southern Living Idea House, Crenwelge Automotive Group, Texas First Rentals, Kott Valley Farms and Toss It Dumpsters.

The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, parade details and reserved bleacher seating, visit lightthenightchristmasparade.com.The mission of the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce is to champion our business community through collaboration, information and service.

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