The story: Arlington’s holiday calendar is officially out. The Town of Arlington posted its 2026 “save the dates” lineup on Sunday morning, and it runs from early November right up to the week before Christmas.

The short version: Five events, one decorating contest, and a whole lot of Santa.

The lineup

  • Holiday Market — Saturday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., 12090 Forrest Street
  • Holiday Decoration Contest — Nov. 20–Dec. 18 (entries due Dec. 11)
  • Tree Lighting — Friday, Nov. 20, 5–7 p.m., Depot Square (tree lights up at 6:15 p.m.)
  • Santa at The Crossing — Thursday, Dec. 3, 4–7 p.m., The Crossing Amphitheater, 12118 Forrest St.
  • Christmas on the Square — Friday, Dec. 4, 5–8 p.m., Depot Square
  • Christmas Parade — Saturday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m., Airline Road

The details

Holiday Market: This one’s new. The Town calls it the first Arlington Holiday Market, a producer market of local makers and artisans selling handcrafted holiday goods. Translation: a head start on your gift list.

Tree Lighting: The annual ceremony is sponsored by the Arlington APTA. Expect lights, hot food and treats from vendors, and a visit from the big man himself.

Santa at The Crossing: Keep it simple. Santa takes the amphitheater stage in Forrest Street Park for pictures and Christmas wishes.

Christmas on the Square: The big family night. There’s a Christmas Market with local crafted goods, food trucks, and free activities that typically include an Ornament Shop, Christmas Card Shop, Letters to Santa, Sweet Shop, Candy Shop, Santa’s Workshop, carriage rides, and a live nativity. Parking is in the main Forrest Street Park lot and nearby neighborhoods. Streets leading into the event area will be closed.

Christmas Parade: This year’s theme is “An All-American Christmas.” The parade starts on Airline Road in front of Arlington High School and heads north to the Douglass/Mem-Arlington Road intersection. Roads along the route close before the start and stay closed until it’s over. It’s rain or shine, called off only for hazardous weather.

Holiday Decoration Contest: Also new, and also All-American themed. Homes and businesses can enter one of five categories. Submit an application and a photo of your decorations by Dec. 11. An independent panel of judges not affiliated with the Town will judge Dec. 14–17, and winners will be announced Dec. 18. Time to untangle those lights.

Questions? Call the Arlington Parks Department at 901-867-9555.

Source: Town of Arlington, Special Events, Holiday Market, Tree Lighting, Santa at The Crossing, Christmas on the Square, Christmas Parade, Holiday Decoration Contest, and the Town’s Nov. 1 announcement.

Photo: Town of Arlington (townofarlington.org)