Christmas season is here, and Mansfield knows just how to kick off the holidays. Over two nights, Mansfield will host the Hometown Holiday Parade consisting of a tree lighting ceremony and a parade in downtown Mansfield.
On Dec. 4, Downtown Mansfield will host the annual tree lighting ceremony. With festivities being held from 5-9 p.m., the tree lighting starts at 6:30 p.m. Angie Henley, Cultural Arts/ Special Events Supervisor of Mansfield, said bounce houses, carousel rides, live entertainment, great food and a holiday market for early Christmas shopping will be available to the public. There will also be penguins from the Dallas Zoo, fireworks and, of course, Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause will be there for pictures. Something new to this holiday kick off, ice skating will be available for $5 in front of City Hall. Skates will be provided to the public.
“I am looking forward to the ice skating this year since it is the first year for us to have it,” Henley said. “Hometown Holidays on Friday will be an event for the whole family.”
The 11th annual Hometown Holiday Parade will take place on Dec. 5 starting at 2:30 p.m. The parade features multiple MISD schools, including a performance from the Legacy High School Silver Spurs, along with other hometown businesses.
Festivities on Saturday Dec. 5 start at 9 a.m. with the Kiwains hosting the annual Falalala 5K at Rose park. A free performance of “Shrek the Musical” begins at noon on Main Street, however, attendees are encouraged to bring a gift for the Toys for Tots foundation. At 2:30, the 11th annual Hometown Holiday Parade, sponsored by Mansfield Methodist Medical Center, begins. Andrew Binz, the city’s Recreation Superintendent, said that with over 50 entries in the parade, the Legacy Silver Spurs, along with other MISD schools, will make an appearance. The theme for this year’s parade is “Historical Holidays”, celebrating the 125th anniversary of the City of Mansfield.
“We anticipate thousands of people to attend the Friday night event and parade on Saturday,” Binz said. “Hometown Holidays is a great way for the families of Mansfield to kick off the holiday season.”
*Parking will be available at the courthouse next to city hall, the MAC, the library and across the street at the Public Safety Building.
