The Magnolia Christmas Lights Parade remains one of the most festive highlights of the Montgomery Christmas Parade season. Every year, the streets of Magnolia light up with bright displays, families lining the sidewalks, holiday music, and a friendly atmosphere that makes the whole evening feel warm and welcoming.
This year brings an extra level of excitement as the parade is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and is proudly returning for its second year as a sponsor.The 2025 event is set for Saturday, December 6th, at 5:30 PM near Unity Park and Nichols Sawmill Road in Magnolia.
To help you prepare for this year’s celebration, here is an overview of how quickly you can reach it from COLTON and the activities you can look forward to this season.
How Close Is COLTON to the Magnolia Christmas Parade?
COLTON residents enjoy a major advantage during parade season—being just minutes from all the excitement. Positioned off FM 1486 and the SH-249 Aggie Expressway, the community offers quick, direct access to Magnolia’s main event area, where the parade kicks off near Unity Park and continues along Nichols Sawmill Road.
Even with the short drive, the Magnolia Christmas Lights Parade is a beloved tradition that draws large crowds every year, making a bit of planning essential. Fortunately, COLTON’s close proximity gives families a valuable head start, allowing them to arrive early, get settled, and secure a great viewing spot before the route fills up.
Top Things to Enjoy at the Magnolia Christmas Lights Parade
The Magnolia Christmas Lights Parade has several activities that families look forward to each year. The event is easy to enjoy, full of bright lights, and welcoming to people of all ages.
Lighted Floats
One of the first things people notice at the parade is the long line of lighted floats moving down the route near Unity Park and Nichols Sawmill Road. The magic behind these floats doesn’t happen overnight. Local schools, churches, youth groups, and small businesses pour weeks of work into designing and decorating their unique floats.
A number of them are covered in thousands of lights, hand-painted holiday scenes, and shaped props that match a theme. You’ll see everything from Santa’s workshop and snowy cottages to modern LED designs with moving lights. Since the parade happens after dark, every float stands out clearly and brings a warm glow to the whole street.
Live Music and Holiday Performances
School bands, cheer groups, and dance teams perform along the parade route. They play holiday songs and show short routines that bring energy to the crowd.
These performances help fill the time between floats and keep the parade moving at a steady pace.
Santa’s Big Arrival at the End
Santa always arrives near the end of the parade, and his float is usually one of the brightest entries of the night.
Kids start watching closely once the last few floats pass, because they know he’s coming soon. His float usually moves slowly enough for families to wave, take pictures, and enjoy the moment before the parade wraps up.
Plenty of Spots for Great Photos
The nighttime setting makes the lights show up clearly in photos. Many families like to stand near the entrance of Unity Park or along the wider sections of Nichols Sawmill Road, where the floats slow down just enough to snap a good picture.
The glow from the lights gives photos a bright, cheerful look without needing extra lighting or special camera settings.
Tips for Attending the Magnolia Christmas Lights Parade Near COLTON
Before you head out for this year’s parade, here are a few tips that can help you have a smooth and enjoyable evening.
Arrive with Plenty of Time
The parade starts at 5:30 PM on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Unity Park & Nichols Sawmill in Magnolia. Because parking, getting a good spot, and settling in take time, it’s best to arrive at least 45 minutes early. That gets you comfortably in place before the floats begin to pass.
Choose a Good Viewing Spot
You’ll have a better experience if you pick a spot where the floats slow down a bit, or where you can see them clearly. The area near Unity Park is ideal. Also consider spots along Nichols Sawmill Road where the route widens or turns, which gives better visibility and photo opportunities.
Be aware of road closures in advance. The city posts warnings and alerts about which streets will be closed for the parade.
Dress for the Evening Weather
Even though this is Texas, the evening can feel cool after the sun sets. Bring a light jacket or layer up so you stay comfortable throughout the event.
Also, bring something comfy to sit on like folding chairs or blankets, especially if you’re attending with children who may want to rest or sit close to the curb.
Plan for Parking and Traffic
Given the size of the parade and number of spectators, parking fills up fast near Unity Park. From COLTON, it’s a quick drive, so consider carpooling with neighbors or heading out together.
Because the route is near major roads in Magnolia, arriving early helps you avoid being stuck in slow traffic or finding distant parking.
Charge Your Phone for Photos
Between the lights, the performances, and Santa’s appearance at the end, you’ll probably want to take pictures throughout the evening. Make sure your phone or camera is fully charged before you leave. Standing where the floats approach you, rather than where the light is behind them, will give you clearer, brighter photos.
After the Parade
Once the final float passes (often with Santa at the end), think about where you’ll exit. If you are parked near Unity Park, plan a route away from the main crowd so you leave without getting stuck. The short drive back to COLTON makes this easier, but it still helps to move promptly.
Celebrate the Season at the Magnolia Christmas Lights Parade
Don’t miss this exciting celebration! The Magnolia Christmas Lights Parade is one of the many fun events you can enjoy right down the road when you live in COLTON. The parade brings families together, fills the evening with bright lights and music, and creates holiday memories that last long after the season ends.
If you’ve been thinking about moving to COLTON, contact us and we’ll show you our available homes. We’d be happy to take you on a tour and help you see why so many families choose to live here.
