Longview Christmas Parade Route and Related Road Closures

LONGVIEW — The annual Longview Christmas Parade will have a new route this year when the event rolls through Downtown this evening at 6:30. Beginning at the intersection of Whaley Street and Third Street, the parade will travel west on Whaley Street, turn south onto Center Street, and turn east onto Methvin Street passing in front of the decorated Gregg County Courthouse before ending back at Third Street.

Ongoing construction of downtown street improvements was one of the reasons adjustments were made to the traditional Christmas parade route. According to a city news release, the new route also provides a logistical improvement because the route no longer crosses High Street, which means that major roadway can remain open to traffic.

Drivers and pedestrians are reminded that construction will still be occurring on Methvin Street between Center Street and High Street. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own food and beverages. No vendors have been permitted to sell food or beverages during the parade. Once again, Santa is the final entry in the parade. Officials ask that you not walk or drive across the parade route until the parade is complete and barricades have been removed by officials.

Several downtown streets will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the day of the parade. Barricades will be placed around an approximate eight-block staging area east of the Gregg County Courthouse and the 300 block of E. Methvin Street. Access to the outdoor drive-through locations of Texas Bank and Trust will be permitted until 6 p.m. Drivers should use extra caution when driving near the parade route and staging area. Officials say most downtown streets should re-open later that night.

To accommodate ongoing downtown Christmas at the Courthouse activities, some downtown streets will remain closed following the parade. Fredonia Street from Whaley to Methvin will be closed through 5:00 p.m., Monday, December 8. For information about the Christmas Parade or other Downtown Christmas events, contact the Longview Chamber of Commerce at 903-237-4000.