As the holiday season swiftly approaches, the Lights at Interlochen are set to shine again, marking a significant milestone for this beloved North Texas tradition. Kicking off on December 13 and running through Christmas Day, Arlington's quaint Interlochen neighborhood will be adorned with festive lights and displays for the 50th consecutive year, the Arlington Police Department announced. This much-anticipated event, free to the public, draws over 100,000 visitors from the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area, looking to bask in the glow of holiday cheer.
The experience to drive through the dazzling two-mile stretch is available each night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors are advised to plan to wait eagerly, as entry lines can extend to over an hour long, especially closer to the nightly closure at 10 p.m. In an effort to manage the significant influx of onlookers, the Arlington Police Department has outlined a comprehensive traffic plan, ensuring participants have a safe and enjoyable experience, as detailed on their website. Motorists are required to enter the trail of lights via Westwood Drive at Randol Mill Road, with all other entry points to the neighborhood being closed off during event hours.
The logistical preparations made by the police include designated entrance and exit points to streamline traffic flow. For those approaching from westbound I-30, the Fielder Road exit will direct you to Randol Mill Road and onward to Westwood Drive. Eastbound I-30 travelers should take Eastchase Parkway, head south to Meadowbrook Boulevard, then proceed to Westwood Drive. These carefully considered paths have been designed to minimize disruptions to the neighborhood and ensure that emergency lanes remain clear at all times.
For visitors planning to embark on this holiday journey, patience is a necessity, as well as being prepared to spend roughly an hour to travel the route upon entry. With weekends expecting particularly high volumes, the recommendation is to alternatively consider a weeknight visit to potentially shorten wait times. Adults and children must be secured with appropriate safety restraints, and leaving the line for any reason, one will have to return to the back of the queue to re-enter. The Arlington Police Department also sternly reminds that no sales or solicitation by vendors will be permitted on any public roadway.
