The 39th annual Dallas Holiday Parade steps off Saturday, December 5, at 8:30 a.m. from Commerce and Houston streets in downtown Dallas. Floats, marching bands, and festive entertainment fill the route, and watching from the street is completely free. If you’d rather have a guaranteed spot, paid reserved seating is available while supplies last. National TV coverage begins at 9 a.m. and runs about two hours, so staying home in your pajamas is a legitimate option.

The parade has deep roots here. It started December 3, 1988, when employees of The Adolphus and Children’s Medical Center Dallas launched what became known as the “Miracle on Commerce Street,” drawing an estimated 70,000 people. Today it reaches 350 stations in 159 markets. Pre- and post-parade vendors and activities are planned at Main Street Gardens and Civic Gardens, so you can make more than just a morning of it.

For Waxahachie families, it’s an easy drive up I-35 and a solid way to kick off the holiday season. December weather in North Texas is a coin flip, though, so check the forecast that morning and dress in layers. Are you planning to watch in person this year, or catch it on TV from the couch?