‘Tis the season for all things festive and fun and there are a lot of holiday events in Fort Worth you won’t want to miss! We did some digging and found our top 10 favorite holiday events that we know will get your family in the Christmas spirit!
1) Sundance Square Lighting of the Tree – Nov 18
If you want to get into the Christmas spirit a little earlier, attend the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting of the 65 foot tall tree right in the center of the square! It’s quite a site. This ceremony starts at 5:30 p.m. with a live band playing.
2) XTO Energy Parade of Lights in Downtown Fort Worth – Nov 19
If parades are your thing, this is one of the holiday events you won’t want to miss! The parade starts at 6:00 p.m. at the intersection of Weatherford Street and Houston Street. This holiday parade features over 100 illuminated floats and the entire route takes about 40 minutes and then Santa has a special float that appears around 7:10 p.m. We have a feeling your kids are going to like this one. Get there early!
3) Christmas at the Stockyards – Dec 2
You might already have been to the stockyards, but have you gone during the holidays? It’s something special. This year on Saturday, December 2nd from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Your kids will be able to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and take pictures with them and enjoy other western heritage activities that the whole family can enjoy.
4) Panther Island Ice – Nov 17- Jan 15
We might not get snow in Fort Worth, but we do have an outdoor ice skating rink that will transport you to a winter wonderland (or at least something like it). This is the only outdoor skating rink in Fort Worth and it has pretty views of downtown. This rink is open seven days a week, including holidays!
5) “Santa Claus a New Musical” – Nov 24 – Dec 23
Watching a musical is always a treat at Casa Manana and this Santa musical that focuses on finding someone to replace Santa after wanting to retire is one that the whole family will love!
6) Speedway Candy Cane Classic Holiday Dash – Dec 16
Looking for a fun way to stay active during the holidays? (you’ve got to work off all the cookies at some point right?). The holiday dash at Texas Motor Speedway is a great family affair. This dash includes a Reindeer dash and a 5k around the famous 1.5 mile oval, food and afterward “The Polar Express” will be played on the Big Hoss, the largest HD TV so you and your family can also enjoy a drive-in movie. The race starts at 4:00 p.m. and benefits children’s charities.
7) Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl – Dec 23
In Texas, we love our football and the holidays are no different. Join Lockheed Martin for their 15-anniversary bowl where the Army is playing the Conference USA. Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m.
8) Texas Ballet Theater “The Nutcracker” – Dec 8 – 24
Nothing is more of a holiday classic than watching “The Nutcracker” performance. Let your family experience an evening at the theater that will surely put you into the Christmas spirit!
9) Texas Motor Speedway’s Gift of Lights – Nov 23 – Dec 30
Another great event at the Speedway, the Gift of Lights is the largest drive-through light display. You can stay nice and warm in your car while you “ooh” and “ahh” at all the dazzling lights around you!
10) West 7th’s Starlight Symphony – Dec 1 – season
Crocket Row on West 7th street is a great part of town that features a cute district of shopping, dining and entertainment. Last year, they had Victorian carolers, carriage rides and a teddy bear drive for Cook Children’s.
To get more information about each of these events visit our city’s website, where they also list other events happening right here in good ‘ole cowtown! We hope you and your family truly enjoy this fun holiday season and all of the holiday events our town has to offer.