2016 FWMB Guide to Holiday Happenings in DFW

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The holidays are for celebration and making memories! After much research and tedious double-checking, we are dee-lighted to present the “2016 FWMB Guide to Holiday Happenings.” This one-stop resource features several categories: Christmas lights, displays, and parades; stage shows and performances; festive and family-friendly events; breakfast with Santa locations; and Christmas tree farm.

It is our sincere hope you can experience the wonder and excitement of the season with your family. Here’s to some holiday fun!

2016 holiday events in Fort Worth and DallasChristmas Lights, Displays, & Parades 

Gift of Lights (at Texas Motor Speedway). November 24 – December 30 // 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. nightly // This drive-thru includes more than 1.5 miles of light displays, with almost three million lights! Then, after you finish with the drive, make sure to stop at Santa’s Village inside the track! See Santa, ride the train, and enjoy the fun! This event benefits Toys for Tots, Christmas Wish, Ronald McDonald House Fort Worth, and the Scottish Rite Hospital. Cost: $25 per car; $5 off with toy donation.

Fort Worth Parade of Lights. November 20 // 6:00 p.m. // Cowtown kicks off the holiday season with its famous Parade of Lights (and Santa!) plus the lighting of the Christmas tree downtown! Cost: Can purchase premium parade spots; ticket prices vary.

Whistle Stop Christmas (Cleburne). November 21 – December 31 // Come enjoy the 20th annual Whistle Stop Christmas in Cleburne with 3.5 million Christmas lights decorating the park every evening during the holidays. Cost: Free.

Magic of Christmas Light Show (Grapevine). November 22 – January 8 // 6:00 – 11:00 p.m. // Sing along with the city’s Christmas tree and enjoy the lights as you watch this show at Main and Dallas Streets. Cost: Free

West 7th Starlight Symphony. November 23 – December 31 // five-minute show on the hour, 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. // This rousing music and light show is synchronized to spirited versions of your favorite holiday tunes. Cost: Free.

Prairie Lights (Grand Prairie). November 24 – January 1 // Sunday – Thursday, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.; Friday – Saturday, 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. — Drive-through this park lit with 4 million lights, set along two miles of pathCost: Monday-Thursday (non-holidays): $20/car, Friday-Sunday (and holidays): $35 per car.

Tour of Lights (Farmer’s Branch). November 25 – December 30 (excludes December 3 & 25) // 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. // Drive-through this animated display of more than 500,000 lights. Enjoy music, and see Santa Claus himself! Cost: Free, donations accepted.

girl Christmas lightsParade of Lights (Grapevine). December 1 // 7:00 p.m. // The entire family will love the largest lighted Christmas parade in North Texas, featuring 100 lighted floats and marching bands. Cost: Free.

Parade of Lights (Grapevine). December 2 // 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. // The mayor lights the tree at 6:00 p.m., followed by children’s activities, performances, and a Santa visit. Cost: Free.

A Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place (Fort Worth)December 3 (12:00 – 9:00 p.m.) and December 4 (12:00 – 5:00 p.m.) // Tour six homes, including the The History Channels’ “Lone Star Restoration” home, all decorated for Christmas. Cost: $15 in advance or $20 on day of tour.

Holiday Lights Parade (Arlington). December 3 // 2:00 – 8:30 p.m., parade: 6:00 p.m. // Thousands of people will gather for the pageantry, which ends with the lighting of the Christmas tree on the steps of City Hall. Cost: Free.

City’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Fireworks Show (Burleson). December 3 // 6:00 p.m. // See the lighting of Christmas tree and a firework show choreographed to holiday music. Cost: Free.

Old Fashioned Downtown Christmas Event & Parade (Roanoke). December 3 // 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. // An evening of holiday fun that includes carriage rides, musical performances, strolling carolers, and more. Cost: Free.

Interlochen (Arlington). December 16 – December 25 // 7:00 – 11:00 p.m., nightly // Interlochen, a neighborhood in north Arlington, is known for its amazing display of Christmas lights. Cost: Free.

Stage Shows & Performances

A Christmas Carol (Plaza Theatre Company). November 18 – December 23 // Varying times. // Watch the cranky Mr. Scrooge find redemption and love in this Christmas classic. Cost: $15 for adults and $13 for kids 12 and under.

Elf the Musical, Jr. (Artisan Theater). November 18 – December 23 // Varying times. // Join Buddy as he ventures from his life at the North Pole to a family he never knew in New York City. Cost: Ticket prices vary.

Scrooge the Musical (Artisan Theater). November 18 – December 23 // Varying times. // Ebeneezer Scrooge’s life is changed as he encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Cost: Ticket prices vary.

Santa Claus: A New Musical (Casa Mañana). November 25 – December 23 // Varying times. // Santa is ready for retirement, and he and his loyal elves need to get a new Santa ready to take on Christmas! Cost: Ticket prices vary.

The Gifts of the Magi (Jubilee Theatre). November 25 – December 24 // Varying times. // A poor couple sells their most valuable belongings to purchase each other gifts. Cost: Ticket prices vary.

A Fort Worth Family Christmas Concert (Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium). November 27 // 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. // Go listen to the Symphony Musicians of Fort Worth perform delightful Christmas tunes. Cost: $15 for general admission $5 for children ages 3-12.

A Christmas Carol: Scrooge & Marley (Theatre Arlington). December 2 – 18 // Varying times. // Embark on a theatrical adventure with Mr. Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and a handful of ghosts. Cost: Ticket prices vary. 

Cirque Dreams Holidaze (Bass Performance Hall). December 3 at 7:30 p.m. and December 4 at 1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. // Allow this cirque show to dazzle you this holiday season! Cost: Ticket prices vary.

The Littlest Wiseman (W. E. Scott Theatre). December 3 – December 11 // Various days and times // A play pageant of the nativity featuring the Dorothy Shaw Bell Choir. Cost: Free.

Texas Ballet Theater’s The Nutcracker (Bass Performance Hall). Various performances throughout December beginning December 9  // Flying carpets, snow, and talented dancers make this show unforgettable. Cost: Ticket prices vary.

Ballet Concerto’s A Holiday Special dance concert (Will Rogers Auditorium). December 9 // 7:00 p.m. // A program that brings the holidays to life through dance and familiar Christmas tunes. Cost: Ticket prices vary.

The Nutty Nutcracker (Bass Performance Hall). December 16 // 8:00 p.m. // Enjoy this eccentric and entertaining Nutcracker parody. Cost: Ticket prices vary.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (Plaza Theatre Company). December 17 at 11:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. and December 19 at 11:00 a.m. // Everyone’s favorite Peanut is brought to life on the stage in celebration of the most magical season. Cost: Ticket prices vary.

Mannheim Steamroller (Bass Performance Hall).  December 29 // 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. // A thrilling night of Christmas music awaits you. Cost: Ticket prices start at $50.

Festive and Family-Friendly Events

Christmas at the Anatole (Dallas)Begins November 26 // Hilton Anatole is excited to bring back Christmas at the Anatole starting November 26! Featuring an interactive Breakfast with Santa experience, holiday movie night, and a seasonal scavenger hunt, families are sure to create lasting memories. Visit its website for additional details and to purchase hotel packages and individual tickets. Ticket prices vary.

Adventure to Santa (The Parks Mall at Arlington). November 4 – December 24 // Explore Santa’s home, take a sleigh ride, meet Santa, and more. Cost: Pre-purchased photo packages range from $40-$74.

The 12 Days of Christmas (Dallas Arboretum). November 6 – January 8 // This outdoor exhibit features 12 gazebos decorated with animated vignettes. Cost: Prices vary.

Lone Star Christmas (Gaylord Texan Resort). November 10 – January 1 // Marvel at the lavish decorations, ICE!, Santa, milk and cookies with Mrs. Claus, and The Elf on the Shelf ® Scavenger Hunt. Cost: Prices vary.

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops (Grapevine). November 12 – December 24 // Meet Santa, plus get a FREE photo, along with free crafts, games, and activities. Other photo packages are available for purchase.

Panther Island Ice (within the Coyote Drive-In complex). November 18 – January 16 // Hours vary. // Fort Worth’s only outdoor rink remains open seven days a week, including all holidays. Cost: $12, includes skate rental and tax.

Holiday in the Park (Six Flags Over Texas). Select dates and times between November 19 and January 2. // Gather the family for sparkling holiday lights, decorations, and holiday thrills. Cost: Prices vary.

The Polar Express: An IMAX Experience (Fort Worth Museum of Science and History). November 19 – December 15 // Catch this classic new movie, based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. Polar Pajama Parties are also available. Cost: $9 for adults, $8 for children.

The Trains at NorthPark. November 19 – January 8 // The charitable exhibit encompasses more than 4,000 square feet of train-themed environments. Cost: $7 for adults, $3 for children (ages 2-12), under two are free.

Reindeer Park and Festival (NorthPark in Dallas). November 25 // 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. // In the midst of the shopping frenzy, you’ll find story time with Santa, delicious treats, music, and fun activities with dear Rudolph. Cost: Free.

Texas Chriskindl Market (Arlington). November 25 – December 23 // Inspired by a cherished German tradition, this is the largest open-air holiday market in the Southwest. Cost: Free.

Snowland! (Great Wolf Lodge). Begins November 26. // Experience an 84-degree indoor waterpark along with visit from Santa, sing-alongs, life-size gingerbread house, snow showers, and more. Cost: Price of stay varies.

Holly Days: Christmas at Keller Town Center. December 2 // Santa Scurry 5K Run/Walk, Jingle Bell Kid Zone, local entertainment, and more. Very Merry Light Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. Cost: One non-perishable food item.

Birds Christmas Tree: Fort Worth Botanic Garden. December 3 // 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. // This is the Gardens’ oldest tradition, and it encourages birds to stay through the winter. Cost: Free.

Christmas in the StockyardsDecember 3 // 11:30 – 5:00 p.m. // Holiday games, photos with Santa, and a parade at 4:00 p.m. Cost: Free.

Holidays at the Hearth (Log Cabin Village). December 3 // 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. // Enjoy holiday music, crafts, and the historic St. Nick ($5 photo). Cost: Regular Village admission plus $2 craft fee.

Christmas on the Square (Downtown Weatherford)santa clause. December 3 // 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. // Shopping, entertainment, Santa, and fun for the kiddos can be found. Cost: Free.

Christmas Tyme in Aledo. December 3 // 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. // The day-long arts and crafts festival continues on as a traditional attraction for the community. Cost: Free.

Gingertown Dallas. December 6 // 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. // One of the largest gingerbread house events in North Texas, Gingertown presents a live build competition, with proceeds going to Children’s Craniofacial Association. Cost: Free.

Smile Fort Worth Dentistry and Santa. December 8 // 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. // Hang out with Santa at Smile Fort Worth Dentistry! FREE pictures and holiday treats!  Everyone is welcome (3600 Hulen Street)! Cost: Free.

Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with Santa at camp Fire Camp El Tesoro (Granbury). December 3 // 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. // Hot breakfast, visit with Santa, hayrides, crafts, and more! Cost: Free for children two and under, $5 for children 3-13, and $10 for kids older than 13.

Santa’s Breakfast (Burleson Recreation Center). December 3 // 7:00 – 11:00 a.m. // Enjoy breakfast, visits with Santa, and holiday crafts. Cost: Ticket prices vary.

Breakfast with Santa (The Keller Pointe). December 3 // Seatings at: 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 10:30 a.m. // Feast on a delicious breakfast, and watch as your sweet little ones visit with Santa and present him with their wish lists. Cost: $15 per person.

Breakfast with Santa (Texas Star Golf Course). December 10 // 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. // Enjoy a hearty breakfast, and then join Santa’s elves as they make arts and crafts. Reservations are required.

Breakfast with St. NICUlas (The Fort Worth Club). December 10 // 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. // Join us at the Fort Worth Club for Breakfast with St. NICUlas. Enjoy breakfast, Santa, and entertainment while benefiting Texas Health Fort Worth’s NICU.

The Star of Bethlehem Experience (Weatherford). December 17 – 18 // 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. // Visit Capernaum Village where you can experience an authentic outdoor village as you enjoy sights and sounds of the first century.  Cost: Adults: $15, Kids and Seniors: $12, Family Pack: $50, group rates available.

Christmas treesChristmas Tree Farms

Christmas Trees at Mainstay Farm (Cleburne). November 25 & 26, 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. // November 27, 1:00 – 5:30 p.m. // December 3 & 10, 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. // December 4 & 11, 1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Haynie’s Green Acres Christmas Tree Farm (Crowley). Beginning November 25, 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. // Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. // Sundays, Noon – 5:30 p.m. // Monday – Friday, 2:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Sunset Hill Tree Farm (Alvarado). November 25, 26, & 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. // Every weekend afterward from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until they run out of trees.

3 COMMENTS

  1. The Symphonic Musicians of Fort Worth are putting three holiday concerts this season.

    May 27 – “A Fort Worth Family Christmas” – 4 PM at Will Rogers Auditorium, Ron Spiegelman conducting, Briggett Rideau guest vocalist, $15 general admission, $5 Children ages 3-12, Children 2 and under free. purchase tickets at http://www.Eventbrite.com

    December 13- “A Baroque Christmas” – 7 PM at Broadway Baptist Church, Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto, soloists Michael Shih, violin, Jennifer Lucio oboe, Pam Adams flute, Kyle Sherman trumpet http://www.fwsomusicians.com

    December 22 – Apex Arts League presents “Holiday Concert at White’s Chapel United Methodist Church” in Southlake. 7 PM. Vivaldi’s “Winter” concerto. soloists Laura Bruton viola and Swang Lin violin. http://apex-arts.org/events/

  2. Oh my goodness, what an INCREDIBLE list! Thank you, THANK YOU! This is exactly what I was looking for – a simple and concise list of holiday events in DFW to take my family and guests to. I am so appreciative!

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