HOLIDAY SIGNATURE EVENTS
WHERE TO GET IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT
SUNDANCE SQUARE TREE LIGHTING:
Fort Worth’s downtown Sundance Square glistens year round, but when the majestic 65’-foot tall Christmas tree lights up on November 17, so does the town. Get there early to enjoy live music and countdown to the start of the holiday season.
XTO ENERGY PARADE OF LIGHTS:
Each year, the Parade of Lights brings together the Fort Worth community for a postcard-worthy holiday event. While the parade begins at 6 p.m. on November 18, plan to arrive in downtown early to take care of your holiday shopping and to grab a great seat!
CHRISTMAS IN THE STOCKYARDS:
‘Tis the season, y’all! Celebrate a cowboy Christmas on December 1 with an all-day family-friendly event that includes cowboy poetry, photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus and of course, the Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive.
TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY GIFT OF LIGHTS:
With nearly three million lights, this Texas-sized drive-through light park is sure to get you in the holiday spirit! After driving through two miles of beautiful displays, end up at Santa’s Village for photos, food and more. Take it all in November 29 – December 30.
THE MODERN LIGHTS:
From November 23 – February 3, The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth will be illuminated in a spectacular array of festive lights. Treat yourself to dinner at Café Modern for a great meal and gorgeous holiday views!
SHOPPING AND HOLIDAY FINDS
CHECK OFF YOUR LIST
THE SHOPS AT CLEARFORK:
This walkable, outdoor mall is a shopper’s dream. From Neiman Marcus to local boutiques and home decor stores, you’ll find something for everyone on your list. Plus, you’ll have fun too. After you shop, treat yourself to one of the delicious restaurants or a mani/pedi at Villa Nail Salon.
TANGER OUTLETS:
Located directly across from Texas Motor Speedway, this brand-new outdoor shopping center is sparkling with savings. Score 25% off at participating stores for their grand opening.
SUNDANCE SQUARE:
Head to the heart of Downtown Fort Worth for unique finds at local boutiques. While you’re there, stop by the Fort Worth Visitor Center for tips on how to make your holiday visit exceptional!
M.L. LEDDY’S:
This family business has been handcrafting boots and saddles since the 1920s. Stop by their location in the Stockyards National Historic District to shop quality gifts and Texan apparel.
HOLIDAY FOOD AND DRINK
EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY
CATTLEMEN’S STEAKHOUSE:
When in Texas, you celebrate with a good steak. Head to the Stockyards National Historic District and try one of the best steaks in town.
JOE T. GARCIA’S:
With just two delicious Tex-Mex entree options, (fajitas and enchiladas) this place is perfect for groups of all sizes! Gather with family and friends at this family-owned Fort Worth favorite for margs and memories.
BIRD CAFE:
After a day enjoying Sundance Square, this local restaurant is the perfect place to relax. It’s in a historic building and offers classy vibes, a small rooftop patio for dinner with a view and delicious chef-driven cuisine.
BONNELL’S FINE TEXAS CUISINE:
What do you get when you pair an expert chef with locally-sourced ingredients? One of the finest dining experiences in Cowtown. Read more about Chef Bonnell’s love for Fort Worth here.
SCAT JAZZ LOUNGE:
After dinner, look for Scat Jazz Lounge’s neon sign to wrap up your night with drinks and live jazz. Half the fun is finding this underground jazz lounge, but we’ll give you a hint: it’s by Sundance Square.
HOLIDAY DISCOVERIES AND ENTERTAINMENT
PANTHER ISLAND ICE:
Coyote Drive-in transforms into a winter wonderland at Fort Worth’s largest outdoor ice skating rink. Panther Island Ice is the perfect place for a family outing and is open daily (even on holidays) from November 16 – January 14.
STARLIGHT SYMPHONY AT CROCKETT ROW:
Catch the dazzling choreographed light show synced to Christmas music every evening in December from 6 to 9 p.m. and ride in a horse-drawn carriage on Friday and Saturday nights. Crockett Row at West 7th is also just a hop and a skip away from great bars like The Yard on Morton Street, if you’re looking for nightlife fun!
BASS PERFORMANCE HALL:
Whether you prefer to cherish classics like The Nutcracker, listen to the sounds of Fort Worth Orchestra’s Home for the Holidays or sing along to A Charlie Brown Christmas, Bass Hall is a perfect backdrop for holiday traditions.
Featured Image of Sundance Square, Courtesy: Fort Worth CVB