1. SUNDANCE SQUARE TREE LIGHTING
November 23 in Fort Worth’s Sundance Square
Surrounded by classical-style buildings, bright retail spaces and dazzling fountains, Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth is a place loved by locals and tourists alike year round. Now, imagine witnessing the lighting of a beautiful, 65-foot tall Christmas tree right in the middle of it! On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the annual event kicks off at 6 p.m. The Sundance Square Tree Lighting event is free to attend.
2. HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS TREE LIGHTING
November 23 at Southlake Town Square
If you want to get a head start on your holiday shopping, Southlake’s Town Square is the place to go. Shop at over 90+ boutiques and high-end stores to check a few gifts off your list, and then head to Southlake’s annual Home for the Holidays Tree Lighting for photos with Santa, Christmas carolers and even snow hill tubing! Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. and last until 8:30 p.m., with a magical Tree Lighting Ceremony happening at 6 p.m. After the countdown, put on your mittens and build a snowman or go on a carriage ride with your loved ones, all in the glow of holiday lights. This annual event is free.
3. CAROL OF LIGHTS
November 25 at City Hall in Grapevine
Known as the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” the city of Grapevine transforms into a holiday destination covered in millions of twinkling lights each year at a free event, the Carol of Lights. This is a spectacle of lights and sound with characters like singing snowmen and Mrs. Claus bringing tons of holiday cheer. There will be food, Christmas crafts and family-friendly activities beginning at 3 p.m. and the tree lighting itself will take place at 7 p.m.
4. WAXAHACHIE CHRISTMAS PARADE AND TREE LIGHTING
December 3 on the Courthouse Lawn in Waxahachie
Located approximately 30 miles outside of Dallas, Waxahachie is known for a variety of fun annual events including its Renaissance fair and its Texas charm evident throughout the historic downtown and beautiful courthouse. Lucky for us, we’ll get to enjoy the view of the courthouse embellished with Christmas decorations at the Christmas parade and tree lighting. The fun kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with a parade concluded by the one and only, Santa Claus who will also be there for the tree lighting ceremony. Family-friendly activities like train rides and a petting zoo will also be available.
5. DENTON HOLIDAY LIGHTING FESTIVAL
December 6 in Downtown Denton Square
Celebrate the month of December by joining thousands of locals at the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival! In addition to the magical tree lighting at 5:30 p.m., there will be live music, vendors, photos with Santa and horse-drawn carriage rides. Come ready to savor some of Denton’s best as delicious food and drinks will be available for purchase. Skip the parking and avoid festival traffic by hopping on the A-train from Medpark Station.
6. MERRY MAIN STREET LIGHTING OF THE TREE
December 7 at Simpson Plaza in Frisco
Ring in the holiday season with a beautiful tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m., some holiday treats and a LOT of shopping! One of the most unique features of Frisco’s tree lighting event is the Kids Holiday Store, where the cost per kid to shop is $12 for two gifts! No adults are allowed in this pop-up holiday shop, as kids will all be assisted by Santa’s helpers, and all gifts purchased will be wrapped on site! There will also be photos with Santa and a children’s choir performance you won’t want to miss!
Featured Image of Denton Holiday Lighting Festival, Courtesy: Discover Denton, Ed Steele
Originally published on November 7, 2017
Updated with current information on September 24, 2019