Parade of Lights
The COVID-19 pandemic may have changed our everyday routines this year — but it hasn't changed our holiday spirit. Whether you need a place to start Christmas shopping or want to experience a drive-in light display, we’ve got you covered. Here are 20 safe festivities you and your family can participate in this holiday season.
1. GM Financial Parade of Lights, Nov. 22
Put on some sweats, order in, and experience the 38th annual GM Financial Parade of Lights from the comfort of your home this year. The parade will be taking place inside the Fort Worth Convention Center in front of a virtual audience and broadcast locally and on the Parade of Lights Facebook page. While it may not be the same as the real thing, the parade is still encouraging the public to build their own float and volunteer while maintaining social distancing.
For more information, visit fortworthparadeoflights.org.
2. Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway, Nov. 26 – Jan. 3
Texas Motor Speedway will still be mesmerizing guests with its drive-through light show this season. Experience over a million lights and holiday displays all from the comfort and safety of your vehicle. However, due to CDC guidelines, Santa’s Village will not be available.
For more information and tickets, visit: giftoflightstexas.com.
3. Fort Worth Symphony Home For the Holidays, Nov. 27 – 29
Get into the holiday spirit with a festive program of your favorite seasonal classics and Christmas carols performed by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and special guests. The show will take place at the Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium this year, with COVID-19 guidelines in place.
For more information visit, the Fort Worth Symphony's website.
4. 11th Annual Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience, Nov. 21 – 22
Get a head start on your holiday shopping and visit the Will Rogers Memorial Center for over 150 merchants offering their best handmade, upcycled, repurposed, and vintage finds. Shop for gifts such as clothes, home décor, and more — even bring along your dog for a pet-friendly shopping experience.
For more information, visit the Funky Finds website.
5. Luminova Holidays at Globe Life Field, Nov. 20 – Jan. 3
Get entranced by walk-through light displays and photo ops, then take a jab at the outdoor frozen pond and make a stop to snap a picture with Santa, all while snacking on seasonal food and drinks at Arlington's new Globe Life Field.
For more information and tickets, visit luminovaholidays.com.
6. Gaylord Texan's Lone Star Christmas, Nov. 20 – Jan. 3
A local favorite, the Gaylord Texan’s Lone Star Christmas is back — with safety precautions, of course. Marvel at acres of twinkling lights and decorations, plus join in on fan-favorite and new holiday activities, shows, and events, from snow tubing and ice skating to the I Love Christmas Movies pop-up, which lets visitors capture moments with the characters and scenes from classic holiday films.
For more information, visit the resort's website.
7. 4D Christmas Tree Farm, Nov. 28 until trees sell out
Hop aboard a hayride while sipping on some warm hot cocoa and apple cider, then frolic among the Weatherford farm's wide-ranging options of Christmas trees to purchase and take home.
For more information, visit: 4dfarm.com.
8. "A Mowtown Christmas" at Casa Mañana, Dec. 1 – 12
Groove to your holiday favorites, Motown style. Casa Mañana puts on festive renditions of the Christmas classics by Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and more.
For more information and tickets, visit casamanana.org.
9. Jingle All the Way at Casa Mañana, Dec. 5 – 20
Also at Casa Mañana, this kid-friendly event features classic Christmas carols sung by Frosty, Rudolph, and Jingle the Elf, along with an ornament craft and visit from Santa Claus.
For more information and tickets, visit casamanana.org.
10. Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas, Nov. 21 – Jan. 3
Six Flags' annual Holiday in the Park will be taking place on select days between Nov. 21 and Jan. 3. Slide down the Frosty Snowhill, sip a hot chocolate, and watch Santa light the Tree of Trees every night of the event.
For more information and COVID-19 protocols, visit Six Flags Over Texas' website.
11. Cowtown Christmas in the Stockyards, Dec. 3 – 13
Mosey on over to Mule Alley in the Fort Worth Stockyards for over 350 exhibits showcasing Texas-made goods, art, and other holiday gifts for your special someone.
For more information, visit the event's web page.
12. The Nutcracker: Kingdom of Sweets
Missing "The Nutcracker" at Bass Performance Hall? Not to worry — Ballet Frontier of Texas will be performing the second act of "The Nutcracker" and an additional piece like "Butterfly Lovers," "White Swan Pas de Deux," and others.
Ticket information is available at balletfrontier.org.
13. The Sugar Plum Fairy Tea, Nov. 14
The dancers of Aledo Ballet Studio Company and the Aledo Academy of Ballet will also be presenting a "Nutcracker"-inspired performance with The Sugar Plum Fairy Tea, taking place at the Aledo Community Center.
For more information and tickets, visit: aledoacademyofballet.org.
14. A Nash Farm Christmas, throughout December
Grapevine's Nash Farm has a series of events planned throughout December, from Victorian Christmas tours to ornament making and cookie baking.
More information is available on the farm's event web page.
15. Classic Christmas Movies at Palace Theatre, Nov. 28 – Dec. 30
Catch holiday favorites from "Home Alone" to "Elf" at Grapevine's historic Palace Theatre, which also has a slate of live events that include an Elvis Christmas tribute and a performance of "It’s a Wonderful Life — A Live Radio Play."
More information is available on the theater's web page.
16. Prairie Lights, Nov. 26 – Dec. 31
Grand Prairie's Prairie Lights dazzles guests with over 4 million lights set along 2 miles of pathway. While the pandemic has eliminated past carnival rides and a walkthrough of Santa’s Village, Prairie Lights is introducing a drive-through concession stand of festive treats and drinks.
For more information and tickets, visit prairielights.org.
17. Chocoholic Frolic, Dec. 6
Lace up for the Chocoholic Frolic in Grand Prairie — a 5K run that can be virtual, along a trail of the participant's choice, or in person at Lone Star Park, to help limit total capacity. Each participant is met at the finish line with a medal, Chocoholic swag, and loads of chocolate sweets to take home.
For more information on how to volunteer or register, visit chocoholicfrolicrun.com.
18. Carols on Main, Dec. 8
Another way to listen to your favorite holiday songs is at Carols on Main, a free Christmas concert from Church at the Cross at Grapevine's Main Street. Bring your friends and family for a sing-along night while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies served before and after the concert.
For more information, visit the event's web page.
19. Prohibition: A New Year’s Eve Celebration
The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra rings in the new year Roaring '20s style with music from the cabarets and speakeasies of New York, Paris, Berlin, London, and Atlantic City.
For more information, visit the event's web page.
20. Lake Granbury Goosebump Jump, Jan. 2
Looking for a family-friendly event that's a bit more thrilling? Then dive headfirst into Lake Granbury’s Goosebump Jump. Free of charge, the City of Granbury wants to kick off its winter season by challenging the community to jump into the chilling waters of Granbury Lake.
For more information, visit the event's website.