Downtown Fort Worth Inc., presents the GM Financial Parade of Lights | Photos by Tim Brewstowski
Are you ready for the most wonderful time of the year, Fort Worth? Parade of Lights — one of the city’s most cherished seasonal events — will celebrate its 40th year of bringing holiday cheer to downtown this Sunday, Nov. 20.
This year’s theme is “Lights, Camera … Christmas” with Texas A&M University chancellor John Sharp as the Grand Marshal. An opening ceremony will kick off the festive fun at 6 p.m. at Weatherford and Throckmorton streets. Here’s what you need to know ahead of Texas’ largest illuminated holiday parade.
By the numbers
120 floats will parade through downtown 🛺
500,000 lights with illuminate the city ✨
100,000 people are expected to attend, so get there early ⏱️
35 streets will be closed on Sunday starting at 6 a.m. 🚧
Parade route and schedule
The parade will commence shortly after 6 p.m. and take about 40 minutes to make its way through downtown. Here’s the route it will follow:
East on Weatherford Street to Commerce Street
South to 9th Street
West to Houston Street
North on 2nd Street
West to Throckmorton
South to 3rd Street
Once the parade concludes, families can take pictures with Santa, grab a hot chocolate, and check out the Sundance Square Christmas tree.
Last-minute pro tips
Free and paid parking options (inside garages) are available throughout the area. Meters are free on the weekend or avoid traffic and take the TEXRail into Central Station, about two blocks from the parade route.
Ensure you have the best seat by purchasing a street-side ticket in advance for $25+. You can also watch the route from the sidewalk, but expect the best seats to be chosen pretty early.
If you’d rather stay warm indoors, you can watch the parade on channel KTXA 21.
Glitter & Glamour for Girls, Inc. | Wednesday, Nov. 16 | 5-8 p.m. | Kendra Scott, 1612 S. University Dr., Fort Worth | Cost of purchase | Enjoy signature drinks and sweet treats as you shop Kendra Scott products with 20% of proceeds benefiting Girls Inc. of Tarrant County.
Thursday, Nov. 17
Fort Worx Showcase Dinner | Thursday, Nov. 17 | 6-8 p.m. | Taste Community Restaurant, 1200 S. Main St., Fort Worth | $200+ for a table of 4 | Enjoy a multi-course meal prepared by apprentices as they showcase their new skills.
Friday, Nov. 18
The Light Park | Friday, Nov. 18-Sunday, Jan. 1 | 5:30-11 p.m. | Hurricane Harbor Parking Lot, 1800 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington | $29+ per car | Drive through a mile-long spectacular featuring millions of lights synchronized to an electric mix of music powered by DJ Polar Ice.
Saturday, Nov. 19
Pumpkin Spice Half Marathon, 10K & 5K | Saturday, Nov. 19 | 8 a.m. | Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey St., Fort Worth | $39 | Lace up your sneakers for a run complete with pumpkin spice coffee, hot chocolate, beer, and music.
Sunday, Nov. 20
Cookie Decorating Class | Sunday, Nov. 20 | 6-8:30 p.m. | $60+ | University Park Village, 1612 S. University Dr., Fort Worth | Decorate four sugar cookies + enjoy sips, sweets, and 15% off your shopping at Kendra Scott.
Monday, Nov. 21
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical | Monday, Nov. 21 + Tuesday, Nov. 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth | $35+ | Come see all of your favorite characters including Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph as they come to life in this magical musical.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Beginning this Friday, Nov. 18 — anyone carrying an open container in the West 7th District will be fined $500. The impacted area is bounded by University Drive and Carroll Street on the west, 5th and Weisenberger streets on the north, railroad tracks on the east, and Lancaster Avenue on the south. 🚫
Drink
The Near Southside’s newest barThe Down ‘n Out (150 W. Rosedale St.) is opening Monday, Nov. 21 with a tropical-themed, holiday pop-up bar hosted by Sippin’ Santa. Customers can expect over-the-top decor and Instagrammable cocktails. 🍹 (CultureMap Fort Worth)
Open
Bonchon, a Dallas-based Korean fried chicken restaurant, is now open in southwest Fort Worth at 9652 Ten Gallon Dr. The menu features wings, drumettes, boneless strips, Korean tacos, and classic Korean side dishes. It’s open daily starting at 11 a.m. 🍗
Sports
James Cash — TCU’s first Black student-athlete and basketball player — was honored with a statue outside Schollmaier Arena. The university presented James with an Honorary Doctorate for his leadership in sports, community, and education. Read about his legacy. 🎓
Holiday
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Sundance Square. On Monday, a 65-ft tall Norway Spruce tree was lifted into place as part of a 76-year tradition. A formal tree lighting ceremony will be held Sunday, Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. 🎄
Concert
Grammy Award-winning pop singer P!nk is bringing her “Summer Carnival” tour to Globe Life Field in Arlington. The Friday, Sept. 29, 2023 concert will be Pink’s first appearance in North Texas since 2018. Tickets go on sale Monday, Nov. 21 at 10 a.m. 🎤
DYK
Did you know this is your last chance to share yourBlack Friday deals with our FTWtoday readers? Promote your business with us by submitting a deal to be included in our Friday, Nov. 25 newsletter. Pricing varies by market + must be submitted by today, Wednesday, Nov. 16.
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Psst — Thanksgiving is next Thursday, Nov. 24. If you’re planning to serve turkey, don’t forget that a meat thermometer is essential to avoid a potential case of food poisoning. Try this waterproof digital meat thermometer with 53,000+ five star reviews or splurge on this smart meat thermometer that connects to your phone via Bluetooth.*
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Fall-elujah the cooler weather has arrived. | Photo by @scottyofeden
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means the kids will be out of school and home for fall break. Whether you need a quiet house to get some work done or the kiddos need to burn off some energy, there are plenty of ways to stay entertained locally.
🦁 Fall Zoo Camp | Monday, Nov. 21 + Tuesday, Nov. 22 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Pkwy., Fort Worth | $85 per day | Kids (ages 5-10) can make memorable experiences that focus on wildlife conservation and the outdoors.
🦃 Turkey Trouble | Monday, Nov. 21 | 9 a.m.-11 a.m. | Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, 1600 Gendy St., Fort Worth | $30 | Students (ages 6-8) can construct their own knowledge of the world through hands-on experiences.
🔥 Fire Station Camp | Monday, Nov. 21-Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. | Fire Station Community Center, 1601 Lipscomb St., Fort Worth | $15 per day | Kids (ages 5-13) can socialize with friends while playing in the mini library and on the playground.
Editor’s pick: There’s a new, all-inclusive playground at Joe Kelly School (201 N. Bailey Ave.) thanks to Be An Angel. The We-Go-Swing provides a completely inclusive play opportunity with a new ramp and cover for accessibility. The playground is the first of its kind in the DFW area.
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