Photo of a Christmas tree down the street

The Sundance Square Christmas tree can be seen from blocks away. | Photo by @FTWtoday

It’s the time of year when radio stations are playing endless rounds of carols. We thought we’d contribute to the ever-growing canon of holiday tunes with our own semi-original song, featuring our favorite topic — yup, you guessed it — Fort Worth.

Now don’t get your stockings in a twist — this isn’t even close to an exhaustive list. We could fill 100 verses with things we love about Fort Worth, but to preserve your time — and all of our sanity — we’ll just stick to one. So, here you have it: FTWtoday’s 12 Days of Fort Worth.

On the 12th day of Christmas, Cowtown sent to me... 🎶

Twelve brisket places
Not just a summertime favorite, warm up with a smoked brisket from a local barbecue joint.

Eleven spots for tea time
Trade your peppermint mocha for a spiced chai tea and relax from the seasonal stress.

Ten local food trucks
Fuel up at one of these mobile restaurants during your holiday shopping.

Nine sister cities
Ready for an end-of-the-year getaway? We suggest Budapest.

Eight honky-tonk bars
Who isn’t looking for love this season? Maybe you’ll meet your match on the dance floor.

Seven local murals
Get out of the house and take a scenic stroll by one of our many murals created by local artists.

Six cooking classes
So your family doesn’t suggest you bring the napkins anymore.

Five city tours
Friends coming to town? Introduce them to Cowtown with a fun, informational tour.

Four billionaires
How about $10s and $20s? These folks don’t have to ask for cash this year.

Three colleges
Between TCU, Texas Wesleyan, and Tarrant County College, there are students around every corner. Pro tip: College campuses are great spots for seasonal family photos.

Two cattle drives
A local highlight regardless of the season — head to the Stockyards for this twice-daily tradition.

And a sleeping panther in downtown
Ready to curl up for a nap? So is this insult-turned-icon statue in front of the Tarrant County Administration Building.

EVENTS

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Thursday, Dec. 1

Movies That Matter Film Screening | Thursday, Dec. 1 | 7-9:30 p.m. | The Modern, 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth | Free | Catch a viewing of “Haida Modern The Art & Activism of Robert Davidson” during the bi-monthly film series that highlights human and civil rights issues.
The Marshall Tucker Band | Thursday, Dec. 1 | 8 p.m. | Tannahill’s Tavern and Music Hall, 122 E. Exchange Ste. 200, Fort Worth | $25+ | Groove as this American rock band blends blues, country, and jazz.

Friday, Dec. 2

Joy in the Journey | Friday, Dec. 2-Sunday, Dec. 4 | Times vary | Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, 3901 S. Hulen St., Fort Worth | $6-$12 | Join a wintry tour of holiday stories and performances featuring FWAFA’s premiere performing groups.
A Twitty and Lynn Acoustic Christmas | Friday, Dec. 2 | 7:30 p.m. | Downtown Cowtown at the Isis, 2401 N. Main St., Fort Worth | $32.50 | The grandchildren of famed duo Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty have taken to the road to honor their grandparents in an intimate evening of music and storytelling.

Saturday, Dec. 3

Art After Hours | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth | Free | Head to the world-renowned museum for an evening party with local musical talent.
Cowtown Cabaret | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 7-10 p.m. | Red Goose Saloon, 306 N. Houston St., Fort Worth | $20-$30 | The “Best Little Saloon Show in Texas” is an adult dinner theater show inspired by “Hell’s Half Acre” and the debaucherous past of downtown Cowtown.
Fort Worth Margarita Ball | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 7 p.m.-12 a.m. | The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel, 200 Main St., Fort Worth | $150+ | Children’s Charities of Fort Worth is hosting its largest event for the 33rd year, benefiting 13 charities throughout the area.

Sunday, Dec. 4

“Belly of the Beast” | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 4-6 p.m. | The Modern, 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth | Free | The Movies That Matter Latino series will feature the seven-year long legal drama documentary.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

BIZ

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NEWS NOTES

Weather

53º | Cloudy | 10% chance of rain

Development

The city named three construction firms for the $52 million convention center renovation. Local firms AECOM Hunt, Byrne, and EJ Smith will take on the first phase of the project, including new concession facilities, annex demolition, Commerce Street realignment, and loading dock expansion. 🏗

Traffic

TX-DOT held a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday for the Southeast Connector. The $1.6 billion project will widen I-20 to 10 lanes from I-820 to US 287, widen I-820 to eight lanes from I-20 to Rosedale Street, and reconstruct the I-20, I-820, and US 287 interchanges. 🚧 (WFAA)

Open

A new bar called The Down n’ Out opened this week in the Near Southside at 150 W. Rosedale St. Branded as “just a regular bar,” the watering hole is currently hosting Beachbum Berry’s Sippin’ Santa, a tiki-themed holiday cocktail pop-up. 🍹

Biz

Beauty Manufacturing Solutions Corp., a high-tech beauty product company, is opening a $150 million facility in Fort Worth, it’s second in the DFW area. The 445,870-sqft facility will bring 250 skilled jobs to Alliance Texas. 💄

Read

Calling all teachers — the Fort Worth Public Library is inviting you to “Fill the Bag.” Swing by the Central Branch (500 W. 3rd St.) on Saturday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. + Sunday, Dec. 4, 1-5 p.m. with your school ID or educator’s card to stock your classroom shelves with free books, DVDs, and CDs. 📚

Transit

A $1.5 million renovation is coming to the Texas & Pacific Station on West Lancaster Avenue next year. The historic building will get a new entry plaza for Trinity Metro riders that will also serve the post office, condos, and restaurant on the site. 🚂 (Fort Worth Report)

Theater

Circle Theatre (230 W. 4th St.) is throwing its annual holiday carnival on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. The event includes live performances and original monologues, raffles, games, and fares from local businesses. Grab tickets + remember to wear your tacky holiday sweater for a chance to win a prize. 🎭

Community

Bring an unwrapped toy to Fort Worth Meacham Airport Hangar 11 (201 American Concourse) on Thursday, Dec. 8 for American Aero FTW’s drive-thru toy drop. The fixed-base operator is supporting the US Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program this holiday season. 🧸

Shop

If you work from home like us, you’ve likely become accustomed to having stiff muscles at the end of a workday due to prolonged sitting. Combat this with a little office upgrade — an electric standing desk paired with a sleek under desk treadmill. Oh, and don’t forget to stay hydrated.*

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TRENDING

Eye see you TCU 👀

Feeling hypnotized yet? | Graphic by FTWtoday

The TCU Horned Frogs are on a roll this season. After 12 straight wins, the team is ranked No. 3, its highest ranking since 2015.

TCU will face off against the Kansas State Wildcats in the Big 12 Conference Championship at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. Grab tickets, if you haven’t already.

What we really want to know is if we’re gonna see head coach Sonny Dykes in his viral “hypnotoad sweatshirt” on the jumbotron at Jerry World.

But what’s up with this crazy-eyed trend?

The hypnotoad is a reference from the early 2000s animated science fiction show “Futurama.” The frog-like creature has large oscillating multi-colored eyes and makes a droning noise that hypnotizes people and animals.

In the past, TCU has put the hypnotoad up on the scoreboard while opposing teams were kicking to throw off the players. Now, you can get TCU hypnotoad merch in everything from t-shirts to holiday ornaments on Etsy.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Kate.

Editor’s pick: My family has this silly habit of rewriting song lyrics about what we’re doing and Christmas carols are some of our favorites. The best one’s — like a “Where are you Pepto,” a particularly uncouth version of “Where are you Christmas” about overeating during the holidays — get resung every year. So, rewriting the 12 Days of Christmas was like riding a bike for me.

What about you? If you were to rewrite a holiday song about Fort Worth, what song would you chose and what Cowtown icons would you include? Send us your verses and we’ll reshare the best in an upcoming newsletter.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Cut and pick a fresh Christmas tree at a local farm this season.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Rebecca McRobbie, Kate Mazade, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Camille McLeod | Advertise with us.

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