Immerse yourself in a world of lights at the Botanic Garden. | Photo provided by Lightscape
This one’s for the parents — the fall semester may be wrapping up, but you’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 30 kid-friendly activities around the 817.
Fort Worth Zoo | 🎟️ Family memberships available Bring a gift for the animal enrichment toy drive and then peruse the 500+ species in one of the world’s best zoos. Don’t miss out on Winter Zoo Camp running Monday, Dec. 23-Friday, Dec. 27 + Monday, Dec. 30-Friday, Jan. 3.
Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington | 🎟️ Season passes available See the amusement park decked out in lights during Holiday in the Park. The seasonal celebrations run through New Years Eve and feature several festive shows.
Peppa Pig Theme Park, North Richland Hills | 🎟️ Annual passes available Set to open March 1, 2025, the theme park will feature five toddler-friendly rides and nine play spaces modeled after the British television show.
Volunteer Day | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Opal Lee’s Farm | Free | Spend the morning giving back and helping in Opal’s community garden.
Friday, Dec. 20
Texas State Songwriters Championship | Friday, Dec. 20-Saturday, Dec. 21 | 6 p.m.-2 a.m. | Madam Pearl’s Saloon | $15+ | Indie artists will sing for the title of champion at the tenth anniversary of the competition.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Pentatonix | 7 p.m. | Dickies Arena | $129+ | The Arlington-born a cappella group is bringing their “Hallelujah! It’s A Christmas Tour” back home to DFW.
Sunday, Dec. 22
Dallas Cowboys | 7:20 p.m. | AT&T Stadium, Arlington | $22+ | Fresh off their win over the Carolina Panthers, “America’s Team” returns to the gridiron against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — game on, TBAYtoday.
Simon Property Group is planning a $15 million expansion of the Shops at Clearfork. Located on a vacant block of Marathon Avenue, the three story building will include ground level retail space and offices. According to a state filing, construction on the 75,800-sqft building is set to begin in March and wrap up mid-2026.
Open
City officials cut the ribbon on the refurbished Sheep & Swine Barns at Will Rogers Memorial Center earlier this week. The $40 million renovation — which also includes a show arena — will host the 2025 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo starting Friday, Jan. 17. Grab tickets. (Fort Worth Report)
Coming Soon
“Top Chef” contestant Casey Thompson will soon unveil the menu for a new restaurant in the Near Southside. Duchess, a New American restaurant with a Texan twist, will be located in the historic Fire Station No. 5 as part of The Nobleman Hotel, which is set to open in early 2025. (CultureMap Fort Worth)
Travel
Earlier this month, Fiji Airways launched its longest nonstop route out of DFW Airport. Travelers can board the 13.5-hour flight on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays to Nadi, Fiji. Ready to embark on a tropical vacation? Bookmark our guide to navigating the world’s third largest airport. (Dallas Business Journal)
Weather
Break out your short sleeve holiday sweaters — WFAA meteorologist Pete Delkus wants to know who asked Santa for a warm Christmas this year. Delkus shared North Texas’ 14-day forecast, which expects temperatures in the high 60s on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Sports
Missed last night’s face-off between the Dallas Stars and the Toronto Maple Leafs? Get the game recap from the local experts of the Dallas Stars with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Job
Hiring? Our new community job board could help you find that perfect candidate. Bonus: Your first job posting is free! Give it a try.
Tech
Transform your potential into prosperity with 100 innovative side hustle opportunities. HubSpot’s expertly curated database matches your unique skills with high-potential ventures, from creative enterprises to digital solutions. Get your free access to discover your next big win.*
The Buy
The Buy
Pet insurance. No longer worry about surprise vet bills when you get a plan that reimburses up to 90%. See Money’s list of top providers and get covered for as little as $15 per month.
Follow the fajitas — Northside Mexican restaurant Los Vaqueros is set to close its North Main Street location on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 3 p.m. But never fear, the historic eatery will reopen in the Stockyards Exhibit Building on Rodeo Plaza on Thursday, Dec. 26.
}})
