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Winter events happening in and around Fort Worth

Use our seasonal guide for fall and winter events happening around the city.

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The magic of the holidays in Cowtown.

Photo by @dkwann

Table of Contents

Get your fuzzy socks and hot cocoa ready. From light displays to holiday performances and festive parties, winter is where Cowtown thrives.

Gather your family and friends and celebrate what makes the holiday season special with this guide featuring winter events happening through December.

Thanksgiving break for kids

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 | $30 | Students (ages 6-12) 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 | Between the mini-library and the center’s playground, kids (ages 5-13) have plenty of ways to burn off their holiday energy.

Chisholm Trail Camp | Monday, Nov. 21-Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. | Chisholm Trail Community Center, 4936 McPherson Blvd., Fort Worth | $15 per day | At this camp, kids (ages 5-13) can get outside to enjoy a stroll down the two-mile trail or perform a half-pipe at the center’s skate park.

YMCA Holiday Camp | Monday, Nov. 21-Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | YMCA Camp Carter, 6200 Sand Springs Blvd., Fort Worth | $35 per day | Students can reconnect with friends while enjoying activities like archery, high adventure, and canoeing.

Snapology Camp | Friday, Nov. 25 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. + 1-4 p.m. | Snapology, 9157 Harmon Rd., Fort Worth | $49 | Kids (ages 5-14) can play with a secret stash of Mini-Figures to create their favorite movie characters or take a robotics class.

Registration is still open for camps across our area — find an activity that best suits your family.

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Leon Bridges and coach Garry Patterson volunteering.

Photo by Tarrant Area Food Bank

Thanksgiving food distribution

Turkey Palooza | Saturday, Nov. 5 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Chris W. Burkett Service Center, 620 S. Wisteria St., Mansfield | Free | Feast on a complimentary Thanksgiving lunch, and learn how to properly deep-fry a turkey with a live demonstration by the Mansfield Fire Department and Mayor Pro Tem, Todd Tonore.

Mega Mobile Market | Thursday, Nov. 17 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | AT&T Stadium, 1 AT&T Way, Arlington | Free | This is just one of many Mega Mobile Market events hosted by the Tarrant Area Food Bank this holiday season.

Thanksgiving Fest | Friday, Nov. 18 + Saturday, Nov. 19 | 6 a.m.-2 p.m. | Capps Park, 907 W. Berry St., Fort Worth | Free | Nearly 1,000 Thanksgiving grocery boxes will be given away along with gift cards, gas cards, toys + more.

Thanksgiving Food Giveaway | Sunday, Nov. 20 | 11 a.m. | Heavenly Gospel Church, 3134 Stalcup Rd., Fort Worth | Free | Thanksgiving food boxes, free COVID-19 testing + baby products will be available to the community.

Operation Turkey 2022 | Thursday, Nov. 24 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Library Bar, 611 Houston St., Fort Worth | Free | Hundreds of smoked turkey plates will be prepped and ready to be served to the homeless and less fortunate.

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Enjoy a Cowtown Christmas in the Stockyards.

Photo by @randall.lierz

Holiday events

Holly Daze | Saturday, Nov. 12 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Arlington Heights United Methodist Church, 4200 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth | Free | Shop the homemade bake sale, needlework, greeting cards, baby items, jewelry, religious art, décor and more.

Santa Paws | Saturday, Nov. 19 | 11 a.m. | MUTTS Canine Cantina, 5317 Clearfork Main St., Fort Worth | Free | Get your pup’s photo taken with Santa Paws during this holiday pop-up.

Holiday in the Park | Saturday, Nov. 19-Sunday, Jan. 1 | Times vary | Six Flags Over Texas, 2201 E. Road to Six Flags St., Arlington | $50+ | The park will feature 70 Christmas trees with over 10,000 lights, and a choreographed light show.

Stockyards Rodeo Rink | Friday, Nov. 25-Sunday, Feb. 5 | Times vary | Livestock Exchange Building, 131 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth | $20 | Skate your way around the 4,000-sqft professional ice skating rink until you’re ready to warm up with hot chocolate and coffee from Avoca.

Whistle Stop Christmas | Monday, Nov. 21-Saturday, Dec. 31 | Times vary | Hulen Park, 1010 Hillsboro St., Cleburne | $3+ | The festival (~30 minutes south of Fort Worth) includes a lighting ceremony, train rides, holiday treats, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Snowland | Thursday, Nov. 24-Wednesday, Jan. 4 | Times vary | Great Wolf Lodge, 100 Great Wolf Dr., Grapevine | $40+ | The magical snowy wonderland comes to life with twinkling garlands, decorated Christmas trees, and fresh cookies.

Christmas in the Stockyards | Friday, Nov., 25-Saturday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | Stockyards, 128 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth | Cost of purchase | A Cowboy Christmas tradition with thousands of twinkling lights, a 30-ft tree, carolers, and photos with Santa.

North Pole Express | Friday, Nov. 25-Friday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | Grapevine Vintage Railroad, 705 S. Main St., Grapevine | $35+ | Experience a magical ride aboard the vintage railroad and snack on Santa’s chocolate chip cookies and chocolate milk.

Holiday for the Birds | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 1-2:30 p.m. | Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth | $10 | In the spirit of holiday gift giving, participants will make biodegradable bird treats for our local feathered friends while sipping on hot apple cider.

Breakfast With Santa | Saturday, Dec. 3, Saturday, Dec. 10 + Sunday, Dec. 11 | 9 a.m. | Neiman Marcus, 5200 Monahans Ave., Fort Worth | $50+ | Enjoy a delicious holiday breakfast with a special visit from Santa Claus and his team of elves.

Santa’s Open House | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 1-4 p.m. | Cinnamon Creek Ranch, 13794 Old Denton Rd., Roanoke | Free | Take a family photo with Santa, pet reindeer, enjoy a hayride, and sip on hot cocoa by the bonfire.

A Clearfork Christmas Tea Party | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | B&B Butchers and Restaurant, 5212 Marathon Ave., Fort Worth | $15+ | Experience the magic of the ballerinas from Texas Ballet Theater, sip on holiday tea, and snack on treats before Santa makes his grand arrival.

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Immerse yourself in a world of lights at the Botanic Garden.

Photo provided by Lightscape

Light displays

Tell Family Lights | Friday, Nov. 11-Saturday, Dec. 31 | 5 p.m. | Tell Family Lights, 5016 Keating St., Fort Worth | Donation based | The iconic holiday attraction features synchronized lights with songs playing on 99.9 FM. Bonus: Submit a song for your chance to control the lights.

Sugar Lane Lights | Friday, Nov. 11-Saturday, Dec. 31 | 5 p.m. | Sugar Lane Lights, 12452 Willow Springs Rd., Haslet | $35+ | Created by Tell Family Lights, the mile-long journey features a 50-ft mega tree and seven different tunnels with 200,000+ lights.

Lightscape | Friday, Nov. 18-Sunday, Jan. 8 | 5:45-9 p.m. | Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth | $18+ | Walk through a one-mile path of twinkling lights, a fire garden, a wave of bluebonnets, and singing trees. End the evening with toasted marshmallows and seasonal drinks.

Gift of Lights | Thursday, Nov. 24-Sunday, Jan. 1 | 6 p.m. | Texas Motor Speedway, 3545 Lone Star Cir., Fort Worth | $35 | Drive through a hypnotizing two-mile light park that features millions of lights. Bonus: Tickets support local charities.

Sundance Square Lights | Sunday, Nov. 20-Sunday, Jan. 1 | All day | Sundance Square, 425 Houston St., Fort Worth | Free | The massive Christmas tree will be adorned with 10,000 LEDs and ornaments — aka, the perfect place to take that holiday card picture.

GM Financial Parade of Lights | Sunday, Nov. 20 | 6 p.m. | Downtown, 777 Taylor St., Fort Worth | $20+ | Celebrating its 40th year, the parade will take over the streets of downtown with more than 100 illuminated floats, an array of festive performers, holiday decor, and live music.

Enchant Christmas | Friday, Nov. 25-Sunday, Jan. 1 | Times vary | Fair Park, 3809 Grand Ave., Dallas | $20+ | Embark on an immersive Christmas adventure with ice skating, a light maze, gift shops + a scavenger hunt.

The Modern Lights | Friday, Nov. 25-Sunday, Feb. 5 | 5 p.m.-8 a.m. | The Modern, 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth | Free | Be dazzled by the array of festive lights with stunning displays and evening viewing opportunities. Bonus: Enjoy free entry to all galleries until 8 p.m. on Fridays.

Singing Trees | December | Times vary | Burnett Park, 501 W. 7th St., Fort Worth | Free | It’s holiday magic — sing your way through the park as the trees light up to the sounds around them as The Cliburn plays live.

Interlochen Lights | Mid-December-Sat., Dec. 24 | 7 p.m. | Interlochen neighborhood, 2001 Westwood Dr., Arlington | Free | The 45-year tradition includes 200+ homes with festive lights and holiday-themed displays.

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Elf the Musical is back at Bass Performance Hall.

Photo provided by Bass Performance Hall

Holiday performances

Elf the Musical | Friday, Nov. 11-Sunday, Nov. 13 | Times vary | Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth | $61+ | Performing Arts Fort Worth presents this one-weekend show with a hilarious take on Buddy the Elf’s adventures through New York City as he discovers his true identity.

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 | $32+ | Catch the stage adaptation of the classic 1964 stop-motion animated Christmas tale presented by Performing Arts Fort Worth.

Pentatonix: A Christmas Spectacular | Tuesday, Nov. 22 | 7 p.m. | Dickies Arena, 1911 Montgomery St., Fort Worth | $75+ | Arlington’s own a cappella group will perform holiday hits alongside folk trio Girl Named Tom, season 21 winners of “The Voice.”

A Christmas Carol: A New Musical Comedy | Friday, Nov. 25-Friday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | Casa Mañana, 3101 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth | $19+ | Laugh until your belly hurts during this fresh twist on the classic Dickens tale with a contemporary pop score and pop culture references.

Home for the Holidays | Friday, Nov. 25-Sunday, Nov. 27 | 2 p.m. + 7:30 p.m. | Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth | $36+ | Catch a glimpse of old Saint Nick as the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra performs the beloved family favorites, complete with magical snowfall and Christmas carols.

Jingle Ball | Tuesday, Nov. 29 | 7:30 p.m. | Dickies Arena, 1911 Montgomery St., Fort Worth | $29+ | 106.1 KISS FM’s Jingle Ball will feature a star-studded lineup including Jack Harlow, Black Eyed Peas, and Lauren Spencer-Smith.

Christmas with Nat and Natalie | Tuesday, Nov. 29-Saturday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | Casa Mañana, 3101 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth | $75+ | Enjoy this holiday tribute with songs by father-daughter duo Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole like “The Christmas Song” and “When I Fall in Love.”

The Nutcracker | Friday, Dec. 9-Sunday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth | $20+ | Watch the magic unfold as Texas Ballet Theater presents the holiday classic about a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve.

The Nutty Nutcracker | Friday, Dec. 16 | 8 p.m. | Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth | $60+ | This show (ages 13+) is a parody of the traditional Nutcracker story that involves celebrity impersonations and comedic pop culture references.

A Very Merry Country Christmas | Wednesday, Dec. 21 + Thursday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | Cowtown Coliseum, 121 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth | The tribute cast of Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Brookes & Dunn, Willie Nelson, + Kenny Chesney will perform iconic country Christmas songs.

Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland | Friday, Dec. 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Dickies Arena, 1911 Montgomery St., Fort Worth | $25+ | The must-see holiday circus blends acrobats, aerialists, and hilarious hi-jinks in an all-new holiday-themed musical journey.

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Get a Texas-sized helping of holiday cheer this year at the holiday market.

Photo by Texas Christkindl Market

Holiday shopping

Decorators Warehouse | Daily | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Decorators Warehouse, 3708 W. Pioneer Pkwy., Arlington | Cost of purchase | Visit Texas’ largest Christmas store with pre-lit trees, outdoor and indoor lights, flowers, ornaments, and everything in between.

Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience | Saturday, Nov. 19 + Sunday, Nov. 20 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. + 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3401 Burnett-Tandy Dr., Fort Worth | Cost of purchase | This year’s “surf side”-themed holiday market will feature Santa in a Hawaiian shirt + opportunities to shop local vendors, a charitable raffle, and pet adoptions.

Texas Christkindl Market | Friday, Nov. 25-Friday, Dec. 23 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | North Plaza at Globe Life Field, 734 Stadium Dr., Arlington | Cost of purchase | The market is inspired by a 70-year relationship with Arlington’s sister city Bad Konigshofen + is one of the largest Christmas markets in the state. Shoppers can expect German traditions and a unique holiday gift-shopping experience.

Shop Small Holiday Art Market | Friday, Nov. 25 + Saturday, Nov. 26 | 12-6 p.m. + 12-8 p.m. | Farr Best Theater, 109 N. Main St., Mansfield | Cost of purchase | Shop local during Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday + enjoy holiday festivities and live music.

Lake Worth Christmas Market | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Mary Lou Reddick Public Library, 7005 Charbonneau, Lake Worth | Cost of purchase | Shop local vendors featuring holiday-inspired products and a visit from Santa.

The Clearfork Holiday Market | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Shops at Clearfork Plaza, 5188 Monahans Ave., Fort Worth | Cost of purchase | Tackle your holiday shopping with 50+ local vendors, farmers, and artisan shops.

Keller Christmas Market | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Keller Town Hall, 1100 Bear Creek Pkwy., Keller | Cost of purchase | Shop around for handmade craft pieces, a wide range of gifting options + delicious food and entertainment.

Saginaw Christmas Market | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Saginaw Farmers Market, 752 S. Knowles Dr., Saginaw | Cost of purchase | Support small businesses while getting your holiday shopping complete with handmade crafts, baked goods, and an appearance from Santa.

It’s Christmas Market Expo | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 8 a.m. | Arlington Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington | $5 | Take a photo with Santa and the Grinch + explore more than 100 vendor booths and Christmas decor.

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All is merry and bright in Sundance Square.

Photo by @jrh79_

New Years parties

New Year’s Eve Bash | Saturday, Dec. 31 | 5 p.m.-12 a.m. | B&B Butchers and Restaurant, 5212 Marathon Ave., Fort Worth | Cost of purchase | Kick-start the new year with a festive evening filled with delicious drinks, party favors, and good food.

New Year’s Party | Saturday, Dec. 31 | 7:30 p.m. | Ridglea Theater, 6025 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth | $45+ | Bring in the new year with a night of live music from Billboard #1 Smooth Jazz Guitarist Jeffery Smith.

NYE Live! | Saturday, Dec. 31 | 8 p.m. | Texas Live, 1650 E. Randol Mill Rd., Arlington | $50+ | Celebrate in style with live entertainment, food and drinks, Instagrammable installations + a champagne toast.

New Year’s Eve Concert | Saturday, Dec. 31 | 7:30 p.m. | Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth | $39+ | It’s a holiday concert like no other with songs like “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme” and “Dancing Queen” during this ABBA tribute show presented by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.

NYE Bar Crawl | Saturday, Dec. 31 | 6 p.m. | Junk Punch, 2805 Bledsoe St., Fort Worth | $30+ | Put on your sparkles and ring in the new year with drink specials, live DJs, and a photo booth at various participating bars.

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