2023 Holiday Lights, Theatre, Concerts, & Ballet

Celebrate the Holidays – STOCKYARDS STYLE

Make the Fort Worth Stockyards your home for the holidays!  Rodeo Rink, Santa’s Arrival on Nov 24th, Photos with Santa, Story Time with Mrs. Claus, the Christmas in the Stockyards Parade on Dec 2nd & So Much More!

https://fortworthstockyards.com/events/celebrate-the-holidays-stockyards-style-2/ 

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Casa Manana | November 24-December 23

Based on the best-selling book and play by Barbara Robinson, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical is the story of the Herdmans, who are the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, they steal, they bully other kids, and they smoke smelly cigars. There used to be only one place where you’d never see them—church. This all changes when Charlie Bradley brags that his Sunday school offers free snacks. All six of the Herdmans show up at church in search of pizza, cookies and Hawaiian Punch, and end up in the Christmas pageant. Charlie’s mom, Grace, is the novice director, who not only casts them in the show but, much to the dismay of the other kids, lets them play all the leads. Grace instantly finds herself caught between two forces of nature—the Herdmans and Helen Armstrong, who speaks for all of the outraged citizens of the town. Grace has two choices: get rid of the Herdmans, or let them stay and risk being blamed for the worst pageant in the history of the world. This show is suitable for all audiences.

https://casamanana.org/events/best-christmas-pageant-ever/

Fort Worth Stockyards Rodeo Rink

November 20th – January 7th  

GIDDY UP & GLIDE into the Fort Worth Stockyards with The Stockyards Rodeo Rink.  The Fort Worth Stockyards is your #1 Holiday Destination for the whole family.  Rodeo Rink is open thru January 7th, Rain or Shine. Tickets available at the box office or online. 

https://fortworthstockyards.com/events/stockyards-rodeo-rink/ 

FWSO presents Home for the Holidays

Bass Performance Hall | November 24th-26th    

Fort Worth’s favorite holiday traditions start when the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra kicks off the season! Bring your family for a spectacular program of Christmas carols and seasonal tunes. Wave to Santa as the orchestra plays his theme song “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” as part of the perfect gift for the whole family.

https://fwsymphony.org/23-24-season/pops-series/home-for-the-holidays 

Gospel Black Navity

Jubilee Theatre | November 24th – December 23rd

Black Nativity is an adaptation of the Nativity story by Langston Hughes, performed by an entirely black cast. Hughes was the author of the book, with the lyrics and music being derived from traditional Christmas carols, sung in gospel style, with a few songs created specifically for the show.

https://www.jubileetheatre.org/show/a-gospel-black-nativity/ 

Christmas in the Movies

Reid Cabaret at Casa Manana  | November 28th – December 16th

Everyone has that must-watch list of Christmas movies with a soundtrack that puts you in the holiday spirit. Christmas in the Movies features the merriest music from the films that complete the season. From the classic White Christmas to the recent hit Spirited to the modern classic Elf, plus Love Actually, The Polar Express, Meet Me in St. Louis and more. This show is suitable for most audiences.

https://casamanana.org/events/christmas-inthe-movies/ 

Holidays with the UNT One O’Clock Band

McDavid Studio | December 1st 

Jazz up your holidays with the University of North Texas’ One O’Clock Lab Band! The Grammy®-nominated jazz ensemble returns to the intimate McDavid Studio for its annual “Holidays with the One O’Clock” concert. Celebrate the yuletide season as the One O’Clock’s big band takes on all of your favorite holiday anthems.

https://www.basshall.com/tickets–events/2023-2024-pafw-season/23-24-bnsf-popular-entertainment/unt-lab-band-holiday/ 

Ballet Frontier of Texas presents The Nutcracker

IM Terrell Performing Arts Center | December 1st – 3rd

Join Ballet Frontier for the magic of The Nutcracker this holiday season! 

Ballet Frontier has been captivating audiences with our production of The Nutcracker for the last 13 years.  With its cast comprised of professional dancers, talented young students, dazzling costumes, and world-class choreography, the stage is set for an unforgettable holiday experience for all ages!

https://www.balletfrontier.org/the-nutcracker 

FWSO presents Handel’s Messiah

Will Rogers Auditorium | Saturday, December 9th 

When Messiah premiered in Dublin in 1742, the reception was mixed. Now, nearly 300 years later, Handel’s famous oratorio is an annual tradition for orchestras around the world, a regular celebration of music and holiday cheer.  FWSO Assistant Conductor Taichi Fukumura leads this singular performance.

https://fwsymphony.org/23-24-season/specials/handels-messiah 

FWSO presents Sounds of the Season

White’s Chapel Methodist Church | Tuesday, December 19th

The Sounds of the Season concert has become a beloved Southlake family tradition, captivating audiences with a delightful blend of holiday classics. Attendees can expect to be transported into the magical world of the Nutcracker, experience the joy of Sleigh Ride, and participate in a heartwarming Holly Jolly sing-along, among other festive musical selections.

In partnership with APEX Arts League.

 https://fwsymphony.org/23-24-season/specials/sounds-of-the-season 

TBT Presents the Nutcracker & The Nutty Nutcracker                                           

Bass Performance Hall | December 8th  – December 24th                                                                               

THE NUTCRACKER, A Magical Holiday Tradition

Featuring dazzling choreography and exquisite sets, The Nutcracker celebrates the season with enchantment, snowflakes, and sweets.

Texas Ballet Theater (TBT) will keep the holiday spirit and a great holiday tradition in Fort Worth alive as they present The Nutcracker at Bass Performance Hall thru December 24th                                                         https://texasballettheater.org/performance/the-nutcracker-2023/ 

Christmas Specials at Arlington Music Hall

December 1st:  Nutcracker presented by Leap of Faith

December 2nd:  Merry Motown Christmas

December 7th-8th:  Marie Osmond Symphonic Christmas

December 9th:  Blue Christmas Elvis Tribute

December 10th:  A Ghetto Child’s Christmas

December 17th:  Candiland Christmas

December 20th:  Girl Named Tom, One More Christmas

https://arlingtonmusichall.net/

Saddle Up For Cowboy Santa’s Arrival & Stockyards Tree Lighting

Friday, November 24th 

COWBOY SANTA’S GRAND ARRIVAL PARADE AND TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY ON EAST EXCHANGE AVE!  Cowboy Santa arrival at 11:30am and Tree Lighting at 6pm.

https://fortworthstockyards.com/events/saddle-up-for-cowboy-santa/ 

Scotty Alexander’s Christmas Special

Downtown Cowtown at The Isis Theatre | Thursday, November 30th, 7:30pm

Scotty Alexander…who makes his home in Wimberly, TX, is veteran singer, songwriter and recording artist that has over 10,000 live shows to his credit as a solo or supporting act for artists including Wayne Newton, Neal McCoy, Easton Corbin, Wade Bowen, Cory Morrow, Roger Creager, Shenandoah, Brian White, Cody Johnson, Cody Jinks, Sundance Head, Kevin Fowler and more. 

https://downtowncowtown.com/scotty-alexander-2/

ARLINGTON

Arlington Holiday of Lights Parade

Saturday, December 9th, 6:00pm

Bring your friends and family to enjoy the Annual Holiday Lights Parade. Thousands of people will gather for the pageantry which is followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree.

Don’t forget to bring your camera and take a picture with Santa before the parade at the Library at 100 S Center Street or after the tree lighting at the Founders Plaza at 100 W Abram Street.

Parade will continue as planned rain, snow, or shine… but not ice!

https://holidaylightsparade.com/

Holiday in the Park at Six Flags over Texas 

November 19th  – December 31st (select evenings) 

Holiday in the Park is back! ‘Tis the season for glittering lights, delicious snacks, and a festive spin on your favorite rides. 

Gather around for the nightly tree lighting show you’ll never forget! Each night, millions of lights are illuminated at once by Santa in a magical moment. For the little elves in your family, head over to the Merry Marketplace to meet Santa Claus! After meeting Santa, venture into Casa Magnetica and celebrate Nochebuena in our unique tilted house attraction.

Try to catch a glimpse of Santa’s reindeer as you soar 400 feet in the air on Texas SkyScreamer or fly head over heels on BATMAN: The Ride. Make a New Year’s Resolution to experience more thrills on HARLEY QUINN Spinsanity, a giant whirling wheel of adventure to kick 2023 off right! For the little ones looking for less thrills, take a merry ride on the Silver Star Christmas Carousel.

https://www.sixflags.com/overtexas/events/holiday-in-the-park-2023 

MANSFIELD

Hometown Holidays Mansfield, Texas

The Lot Downtown | December 1st 5pm-9pm

Join us in Historic Downtown Mansfield for our annual tree lighting!

The fun kicks off at 5:00 p.m. at the LOT Downtown. The tree lighting ceremony will be at 6:30 p.m. followed immediately by a spectacular holiday drone show across the night sky.

Food trucks will be on-site, as well as entertainment at The LOT Downtown stage, plus this will be the spot to buy your 2023 Mansfield Holiday Mug!

https://www.mansfieldhometownholidays.com/events/treelighting-droneshow 

GRAND PRAIRIE

Christmas Specials at Texas Trust CU Theatre

December 2nd:  Winter White Party, MAZE featuring Frankie Beverly

December 3rd:  Bill Gaither & The Gaither Vocal Band

December 8th:  Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

December 10th:  Michael Martin Murphey Cowboy Christmas

December 13th:  The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show

December 14th:  A Magical Cirque Christmas

December 17th:  New Country 96.3 & 99.5 The Wolf presents Brett Eldridge GLOW Christmas Concert

https://www.texastrustcutheatre.com/events/


GRAPEVINE

Grapevine: The Christmas Capitol of Texas

It’s more merry in Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas®! Bring your family and friends to create wonderful Christmas memories that you’ll cherish forever. You’ll be amazed at 40 days of unique and traditional Christmas events, as you see Grapevine sparkle with millions of lights, enormous decorations, animated characters and much more. Grapevine offers some of the most magical moments of the season and we invite you to experience it all in the Christmas Capital of Texas!

https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/christmas-capital-of-texas/

GRANBURY

The New Granbury Live Christmas Concerts 2023

December 1st:  FABBA Christmas

December 7th:  Gary Morris Christmas

December 8th:  Country Christmas

December 22nd-23rd: Elvis Christmas with Kraig Parker

December 29th:  Michael Hix All About Texas New Year Celebration

December 30th:  Michael Hix All the Decades

December 31st:  Michael Hix Las Vegas New Year’s Show

https://thenewgranburylive.com/shows/ 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS, EVENTS, AND SANTA CLAUS SIGHTINGS

The Modern Lights at The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

November 24th  – February 4th

The Modern trees are illuminated with an array of festive lights in celebration of the holiday season. Passersby experience a stunning display, and visitors are invited to enjoy evening viewing opportunities. The museum galleries are open with free admission until 8 pm on Fridays.

https://www.themodern.org/modern-lights

Lightscape

Fort Worth Botanic Garden | Nov 17th – Jan 1st 

From November 17 through January 1, Lightscape will illuminate evenings at the Garden with more than one million holiday lights, tunnels, fire, sculptures, bluebonnets, and artistic installations throughout a spectacular one-mile winding walking trail.

With an astonishing 80 percent newly designed displays, this year’s reimagined event promises an even more immersive and magical experience for visitors of all ages. Taking place within the 120-acre Fort Worth Botanic Garden and set along a beautifully illuminated walking trail custom-designed for Fort Worth, Lightscape will feature spectacular artistic installations that come to life after dark with color, imagination, and sound. 

https://fwbg.org/lightscape/

Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway

November 23rd – January 7th 

Fill up your car, truck, or SUV and drive through millions of lights at Texas Motor Speedway. An incredible drive-thru holiday experience filled with magic and wonder

Friday – Saturday: 6pm – 10pm 

Sunday – Thursday: 6pm – 9pm

http://giftoflightstexas.com/

Arlington Holiday Lights Parade

Saturday, December 10th – 6pm

https://holidaylightsparade.com/ 

Arlington Interlochen Lights

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Arlington-Interlochen-Lights/1857729784438909

Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie

Thanksgiving Night through New Year’s Eve | Open Every Night at 6pm

Prairie Lights is the premier holiday light park in Texas located at Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie, Texas. Prairie Lights 2021 will feature the return of Holiday Village, the magical walk-thru forest, carnival rides, photos with Santa, and more.

https://prairielights.org/

The Light Park

Hurricane Harbor, Arlington, Texas | Open thru January 1ST

The Most EXCITING, and ELECTRIFYING

Light Show South of the North Pole!

North pole? Nah. We have the best, most exciting drive through light show right here at The Light Park. Eat, drink, and watch as we electrify the night with millions of Christmas lights and festive music.

https://www.thelightpark.com/

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