Welcome to What’s Up Fort Worth’s 2025 Holiday Guide — your one-stop source for everything merry and bright happening around the city this season. From dazzling light displays and immersive winter attractions to world-class ballets, concerts, and theatre productions, this guide brings together the very best of Fort Worth’s festive offerings. If you’re looking to make the most of the holidays in Cowtown, you’re in the right place.
HOLIDAY 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 28th, Santa’s North Pole Express Train Ride, The Polar Express, Cliburn Family Concert Series, Photos with Santa, Story Time with Mrs. Claus, the Christmas in the Stockyards Parade & So Much More!
Saddle Up For Cowboy Santa’s Arrival & Stockyards Tree Lighting
Friday, November 28th
Cowboy Santa makes his grand arrival to the Stockyards on November 28th! Join us as we welcome him in his stagecoach with a holiday celebration parade following the 11:30AM Cattle Drive. Festive activities to follow his entrance include photos with Cowboy Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, and so much more! Plus don’t miss our holiday light spectacular and special Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6PM.
https://fortworthstockyards.com/events/cowboy-santas-grand-arrival-parade-3/
Photos with Santa Claus and Story Time with Mrs. Claus
November 28th – December 24th
11am-7pm
Skip the line and book an appointment for photos with Cowboy Santa! Perfect for children, families, couples and even pets! Several packages available including both print and digital. We look forward to seeing your family soon! Walk-ins also welcome.
Reserve Time: Book Santa Photos Here!
Story time with Mrs. Claus
Round up the kiddos as Mrs. Claus reads everyone’s favorite holiday stories! Located in Cowboy Santa’s Workshop.
Every Friday – Sunday, November 28 – 30 & Dec 5-7, 12-14, &18-24
Story Times: 12:30PM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM & 3:45PM
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
Casa Mañana
November 22-December 23
The timeless holiday classic returns to the Dome! Join Rudolph, Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius, and the Abominable Snow Monster on an unforgettable adventure. Filled with holiday hits like “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” “The Island of Misfit Toys,” “The Most Wonderful Day of the Year,” and of course, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” this joyous musical is filled with friendship and self-discovery. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer teaches us that sometimes, the thing that makes you different is what makes you special!
https://casamanana.org/events/rudolph/
Cliburn Family Concert Series presents The Polar Express
Fort Worth Stockyards
November 29th & 30th
All aboard the Polar Express! Celebrate the wonder and spirit of the holidays with us as we travel to the North Pole to visit Santa’s home. This one-of-a-kind show features dynamic narration and illustrations from of Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved classic book, The Polar Express, with accompanying, hopeful musical interludes and a few surprises. It’s a new holiday tradition in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards, where your family can also enjoy the ice rink, photos with Cowboy Santa, the world-famous Herd, and many other festivities!
https://cliburn.org/concerts/cliburn-family-concerts
Fort Worth Stockyards Rodeo Rink
November 18th – January 4th
Get ready to giddy up and glide!
Ice skating returns to the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, November 18 – January 4 with 240 daily skating sessions. Illuminated by soothing chandeliers. The covered Stockyards Rodeo Rink is presented by Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center Fort Worth and open daily rain or shine, with all sessions running 90 minutes. Amenities include full bar and grill, warm beverages, fire pits, and picnic seating. Holiday treats include Whataburger Tuesdays where everyone who skates gets a coupon gift for a Free Whataburger! Enjoy Herd Cattle Drives at 11:30AM and 4PM daily, Cowboy Santa, Holiday Workshop and much more.
https://fortworthstockyards.com/events/stockyards-rodeo-rink-2/
FWSO presents Home for the Holidays
Bass Performance Hall
November 28th and 29th
Don’t miss one of Fort Worth’s favorite holiday traditions! The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and special guest artists bring you merry music and moments creating memories that will last a lifetime. Get ready to sing-along to classic Christmas carols, hum holiday tunes, and snag a photo with Santa at Home for the Holidays.
https://fwsymphony.org/concerts-tickets/25-26-season/pops-series/home-for-the-holidays
All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
Stage West Theatre
Dec 3rd – 21st
On Christmas Eve 1914 in the cold trenches of World War I, something miraculous happened. A lone soldier stepped into no man’s land, lifted his voice in song and began this remarkable true story. In that no-longer-silent night, troops from both sides laid down their weapons for an extraordinary holiday celebration of music, feasting, and camaraderie.
In this powerful musical recounting of shared humanity in dark times, a 10-man a cappella chorus weaves together soldiers’ letters, poetry, and period songs—ranging from trench tunes to holiday carols—into an extraordinary holiday gift that is not to be missed.
https://stagewest.org/all-is-calm
A Christmas Story
Bass Performance Hall
December 5th-7th
From the songwriting team behind the smash hit Tony Award®-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen and the critically acclaimed films La La Land and The Greatest Showman, A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL, brings the classic 1983 movie to hilarious life on stage! Set in 1940s Indiana, a young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams, an official Red Ryder® Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. An infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a maniacal department store Santa, and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish. Nominated for three 2013 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, the Associated Press calls A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL “a joyous Christmas miracle,” while The New York Times writes “I was dazzled. You’d have to have a Grinch-sized heart not to feel a smile spreading across your face.”
Fort Worth Youth Orchestra presents Jazz for Toys for Tots
December 6th
Van Cliburn Hall / TCU
Swing into the Holidays with FWYO Jazz and the local Ken Ebo Jazz Orchestra! This special partnership with the U.S. Marines and Toys for Tots brings a spirited jazz performance. Bring a new, unwrapped toy in lieu of a ticket and enjoy an evening of music to benefit children in need.
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/fwyo
Apex Arts League presents Nutcracker Short & Suite
White’s Chapel, Southlake
November 30th, 5pm
The first, “Nutcracker, Short and Suite”, wraps up within an hour which is perfect for jittery kiddos or teens eager to get back on Snapchat. This remarkable ballet performance is a joint production with Apex Arts League and Avant Chamber Ballet on Sunday, November 30th.
https://www.apexartsleague.com/events
Mariachi Herencia de México: A Mariachi Christmas
Bass Performance Hall
December 2nd
Celebrate the holidays with the heartwarming sounds of Mariachi Herencia de México! In this special Christmas edition of their world tour, La Nueva Generación, the 2x Latin Grammy®-nominated ensemble delivers a holiday concert that honors both the magic of Christmas and the cultural vibrancy of Mexico. Experience an unforgettable night as they blend beloved holiday classics with mariachi traditions, creating an electrifying and unforgettable night of Mexican music and culture.
https://whatsupfortworth.com/event/mariachi-herencia-de-mexico-a-mariachi-christmas/
Holidays with the UNT One O’Clock Jazz Band
David McDavid Studio
December 5th
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://whatsupfortworth.com/event/holidays-with-the-unt-one-oclock-lab-band/
Rock & Roll Christmas
Casa Mañana Reid Cabaret
December 2nd – 21st
Celebrate the season with A Rock ‘n’ Roll Christmas! This high-energy show will have you feeling festive and your feet tapping. Featuring favorites like Elton John, The Eagles, Pat Benatar, and Mariah Carey, this show is suitable for most audiences.
https://casamanana.org/events/rock-n-roll-christmas/
Jubilee Theatre Home for the Holidays Concert
Ann Waggoner Fine Arts Hall
Texas Wesleyan University
December 21st
Celebrate the season with our Holiday Concert — a heartwarming evening of festive music, community spirit, and unforgettable performances. Join Sheran Goodspeed Keyton, Joe Rogers & The Trio, May Allen, Robert Rouse, and many more as they bring the magic of the holidays to life on the Jubilee stage. https://www.jubileetheatre.org/news/news-title-01
FWSO presents ELF in Concert
Will Rogers Auditorium
December 12th & 13th
FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA
This holiday season, enjoy the heartwarming tale of Buddy the Elf on the big screen while every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to picture in: Elf in Concert! It’s a holly, jolly way to share a holiday classic with family—whether you’ve been watching Elf every year or this is your first trip to the North Pole.
https://whatsupfortworth.com/event/elf-in-concert/
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.
Ballet Frontier of Texas presents The Nutcracker
IM Terrell Performing Arts Center
December 5th-7th
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 nearly 15 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 Sounds of the Season
White’s Chapel Methodist Church
Tuesday, December 16th
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 nostalgic holiday melodies like “White Christmas” and participate in a heartwarming Holly Jolly sing-along, among other festive musical selections.
Bring your loved ones and immerse yourself in a joyous celebration that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come!
This concert is offered in partnership with APEX Arts League.
https://whatsupfortworth.com/event/sounds-of-the-season/
TBT Presents the Nutcracker
Bass Performance Hall (Fort Worth), December 12th – December 28th
Winspear Opera House (Dallas), November 28th – December 7th
The Nutcracker
A Vision of Merriment and Delight
Create unforgettable memories at The Nutcracker. This cherished tradition brings families together year after year, offering a world of enchantment where snowflakes swirl, dreams come to life, and holiday magic fills the air. Let Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and Ben Stevenson, O.B.E.’s captivating choreography awaken your holiday spirit this Christmas.
https://texasballettheater.org/performance/nutcracker-2025/
Christmas Specials at Arlington Music Hall
November 29th: The Nutcracker performed by Leap of Faith
December 6th : Christmas with the Petersens
December 10th : Blue Christmas Elvis Tribute with Victor Trevino
December 11th-12th: Michael Martin Murphey Cowboy Christmas
December 14th: SIMA presenta Navidades de México ESPECTACULO
December 19th : Home for the Holidays- Peabo Bryson, Sheena Easton & More! https://arlingtonmusichall.org/
Winter Market & Snowflake Station
SiNaCa Studios
December 14th
1pm-5pm
Join us for a unique shopping opportunity to experience the outdoor glass market at SiNaCa Studios at 1013 West Magnolia Avenue.
Reservations are available to shop the spring market from 1pm-5pm. These reservations will automatically send you a reminder message so you don’t miss out on this limited opportunity. Shop pieces made by local and regional glass artists, while supporting SiNaCa Studios.
Artists receive an industry standard 50% gallery split for their works. SiNaCa’s portion of proceeds supports our organization’s initiatives.
https://sinacastudios.org/explore/events/winter-market-snowflake-station
ARLINGTON
Texas Christkindl Market
Nov 21-23 & Nov 28-Dec 23
1650 E Randol Mill Road
The almost 70-year relationship between Arlington and its sister city, Bad Königshofen, inspired the Texas Christkindl Market to commemorate its first magical season in 2011. With several markets all over Europe for the holidays, the Texas Christkindl Market also works with its Friendship City and partner Christmas city, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, to bring the same wonderful magic and feeling to Texas. Visitors will discover handcrafted gifts and collectibles, including exclusive Käthe Wohlfahrt merchandise and designs from the iconic Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village.
https://txchristkindlmarket.com/
Frostival at Howell Family Farms
Howell Family Farms
Nov 29th-Dec 28th
Step into a glowing world of twinkling lights, festive music, and holiday cheer at Frostival. Share laughter, sip hot cocoa, and wander through dazzling displays designed to make spirits bright. Join us November 29th through December 28th.
Arlington Master Chorale presents GLORIA
December 11th-12th
Trinity United Methodist Church
https://www.arlingtonmasterchorale.com/new-events
Arlington Holiday of Lights Parade
Saturday, December 13th, 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, lightning, or other safety concerns!
https://holidaylightsparade.com/
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags over Texas
November 23rd-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 2026 off right! For the little ones looking for less thrills, take a merry ride on the Silver Star Christmas Carousel.
https://sixflags.com/overtexas/events/holiday-in-the-park
Kringle Village
Dec. 6 & 7
Kringle Village is a family-friendly fun-filled experience hosted by the Dance Theatre of Arlington at Knapp Heritage Park. There will be singing elves, dancing Christmas trees, Christmas Karaoke, pictures with Santa, vendors and more!
https://www.dancetheatrearlington.org/kringle-village
Light Park-Arlington
Hurricane Harbor
Thru January 4th
https://www.thelightpark.com/locations/arlington-texas
Click Here for the Complete Holiday Happenings Guide for Arlington!
MANSFIELD
Hometown Holidays Mansfield, Texas
December 5th 5pm-9pm
Mansfield City Hall
Join us at City Hall for our annual tree lighting!
The fun kicks off at 5:00 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony will be at 6:30 p.m.
- Interactive Holiday Art
- Visits with Santa
- Carnival Rides
- Live Entertainment
- Tree Lighting
- And the return of the Hometown Holidays Fireworks Spectacular!
https://www.mansfieldhometownholidays.com
GRAND PRAIRIE
Christmas Specials at Texas Trust CU Theatre
December 5th: For King & Country
December 10th: Lady A, A Very Country Christmas
December 11th: Christmas with CeCe Winans featuring Angie Winans & Debbie Winans
December 12th: 90’s Hits and X-Mas Riffs
December 14th: Christmas Vacation Viewing with Live Interview with Chevy Chase
December 23rd: Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox / Magic, Moonlight and Mistletoe Tour
https://www.texastrustcutheatre.com/events
GRAPEVINE
Grapevine: The Christmas Capitol of Texas
It’s more merry in Grapevine, as it’s the Christmas Capital of Texas®! Bring your family and friends to the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex to create wonderful Christmas memories that you’ll cherish forever. Grapevine offers some of the most magical moments of the season and we invite you to experience it all!
With more than 1,400 festive Christmas events over 40 days, there is fun for everyone! Enjoy millions of lights, larger-than-life decorations, animated characters, photo ops galore and so much more.
Don’t know where to start? Here are some ideas for how to spend your time in the Christmas Capital of Texas.
https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/christmas-capital-of-texas
A Sherlock Carol at Runway Theatre
November 21st Thru December 21st
215 N. Dooley Street
Sherlock Holmes meets Charles Dickens in this clever and comedic holiday mash-up! When a grown-up Tiny Tim seeks the help of the world’s greatest detective to solve a Christmas Eve mystery, Holmes must confront his own ghosts of the past. A delightful mix of intrigue, holiday spirit, and laugh-out-loud moments, A Sherlock Carol is the perfect blend of heart and humor for the season.
GRANBURY
The New Granbury Live Christmas Concerts 2024
December 6th: Michael Hix Christmas Party
December 12th: Dunn & Brooks Christmas Concert
December 13th: An Elvis Christmas with Kraig Parker
December 19th: Seger System, Bob Seger Tribute to Christmas Special
December 20th : “A Winter Wonderland” with songs and stories by Sarah Reeves
December 31st: New Year’s Eve with Michael Hix
https://thenewgranburylive.com/shows
HOLIDAY LIGHTS, EVENTS, AND SANTA CLAUS SIGHTINGS
Saddle Up For Cowboy Santa’s Arrival & Stockyards Tree Lighting
Friday, November 28th
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/cowboy-santas-grand-arrival-parade-3/
Parade of Lights
Downtown Fort Worth
Sunday, November 30th
It’s a day filled with exciting things to do throughout Downtown, from taking care of your holiday shopping to dining out in some of the finest restaurants in Fort Worth, all while enjoying the holiday spirit of the GM Financial Parade of Lights.
Bring your family earlier in the day to celebrate Downtown, enjoy the pre-parade music and displays, and make a day of it. Avoid the crowds by parking early and enjoy lunch at a variety of great restaurants and take advantage of some early bird shopping deals at our Downtown retailers. The parade takes place rain or shine!
https://www.dfwi.org/do/gm-financial-parade-of-lights
The Modern Lights at The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
Thru February 15th
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
Christmas in the Garden
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Nov 21st – Jan 4th
This winter, step into the enchanting Fort Worth Botanic Garden at Christmas in the Garden, brought to life with the dazzling artistry of Sony Music. Wander through breathtaking light displays, indulge in festive flavors, and create moments that shine brighter than any gift beneath the tree.
Highlights
🎄 A magical circular trail about 1 mile long, illuminated by thousands of sparkling lights
🎈 A special opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with your loved ones.
https://fwbg.org/christmas-in-the-garden/
Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway
Thru January 4th
In Fort Worth, Texas, the Gift of Lights turns the Texas Motor Speedway into a journey of magic, lights, and wonder. Cruise the two-mile course past 3 million twinkling lights, glowing tunnels, and festive displays under the Texas stars. Roll down the windows, turn up your favorite holiday music, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Fri – Sat: 6pm – 10pm
Sun – Thur: 6pm – 9pm
Holiday Hours: Dec 21st-29th: 6pm – 10pm
Arlington Holiday of Lights Parade
Saturday, December 13th, 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, lightning, or other safety concerns!
https://holidaylightsparade.com/
Arlington Interlochen Lights
It’s here! The Lights at Interlochen, one of the largest and longest running holiday traditions in North Texas, is back for the 2024 season! The public is invited to drive through the neighborhood from 6 – 10 p.m. each night, Dec. 14 – Dec. 25:
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 2024 will feature an ALL NEW state-of-the-art light tunnel, a REIMAGINED magical walk-thru forest, CAPTIVATING animated light displays, carnival rides, photos with Santa, holiday shopping, and more!
The Light Park
Hurricane Harbor, Arlington, Texas
Open November 1st thru January 5th
Who needs the icy North Pole when you can experience the electrifying vibes at The Light Park? Charge up your holiday spirit as you cruise through millions of dazzling lights, synced perfectly to the rhythm of our festive tunes, courtesy of our very own DJ Polar Ice. Amp up the fun with some tasty treats and zappy beverages, and get ready to be shocked by the sheer brilliance of it all.
DATES & HOURS
Nov 1 – Jan 5: Open Daily
Sundays – Thursdays: 5:30 – 10:00pm
Fridays & Saturdays: 5:30 – 11:00pm
THANKSGIVING WEEK HOURS
Nov 26 – Dec 1: 5:30-11pm
CHRISTMAS WEEK HOURS
Dec 20 – 29: 5:30-11pm
