It’s the most wonderful – and busiest – time of the year. We’re here to help plan out the merriest of holiday happenings all across Tarrant County so you can make new memories with friends and family. Or return to favorite traditions you’ve been enjoying since you were a child. In all cases, we’ve gathered opportunities to hang with Santa and his elves, mingle with real reindeer and fill your heart with music. (And probably fill your tummy with hot cocoa too.)
The following list is organized alphabetically by city, then chronologically by start date. Pricing details (including numerous free events) and links to get more information make it easy to see what’s in store. (All information is subject to change.) You can also check out happenings in Collin and Dallas counties, as well as outlying areas just a short drive away.
Arlington
The Light Park
Magical, mile-long drive-through light experience.
Tickets: $25-$49 per vehicle ($150 for a season pass)
Through Jan. 1
Hurricane Harbor Parking Lot, 1800 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington
Six Flags Holiday in the Park
Thrill rides, holiday shows, Santa and a real snow hill for sledding.
Tickets: $45-$195 (2024 Diamond Pass)
Nov. 19-Dec. 31
Six Flags Over Texas, 2201 E. Road to Six Flags, Arlington
Texas Christkindl Market
One of the largest German-inspired holiday markets in the Southwest.
Free (some activities may have a charge)
Nov. 24-Dec. 23
North Plaza at Globe Life Field, 1650 E. Randol Mill Rd., Arlington
A Christmas Carol: The Radio Show
Charles Dickens’s classic holiday tale gets a comedic interpretation with one man playing all the roles.
Tickets: $26-$32.45 ($5 student rush prices 15 minutes before curtain)
Dec. 1-17
Theatre Arlington, 305 W. Main St., Arlington
Marie Osmond Symphonic Christmas
The beloved entertainer performs classic Christmas songs accompanied by a full symphony orchestra.
Tickets: $39-$399
Dec. 7-8, 7 p.m.
Arlington Music Hall, 224 N. Center St., Arlington
Fort Worth Chorale: Night of Wonder
The chorus is joined by special guests, the Granbury High School Choir.
Tickets: $6-$25
Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.
Trinity United Methodist Church, 1200 W. Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington
Holiday Lights Parade
Nighttime parade through downtown Arlington followed by tree lighting.
Free
Dec. 9, 6 p.m.
Downtown Arlington (check link for this year’s parade route)
Jared’s Epic Blaster Battle: Holiday Edition
Toy blaster battle on the home turf of The Dallas Cowboys with a costume contest and other activities.
Tickets: $20-$125
Dec. 23, 6-10 p.m.
AT&T Stadium, 1 AT&T Way, Arlington
Bedford
Letters to Santa
A special North Pole Air Mailbox awaits letters to Santa.
Free
Nov. 20-Dec. 4
Santa Mailbox at Old Bedford School, 2400 School Lane, Bedford
Christmas Tree Lighting
Musical performances from local school choirs, photos with Santa, a holiday market and tree-lighting ceremony.
Free
Dec. 2, 4-7 p.m.
Old Bedford School, 2400 School Lane, Bedford
Holiday Outdoor Movie: The Grinch (2018)
Watch the live-action version of the Dr. Seuss classic with free popcorn.
Free (snacks and drinks for sale)
Dec. 8, 5:30-9 p.m.
Old Bedford School, 2400 School Lane, Bedford
Pickle Party
Join the search for a hidden pickle that brings good fortune while shopping local food and craft vendors.
Free
Dec. 15, 6-9 p.m.
Old Bedford School, 2400 School Lane, Bedford
Fort Worth
Rooftop Cinema Club Rooftop Movies
Classic movies, including several holiday favorites, screened outdoors with downtown views.
Tickets: $19.50-$26.50
Through Dec. 31
Rooftop Cinema Club, 235 Throckmorton St., Fort Worth
Lightscape
One-mile path with light tunnels, a fire garden and singing trees, reimagined for 2023.
Tickets: $15-$23
Nov. 17-Jan. 1
Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth
Fort Worth Parade of Lights
100-entry parade themed “Holiday Magic!” with Grand Marshal Coach Sonny Dykes, in honor of TCU’s 150th Anniversary.
Free; Tickets with seats: $15-$30
Nov. 19, 6 p.m.
Downtown Fort Worth
Gift of Lights
Drive-through holiday light display with simulcast music.
Tickets: $35-$60 per vehicle based on size
Nov. 23-Jan. 7
Texas Motor Speedway, 3545 Lone Star Cir., Fort Worth
Stockyards Rodeo Rink
4,000-square-foot professional ice skating rink with 90-minute sessions.
Tickets: $20-$80 (family 4-pack), all include skate rental
Nov. 20- Jan. 7
Livestock Exchange Building, 131 E. Exchange Ave., Suite 212, Fort Worth
Jingle Bell Run North Texas
5K, 1-mile and virtual fun runs benefiting the Arthritis Foundation.
Registration: $30-$45
Nov. 23, 3-5:30 p.m.
Shops at Clearfork in Fort Worth, 5188 Monahans Ave., Fort Worth
Home for the Holidays
Santa joins the Fort Worth Symphony on stage for a holiday treat.
Tickets: $36.30-$105.60
Nov. 24-26
Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth
Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Cowboy Santa arrives in the Stockyards in his stagecoach, immediately following the 11:30 a.m. cattle drive.
Free
Nov. 25, 11:30 a.m.; 6 p.m. (tree lighting)
Fort Worth Stockyards, 131 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth
Photos with Cowboy Santa & Story Time with Mrs. Claus
Photo op with Cowboy Santa in his workshop and stories from Mrs. Claus on certain days.
Free (fee for photos)
Nov. 24-Dec. 24
Fort Worth Stockyards, 131 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth
Jingle Ball
106.1 KISS FM and iHeart Radio’s annual holiday concert, this year starring Jelly Roll, Flo Rida and eight additional acts.
Tickets: $23-$386
Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m.
Dickies Arena, 1911 Montgomery St., Fort Worth
Six
Broadway at the Bass presents the hit pop musical about the six wives of Henry XIII.
Tickets: $88-$143
Nov. 28-Dec. 3
Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth.
22nd Annual Christmas in the Stockyards
Reindeer games, holiday sights and sounds and Christmas parade.
Free
Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fort Worth Stockyards, 131 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth
Fort Worth Margarita Ball
Gala featuring live music, food and plenty of margaritas, with proceeds benefiting Children’s Charities of Fort Worth.
Tickets: $125-$175
Dec. 2, 7 p.m.-midnight
Worthington Renaissance Hotel, 200 Main St., Fort Worth
Nutcracker at the Bass
Traditional presentation of the Tchaikovsky staple with Texas Ballet Theater.
Tickets: $25-$135
Dec. 8-24
Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth
Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Multi-bar crawl with ugliest sweater contests and drink specials throughout the day.
Tickets: $15.99-$24.99
Dec. 9, 2-11 p.m.
Varsity Tavern, 1005 Norwood St., Fort Worth
Handel’s Messiah
A celebration of music and holiday cheer since 1742.
Tickets: $41.80-$108.90
Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium, 3401 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth
Fort Worth Chorale: Night of Wonder
The chorus is joined by special guests, Arlington Heights High School Choir.
Tickets: $6-$25
Dec. 10, 3:30 p.m.
St. Stephen Presbyterian Church, 2700 McPherson Ave., Fort Worth
The Grand Ol’ Christmas Show
One-of-a-kind musical comedy starring Blue Water Highway.
Tickets: $22-$168
Dec. 10, 4 p.m.
Ridglea Theater, 6025 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth
Hotel Drover’s 12 Days of Drover
Chance for hotel guests to interact with live reindeer and Cowboy Santa while enjoying special holiday treats and activities.
Free for hotel guests
Dec. 13-24, 5 p.m.
Hotel Drover, 200 Mule Alley Dr., Fort Worth
The Christmas Carol Experience
Immerse yourself in a 360-degree retelling of the treasured holiday ghost story.
Tickets: $34-$99
Dec. 14-30
The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth, 1316 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Worth
Encanto in Concert
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Oscar-winning film with the Fort Worth Symphony performing the score.
Tickets: $48.40-$108.90
Dec. 15-16
Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium, 3401 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth
Mexico en la Sangre (Mexico in our Blood) Holiday on Horseback
Unique holiday event celebrating Mexican and cowboy cultures.
Tickets: $20-$55
Dec. 17, 2 p.m.
Cowtown Coliseum, 121 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth
Yule Groove: A Disco Christmas Party with Le Freak
Holiday disco party with costume contest.
Tickets: $12-$25
Dec. 22, 9 p.m.
Tannahill’s Tavern and Music Hall, 122 E. Exchange Ave., Suite 200, Fort Worth
The Nutcracker
Avant Chamber Ballet presentation of Paul Mejia’s The Nutcracker with the Fort Worth Symphony orchestra.
Tickets: $33-$83
Dec. 22-23
Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium, 3401 W Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth
Grand Prairie
Prairie Lights
Drive-thru holiday light park with a walk-through forest and carnival rides.
Tickets: $50-$319
Nov. 23-Dec. 31
Lynn Creek Park, 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy., Grand Prairie
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
The No. 1 bestselling Christmas ensemble performs during its only North Texas stop.
Tickets: $47-$890
Dec. 8, 8 p.m.
Texas Trust CU Theatre, 1001 Texas Trust Way, Grand Prairie
The Jinkx & Dela Holiday Show
Outrageously funny and talented RuPaul’s Drag Race queens in their annual holiday comedy spectacle.
Tickets: $49-$375
Dec. 13, 8 p.m.
Texas Trust CU Theatre, 1001 Texas Trust Way, Grand Prairie
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Acrobats and other entertainers showcase their talents with a soundtrack of holiday tunes.
Tickets: $29-$99
Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m.
Texas Trust CU Theatre, 1001 Texas Trust Way, Grand Prairie
Grapevine
Meow Wolf Grapevine: The Real Unreal
Immersive art and storytelling experience that transports visitors to strange worlds hidden in plain sight.
Tickets: $20-$50
Ongoing
Grapevine Mills, 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy., Suite 253, Grapevine
ICE!
Two million pounds of ice carved into scenes from Dr Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”
Tickets: $19.99-$44.99
Through Dec. 31
Gaylord Texan, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine
Winter Wonderland
Hotel Vin’s famously cozy ski-lodge decorated bubbles are back for guests to enjoy fondue, wine and festive cocktails.
Tickets: $250 for up to 6 guests for 90 minutes (fondue and one bottle of wine included)
Nov.17-Feb. 14
Hotel Vin, Autograph Collection; 215 E. Dallas Road, Grapevine
35th Annual Carol of Lights
The official kickoff celebration in the Christmas Capital of Texas with a laser and fireworks show.
Free
Nov. 20, 4-8:45 p.m.
200 S. Main St., Grapevine
Snowland
Elaborate decorations, holiday-themed hotel suites and visits with Santa for hotel guests.
Tickets: Many events included for hotel guests
Nov. 24-Jan. 8
Great Wolf Lodge, 100 Great Wolf Dr., Grapevine
North Central Ballet presents Nutcracker – Short and Sweet
Abbreviated, one-hour version of The Nutcracker.
Nov. 25-26, 3 p.m.
Palace Theatre, 300 S. Main St., Grapevine
Holiday Movies
Seasonal screenings, from It’s A Wonderful Life to Home Alone.
Tickets: $6
Nov. 25-Dec. 30
Palace Theatre, 300 S. Main St., Grapevine
William Lee Martin’s – Revenge of the Nutcracker
A night of holiday music, standup comedy and plenty of surprises.
Tickets: $35-$45
Dec. 1, 8 p.m.
Palace Theatre, 300 S. Main St., Grapevine
A Merry Little Christmas Show with Ricki Derek
Crooner Ricki Derek delivers a big band holiday show worthy of The Rat Pack.
Tickets: $32
Dec. 2, 8 p.m.
Palace Theatre, 300 S. Main St., Grapevine
Brunch with Santa
Brunch with Santa and tableside hot chocolate.
Menu items priced a la carte.
Saturdays, Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23
Bacchus Kitchen + Bar, 215 E. Dallas Road, Grapevine
Merry & Bright Christmas Drone Show
Visually spectacular holiday-themed show with 200 drones to rival any fireworks display.
Free
Dec. 2, 9 & 16, 8:00-8:10 p.m.
Grapevine City Hall, 200 S. Main St., Grapevine
The Texas Tenors: Deep in the Heart of Christmas
The talented trio of tenors thrills audiences with harmonious holiday hits.
Tickets: $48
Dec. 11-14
Palace Theatre, 300 S. Main St., Grapevine
Keller
Holly Days
Very Merry Light Parade, pictures with Santa and Christmas tree lighting.
Free
Dec. 1
Keller Town Hall, 1100 Bear Creek Pkwy., Keller
Fort Worth Chorale: Night of Wonder
The chorus is joined by special guests, Fossil Ridge High School Choir.
Tickets: $6-$25
Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Keller United Methodist Church, 1025 Johnson Road, Keller
Southlake
Home for the Holidays
Event features the lighting of the magnificent Christmas tree, holiday music and tons of activities.
Free
Nov. 18, 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Southlake Town Square, 1400 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake
Sounds of the Season
The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra performs a variety of yuletide tunes.
Tickets: $10-$25
Dec. 19, 7-9 p.m.
Whites Chapel United Methodist Church, 185 S. White Chapel Blvd., Southlake
Family Holiday Party
An afternoon of festive holiday crafts and delicious seasonal treats.
Free
Dec. 21, 2-4 p.m.
Southlake Public Library, 1400 Main St., Southlake
Meet-and-Greet With Mrs. Claus
Mrs. Claus reads stories and sings before a meet-and-greet and hot chocolate.
Free
Dec. 22, 9-9:45 a.m.; 10-10:45 a.m.
Southlake Library, 1400 Main St., Third Floor, Southlake