Holly Jolly in Fort Worth
The lights are glowing, and the magic is palpable in the air. All across the city, people are remembering the shimmer of Christmas traditions of a childhood past. Whether you celebrate with family, or with a group of friends that’s become like family, this is a time for gathering with the ones you love the most and reveling in the wonder of the season. Trees are decorated, lights are suspended from rooftops, the eyes on the little elves at home are glowing at the beauty of it all, and the eyes on mom and dad are glowing because of the eggnog they are drinking in order to handle the mischief said little elves tend to cause around this time of year.
During this, the sparkliest time of year, we can’t help but feel ourselves be drawn together; to feel close with those around us. Town and community events are at an all-time high, and being a part of the Fort Worth community at this time of year is a precious gift to those of us who call this fair city home. With that said, as my gift to you all, I have compiled a list of some of the amazing holiday events going on around Fort Worth. Some of them satisfy the desire for old traditions, some are a spectacle of twinkle lights and entertainment, and others sweep you away in a fantasy land that allows you to leave normal life behind for a while as you enjoy the magic of the holidays.
- If driving around neighborhoods looking at Christmas lights is a tradition in your family (it definitely is in mine), the Rivercrest and Westover Hills neighborhoods are my personal favorites. Fill a thermos of hot chocolate, and stream your favorite holiday playlist as you enjoy the works of art that our neighbors have assembled.
- Panther Island Ice – Nov 22-Jan 20: located at Coyote Drive-in, Panther Island Ice skating rink is open 7 days/week until January 20th, even on holidays! General admission is $13 per person, or you can get a group discount. Parking is free, and they have a full menu of food at the ready (including beer and wine options to help keep you nice and toasty warm). For more information, click here.
- Santa at Sundance – Nov 23-Dec 22: Come see Santa, take a photo with the giant christmas tree! Grab your favorite Seasonal Starbucks drink, and stroll around Sundance Square. Pictures with Santa are $20, and parking is free after 5PM on weekdays.
- Holiday in the park at Six Flags – Nov 23 – Jan 5: Six Flags Over Texas is always a good time, but the theme park goes all out for the holiday season! In addition to the dazzling light display, they also have a meet and greet with Santa’s reindeer and storytime with Mrs. Claus! For more information, click here.
- The Nutcracker at Texas Ballet Theater – Dec 13-29: This timeless tradition is a must! Watch Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they defeat the Mouse King on Christmas Eve, and journey to the Land of Sweets. For tickets and more information, click here.
- Modern Lights at The Modern Museum – Nov 29 – Feb 2: The Modern trees are decked out for the holidays, and it is dazzling! The galleries are also open free to the public from 5PM-7PM on Tuesdays, and until 8PM on Fridays. Click here for more information.
- Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway – Nov 29-Jan 5: Hands down, this is one of my favorites. You don’t even have to get out of the car unless you want to enjoy Santa’s Village after you enjoy the drive-thru lights display! Discounts are available, so check here for more information.
- Prairie Lights – Nov 28 – Dec 31: This stretch of lights is 2 miles long, and features 4 million lights! At $45/car, this is a great way to get everyone out of the house during family gatherings. Click here for tickets and information.
- Southlake Santa’s Village – Nov 23-Dec 24: If you are looking for a more upscale Santa experience, you’ll want to visit the Southlake Santa’s Village. There are even carriage rides on select nights! Click here for more information.
These are my favorites, and I hope that you and your family enjoy them too. May your days be merry and bright, and may your eggnog be the only thing on the naughty list. Happy Holidays!
