Get your fuzzy socks and hot cocoa ready. From light displays to holiday performances and festive parties, this is by far the coziest season in Cowtown.

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

Thanksgiving break for kids

Fall Zoo Camp, Fort Worth Zoo
Kids ages 5-10 can make memorable experiences that focus on wildlife conservation and the outdoors at this camp that costs $85 per day Monday, Nov. 25-Tuesday, Nov. 26.

Turkey Tech Stem Squad, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
On Monday, Nov. 25, students can construct their own knowledge of the world through hands-on experiences. Tickets cost $40.

Fire Station Camp, Fire Station Community Center
From Monday, Nov. 25 to Wednesday, Nov. 27, kids ages 5-13 will have plenty of ways to burn off their holiday energy between the mini-library, the center’s playground, and more activities. Tickets start at $15.

Chisholm Trail Camp, Chisholm Trail Community Center
Sign kids ages 5-13 up for this camp starting at $15 ,so they can enjoy a stroll down the two-mile trail or perform a half-pipe at the center’s skate park, among other camp activities. Camp takes place Monday, Nov. 25-Wednesday, Nov. 27.

YMCA Thanksgiving Camps, Various YMCA locations
From Monday, Nov. 25 through Wednesday, Nov. 27, students can reconnect with friends while enjoying activities like archery, high adventure, and canoeing. Tickets start at $45 and vary depending on location.

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

Leon Bridges and former TCU fooball coach Garry Patterson run The Big Good, which supports local nonprofits. | Photo by Tarrant Area Food Bank

Thanksgiving volunteering

Thanksgiving Mobile Distribution, AT&T Stadium
On Thursday, Nov. 21 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., join this Mega Mobile Market event hosted by the Tarrant Area Food Bank to help distribute food.

Turkey Tailgate 2024, The Library Bar Fort Worth
Prep food items and make preparations for meals that will be served on Thanksgiving on any day from Monday, Nov. 25 through Wednesday, Nov. 27.

Operation Turkey 2024, The Library Bar Fort Worth
On Thursday, Nov. 28, volunteer to set up, cook, decorate, plate, package, drive, or clean from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at this event that prepares and delivers Thanksgiving meals to those in need.

Enjoy a Cowtown Christmas in the Stockyards. | Photo by @randall.lierz

Holiday events and happenings

Santa Paws, MUTTS Canine Cantina
Choose to get your pup's photo taken with Santa Paws on Sunday, Nov. 17 or Saturday, Dec. 7 during this holiday pop-up.

Stockyards Rodeo Rink, Livestock Exchange Building
Your first chance to skate around the ice rink will be on Monday, Nov. 18, with tickets starting at $20. Through Sunday, Jan. 5, you can skate until you’re ready to warm up with hot chocolate and snacks.

Holiday in the Park, Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington
Starting Sunday, Nov. 24 and lasting through Tuesday, Dec. 31, the park will feature twinkling holiday lights, musical shows, holiday treats, Santa, and more. Tickets start at $29.

Whistle Stop Christmas, Hulen Park + Downtown Cleburne
From Monday, Nov. 25 through Wednesday, Jan. 1, stop by to check out the lights and charm of this holiday town. The parade on Friday, Dec. 6 includes train rides, holiday treats, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Snowland, Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine
For $50+, head to the magical snowy wonderland that comes to life with twinkling garlands, decorated Christmas trees, and fresh cookies Monday, Nov. 25-Monday, Jan. 6.

36th Annual Carol of Lights, Grapevine City Hall, Grapevine
On Monday, Nov. 25 from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., watch as the city illuminates historic downtown Grapevine + enjoy free performances and activities.
Bonus: Check out 40+ days of holiday wonder in Grapevine, the "Christmas Capital of Texas."

Christmas in the Stockyards, Livestock Exchange Lawns
From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, join the free Cowboy Christmas tradition with thousands of twinkling lights, carolers, a parade, and photos with Santa.
Pro tip: Cowboy Santa will officially arrive on Friday, Nov. 29.

Santa’s Open House, Cinnamon Creek Ranch Event Center, Roanoke
Take a family photo with Santa, pet reindeer, enjoy a hayride, and sip on hot cocoa by the bonfire on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Bring along canned goods to help serve the community.

Breakfast With Santa, Neiman Marcus Clearfork
Enjoy a delicious holiday breakfast starting at $55 with a special visit from Santa Claus and his team of elves on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Immerse yourself in a world of lights at the Botanic Garden. | Photo provided by Lightscape

Light displays

Tell Family Lights, Tell Family Lights, 5016 Keating St.
Starting on Thanksgiving and running through the end of December, this donation-based holiday attraction will feature synchronized lights with songs playing on 97.5 FM.
Bonus: Submit a song for your chance to control the lights.

Lightscape, Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Celebrate the opening of Lightscape on Friday, Nov. 22, returning for its third consecutive year with more than a million holiday lights. Tickets start at $12 to see the display featuring 80% new attractions this year.

Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas, Choctaw Stadium, Arlington
From Friday, Nov. 22 through Sunday, Dec. 29, experience this immersive holiday experience crafted by the creators of the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze. Tickets cost $27.99.

Gift of Lights, Texas Motor Speedway
From Saturday, Nov. 23 through Tuesday, Jan. 7, drive through a hypnotizing two-mile light park that features millions of lights. Tickets are $35 for one carload.

Fort Worth Community Christmas Tree Lighting, Sundance Square
The 78th Annual tree will be the largest live tree in Texas — the Norway Spruce measures 82 ft, which is eight feet taller than the one in Rockefeller Center — and will be adorned with 10,000 LEDs and oversized ornaments painted by local artists. See it all aglow starting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3 + snap the perfect holiday card picture.

GM Financial Parade of Lights, Downtown Fort Worth
Street-side tickets are expected to sell out, so make sure you grab ‘em in time to experience the annual holiday parade on Sunday, Nov. 24 with 100+ illuminated floats, an array of festive performers, holiday decor, and live music.

Prairie Lights, Lynn Creek Marina at Joe Pool Lake, Grand Prairie
Beginning on Thanksgiving, pack the car and head to Grand Prairie to experience millions of lights along a two-mile drive + an out-of-car Holiday Village experience. Tickets cost $50 per car.

The Modern Lights, The Modern
Starting Friday, Nov. 29, 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.

Interlochen Lights, Interlochen neighborhood, Arlington
Beginning in mid-December, the Arlington neighborhoods will continue its over 40-year tradition that includes 200+ homes with festive lights and holiday-themed displays.

Don't forget to wave to Santa. | Photo by Richard W. Rodriguez

Holiday performances

“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical,” Bass Performance Hall
On select dates Tuesday, Nov. 19-Sunday, Nov. 24, head to this Dr. Seuss holiday-classic-turned-musical with tickets starting at $44.

Home for the Holidays, Bass Performance Hall
The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra’s will perform a concert full of holiday songs to leave you feeling merry and bright on Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturday, Nov. 30. Tickets start at $44.

"Twas the Night Before Christmas," Casa Mañana
Friday, Nov. 29-Monday, Dec. 23, take in this holiday musical about a mother who takes her daughter on a magical treasure hunt through New York City, from Radio City Music Hall to Macy’s. Tickets start at $19.

106.1 Kiss FM's Jingle Ball, Dickies Arena
On Tuesday, Dec. 3, head to Dickies Arena for a lineup of musical artists including Kane Brown, Meghan Trainor, Jason Derulo, Madison Beer, and more.

Christmas with Kenny and Dolly, Casa Mañana
Local artist Jolie Holliday will celebrate the iconic country music pair’s 1984 quadruple-platinum Christmas album during this show taking place Tuesday, Dec. 3 through Sunday, Dec. 22.

"The Nutcracker," Bass Performance Hall
Showing in Fort Worth starting Friday, Dec. 13, this two-hour-long ballet will also host special family and ugly sweater nights. Tickets start at $25.

Pentatonix "Hallelujah! It's a Christmas Tour," Dickies Arena
Acapella group Pentatonix will bring its Christmas-themed tour to home to DFW on Saturday, Dec. 21 with tickets starting at $43.50.

"Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland," Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium
Head to the auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 28 for awe-inspiring acrobatics, gravity-defying aerial feats, and live performances from musicians and singers. Tickets cost $21.

Candlelight: Holiday Special, Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Relax to a candlelit concert by the Listeso String Quartet featuring seasonal hymns and songs like "The First Noel," "Deck the Halls," and "Away in a Manger."

Get a Texas-sized helping of holiday cheer this year at the holiday market. | Photo by Texas Christkindl Market

Holiday shopping

Decorators Warehouse, Arlington
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Texas’ largest Christmas store features pre-lit trees, outdoor and indoor lights, flowers, ornaments, and everything in between.

Texas Christkindl Market, Arlington
This 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 on Friday, Nov. 22-Sunday, Nov 24 + Friday, Nov. 29-Monday, Dec. 23.

Lake Worth Holiday Market, Lake Worth
On Saturday, Dec. 7, head to Lake Worth to shop local vendors featuring holiday-inspired products from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Clearfork Holiday Market, The Shops at Clearfork Plaza
This holiday market will be set up under the grand Christmas tree in the plaza + on the lawn on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reserve a photo session with Santa before you get there.

Keller Christmas Fair & Market, Keller Lions Club
Shop around for handmade craft pieces, a wide range of gifting options + delicious food and entertainment on Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15.

Saginaw Holiday Market, Saginaw
Support small businesses while getting your holiday shopping complete with handmade crafts, baked goods, and an appearance from Santa on Saturday, Dec. 14, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

All will be merry and bright in Sundance Square. | Photo by @jrh79_

New Years parties

Noon Year's Eve, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Bring the kiddos to this NYE event that takes place a bit earlier in the day — 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. — so the little ones can celebrate before bedtime.

NYE Live!, Texas Live!, Arlington
Celebrate in style with live entertainment, food and drinks, Instagram-worthy installations, and a champagne toast on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets start at $40.

NYE Party Featuring Gary Allan, Billy Bob's Texas
Head to the world's largest honky-tonk for this celebration starting at 10 p.m. featuring four balloon drops, a champagne toast, and live music by the "Her Man" singer. Tickets start at $25.

New Year's Eve Celebration, Pete's Piano Bar
Gather a group of friends and party from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. with party favors, singing, and a bottle of champagne for a reserved table of four. Table reservations start at $300 for a table of four — GA costs $25.

New Year's Eve Champagne Life: Royalty Masquerade, Aloft Dallas Love Field, Dallas
Your $100 ticket will get you access to an open bar, music by a live jazz ensemble, "party zones," and more.

PBR Buckin' New Year's Eve, Cowtown Coliseum
Kicking off at 7:30 p.m., enjoy the thrilling spectacles of bronc riding and bullfighting + groove to live country music by Carson Jeffrey and Josh Gracin. General tickets start at $59.

Cowtown Countdown: Rhinestone Rodeo, Refinery 714
For $75, enjoy breathtaking views at this rooftop bar above the Kimpton Harper Hotel from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Stick around for the signature champagne toast at midnight. Plus, the hotel is offering special NYE room deals.