Best Christmas lights in Fort Worth and across North Texas for 2023
November 10,2023
See full CultureMap article by Stephanie Allmon Merry here.
North Texas has been decking the halls since before Halloween, and places are now ready to flip to the switch on their dazzling holiday displays.
Here's our guide to the biggest, brightest, most spectacular Christmas light displays and events in Fort Worth and beyond for 2023, listed by attraction type and start date. Bookmark and check back often because the list will grow and grow the holidays approach.
Make plans now to pour some hot chocolate, load the family into the car, turn on festive tunes, and revel in these illuminated wonderlands.
Parades and special events
GM Financial Parade of Lights, downtown Fort Worth, November 19
The 2023 GM Financial Parade of Lights will bring more than 100 illuminated floats, thousands of sparkling lights, festive performers, holiday decor, and live music - along with Santa and Mrs. Claus - to downtown Fort Worth. The parade kicks off at 6 pm with TCU head football coach Sonny Dykes as grand marshal. Arrive early for the best viewing spots along the 1.59-mile route (transportation tip: take advantage of Trinity Metro's free rides this month). More information is here.
SMU Celebration of Lights, SMU campus, Dallas, November 27
The cherished university event on the Dallas Hall Lawn includes food, live reindeer, musical performances by SMU students, a caricature artist, and the reading of the Christmas story by SMU president R. Gerald Turner from his family Bible. The highlight of the evening, of course, is the lighting of the Christmas tree and other holiday lights that will dazzle on campus through the holiday season. The free event is open to the public, 7-10 pm.
TCU Tree Lighting, TCU campus, Fort Worth, November 28
The lighting of TCU’s 50-foot tall Christmas tree will take place 6:30-8:30 pm in the TCU Commons. The evening will include refreshments, SuperFrog Santa, fireworks, and concert performances. The free event is open to the public (note there's a clear bag policy). For a map, parking information, and more, visit the website.
Reliant Lights Your Holidays, Dallas Arts District, December 2
Reliant Lights Your Holidays 2023 will feature the lighting of hundreds of thousands of dazzling LED lights around the AT&T Performing Arts Center (which will stay on through the holiday season), plus live performances by The Poylphonic Spree, a holiday drone show, the chance to play in real snow, photos with Santa, and more. The free event runs 5:30-8:30 pm at Sammons Park; register here.
Denton Holiday Lighting Festival, downtown Denton, December 2
The 35th annual event not only lights up the trees of Denton's Courthouse-on-the-Square lawn but makes a full night of it, with live music and dance performances, refreshments, arts & crafts, horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, and a toy drive for deserving families. The free event runs 3-9 pm around the Denton Courthouse; more info here.
Christmas Lights Celebration and Shopping Stroll, Highland Park Village, December 6
The luxury shopping center is famous for its 1.5 million twinkling holiday lights, and even offers carriage rides to take them all in. Their special Shopping Stroll event allows guests to sip, shop, and stroll while enjoying store promotions, shopping offers, and supporting local charities. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there for photos, there'll be live performances, kid-friendly activities, and more, 4-7 pm.
Arlington Holiday Lights Parade, downtown Arlington, December 9
Parade-watchers can gather in the downtown/university district to watch brightly lit floats parade down the street, then stay for the official Christmas tree lighting. Don't miss pics with Santa both before the parade and after the tree lighting. The free, family-friendly event starts with entertainment at 3 pm, and the parade begins at 6 pm. Find the route and more information are here.