Christmas Lights in Fort Worth: Holiday Displays & Events
To read the full article click here
Looking to enjoy Christmas lights in Fort Worth? You can find holiday displays throughout the city, from downtown’s illuminated parade and Christmas tree to a walk-through garden experience and Western-themed festivities in the Stockyards. The main holiday light season generally begins in late November and continues through December, with some displays extending into early January. Dates, hours, and ticketing vary, so check event details before you go.
Christmas Light Displays & Tree Lightings
Sundance Square Christmas Tree
Sundance Square Plaza is home to Fort Worth’s annual community Christmas tree, a decades-long downtown tradition. The live tree features thousands of lights and hand-painted ornaments, creating a central gathering point for holiday visitors. The Fort Worth Christmas tree lighting is typically accompanied by live entertainment and seasonal activities. The 2026 lighting date hasn't been announced yet, so check Sundance Square’s current event calendar before making plans. Once illuminated, the tree can be viewed in Sundance Square Plaza at 420 Main St.
GM Financial Parade of Lights
For Christmas lights in downtown Fort Worth, the GM Financial Parade of Lights is one of the city’s major holiday events. The 2026 parade takes place Sunday, Nov. 22, at 6 p.m., following a 1.59-mile route through Downtown Fort Worth. More than 100 illuminated floats, marching bands, decorated vehicles, horse-drawn carriages, and carolers will lead up to Santa and Mrs. Claus. General viewing is free, while reserved Street Seats tickets are also available for purchase. Downtown streets begin closing early for staging, so arrive well ahead of the parade or consider TEXRail.
Christmas in the Garden
Christmas in the Garden runs Nov. 20 through Jan. 3 at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. The approximately one-mile, self-guided trail features illuminated installations, holiday music, a Christmas tree show, and seasonal food and drinks. The walk takes about 90 minutes and is designed for all ages. Tickets are timed, and advance purchase is recommended. The Garden is wheelchair accessible, though the trail includes some uneven surfaces and inclines; complimentary manual wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Christmas in the Stockyards
Santa in a cowboy hat and boots? Sounds about right. On Saturday, Dec. 5, the Fort Worth Stockyards celebrate the 25th annual Christmas in the Stockyards. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., meander through the historic district, say howdy to Cowboy Santa, pull up a seat for Mrs. Claus’ story time, and hang around for the 4 p.m. Christmas parade. The event is free to attend, though some individual Stockyards attractions may charge their own admission.
Drive-Through & Family-Friendly Christmas Lights
Three million lights, two miles, and one ticket per car. Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway takes you through glowing tunnels and holiday displays. Dates and ticket prices for 2026 are still under wraps, so keep an eye on the official Gift of Lights to be ready when they drop.
The free Clearfork Holiday Market runs Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Shops at Clearfork. Come for 50+ local vendors, Santa visits, and live music. It's a shopping-and-strolling event, so pair it with an evening lights display for a whole day of holiday cheer.