These are the 12 best things to do in Fort Worth this weekend
November 10,2022
See full CultureMap article by Alex Bentley here.
Below are the best ways to spend your precious free time this weekend. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
The Modern Lights, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, November 1-February 5
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth kicked off the holiday season earlier than just about anyone in town by illuminating their trees with festive lights. Passersby can experience a stunning display, and guests can also visit the museum galleries for free until 8 pm on Fridays. A special First Friday at the Modern event takes place every first Friday of the month.
Parade of Lights, downtown Fort Worth, November 20
The 40th annual GM Financial Parade of Lights, with the theme of “Lights, Camera… Christmas," will 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 former veteran, politician, and humanitarian John Sharp as grand marshal. Arrive early for the best viewing spots along the 1.59-mile route. More information is here.
Historic Main Street Carol of Lights, Grapevine, November 21
Grapevine's historic downtown area will be shining bright with thousands of lights and 1,400 holiday events over 40 days — no wonder they call Grapevine the Christmas Capital of Texas. It all kicks off with the 34th annual Carol of Lights and street lighting on November 21. Then comes the Parade of Lights on December 1. For a self-guided lights tour, start at Grapevine City Hall, 200 S Main St., Grapevine, park, and go from there. And don't miss the all-new Peace Plaza Ice Rink, opening November 18. Consult a complete schedule on the website.
Vitruvian Lights, November 25-January 1
Addison's Vitruvian Park transforms into one of North Texas' most spectacular holiday destinations during Vitruvian Lights, an annual celebration in which 1.5 million sparkling LED lights are wrapped around 555 trees to create a blazing wonderland. A special 10th-anniversary kickoff event, with the Jordan Kahn Orchestra, will take place 6-10 pm November 25. Then the lights will remain on every evening through New Year's Day, 5-11 pm, and it's free to view.
Galleria Dallas Grand Tree Lightings, November 25-26
The 95-foot Galleria Christmas tree will be standing tall in the ice rink by November 10, but it comes to life in all its dazzling glory the day after Thanksgiving. At 12 pm November 25 and 6 pm November 26, international figure staking stars and a backflipping Santa will help illuminate the tree in special free events. Then, through January 1, shoppers watch Illumination Celebrations, when the 450,000 LED lights on the tree “dance” in time to specially orchestrated music. The entire shopping center is bedecked with Christmas trees and palm trees adorned with thousands of lights, inside and out. New this year, 35-white flocked trees will form an Alley Forest people can use as a backdrop when it "snows" daily. More information is here.
Reliant Lights Your Holidays, Dallas Arts District, December 3
Reliant Lights Your Holidays 2022 will feature the illumination of hundreds of thousands of dazzling LED lights in the Arts District (which will stay on through the holiday season), plus live performances by Selena tribute band Bidi Bidi Banda, and Vinyl Countdown: A Tribute To Arena Rock. There will also be a Christmas-themed drone show, a wintery snow playground, kids craft area, photos with Santa, and miniature golf on the Reliant Putting Green. The free event starts at 5:30 pm at Sammons Park.
Highland Park Village Christmas Lights Celebration, December 7
The gorgeous homes and businesses in the Park Cities neighborhoods of Dallas shine with beautiful light displays, none more stunning than Highland Park Village. Sip, shop and stroll under the Village’s 1.5 million Christmas lights while enjoying store promotions, discounts, gifts with purchase, festive treats, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Community Partners of Dallas Toy Drive. The free "shop and stroll" event is 4-7 pm, but the lights will stay on through the season.