Your holiday calendar is filling up, so we’ve compiled all the must-do holiday happenings in Downtown Fort Worth! From sparkling lights to festive events, there’s no better place to celebrate. For our full event calendar, click here.

Movie Nights in Burnett Park

Grab your blankets, bundle up, and join us for Movie Nights in Burnett Park, where Downtown Fort Worth comes alive with family fun, festive lights, and your favorite films under the stars!

November 14 – Lilo & Stitch (2025) | 7:00 PM

We’re bringing back the summer vibes with everyone’s favorite blue alien! Catch the brand-new Lilo & Stitch (2025) on the big screen in Burnett Park. Enjoy a cozy evening filled with laughter, community spirit, and a little Hawaiian magic, right in the heart of Downtown Fort Worth.

December 12 – How the Grinch Stole Christmas | 6:30 PM

Get ready to celebrate the season, Whoville-style! Join us for How the Grinch Stole Christmas and enjoy a night of holiday cheer surrounded by twinkling lights and festive fun. Before the movie, stop by the north deck of Burnett Park for FREE Photos with Santa from 5:30–6:30 p.m. Capture the magic of the holidays in Downtown Fort Worth.

Pro Tip: Arrive early for the best spots and make a night of it by exploring Downtown’s nearby restaurants and coffee shops before the movie. These free, family-friendly events are open to all, so bring your lawn chairs, grab a snack from a nearby Downtown restaurant, and enjoy the show!

GM Financial Parade of Lights

Get ready to Sparkle, Dazzle, and Shine at the 2025 GM Financial Parade of Lights, lighting up Downtown Fort Worth on Sunday, November 23, at 6:00 PM! This iconic Fort Worth tradition kicks off the holiday season with more than 100 illuminated floats, marching bands, sparkling performers, and plenty of festive cheer for the whole family.

This year’s Grand Marshal is Mr. Chris Cassidy, President & CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, leading the way as Downtown transforms into a twinkling wonderland.

Can’t make it in person? Don’t worry, you can still catch the magic! The award-winning Parade Broadcast will be available online and via television so that you can enjoy every dazzling moment from home. Click here to learn more.

Lace Up for the YMCA Turkey Trot

Some drink mimosas, some run a 5K. Whichever way you celebrate, do it in Downtown! For our runners, kick off your Thanksgiving morning at the YMCA Turkey Trot in Downtown Fort Worth. For the first time ever, this beloved holiday tradition is taking place right in the heart of Downtown, bringing together families, friends, and runners of all ages for a morning filled with fun, fitness, and community spirit.

Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, the Fort Worth Turkey Trot is a festive way to kick off your holiday and give back to a great cause. Expect plenty of smiles, seasonal tunes, and maybe even a few turkey costumes along the route!

The race begins at 8:00 a.m. on November 27, so grab your sneakers, gather your crew, and make this Thanksgiving one to remember. Register and learn more here.

Holiday Magic at Bass Performance Hall

Experience the wonder of the season at Bass Performance Hall, the crown jewel of Downtown Fort Worth’s holiday entertainment. From the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra’s beloved Home for the Holidays concert to the Broadway at the Bass Series featuring A Christmas Story, and the timeless tradition of The Texas Ballet Theater’s The Nutcracker, there’s a show for everyone to enjoy.

Step inside the stunning Bass Performance Hall and let the music, dance, and dazzling performances fill you with holiday cheer. Whether it’s a family tradition or a night out with friends, these unforgettable Fort Worth holiday shows promise to make your season bright.

Cross Everyone Off Your Holiday Gift List

Still have shopping to do? Downtown Fort Worth and Sundance Square make it easy to find something special for everyone on your list, all while supporting local businesses! Explore a variety of unique boutiques, specialty shops, and local retailers offering everything from stylish apparel and artisan goods to one-of-a-kind gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

Make your holiday shopping a festive outing: grab a coffee, stroll through beautifully lit streets, and enjoy the magic of Downtown Fort Worth during the holidays. You’ll cross off your entire list in no time!

Eat, Drink & Be Merry in Downtown Fort Worth

This holiday season, skip the stress and celebrate in the heart of Downtown Fort Worth! From festive family dinners to holiday happy hours, Downtown’s award-winning restaurants and cozy cafés are ready to serve up the flavors of the season.

Explore our full list of Downtown Fort Worth restaurants for unforgettable holiday dining, or find the best happy hours in Downtown Fort Worth to toast the season with craft cocktails and small bites.

And don’t forget a sweet treat! Finish your outing with a festive donut from Funkytown Donuts & Drafts or a creamy scoop from La’Creamian or Melt Ice Creams!

Celebrate the season, support local, and make every bite in Downtown Fort Worth a little more joyful.

---

For more ways to DO Downtown, check out our calendar of events here!

---

Mentioned in this Post