Pictured: The Nutcracker Brunch
Sitting by a stocking-adorned fireplace and hanging with the family around the Christmas tree is just one way to celebrate the holidays. But if you want to brush off those homebody habits, we recommend checking out some of these local, family-friendly activities to get you in the seasonal spirit.
Sitting by a stocking-adorned fireplace and hanging with the family around the Christmas tree is just one way to celebrate the holidays. But if you want to brush off those homebody habits, we recommend checking out some of these local, family-friendly activities to get you in the seasonal spirit.
So maybe Fort Worth doesn't exactly have a frozen pond to skate on, but we do have Panther Island Ice. From now until Jan. 14, Fort Worth's Coyote Drive-In is hosting the ice skating rink and serving seasonal food and drink to accompany the cool weather. This winter wonderland is open at various times depending on the day: 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. until 11 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Sundays.
Rockin' in a Winter Wonderland
The Shops at Clearfork is really letting it go this year. On Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., the upscale shopping center is celebrating the holidays with Fort Worth band Grady Spencer and the Work, an inflatable slide and ornament making stations for the kids — and a visit with Elsa and Anna of “Frozen.”
Fort Worth Opera's Holiday Sing-Along
It wouldn't be the Christmas season without Christmas music. On Dec. 1 from 2 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., guests can get their holiday jingle fix at the Fort Worth Opera's Holiday Sing-Along at Deborah Beggs Moncrief Garden Center Auditorium in the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. The Fort Worth Opera and TCU Lesley Apprentice Artists will perform a festive blend of classic carols, holiday songs and opera favorites — all for free. The event is sold out, but there's still a chance to get on the waiting list if you call the Fort Worth Opera box office at 817-731-0726.
Get your holiday shopping done early — WestBend is hosting a Holiday Bazaar on Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., where visitors can enjoy local art, shopping, gift wrapping and food and drink. Many vendors will be selling handcrafted gifts so you can purchase a truly unique holiday present for someone — or yourself.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage!
Good grief. The Peanuts gang will take over Bass Performance Hall for one day only with “A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage!” On Dec. 1, live stage performances will run from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 8:30pm. Ticket prices start at $28.
Christmas songs with an a capella flare are coming to TCU's Robert Carr Chapel. Open to the public on Dec. 5 from 8:15 p.m. until 9:15 p.m., “An A Capella Christmas” will put you in the Christmas caroling mood with holiday classics performed by the TCU Horned Tones and Here Comes Treble a cappella groups.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
From now until Dec. 23, Casa Mañana is serving up some holiday cheer with its yuletide spectacular “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” shows. With showtimes varying each day, Casa Mañana features all the holiday's favorite characters and tunes with a comical taste. Be sure to check the website for dates, showtimes, parking and ticket information.
“Home Alone” with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
For a good Christmas laugh set to a live soundtrack, the Will Rogers Auditorium will screen the classic holiday flick “Home Alone” while the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams' score. The event takes place Dec. 15 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary depending on seating.
Just before the matinee Dec. 16 performance of “The Nutcracker,” ballet attendees can enjoy a brunch with an array of sandwiches, sweets and other goodies at Bass Performance Hall from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. While brunch guests must also purchase a separate ticket to the show, you can eat in style for an extra $75 before enjoying one of the holiday's most beloved stories.
On Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m., Southlake Town Square will host the third annual Chanukah fire show on an icy stage. Guests can celebrate with greetings from local dignitaries, an ice menorah and favorite Chanukah treats like latkes, doughnuts and chocolate gelt.
2018 New Year's Eve Double 5Ks & Half Marathons
One way to work on those few extra holiday pounds is to participate in one of Cox Running Group's many 5K and Half Marathon events throughout the day on New Year's Eve. On Dec. 31 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Trinity Park Pavilion, runners and walkers alike can exercise along a handful of routes and loops. All participants also get T-shirts and ribbons. Check out Cox Running Group's website for times, registration details and prices.
Billy Bob's Texas New Years Eve Party
If there's any place that knows how to celebrate in the spirit of Cowtown, it's Billy Bob's Texas. On New Years Eve, guests can ring in the new year with the Randy Rogers Band and all the other Billy Bob's favorites like the mechanical bull and line dancing. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 10:30 p.m. Watch the concert for free from afar, or pay $20 for a GA ticket and anywhere from $40 to 55 for a reserved ticket.