It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year in the Fort

“Of all the months of the year there is not a month one half so welcome to the young, or so full of happy associations, as the last month of the year.”  – Charles Dickens

December is upon us, and it really is the most wonderful time of the year here in Fort Worth! There are so many fun family events and activities, we had a hard time paring them down. But we persevered, so bookmark this page so you can refer to it all month long!

A Gospel Black Nativity
Through December 23
Jubilee Theatre

Jubilee Theatre’s A Gospel Black Nativity is an adaptation of the Nativity story by Langston Hughes, performed by an entirely black cast. Hughes was the author of the book, with the lyrics and music being derived from traditional Christmas carols, sung in gospel style, with a few songs created specifically for the show. Tickets are available by clicking the link above.

Stolen Shakespeare Guild’s Emma
December 1-17
Arts Fort Worth, Sanders Theater

Spend an evening with Jane Austen’s matchmaking heroine, Emma, and her romantic misadventures as she navigates finding love. This will be a delightful theatrical performance you won’t soon forget. Tickets are available by clicking the link above.

City of Grapevine’s Elf Adventures
Through December 23
Grapevine Settlement to City Museums

Explore Grapevine’s enchanting past and join in an Elf Adventure! Experience the Christmas spirit while visiting Historic Grapevine and participating in unique activities. Capture the magic of Christmas and take home your very own handmade projects. Click the link above for more information and tickets.

Merry Members at the Carter
December 2
Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Have a holly jolly afternoon of fun! Bring the children in your life to celebrate the season at the Carter with winter-themed activities. Enjoy milk and cookies and take your picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus. All members can enjoy a 25% discount in the Museum Shop and free gift wrapping! Free for members with a Carter Family add-on. RSVP by email or call 817.989.5060 by November 25. Not a member? Join today!

Winterfest at the Museum
December 2
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Winterfest is a celebration promises a joyous exploration of the diverse cultural traditions that define fall and winter in our region. Join us for a day of holiday cheer, interactive activities, and the chance to learn about the unique customs that make Fort Worth special. Guests are encouraged to wear their comfiest pajamas and enjoy hot chocolate while they embark on a journey through the museum, discovering the various holiday celebrations cherished by communities across Fort Worth.

22^nd Annual Christmas in the Stockyards
December 2
Fort Worth Stockyards

A holiday celebration that’s bigger and brighter than ever before! Ring in the holidays at the 22nd Annual Christmas in the Stockyards, featuring festive activities such as our holiday ice rink, sounds of the season, photos with Cowboy Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, reindeer games, Strolling Dicken’s Carolers, two Championship Rodeos and a spectacular Christmas Parade! Events will take place between 10AM to 8PM throughout the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.

34^th Annual Fort Worth Margarita Ball
December 2
Worthington Renaissance Hotel

Join us for an unforgettable evening while supporting 13 local children’s charities. Your ticket includes entrance to Fort Worth’s Best Annual Event, a toy donation for local children, complimentary margaritas and Coca-Cola beverages (while they last), plus hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy live music and dancing with Manhattan Band, a casino game room, photo booths, raffles, and a silent auction. Don’t forget to visit The Lounge for all things margaritas! So grab your gowns, tuxes, and boots, and get ready to have a great time!

Texas Ballet Theater Presents The Nutcracker
December 8-24
Bass Performance Hall

Of course, no season of any ballet company could be considered complete without a production of The Nutcracker. First performed in St. Petersburg in 1892 and not considered a success (!), this beloved ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s short story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” TBT’s version was choreographed by Stevenson and is filled with lacy snowflakes and delectable sweets. While TBT will not present “The Nutty Nutcracker” as in years past, they do have a few tricks up their sleeve to delight patrons.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Presents The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More!
December 8
Dickies Arena

Rock out this holiday season with Trans-Siberian Orchestra as they bring back ‘The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More’! They’re pulling out all the stops to make sure this winter tour is their best show in years.

Amahl and the Night Visitors
December 10
Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Amahl and the Night Visitors is an opera in one act by Gian Carlo Menotti with an original English libretto by the composer. It was commissioned by NBC and first performed by the NBC Opera Theatre on December 24, 1951. It was broadcast live on television as the debut production of the Hallmark Hall of Fame. It was the first opera specifically composed for television in the United States. Menotti was inspired by Hieronymus Bosch’s The Adoration of the Magi hanging in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. He wanted the role of Amahl always to be performed by a boy – never by a woman costumed as a child. It could also be similar to the Little Drummer Boy story. It has been said that Amahl is performed someplace worldwide every year! Performed by the Fort Worth Opera at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.

FWSO Presents Handel’s Messiah
December 9
Will Rogers Auditorium

When Messiah premiered in Dublin in 1742, the reception was mixed. Now, nearly 300 years later, Handel’s famous oratorio is an annual tradition for orchestras around the world, a regular celebration of music and holiday cheer. FWSO Assistant Conductor Taichi Fukumura leads this singular performance.

Festivus for the Rest of Us Benefitting One Safe Place
December 9
Historic Fairmount Neighborhood

Join the historic Fairmount community for a decade-long tradition that keeps getting better – FESTIVUS! Over the years, Festivus has evolved into a collaborative celebration, maintaining its roots as a platform for neighbors to showcase their creativity and revel in holiday cheer together. We’re thrilled to continue our cherished partnership with One Safe Place, ensuring a bright and beautiful holiday for all families. Bring a nominal donation or an unwrapped toy and, in exchange, you’ll get the Festivus map to guide you through a night of merriment. Fairmount Festivus is a night for everyone, young and old, to enjoy the joy of the season! So mark your calendars, air your grievances, and revel in FESTIVUS for the rest of us.

Merry & Bright Christmas Drone Show
December 2, 9, and 16
Grapevine

Join us for Grapevine’s  Merry & Bright Christmas Drone Show, presented by Harvest Hall. On Saturday, December 2 and 16 at 8 p.m. take the Christmas Capital of Texas® to new heights and watch our fleet of 200 drones create Christmas magic in the sky over Main Street in front of Grapevine Main Station. On Saturday, December 9th at 8 p.m. catch the drones in front of Grapevine’s City Hall building.

Dive into the Holiday Spirit at Meow Wolf
December 9
Meow Wolf Grapevine

This event is for art enthusiasts, festive shoppers, and holiday thrill-seekers! Get ready for an immersive art experience like no other – where creativity meets holiday cheer in the most mind-bending way possible. ART GALORE IN NEON KINGDOM: Dive into a world of wonder with incredible, one-of-a-kind artwork from local talents and artisans. From handmade jewelry to vibrant paintings, there’s something for every art lover’s taste! VENDOR VILLAGE: Stroll through our magical Vendor Village and discover unique, handcrafted treasures perfect for your holiday shopping! Find that special gift for your loved ones (or treat yourself – we won’t tell!) THE USUAL ARTSPECTS: All vendor fees go directly towards supporting The Usual Artspects who provide Art Therapy for women who have survived sexual abuse, domestic violence, and trafficking.

Art Aid’s Artist Holiday Mixer
December 12
The Coupe

Join Arts Fort Worth, Near Southside Arts, and Near Southside, Inc. on Tuesday, December 12 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for an end-of-year artist networking event at The Coupe. Mix and mingle with fellow artists, hear updates from the Arts Fort Worth and Near Southside Arts team, and use this opportunity to grow your connections and plan for 2024.

Posada Navideña
December 16
La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth

La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth will be celebrating the Christmas season with the traditional “Posada Navideña”. This event will consist of live music and dance performances, free giveaways, raffles, and the visit of Santa Claus.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
December 17
Will Rogers Auditorium

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is coming to Will Rogers Auditorium on Sunday, December 17th with an all-new and a must-see holiday event to usher in the magic of the season featuring acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks, and holiday cheer! The show blends the spellbinding grace and daredevil athleticism of today’s greatest circus performers with a musical mix of timeless seasonal favorites.

Holiday Cookbook Exchange & Potluck
December 19
Hao’s Grocery & Café

A community event for all. Got a cookbook collecting dust? Or want to meet some new foodie friends? Just bring a wrapped cookbook and a dish to share. You’ll leave with a cookbook to explore for the new year. We will provide the holiday libations and snacks.

Winter Solstice Moon Talk-and-Walk
December 20
Tandy Hills Park

On the first date of the three-day Winter Solstice period, take a walk in the surprisingly bright Quarter Moon light with Amy Martin, the Moonlady and author of Wild DFW: Explore the Amazing Nature Around Dallas-Fort Worth, and Don Young, steward of Tandy Hills. Before, during, and after the walk-and-talk, Chris Emory will offer viewing of the Moon through his Moon telescope and talk about how he as a photographer captures the night sky. We’ll stay aware for wildlife, including owls, which are more active on Quarter Moons than Full Moons. Dress warm with a cap and thick socks.

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
December 23
Amon Carter Stadium

The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl game honors and recognizes the enormous sacrifices that America’s military personnel have made on the battlefield. And included within the trophy – the DNA, let’s call it, are decommissioned pieces of Lockheed Martin aircraft, spacecraft and weapons that are combat proven, like the Armed Forces that inspired it. Representing each of the six branches of the United States Armed Forces, each piece that goes into the trophy is an iconic symbol befitting of those who answer the call of duty.

Kwanzaa Community Celebration
December 26-January 1
The Dock Bookshop

Join the Dock as they celebrate Family, Community, and Culture with books, authors, music, stories, food, and more. A full schedule will be published later. To learn more, click the link above.

Pit Fired Pottery Class
December 30
Log Cabin Village

Finish off the year by learning a new skill! Middle and high schoolers are invited to join us for a pit-fired pottery class on Saturday, December 30, at 9:30am. Local Pueblo artist and teacher, Laura Nungaray will show students how our ancestors made ceramics without a modern-day kiln. Each student will get to make their own pottery piece to take home and contribute to a community piece that will be displayed at Log Cabin Village. While the community piece will be pit-fired on-site, the individual pottery pieces will be kiln-fired off-site; students will be able to pick up their completed pieces from the Village after the kiln-firing is finished. Since pit firing can take anywhere from 12-24 hours, students and the public will be able to watch the completed community ceramic come out of the fire in a video posted on the Village’s website and social media channels.

Noon Year’s Eve
December 31
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Toast to 2024 at “Noon” Year’s Eve! Bring your party pants to the museum for a whirlwind experience of New Year’s traditions such as party poppers, resolutions, and more! Learn about New Year’s resolutions and create your own crafts to ring in a new season. Don’t forget the confetti drop at Noon in the atrium! Noon Year’s Eve is always a packed event, so purchase your tickets online to make sure you’ve got a spot! FREE with general admission or membership. The Museum will open earlier than normal, at 10 AM and will remain open after the event ends until 5 PM.

Zoo Year’s Eve
December 31
Fort Worth Zoo

Are you planning a grownups-only New Year’s Eve? Why not let your kiddos celebrate with the REAL party animals at Zoo Year’s Eve? You get to go ring in the New Year while the kids enjoy pizza, snacks, animals, and a continental breakfast the next morning! Get your tickets NOW by clicking the link above.