The Weather Outside Is Frightful, but Fun in the Fort Is So Delightful

While it may not snow in Cowtown, December is always merry and bright!

The holidays, family, the promise of a brand-new year… what’s not to like? December in Fort Worth is especially jam-packed, so we’ve curated the best activities for you and your family. Save this article for Fort Worth family fun all month long!

Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival Tickets Go on Sale!
online
December 1

While this Fort Worth tradition isn’t until the end of March, tickets go on sale on December 1. Trust me, you DON’T want to miss this delicious celebration of the best in Fort Worth cuisine!

The Modern Lights
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
Through February 5

One of the most beautiful holiday traditions in Fort Fun! The Modern trees are illuminated with an array of festive lights in celebration of the holiday season. Passersby experience a stunning display, and visitors are invited to enjoy evening viewing opportunities. The museum galleries are open with free admission until 8 pm on Fridays.

Take the Soul Train to Christmas
Jubilee Theatre
Through December 22

Ida, Nat, and Rosa are given a school assignment to research how African Americans celebrated the Christmas holiday in the past. A grandfather uses magic to take them through actual history via a “Soul Train.” Their personal witness of both victorious and harrowing accounts of Black history – along with how African Americans endured, prevailed, and still embraced the birth of Jesus Christ – which gives them much more than they need for their school assignment and takes them on a road to real education.

Christmas in the Stockyards
Historic Stockyards
December 3

A holiday celebration that’s bigger and brighter than ever before! Ring in the holidays at the 21st 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, Cowboy Poetry and a spectacular Christmas Parade! Events will take place between 10AM to 8PM throughout the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.

Merry Members
Amon Carter Museum of American Art
December 3

Have you been thinking about getting a membership to the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, but you just haven’t pulled the trigger yet? Well, this is definitely the time do act because Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to the Carter for Merry Members! Members who have the Family add-on package can join the Carter staff in the Lounge on the second floor for an afternoon of art, activities, and of course, cookies and milk. However, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures with everyone. [Editor’s note: There is no better place to get pictures with Santa in Fort Worth. Trust me!]

Big XII Championship
AT&T Stadium
December 3

Riff ram bah zoom! The undefeated TCU Horned Frogs (12-0, 9-0) face the Kansas State Wildcats (9-3, 7-2) in the 2022 Big 12 Championship Game on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Anime Frontier
Fort Worth Convention Center
December 2-4

Anime Frontier is three days of exciting exhibits, premieres, and special events featuring some of the biggest guests in anime and manga making rare appearances in Texas!

The Big Good’s Holiday Party
Neiman Marcus Fort Worth
December 5

Join THE BIG GOOD for an evening featuring lite bites, drinks, holiday activations and special gift opportunities, benefiting THE BIG GOOD. This fun event is Ladies Only – sorry, gentlemen!

Stage West’s First Tuesday: Making Wreaths and Swags
Stage West Theatre
December 6

Wreaths have long adorned our doors as well as other areas in our homes. Harriet Harral will walk guests through several styles of wreaths and demonstrate one style. Participants will have the chance to create a door swag of their own to take home.

Second Thursday at the Carter: Surreal & Stylish
The Amon Carter Museum of American Art
December 8

Join The Carter every second Thursday to connect with art through cocktails, conversations, and creativity. December’s Second Thursday will let you experience the midcentury Fort Worth art scene in the exhibition Charles Truett Williams: The Art of the Scene, so dress in your sharpest suits and chic dresses for a night of socializing!

Simmons Bank Showdown
Dickies Arena
December 10

Simmons Bank is proud to present the annual Simmons Bank Showdown to Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena on Saturday, December 10^th with an early season all-Texas teams men’s basketball double-header.

Game schedule:
6:30 p.m. – UTA vs. Texas State
9:00 p.m. – TCU vs. SMU

A Winter’s Cabaret
Amphibian Stage
December 15

Join Drew Wutke, Tari Kelly, and Lauren Urso to ring in the holidays at Amphibian Stage. Expect holiday classics, Broadway favorites, a champagne station, passed hors d’oeuvres, and a boozy sing-along!

Free Admission Weekend at the Modern
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
December 16-18

In honor of the 20th Anniversary of the Modern’s building, we invite the community to visit for free, December 16-18. Tadao Ando’s “arbor for art” has become a beloved destination for Fort Worthians and people around the world since opening on December 14, 2002. Celebrate with us by walking through our galleries and grounds – experiencing the tranquil, light-filled spaces and restful pond that reflect Ando’s genius. All are welcome! Admission to the galleries is free all weekend, Friday 10 am – 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 5 pm.

Texas Ballet Theater’s The Nutty Nutcracker
Bass Hall
December 16

After 12 seasons, Texas Ballet Theater has announced the very last performance of The Nutty Nutcracker, the zaniest, most uproarious take on this holiday favorite! While we are sad to see the end of this hilarious holiday tradition, we can’t wait to see what’s coming next year! Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Holidays on the Boulevard: Holiday Character Breakfast
Texas Girls’ Choir, Inc.
December 17

To bring community together and spread holiday cheer, Camp Bowie District, Inc. has partnered with Texas Girls’ Choir to host a Holiday Character Breakfast! With a live performance from Texas Girls’ Choir, pancakes and bacon from Kincaid’s and a hot chocolate bar, this is the perfect event for you and your kids! Did we mention Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, AND Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there?

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Amon G. Carter Stadium
December 22

The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl game honors and recognizes the enormous sacrifices that America’s military personnel have made on the battlefield.

Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland
Dickies Arena
December 23

Igniting joy and wonder to Dickies Arena on Friday, December 23, Holiday Wonderland is a musical journey that will transport audiences to a magical land far away for a fun-filled, unforgettable holiday-themed show experience.

Winter Zoo Camp
Fort Worth Zoo
December 19-23, December 28-30, and January 2-3

Calling all animal lovers! Give your little zoo lovers a chance to explore, have fun, and maybe even learn something. (But don’t tell them I said that!) For future biologists and zookeepers, ages 5-10.

Sparkling Wine Flight Night
WineHaus
December 29

Just in time for New Year’s Eve! WineHaus’s Flight Night for the month of December will feature three delicious sparkling wines. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. No RSVP necessary!

Celebrate the New Year at Central Market Cooking School
Central Market Cooking School
December 30

Ring in 2023 in style. We’ll show you how to make a memorable meal with such detail that you’ll feel comfortable recreating this festive feast for your own at-home celebration. Wine will be paired with the courses. For ages 21 and up. The menu includes:

• Lobster Bisque
• Slow-roasted Beef Tenderloin with Herbs & Red Wine Sauce
• Creamed Spinach Amandine
• Potatoes Mousseline
• Flourless Chocolate & Vanilla Cake

New Year’s Eve Party featuring Randy Rogers Band
Billy Bob’s Texas
December 31

Ring in 2023 at Billy Bob’s! Doors open at 6 pm, and tickets are required.

Boogie on the Boulevard: New Year’s Eve at Fitz
Fitzgerald
December 31

Join Fitzgerald for the BEST NYE PARTY on the West side of Fort Worth! Chef Ben will be hosting his famous Las Vegas-style New Year’s Eve party at Fitzgerald on December 31, 2022. This is a must attend event complete with blackjack, craps, and roulette tables. Chef Ben will create a luxurious dinner buffet and a DJ will be fueling the evening as we Boogie on the Bricks!

Cheek to Cheek for NYE
Downtown Cowtown at the Isis
December 31

Ring in the new year in style at this Prohibition-era celebration that will last all night long, featuring Sharen Owens and Steve Leeds. Come dressed in your flapper best and receive discounts on specialty classic cocktails all evening!

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FWSO’s New Year’s Eve Concert: A Tribute to ABBA
Bass Hall
December 31

They’re so entertaining, you’ll be chanting “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme” more and springing from your seat like the “Dancing Queen” you truly are. With sold-out shows at the famous Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and Highland Park in Chicago, it’s easy to see why many critics agree this group is the most amazing and authentic ABBA tribute show in the world. Ring in your new year with an evening of one of the greatest pop phenomena!