Fun in the Fort: December 2017

Hey, everyone! If you have family coming in from out of town this month, or even if you don’t, you might want to keep these recommendations handy as a guide to what to do over the holidays. Plus, I’ve included many different and fun opportunities to meet Santa!

First, if you don’t have tickets to the North Pole Express Train in Grapevine, DO NOT worry because there are other amazing Polar Express adventures still available! The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is once again showing the Polar Express in the Omni Theater, and you can also attend a Polar Pajama Party complete with hot chocolate and wintery fun activities, all in your PJs. Another wonderful option is the Texas State Railroad Polar Express. We did it last year, and it was amazing! The depot is in east Texas, about 2 hours from Fort Worth and is definitely worth the drive. Tickets are still available for some rides to the North Pole on this train! I highly recommend it.

You’ve probably heard me mention Mainstay Farm. It is a well-loved place to go throughout the year and is especially fun during the holidays. This year, the Christmas Farm Adventure will be open December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, and 10th. They have 70 acres of activities, rides, and attractions. There is plenty to do with hayrides, duck races, pedal carts, a zip line, and a hay & play barn. This year, Santa will be there, and you can also pick a pre-cut tree or find the perfect growing tree to saw down and take home. Guaranteed fun here resulting in worn out kiddos.

On December 2nd, celebrate Christmas in the Stockyards. Festive activities will take place throughout the day from 11 to 5 pm. The cute western Santa will be available for photos, and Mrs. Claus will have story time with the kids, plus more exciting surprises!

Cendera Center is holding their annual Pictures with Santa event on December 2nd from 9 to 1 pm. All are welcome to come enjoy Santa Claus, crafts, and refreshments! This is a fun and stress-free experience for the whole family, including your favorite pets!

This is the first holiday season in Fort Worth for the Shops at Clearfork. They will have visits with Santa, complimentary horse drawn carriage rides, a 30ft feature tree with beautiful decorations throughout. Live Musicians and strolling carolers will also be around as well.

The Clearfork Holiday Market will give you the chance to shop with a wide range of local merchants and artisans on December 5. This is a free, family-friendly event and will include Santa Claus, reindeers, music, and a North Pole mailbox! You’ll want to head over to the Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork with your letters to mail to Santa from 5:30 to 8:30 pm.

Breakfast with St. NICUlas is on Saturday, December 9th, from 8:30 to 11:30 am. The Fort Worth Club will be transformed into a winter wonderland, and this event is the perfect stress-free opportunity to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy a fantastic breakfast and know you are helping the Neonatal Intensive Care unit at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth.

Leah’s Sweet Treats is hosting a Gingerbread Decorating Party on December 9th from 8:30 to 11:00 am. A pre-built gingerbread house is $25, and frosting, candy, and other design elements will be available and are included. You must reserve your spot, and seating will be limited. There is only room for one house per child, so be sure you reserve a house for each child that will be participating!

The Fairmount National Historic District’s Festivus in Fairmount is December 12th. Tour the neighborhood lights, explore Santa’s village, and visit with Santa and Mrs., Claus with cookies, carolers and more. It all begins at 5:30 at Kent& Co The Space. This event just keeps getting better and is one you don’t want to miss!

Santa will also be back in Sundance Square with a few changes this year. No more waiting in long lines because they have added a QLess program: check in with the Sister Cities volunteer and leave your mobile number. They can text you when it’s your turn to visit with Santa. All visits with Santa are $20, and the proceeds go to Sister Cities International Youth Program.

What with all the Santa activities, don’t forget about Panther Island Ice. Ice skating outdoors in Texas is unique and completely fun! Even the little ones who aren’t able to skate yet can hold on the side and scoot along. They are open every day of the week, including Christmas Day – perfect for a Christmas afternoon out of the house enjoying the fresh air!

The holidays are officially here! Enjoy these traditions with your family in Fort Worth. Have fun and stay safe, everybody!

Tricia Schniederjan is a Fort Worth girl, born and raised. Tricia is a runner, scuba diver, snow and water skier, hiker, and kayaker. Her love of exploring has taken her on many adventures with her 5 children which has led to her becoming an expert at traveling with children. She is a UT Austin graduate, an optimist, a peace keeper, and an enjoyer of life.