Holidazzle
Lightscape adds a dimension of sight and sound to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden this season. Photo courtesy of Culture Creative
Lightscape
Fort Worth Botanic Garden | Botanical Research Institute of Texas 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., 817-463-4160, fwbg.org/lightscape
The spectacle that has wowed crowds on both coasts makes its Texas debut this month at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. It includes a mile-long illuminated walking trail and displays that come to life after dark with color, sound and imagination. Expect tunnels of light, undulating waves of bluebonnets, singing trees and sky-high sculptures. Nov. 18-Jan. 8
Holiday at the Arboretum
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden White Rock Lake, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, 214-515-6615, dallasarboretum.org
The arboretum glows thanks to a dozen 25-foot-tall Victorian-style glass gazebos representing the 12 Days of Christmas and the 1 million lights trimming the garden, including a 30-foot-tall spruce. There’s also the 50-foot dancing Dazzling Musical Tree animated with more than 42,000 lights. A new exhibit, “The Artistry of Faith and Culture,” pays homage to Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Nov. 10-Dec. 31
Parade of Lights, Grapevine
Downtown Grapevine grapevinechamber.org/events/grapevine-parade-of-lights/
This year’s theme for the self-proclaimed largest lighted Christmas parade in North Texas is “Music, Magic & Memories.” Expect crowds (pro tip: go very early to get a spot), lots of razzle-dazzle and, of course, an appearance by the very-busy-this-time-of-year Santa. Dec. 1
Parade of Lights, Fort Worth
Downtown Fort Worth fortworthparadeoflights.org
Hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights festoon floats, vintage cars, horse-drawn carriages, marching bands and carolers on a 1.5-mile route beginning at Weatherford and Throckmorton streets. And, yes, Virginia, Santa and Mrs. Claus promise to wrap up the evening’s revelry. Free, but reserve “Street Seats” online to ensure a good viewing spot on the route. Arrive early to allow time for traffic and parking. Nov. 20
Fort Worth’s Parade of Lights glows with the colors of the season. Photo courtesy of Downtown Fort Worth Inc.
Ice Capades
Panther Island Ice in Fort Worth won’t return this year, but you can still strap on your skates thanks to two new rinks. For indoor skating, the Galleria Ice Skating Center in Dallas is still a draw.
Grapevine ice rink The city known for celebrating the holidays with a more-is-better attitude this year adds outdoor ice-skating to its many attractions. The Peace Plaza at Grapevine Main Station/Hotel Vin is the site of the 4,500-square-foot rink, along with the live Christmas tree, giant reindeer and more. Watch the website for details. Nov. 18-Jan. 8; Grapevine Main Station, 815 S. Main St., grapevinetexasusa.com
Stockyards Rodeo Rink Along with Cowboy Santa, live music and other festivities on Fort Worth’s Northside, look for a new 4,000-square-foot professional rink in front of the Livestock Exchange Building. Find ticket and rental info on the website. Nov. 25-Feb. 5; 131 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, fortworthstockyards.com
