It’s almost time! Yes, it’s almost time to fa-la-la-la and don the gay apparel.

Look at your calendar, and before you’ve filled every blank with holiday activities, take time to consider community events that will jingle all the bells. We’ve compiled a list of activities in Northeast Tarrant County that are open to the public and for which tickets were still available at press time.

If Grapevine’s Christmas Wine Trains were on the holiday must-do list, let’s hope friends have extra tickets because the adult-only excursions of light bites, wine and carols are sold out. Same for Santa’s North Pole Express, unless Santa Claus works some Christmas magic. But no worries, festive fun seekers. There are more fun activities to celebrate the season than any one person could accomplish. Unless you are Santa Claus himself … somehow he manages to do all kinds of impossible things.

Let’s start with just where he’ll be.

 

A BEDFORD CHRISTMAS
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 16
Bedford Public Library, 2424 Bedford Ridge Drive, Bedford

Get a jump on the season with A Bedford Christmas at the Bedford Public Library, 2424 Forest Ridge Drive This breakfast with Santa includes a continental breakfast, songs, a party favor, and a photo with the man of the season. Tickets, required for everyone older than 1, are $5 per person. Also part of the fun at A Bedford Christmas will be craft vendors, musical performances and a silent auction, all to benefit the Bedford Library Foundation.

 

GRAPEVINE PARADE OF LIGHTS
7 p.m., Dec. 5
Downtown Grapevine

For the 45th year, the Grapevine Parade of Lights will march up the city’s Main Street.  The 2024 theme is “Toys, Trains and Candy Canes,” and the parade will feature marching bands, floats, dance teams and lots of lights. A team effort of the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce, the City of Grapevine and the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, the annual parade is now billed as the largest lighted Christmas parade in north Texas. Santa likes it, too, since he always ends the big show.

 

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., Dec. 7
Keller Pointe, 405 Rufe Snow Drive, Keller

Santa Claus sure likes breakfast! Families attending will receive breakfast from FnG Eats, sweet treats from Mrs. Claus’ Cookie Shop and a photo with Kris Kringle. Registrations are required in advance and are available for $15 per person at the kellerpointe.com.

 

BRING YOUR PUP FOR SANTA PHOTOS
9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Dec. 7
Hurst Dog Park, 900 TCC Road, Hurst

Animal lovers who want a pic of Fido or Whiskers with Santa, here’s your chance. Bring your pup to the Hurst Dog Park for photos with The Jolly Old Elf. The event is free, but all donations will go towards the Hurst Animal Shelter.

 

SENSORY-FRIENDLY PHOTOS AND BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Dec. 14
Hurst Recreation Center, 700 Mary Drive, Hurst

A big man in a red suit can be overwhelming to some. At Hurst’s Sensory-Friendly Photos and Breakfast with Santa, children with sensory or mobility needs will be given a chance for a photo in a calmer environment. An on-site photographer will snap photos up-close or socially distanced of children. 

 

HOLIDAY MOVIES
Nov. 30 – Dec. 28
Grapevine Historic Palace Theatre, 300 S. Main St., Grapevine

Have a favorite holiday movie? It’s even better on the big screen. Grapevine’s Historic Palace Theatre will offer multiple showings of classic Christmas movies for $10 a ticket. Get your fix of holiday flicks week after week beginning with “Elf” on Nov. 30 and continuing through Dec. 28 with such favorites as “White Christmas,” “The Polar Express,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Full schedule on website grapevinetexasusa.com.

 

CLASSIC CHRISTMAS CARTOONS & CRAFTS
Dec. 2 – 23
Lancaster Theatre, 300 S. Main St., Grapevine

If movies need a craft to go along with the fun, then Classic Christmas Cartoons & Crafts should make the family calendar. Beginning Dec. 2 and continuing periodically through Dec. 23, cartoons featuring Mickey Mouse, Charlie Brown, Rudolph and Frosty will be showing at the Lancaster Theatre. An $8 children’s ticket includes a movie, popcorn, drink and the craft, with parents’ tickets priced at $4 each, no craft required. Schedule and ticket options are available at grapevineticketline.com.

 

BIG BAND HOLIDAY SWING THING
3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Nov. 9
Lancaster Theatre, 300 S. Main St., Grapevine

A 20-piece big band will give the holidays a big kick off when Big Band Holiday Swing Thing takes the stage at the Historic Palace Theatre. A big, brass sound, presented by Tribute Masters, will combine with jazz vocalists in two swinging shows on Nov. 9. Reserved seats, priced at $44 each and available by calling 

817-410-3100.

 

REGAL CHORALE
10:30 a.m., Nov. 16
Bedford Public Library, 2424 Forest Ridge Drive, Bedford

Regal Chorale, a community-based chorus comprised of professionals, will be performing We Need a Little Christmas, a free holiday concert designed for the little ones at the Bedford Public Library. Expect some jingling bells and ho-ho-hos at this family-friendly concert.com.

 

ELVIS CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
4 p.m., Dec. 1
Historic Palace Theatre, 300 S. Main St., Grapevine

Blue Christmas? Most likely it will be on the playlist for the Elvis Christmas Special starring Kraig Parker with the Royal Tribute Bank Dec. 1 at Historic Palace Theatre in Grapevine. Parker, who has toured the world with his impersonation of the king of rock-and-roll, will bring his mix of Elvis hits and holiday tunes to the show. All seats are reserved, and ticket prices range from $15 to $42, with group rates available. Call 817-410-3100 for reservations.

 

DEAN MARTIN AND FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TRIBUTE
3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Dec. 6
Historic Palace Theatre, 300 S. Main St., Grapevine

Dean Martin and Friends Christmas Tribute will transport the audience to the Las Vegas strip for two 90-minute shows Dec. 6 at Historic Palace Theatre in Grapevine. Performer Tom Stevens, who recently took a bow at his 700th Las Vegas show, will bring his impressions to the Grapevine stage for a mix of music, laughs and fun. Reserved seats cost $44 and can be made by calling 817-410-3100.

 

GRAPEVINE OPRY CHRISTMAS
4 p.m., Dec. 8
Historic Palace Theatre, 300 S. Main St., Grapevine

A longtime Grapevine fixture, The Grapevine Opry, will return with its trademark country variety show —this time with a holiday flair— to the Historic Palace Theatre Dec. 8. Rocky Gribble Presents a Grapevine Opry Christmas will bring festive songs and a fun atmosphere for a concert and maybe a little sing-along, too. Reserved seats cost $30 and can be purchased at 817-410-3100.

 

TEXAS TENORS
7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 & 11, 3 p.m., Dec. 10 & 11
Historic Palace Theatre, 300 S. Main St., Grapevine

The Texas Tenors, an Emmy Award-winning group with a Billboard number one ranking, will perform four shows at the Historic Palace Theatre. The group’s show, Deep in the Heart of Christmas, will be on stage Dec. 9-11. Expect Christmas classics such as “O Holy Night” and “Joy to the World,” along with original and Top 40 hits at this concert presented by the Emmy Award-winning singers. To hear the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame inductees, call 817-410-3100 for reserved seats, priced at $48.

 

REGAL CHORALE
7:30 p.m., Dec. 12
St. Timothy Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 3001 Forest Ridge Drive, Bedford

Regal Chorale, comprised of professional singers found within the community, is performing We Need a Little Christmas, in a classical concert Dec. 12 at St. Timothy Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Tickets, available online at RegalChorale.com and at the door, are priced at $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and children. Guests will be treated to English carols, classical pieces and solos aimed at those looking for Christmas favorites, both serious and light.

 

CARPENTERS LEGACY: A CHRISTMAS PORTRAIT
3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Dec. 13
Historic Palace Theatre, 300 S. Main St., Grapevine

Anyone remembering the old-school Christmas specials on TV will recognize the inspiration for Carpenters Legacy: A Christmas Portrait, set for Dec. 13 at Grapevine’s Historic Palace Theatre. Direct from their Las Vegas residency, Sally Olson as Karen Carpenter and Ned Mills as Richard Carpenter will take the audience back in time. Their show will present an old-fashioned show with “Merry Christmas, Darling,” “Sleigh Ride,” “The Christmas Song” and a few Carpenters’ hits. Tickets for reserved seats cost $38 and may be purchased by calling 817-410-3100.

 

MICHAEL BUBLÉ TRIBUTE SHOWS
3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Dec. 14 & 4 p.m., Dec. 15
Historic Palace Theatre, 300 S. Main St., Grapevine

Las Vegas entertainer Michael Ross Nugent will travel to Grapevine’s Historic Palace Theatre for his Michael Buble Tribute Shows Dec. 14 and 15. Nugent and his seven-piece band will present a lively show of Buble’s hits mingled with swinging standards, contemporary music and holiday favorites. The tickets, priced at $44, can be bought by calling 817-410-3100.

 

ENDLESS SUMMER THE BEACH BOYS HOLIDAY EDITION
3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Dec. 20
Historic Palace Theatre, 300 S. Main St., Grapevine

The Beach Boys leave the sandy beaches and find the Christmas Capital of Texas for their show Endless Summer The Beach Boys Holiday Edition. There’s sure to be fun, fun, fun Dec. 20 at the Historic Palace Theatre. A six-piece group will bring good vibrations and sing-alongs from the 1960s with tickets priced at $46. Buy them at tickets.grapevineticketline.com/event/beach-boys-tribute2024.

 

ICE! RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSE REINDEER
Nov. 15 – Jan. 5
Gaylord Texan Resort, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine

Wish it felt like a white Christmas? Best guarantee of seeing frosty weather is to visit Ice! between Nov. 15 and Jan. 5 at the Gaylord Texan Resort. Inside the adventure, it’s 9 degrees Fahrenheit, but the loaner parkas make the chilly exploration a fun experience. Frozen slides, ice sculptures and frozen tunnels make a unique fantasy escape, this year with a Rudolph theme. Artisans from “Ice City” in China have carved 10 whimsical scenes amid 2 million pounds of ice spread over 17,000 square feet. Tickets range from $19.99 to $43.99, depending on day and time, and can be booked at Gaylord Texan Tickets.

 

ORNAMENT MAKING
Through Dec. 30
Vetro Glassblowing Studio, 701 S. Main St., Suite 103, Grapevine

Create a family memory and maybe start a new tradition by making hand-blown glass ornaments at Vetro Glassblowing Studio in Grapevine. Since 1999, the glassblowing studio has hosted the opportunity to create both classic ornaments and snowman ornaments. Now the studio is seeing repeat customers bring three generations to make new decorations for family Christmas trees. Through Dec. 30, sessions may be scheduled to make ornaments costing $65 for the traditional ornament or $75 for the snowman ornament. To schedule a time, go to VetroArtGlass.com.

 

HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS
Nov. 18 – Jan. 5
Grapevine Tower Gallery, 815 S. Main St., Grapevine

Hometown Christmas, Nov. 18 through Jan. 5 at Grapevine’s Tower Gallery, is a chance to stroll through a Norman Rockwall Christmas painting. The walk-through cuteness display would make a wonderful place to take a family photo. The cost is $2 per person and the hours are the same as the city’s visitor center hours. 

 

SOUNDS OF THE SEASON
7 p.m., Dec. 17
White’s Chapel Methodist Church, 185 S. White Chapel Blvd., Southlake

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and Apex Arts League will present Sounds of the Season, a family-focused concert, at 7 p.m. Dec. 17 at White’s Chapel Methodist Church in Southlake. Hearing “Sleigh Ride” performed by a symphony orchestra is a festive experience, and other holiday favorites will be part of the concert, too. Tickets cost $25 for the general public, $20 for Apex Arts League members and $10 for children 10 and under. To buy tickets go to fwsymphony.org or call 817-665-6000.

 

ICE RINK
Nov. 22 – Jan. 7
Grapevine Peace Plaza Ice Rink, Main Street, Grapevine

Dream of Olympic gold medals while ice skating at Grapevine’s Peace Plaza Ice Rink, beginning Nov. 22 and continuing through Jan. 7 at the outdoor rink, across from Grapevine Main Station, at the intersection of Main Street and Dallas Road. It’s outdoors so dressing for the weather is a must, but the $20 price for a one-hour session includes the skates. 

 

NASH FARM CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
1-4 p.m. Dec. 7
Nash Farm, 626 Ball St., Grapevine

Return to simpler times Dec. 7 by visiting Nash Farm. Visitors to Nash Farm Christmas Celebration can experience Christmas as it was for the settlers of Grape Vine Prairie. Costumed historical interpreters will live life as it was during a Victorian Christmas on the farm. Admission is $5 per person.

 

TROT THROUGH TROPHY CLUB… A CHRISTMAS TOUR EXPERIENCE
2-5 p.m., Dec. 7
Trophy Club

Enjoy a look at beautiful Christmas decorations at Trot Through Trophy Club … A ChristmasTour Experience scheduled for Dec. 7 in Trophy Club. The holiday home tour, featuring homes adorned with their best holiday décor, will benefit Living Hope Equine Therapy. Guests will be treated to light fare and beverages at each house. Tickets are $50 each in advance and $60 if purchased the day of the event. To purchase, visit GiveButter.com.

 

THE NUTCRACKER
3 p.m., Nov. 23 – 24
Historic Palace Theatre, 300 S. Main St., Grapevine

Magical, enchanting and lovely, excerpts from the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” will be danced through the afternoon during “Nutcracker- Short and Sweet” Nov. 23 and 24 at the Historic Palace Theatre in Grapevine. At one hour, including an intermission, this abbreviated version of the ballet is a perfect introduction to the beloved holiday tradition of ballet and Tchaikovsky’s celebrated score. North Central Ballet, under the artistic direction of Les Jordan III, will bring magical dances of the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Waltz of the Flowers and the kingdom of sweets, all aimed to entertain families. Reserved seating costs $15 per person. To make it even more special, an optional tea party will precede the ballet. Costumed characters will appear at the event, scheduled at 2 p.m. Nov. 23 and 24 at Lancaster Theatre. The $12 tickets will include pink lemonade and treats. Tickets are available at 817-410-3100.

 

DISMAY IN A MANGER
Nov. 22 – Dec. 31
Texas Star Dinner Theater, 816 Main St., Grapevine

In a mix of both holiday celebrations and a little who-done-it, “Dismay in a Manger,” an interactive murder mystery, will be presented Nov. 22 through Dec. 31 at Texas Star Dinner Theater in Grapevine. Shows are scheduled Thursday through Sunday to tell the story of Wild West misfits rehearsing a Christmas pageant under the creative direction of the town mayor. Tickets cost $62.95, plus tax and fees, which includes a three-course meal and a 90-minute show. The show has become a destination Christmas party for groups, and the theater can also arrange private performances for businesses and clubs. Visit TexasStarDinnerTheater.com or call 817-310-5588 for more information.

 

NUTCRACKER SHORT AND SUITE
5 p.m., Dec. 1
White’s Chapel Methodist Church, 185 S. White Chapel Blvd., Southlake

Apex Arts League will present “Nutcracker Short and Suite,” performed by Avant Chamber Ballet, Dec. 1 at White’s Chapel Methodist Church in Southlake. Avant Chamber Ballet, an ensemble of classically trained ballet that was launched in 2012, will perform a condensed production of the timeless ballet. Tickets cost $10 to $25 and are available at ApexArtsLeague.com.

 

THE NUTTIER CRACKER, A CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Dec. 21
Historic Palace Theatre, 300 S. Main St., Grapevine

Dreaming of a “White Trash Christmas?” Check out comedian William Lee Martin’s trademark comedy with “The Nuttier Cracker, a Christmas Spectacular” Dec. 21 at Grapevine’s Historic Palace Theatre. That white trash part of Martin’s stand-up shtick, sharp humor and original sarcasm he presents in his trademark cowboy hat and Texas drawl. A headliner on Carnival Cruise lines, Martin also hosts a weekly podcast, “A Stand Up Dad.” Tickets for his Grapevine show cost $35 and $45. Call 817-410-3100 for reservations.

 

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
4:30 – 8:30 p.m., Nov. 23
Southlake Town Square, 1400 Southlake Blvd., Southlake

Celebrating its 25th anniversary will be Southlake’s Home for the Holidays, its annual tree lighting festivities at Southlake Town Square. The public is invited to enjoy on-stage performances, fireworks, food options and a three-lane snow hill on Nov. 23. Cost? It’s a gift from the city.

 

COLLEYVILLE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION
5:30-8:30 p.m., Nov. 23
City Hall Plaza, 100 Main St., Colleyville

A Christmas light tunnel is just part of all the lights planned for the Colleyville Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration, set for Nov. 23 at City Hall Plaza. Families can expect a giant snow globe, balloon artists, choir performances, food trucks and, of course, appearances from Mr. and Mrs. Claus and their reindeer.

 

BEDFORD’S TREE LIGHTING
5-8 p.m., Dec. 6
Old Bedford School, 2400 School Lane, Bedford

Musical performances by Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD groups will highlight Bedford’s tree lighting Dec. 6 at Old Bedford School. The festive evening will include more than 30 vendors, children’s activities, photos with Santa and food trucks. The tree lighting is scheduled for 6:20 p.m.

 

HURST’S CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
5-8:30 p.m., Dec. 3
Hurst Conference Center, 1601 Campus Drive, Hurst

Even if the thermometer says it’s hot, things will be cool at Hurst’s Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 3 at the Hurst Conference Center. Snow-tubing hills will be part of the fun, along with children’s holiday crafts, a petting zoo, school performances, a food court and Santa’s Christmas Marketplace. Santa will be available for photos, and the city touts this event as the only tree lighting with fireworks, too. Limited handicap parking is available at the conference center with a handicap placard, and extra parking is available at Tarrant County College’s Northeast Campus.