Thanksgiving weekend around Fort Worth will start off with many holiday-related events, including a light display, ice skating, Christmas train ride, a theater production, and a symphony event. It will end with a quintet of concerts, headlined by an iconic band, as well as an appearance by a well-known character actor.
Below are the best ways to spend your precious free time this weekend. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, November 24
Texas Motor Speedway presents Gift of Lights
Texas Motor Speedway will open its gates to the public for the annual Gift of Lights drive-through holiday lighting spectacular. There are over two miles of light displays, with almost 3 million lights, while visitors get to stay in their warm cars, listening to Christmas music on KLTY. Taking place through January 1, there will be special theme nights with discounts offered for participating vehicles.
Friday, November 25
Stockyards Rodeo Rink
The Stockyards Rodeo Rink will feature an all-new ice skating rink, Cowboy Santa's Winter Wonderland, live music, theme days, activations, Coco Corral, and more. There will be five 90-minute skating sessions Mondays through Thursdays, with an extra 9 pm session Fridays through Sundays. Ice skates are included at the venue, which will be open through February 5, 2023.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad presents North Pole Express
Guests can don their favorite pajamas and experience the magic of Christmas onboard Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s North Pole Express. Mrs. Claus takes guests on a holiday adventure to Santa’s Workshop. All guests will receive a cookie and a taste of Santa’s Frosty Chocolate Snow Milk served in a keepsake Memory Mug. Children will also receive a “We Believe” bell. The event takes place through December 23 at Grapevine Cotton Belt Depot.
Casa Mañana presents A Christmas Carol: A New Musical Comedy
Casa Mañana presents a new, fresh twist on a classic Dickens tale that will have children ages 4 to 100 laughing alike. A Christmas Carol: A New Musical Comedy features a contemporary pop score and current pop culture references that are guaranteed to have audiences dancing in the aisles. The production runs through December 23.
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents "Home for the Holidays"
Audiences can catch a glimpse of jolly old St. Nick with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra for another installment of "Home for the Holidays," the favorite holiday tradition that comes complete with magical snowfall and Christmas carols. The concert, conducted by Stuart Chafetz and featuring vocalist N’Kenge and the Lone Star Youth Chorus, will have three performances through Sunday at Bass Performance Hall.
Eagles in concert
The legendary band Eagles, with the lineup of Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, and Vince Gill, come to Fort Worth as part of their Hotel California tour. The concert will feature them playing their iconic album Hotel California in its entirety, accompanied by an orchestra and choir. After an intermission, they'll return with an entire additional set of the band’s other greatest hits. The concert will be at Dickies Arena.
Aaron Watson in concert
Country singer Aaron Watson has been recording music for over 20 years, but it wasn't until 2012 that he hit it big with his 11th album, appropriately titled The Underdog, which went to No. 1 on the country charts. He's been near the top of the charts ever since. He'll play at Billy Bob's Texas in support of his new album, Unwanted Man.
Saturday, November 26
Downtown Cowtown at the Isis presents An Evening with Barry Corbin
Downtown Cowtown at the Isis presents a special evening with Emmy-nominated actor and Fort Worth friend Barry Corbin. Corbin will enchant the audience during the first act with his razor-sharp wit and wisdom as he recaps 81 years of outrageous, sobering, and true stories from his life and experiences on film, TV, and stage. The show’s second act will allow the audience to participate in a moderated Q&A.
Joshua Ray Walker in concert
Rising star Joshua Ray Walker may just be the next big thing to come out of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. His honky tonk-infused music has struck a chord since his 2019 debut album, Wish You Were Here. His latest release, 2021's See You Next Time, is the conclusion of a trilogy of records that share characters and vibes. He'll play at Tannahill's Tavern and Music Hall.
Eli Young Band in concert
Eli Young Band is a prime example of how some college bands can actually make it big in the music world. After forming at the University of North Texas, they quickly gained notoriety, opening for the likes of Miranda Lambert. Six albums later, three of which reached the top 10 on the Billboard Country charts, the band remains one of the bigger success stories to come out of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. They'll play at Billy Bob's Texas in support of their new album, Love Talking.
Sunday, November 27
Pat Green in concert
After rising through Texas' dancehall scene years ago, Pat Green earned himself major label support in Nashville and became the poster child of Texas music for a whole generation of fans. Green’s explosive live shows have made him a fan favorite, and the San Antonio native and Fort Worth resident has sold over 2 million albums and been nominated for three Grammy Awards. He'll play at Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall.
It'll be like stepping into a Hallmark Christmas movie.Photo courtesy of Hallmark Channel
All trees at Haynie's will be pre-cut this year.Photo courtesy of Hallmark Channel