Weekend Event Planner
These are the 8 best things to do in Fort Worth this weekend
If you're interested in attending a new event this weekend in Fort Worth, you'd better be in the holiday mood. Almost all the events in this week's roundup are holiday-themed, including two ballet concerts, alternative uses for two sports venues, and various holiday shopping opportunities.
Below are the best options for your precious free time Thursday through Sunday. Don't like what you see? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, December 8
Texas Rangers present Anxiously Awaiting Santa Tours
Baseball season may be over, but you can still get your Texas Rangers fix with their Anxiously Awaiting Santa Tours, the annual holiday-themed ballpark tours. Fans can see behind the scenes as Globe Life Park decks the halls for Santa’s arrival, and kids have the opportunity to participate in a special story time and write a letter to Santa to mail from the Texas Rangers “North Pole” mailbox. Tours take place Tuesdays through Saturdays through December 17.
Texas Motor Speedway presents Gift of Lights
Texas Motor Speedway opens its gates to the public for the annual Gift of Lights, a 2-mile drive through the speedway that features over 200 lighted displays with more than two million LED lights. Back again is Santa’s Village, a 22,000-square-foot village located in the TMS infield, where visitors can get a photo with Santa Claus, refreshments, and ride a miniature train, in addition to other great family activities. The holiday event is open every day through December 30.
Friday, December 9
Magnolia at the Modern: Aquarius
In Aquarius, Sonia Braga plays a 65-year-old widow and retired music critic who vows to live in her apartment until she dies after a developer buys all of the units around her. The Portuguese film with English subtitles has six screenings through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth.
Ballet Concerto presents A Holiday Special
Ballet Concerto's annual A Holiday Special features Winterwonderland set to familiar Christmas tunes and choreographed by Margo Dean; The Christmas Grump, choreographed by Margo Dean and restaged by Webster Dean; and A Hanukah Flamenco, which introduces the audience to the story of Hanukah. The program, taking place at Will Rogers Memorial Center, wraps up with a reenactment of the nativity set to “O Holy Night,” with choreography by Margo Dean.
Texas Ballet Theater presents The Nutcracker
A must-see holiday theater tradition, The Nutcracker is once again brought to life by Texas Ballet Theater. Playing at Bass Performance Hall through December 24, the ballet features a score by Tchaikovsky and enduring characters such as Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Nutcracker Prince. And don't forget about the adults-only version on December 16, The Nutty Nutcracker, a send-up of pop culture featuring wild characters and racy action from start to finish.
Saturday, December 10
WestBend Wonderland
Activities at WestBend Wonderland include hourly snowfalls, in-store specials, and live local music throughout the day. Guests are invited to dress up in their best “hipster Santa” outfit to participate in an Instagram competition. WestBend is also hosting a toy drive during the event, benefiting the Fort Worth Margarita Society. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the Christmas tree near the Woodhouse Day Spa.
North Texas MADE presents Cowtown Indie Bazaar
The Cowtown Indie Bazaar is North Texas MADE's holiday show, featuring handcrafted goods from indie makers all across North Texas. Taking place at Will Rogers Memorial center, visitors can find handmade jewelry, home goods, children’s items, unique clothing, accessories, bath and body products, original artwork, eco-friendly items, and more. The first 40 attendees receive a complimentary swag bag filled with handmade items. The event includes photo ops with Santa, photo booth, and cash bar.
Sunday, December 11
Fort Worth Youth Orchestra presents Holiday Concert 2016
Fort Worth Youth Orchestra's Annual Holiday Concert features all four orchestras joined by the FWISD Elementary Children’s Honor Choir, who are premiering a newly commissioned work, written by TCU’s Dr. Till M. Meyn. Enjoy an audience sing-along of holiday classics at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium.