Merry and Bright

Where to see the most stunning Christmas lights in Fort Worth for 2024

The Winter Cathedral tunnel is one of the breathtaking features at Lightscape,

Photo courtesy of Lightscape

Fort Worth is decked out and dazzling with Christmas lights for the 2024 holiday season. They're no longer just light "displays," but full on "attractions" - animated drive-thrus, immersive walk-through experiences, fun parades, and more.

Here is our guide to the most spectacular Christmas lights of 2024 all around Fort Worth and Tarrant County. Bookmark this list and check back often; like a holiday gift list, it will grow and grow as more events are unveiled through the season.

Where are the best neighborhoods to see lights around Fort Worth? They have their own list, right here.

And for a list of best lights in Dallas, head here.

Immersive and walk-through experiences

Lightscape, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, November 22-January 5
For the third year, Lightscape illuminates the Fort Worth Botanic Garden with newly reimagined light displays and installations along the longest path yet. New features include a Texas section complete with the Texas Flag, Texas Nutcrackers, Gingerbread Walk, Christmas Cacti, and even more Bluebonnets, as well as the international debut of installations including a Fountain Show, Night Birds, Lampshade Bouquets, Floraison, and “Airquairium” Fish Sculptures. Open on select nights, entry from 5:30-8:30 pm. Tickets vary by day: $12-$26. Parking: $25.

Christmas at Gaylord Texan, Grapevine, November 15-January 5
The Gaylord throws a Texas-sized holiday extravaganza that includes larger- than-life holiday décor and state-of-the-art light elements, a 54-foot-tall rotating Christmas tree, and 15,000 sparkling ornaments. Plus snow tubing down frozen slides, a Cirque holiday show, ice skating, gingerbread features, and more. The Grapevine resort’s signature ICE! Experience will feature 2 million pounds of ice carved into Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer-themed sculptures (adults $28.99; kids, $19.99). For a complete rundown of events, scheduling, tickets, and more, visit the website.

Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas, Choctaw Stadium in Arlington, November 22-December 29
A new immersive event from the creators of the popular "Enchant" light maze illuminates 55,000 square feet of holiday light sculptures featuring larger-than-life, interactive Coca-Cola-inspired vignettes to walk through and explore; plus ice skating, a snow slide, falling snow, visits with Santa, caroling, seasonal treats, special themed nights, and more. Open select nights, as early as 4:30 pm and as late as 11:30 pm; check the calendar for hours. Tickets: $14-$35; free for kids up to 3.

$Coca-Cola\u2019s Classic Christmas, Enchant$ Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas is destined to be the Instagrammiest destination of the holiday season. Photo courtesy of Enchant Christmas

Six Flags Holiday in the Park, Arlington, November 24-December 31
Six Flags Over Texas will transform once again into a winter wonderland featuring more than 2 million twinkling lights, festive shows, Santa’s Village, the Holly Jolly parade, a light show area, concessions, and much more. For ticket pricing and schedule, visit the event website.

Daystar Christmas, Daystar Television Network, Bedford, November 28-January 5
Daystar Christmas features over 2 million lights in interactive displays, a life-sized Nativity, kid-friendly Christmas Town, Christmas light maze, and more. Guests are welcome to get out, explore, take photos with Santa, and eat — Daystar’s Scratch Café will be serving holiday treats on certain days throughout the season. The whole event is free and runs 6-11 pm nightly; for schedule and more information, visit the website.

Tianyu Lights Festival, Texas Trust CU Theater in Grand Prairie, November 8-January 19
A new immersive lantern and lights festival tells the story of Koda, a 7-year-old boy as he explores the magical rainforest of Caballococha, Peru. As guests wander through the light show, they can piece together Koda’s adventure, capture photographs, uncover clues, and win prizes. The experience includes 19 immersive scenes with larger-than-life lantern sculptures that depict vibrant plants and animals, crafted from metal, steel, fabric, and LED lights by skilled artisans. There are also nightly performances by acrobats and folk performers, food, beverages, and souvenirs for sale. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 5:30-10:00 pm. Tickets: $16-$35.

Drive-thru attractions

Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, November 28-January 5
Texas Motor Speedway hosts its annual drive-thru holiday lighting spectacular around the track. The 45-minute experience includes over two miles of light displays, with almost 3 million lights and displays. 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth. Hours: 6-9 pm Sunday-Thursday, 6-10 pm Friday-Saturday. Tickets: $35-$60 per vehicle (buses, limos, RVs welcome).

The Light Park, Arlington, November 1-January 5
A mile-long, drive-thru spectacular that takes guests through millions of lights – including “the longest light tunnel in the world” - synchronized to a music mix by DJ Polar Ice. Two DFW locations: Riders Field in Frisco and Hurricane Harbor in Arlington. 5:30-10 pm (weekdays), and 5:30-11 (weekends). Admission per vehicle: starting at $29. Unlimited season pass: $159.

Radiance at the Ranch, Weatherford, November 22-December 28
The four-year-old drive-thru event at the Parker County Sheriff's Posse is a "cavalcade" of 2 million sparkling lights and lanterns animated to favorite holiday tunes across a two-mile path. 2251 Mineral Wells Hwy., Weatherford. Hours are 6-9 pm Sunday-Thursday, 6-10 pm Friday-Saturday. Tickets (on sale November 5): $29.95-$49.99 per vehicle.

Radiance at the Ranch: A Holiday Light Spectacular returns to Weatherford. Photo courtesy of Radiance

Prairie Lights, Grand Prairie, November 28-December 31
Visitors drive through a dazzling 4 million lights set along two miles of path at Lynn Creek Park. Hundreds of displays in shapes of all kinds line and arch over the roads. New features for 2024 include a re-imagined animated tunnel and lighted forest, expanded light installations viewable from the line, and new themed installations along the drive. Concessions and photos with Santa are offered in the Holiday Village at the halfway point. 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy., Grand Prairie (detailed directions here). Open nightly 6-10 pm (or until park reaches capacity). Admission: $50 per car, $149 “fast pass” available on select nights. Note: Sneak-A-Peek 5K Run and 5-Mile Walk take place November 23-24.

ChristmasTime in Texas, Joshua, November 28-December 27
The 35-acre Christmas light park is filled with hundreds of displays spread a mile-and-a-half. A tent event includes Santa, vendors, concessions, and more. 5801 County Road 904 Z, Joshua (near County Road 904 & Chisholm Trail Parkway). Open nightly, 6-10 pm. Admission: $35-$85; small motorhomes and shuttle buses allowed. (Sneak peek walk-through event: November 16; Horse and rider day: November 23.)

Commercial displays

The Modern Lights, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, November 29-February 9
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth dresses up for the holiday season by illuminating the trees around their campus with twinkling lights. Passersby can experience a stunning display, and guests can also visit the museum galleries for free until 8 pm on Fridays. A special Dinner with the Modern Lights takes place each Friday, and First Friday at the Modern events are held every first Friday of the month.

Modern Lights, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth presents Modern Lights. Photo courtesy of Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Historic Main Street, Grapevine, November 25-January 7
The Christmas Capital of Texas' historic downtown Main Street shines bright with thousands of lights and holiday events. It all kicks off with the 36th annual Carol of Lights on November 25 (see below). Then comes the Parade of Lights on December 5. In a little holiday lights twist, there are free Merry & Bright Christmas Drone Shows (December 2 and 9). For a self-guided lights tour, start at Grapevine City Hall, 200 S Main St., Grapevine, park, and go from there. Consult a complete schedule of holiday events on the website.

Christmas at Campo Verde Mexican Restaurant, Arlington, ongoing through January 2025
It's rare for a restaurant to make a "best Christmas lights" list, but this spectacle deserves a listing. Enter for the Tex-Mex food (don't miss the white queso dip), stay for the 120,000 lights, 3,000 yards of colorful garland, 50 Santa Clause figures, 30 Christmas trees, and two model trains that chug around the restaurant. Just be prepared for a wait of two hours or more at peak times. Find it at 2918 W Pioneer Pkwy. Arlington.

Shows, parades, and special events

GM Financial Parade of Lights, November 24
The annual GM Financial Parade of Lights will brighten up the streets of Downtown Fort Worth for its 42nd year, marking the City of Fort Worth’s official kickoff to the holiday season. The parade features members of the Texas Rangers baseball team as Grand Marshal, along with floats, vintage cars, horse-drawn carriages, marching bands, carolers, and more. Per tradition, the parade will conclude with a special appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus on the specially designed, LED-lit, grand finale float. Here are some useful things to know before you go.

The annual GM Financial Parade of Lights takes place in Downtown Fort Worth on November 24. Photo courtesy of Parade of Lights

Carol of Lights, Grapevine, November 25
Grapevine - the “Christmas Capital of Texas” - will light up its Historic Downtown Main Street at the 36th annual Carol of Lights, 4-8:30 pm. Instead of their traditional tree lighting, the event will feature a Street Lighting at 5:30 pm, illuminating the entire length of Main Street into a magical holiday wonderland. The free come-and-go event will include live performances, interactive activity zones, seasonal treats, live reindeer, snow hills for sledding, and Santa’s entrance at 6:30 pm.

Fort Worth Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Sundance Square, December 3
The 82-foot Norway Spruce from northern Michigan will be lit up in Sundance Square Plaza at 7 pm Tuesday, December 3. The celebration will include live music from 4-5 pm, followed by a holiday concert featuring Grammy-nominated Mariachi Herencia de Mexico leading into the countdown. The tree will stay lit up (and decorated with ornaments created by 100 local artists) through the holidays.

TCU Tree Lighting, TCU campus, Fort Worth, December 3
The lighting of TCU’s 50-foot tall Christmas tree will take place 6:30-8:30 pm in the TCU Commons. The evening will include refreshments, SuperFrog Santa, fireworks, and concert performances. The free event is open to the public (note there's a clear bag policy). For a map, parking information, and more, visit the website.

Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place, Fort Worth, December 7-8
The gorgeous historic homes in Ryan Place, a grand Fort Worth neighborhood, get illuminated in spectacular fashion all season, as do the long walks that lead up to them. The 40th annual Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place home tour takes place December7-83, but these stately homes will stay illuminated through the holidays. Tickets to the home tour are $25-$30.

Fairmount Festivus Holiday Light Tour, Fort Worth, December 14
Homes in the historic Fairmount neighborhood of Fort Worth show off their holiday creativity in this decade-old tradition. Event-goers will get the Festivus map to guide them through a night of merriment. The family-friendly event is free and runs 6-9 pm, beginning 1100 Hemphill St.

Arlington Holiday Lights Parade, downtown Arlington, December 14
Parade-watchers can gather in the downtown/university district to watch brightly lit floats parade down the street, then stay for the official Christmas tree lighting. Don't miss pics with Santa both before the parade and after the tree lighting. The free, family-friendly event starts with entertainment at 3 pm, and the parade begins at 6 pm. Find the route and more information are here.

christmas christmas lights best lightscape holidays

Movie Review

Video game film sequel Sonic the Hedgehog 3 seems sure to please fans

Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Sonic the Hedgehog (Ben Schwartz) in Sonic the Hedgehog 3

The first Sonic the Hedgehog movie in 2020 was one of the few video game adaptations that managed to appeal to both fans of the Sega game and those who just want to watch a fun movie. As the series moved into a second and now third film, though, it’s become increasingly reliant on giving the video game fans what they want, with not as much attention paid toward simply telling a good story.

In Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) continues to live with human friends Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter), as well as Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) and Knuckles (Idris Elba), who stuck around after the events of the second film. Dispensing with any kind of narrative coherence, the trio is called away by an undefined military force to help with the escape of Shadow (Keanu Reeves), another alien hedgehog who has been locked away off the coast of Japan for many years.

Suffice it to say that the trio does not initially fare well against the powerful Shadow, forcing Sonic to do the unthinkable: Ask his nemesis, Dr. Ivo Robotnik (Jim Carrey), for help. What Sonic doesn’t anticipate is that Shadow has a history that left him with a grudge against most of human society, and he’s intent on using his powers - with a little help from his former mentor, Gerald Robotnik (also Carrey) - to exact his plans for revenge.

Made by the same team of director Jeff Fowler and writers Pat Casey, Josh Miller, and John Whittington from Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the film is a combination of manic action, jokey sequences, and a dash of heart. The addition of Shadow ups the mayhem considerably, and the filmmakers rarely slow things down (although, oddly, the super-speed of Sonic and company feels lessened this time around).

The initial casting of Carrey gave the comic actor permission to indulge in whatever wackiness he could imagine, and giving him two roles in this film means double the nonsense. Ivo and Gerald (who’s Ivo’s grandfather, for the record) face off in a number of silly scenes, none more absurd than a dance sequence aboard a space station threatening to explode Earth (yeah, this movie is a lot).

Does the plot make a lick of sense? Absolutely not, but the filmmakers seem to acknowledge that fact, throwing anything and everything at the screen to try to entertain kids and/or fans of the video game series. It should come as no surprise that the end credits tease yet more characters from the video games joining the franchise, making it abundantly clear who is expected to get the most enjoyment out of the series going forward.

In addition to Carrey, the voice actors continue to make the characters fun. Schwartz and O’Shaughnessey provide the cartoon-style acting, while Elba and now Reeves give a nice counterbalance with their deep and serious voices. Marsden and Sumpter aren’t given much to do this time around, and Krysten Ritter shows up as Director Rockwell, a character who’s mostly there to move what little plot there is further along.

A four-quadrant movie is one that appeals to all ages and genders; Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a one or maybe two-quadrant movie at most. But it’s more fun than the other family-friendly offering this Christmas season, and fans of the video game will likely love the depiction of their favorite characters on screen, so it’s doing something right.

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Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is now playing in theaters.

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