Fort Worth's ranking as a 'house rich' city leads this week's 5 hottest headlines

This week's hot headlines

Photo by Ann Wallace on Unsplash

Editor's note: A lot happened this week, so here's your chance to get caught up. Read on for the week's most popular headlines.

1. Fort Worth is the 4th most 'house rich' city in America, report finds. With high interest rates and home prices making daily headlines, houses in Texas' current real estate market may seem out of reach for many potential homebuyers. But that isn't the case in Fort Worth. A new study has revealed Fort Worth is the No. 4 most "house rich" major city in the nation.

2. All the electrifying new displays to see at Lightscape 2023 in Fort Worth. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is all lit up, merry and bright, for the second year of Lightscape, the holiday sensation that debuted to sell-out crowds in 2022. Last year's visitors who might wonder if Year Two will feature all the same experiences and photo ops are in for many surprises: The 2023 edition was reimagined from entry to exit, with 15 all-new installations joining just three of last year's fan favorites.

3. Vibrant Thai-Laotian restaurant joins rich lineup at Grapevine food hall. Harvest Hall, the European-style food hall in historic Grapevine, has an exciting new concept: Called Thai Esane, it's a Thai and Laotian restaurant from Nashville. Thai Esane features dishes from the northeastern region of Thailand, combining classic Thai and Laotian cuisine made with traditional methods.

4. Where to drink in Fort Worth right now: 6 best spots for brunch cocktails. Today’s brunch beverages are fancier than ever, spiked with vodka or high-end tequila, served with big garnishes of fresh fruit and herbs, and topped with crisp bubbly for the perfect toast. Here are six places for lip-smacking brunch libations, all of which are great for entertaining guests in town this holiday season.

5. Buzzy Mansfield center signs up 5 new restaurants including Portillo's. Thriving Mansfield center The Shops at Broad has ramped up its game with the addition of five national restaurants to its tenant list - including cult-favorite Chicago-style hot dog chain Portillo's. This will be the chain's first location in Mansfield, and the sixth in the DFW area.

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Texas nails No. 1 ranking for most new homes built since 2010, report says

welcome home, y'all

Housing markets might be stabilizing in most areas of Texas, but there's one sector that's still booming. A new housing report by RubyHome Luxury Real Estate has revealed Texas leads the nation with the highest new home construction rate.

The study examined property data from U.S. Census Bureau's 2022 American Community Survey, including the number of occupied properties and the number of homes built between 2010 and 2022.

Nearly a quarter (22.5 percent) of all occupied housing units in the Lone Star State have been built since 2010, the report found. That adds up to nearly 2.5 million homes out of a total 11 million-plus in the state.

Texas' new home construction rate was predictable, as the state had gained the most new residents between 2000 and 2022, according to a RubyHome spokesperson. That's another trend that doesn't appear to be slowing down in Texas, or in Dallas for that matter.

"Residents of Texas are more likely to live in a new, modern property than any other state across the country," the report said.

Dallas-Fort Worth has its own reputation for being the Texas metro with the second-highest new home construction rate in 2023, with more than 20,600 new home permits issued as of June, which includes more than 12,700 single-family home permits.

For comparison, there were about 131.2 million recorded occupied households in the U.S., according to the 2022 Census survey. Over 15.7 million of those homes were constructed since 2010, which is nearly 12 percent of the homes across the country.

North Dakota fell behind Texas in No. 2, with less than 69,000 out of a total 331,481 homes built within the same time frame. New construction homes made up less than 20.74 percent of all of the housing stock in the midwestern state.

The top 10 states with the highest new home construction rates are:

No. 1 – Texas (22.5 percent)
No. 2 – North Dakota (20.74 percent)
No. 3 – Utah (20.65 percent)
No. 4 – Idaho (20.01 percent)
No. 5 – South Carolina (19.75 percent)
No. 6 – North Carolina (18.17 percent)
No. 7 – Nevada (16.74 percent)
No. 8 – Delaware (16.49 percent)
No. 9 – Colorado (16.30 percent)
No. 10 – Tennessee (15.73 percent)

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Texas is the 3rd hottest state for home buyers from outside the U.S.

international homebuying report

The trend of international buyers purchasing homes in Texas shows no signs of slowing down, as revealed in the latest Texas International Homebuyers Report.

Released in September by Texas Realtors, the report shows that the Lone Star State remains the No. 3 hottest U.S. destination for international homebuyers. Texas ranks behind Florida and California for the fourth consecutive year.

From April 2022 to March 2023, 9,900 Texas homes were purchased by buyers from outside the U.S. These homes make up 11.7 percent of the total number of Texas Realtors sales transactions.

For comparison, Florida (No. 1) accounted for 23 percent of purchases, with California (No. 2) at 12.2 percent.

"Texas has long been one of the most popular states for international buyers," said 2023 Chairman of the Texas Realtors Marcus Phipps in a release. "Our strong economy, diverse population and high quality of life make the Lone Star State an attractive destination."

International buyers spent $4.3 billion on these Texas homes during the time period, the report says. Nearly half (49 percent) of buyers avoided the need for a mortgage by paying for their homes in all-cash.

In all, 84,600 international buyers bought property in the U.S. between April 2022 to March 2023, down from 98,600 buyers in last year's report.

The report further states that the median home price for international buyers is slightly lower than the overall Texas median: $320,800 versus $342,000. However, the average purchase price for international buyers was significantly higher, at $446,100.

In a breakdown of the foreign buyers, over half (51 percent) bought a primary residence in Texas. Mexico made up 41 percent of the top buyers, followed by China (8 percent) and India (7 percent). Nigeria and Venezuela accounted for five percent each within the top foreign buyers.

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4 North Texas cities unlock top-10 spots on new list of best U.S. housing markets

Real estate report

When it comes to places to buy a house, you can't do any better than North Texas. So says WalletHub's highly anticipated 2023 report on the best real estate markets in the U.S. Four cities around Dallas-Fort Worth made it into the top 10, with one suburb capturing the No. 1 ranking.

The new study by the personal finance website, released August 22, names McKinney the No. 1 most attractive real estate market in the country. It's followed closely by No. 2-ranked Frisco.

Two additional Dallas-Fort Worth cities, Denton (No. 4) and Allen (No. 6), earned top 10 spots for the second year in a row. Denton moved up four spots from No. 8 in 2022, while Allen fell four spots from No. 2.

Dallas-Fort Worth housing markets have dominated WalletHub's report throughout the years, showing resilience as other markets rise and fall. McKinney and Frisco have been in the top five since 2021, but the 2023 report is the first time McKinney has dethroned Frisco from the No. 1 spot, after ranking No. 3 in WalletHub's 2022 edition and No. 4 in 2021.

With a great housing market come new businesses. It's no wonder that hot new restaurants, coffee shops, and other attractions are opening in McKinney or choosing the city for new locations.

July 2023 data from Realtor.com shows median home prices in McKinney have fallen 2.8 percent year-over-year to $550,000, with homes selling for an average 2.03 percent less than their asking price. Homes are spending an average of 30 days on the market, another indicator that buyers are willing to hold out for that perfect home for the right price.

Potential owners should attempt to buy their home soon while sellers are more willing to negotiate on housing prices in the wake of higher interest rates, according to Kelly Snider, an urban regional planning professor at San Jose State University.

"More important for the housing market is that brokers and agents pay attention to what buyers want and spend less time listening to what sellers 'expect' or "deserve,'" Snider said in the report. "It is becoming a buyers' market, and 2024 should be good for people looking to buy a house."

Other Dallas-Fort Worth area cities that earned spots in the report include:

No. 22 – Fort Worth
No. 24 – Plano
No. 28 – Richardson
No. 36 – Irving
No. 42 – Carrollton
No. 43 – Dallas
No. 53 – Grand Prairie
No. 70 – Garland
No. 84 – Arlington
No. 120 – Mesquite

The study analyzed 300 U.S. cities across 17 metrics in two categories to determine the best real estate markets. Datapoints include median home price appreciation, ratio between rent to sale prices, housing affordability, job and population growth, and more.

The full report can be found on wallethub.com.

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Fort Worth buyers must earn this much more to afford a starter home in 2023

affordability gaps

A new income analysis by online real estate brokerage Redfin has revealed just how much more a potential homeowner needs to make this year to afford a "starter home" in Fort Worth, a concept that's becoming seemingly less attainable with rising mortgage rates and increased competition among buyers.

The report revealed that first-time homebuyers need to earn $64,933 annually to afford a Fort Worth home in 2023, which is 14.4 percent more income than was required in 2022.

It's also $530 above the national average. According to Redfin, the average salary needed for a typical starter home in the United States is $64,403, about 13 percent more than a year ago.

These findings further confirm that affordability is one of the biggest struggles for potential buyers in the current real estate market. Median home prices are sitting at $245,000, and median mortgage payments are about $1,623 a month, the report said. However, the analysis indicated home sales in the city have risen 0.6 percent since this time last year.

Redfin senior economist Sheharyar Bokhari said in the report that it's a "wild goose chase" for homebuyers seeking their first home in the current market.

"The most affordable homes for sale are no longer affordable to people with lower budgets due to the combination of rising prices and rising rates," he said. "That’s locking many Americans out of the housing market altogether, preventing them from building equity and ultimately building lasting wealth. People who are already homeowners are sitting pretty, comparatively, because most of them have benefited from home values soaring over the last few years."

Bokhari predicted the wealth gap between current and potential owners could become "even more drastic" if current trends continue.

Buyers looking elsewhere in the Metroplex might find some success. Even though the income necessary to afford a Dallas home has risen to $72,885, that only amounts to a 10.6 percent increase year-over-year.

Elsewhere in Texas, a first-time homebuyer would need to make $57,513 to afford a home in Houston, which is nearly 14 percent more than in 2022. San Antonio saw the highest percentage increase in income necessary to afford a home, at 18.7 percent, with buyers needing to make $55,657. In Austin, potential homeowners saw a 3.3 percent decrease in income needed to afford a home, but it's still the highest income required out of all Texas cities in the report: $92,057.

The full report can be found on redfin.com.

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Surprising Fort Worth neighbor ranks No. 13 among small cities with most million-dollar homes

The luxe life

With median home prices sitting at $580,000 in Grapevine, it takes a bit of a leap for the average home to be considered a luxury listing. And yet there are many; 13 percent of all real estate listings in Grapevine are homes worth over $1 million, according to a new study.

The report, by online real estate marketplace experts Point2, ranks Grapevine No. 13 nationwide among small U.S. cities with the highest shares of luxury homes. It was the only Texas city to make the top 15.

The report surprisingly lacked any mention of Southlake, which regularly gets nods for being the richest city in Texas.

These new findings confirm that the Metroplex is on the rise as one of the best housing markets for growth, while also opening up possibilities for redefining what the term "luxury" means for real estate in 2023.

"Once used to describe famous estates recognizable by name alone or opulent residences redefining the apartment concept, luxury may now be reduced to a convenient location and cushy amenities," the report says. "Its meaning varies even further when analyzing different-sized markets across the United States, beyond the well-known house-hunting grounds of affluent home seekers."

The small city that made the most gigantic leap into the top spot in the report was East Honolulu, Hawaii, with a massive 70.5 percent of all real estate listings worth over $1 million. Rounding out the top five are Bozeman, Montana (No. 2) with 62.4 percent of listings worth over six figures; North Bethesda, Maryland (No. 3) at 54.7 percent; and California's Cypress (No. 4) and Covina (No. 5) at 36.8 and 36.4 percent.

The remaining smallest cities in the U.S. with the highest shares of luxury real estate listings worth over $1 million are:

No. 6 – Catalina Foothills, Arizona (33.8 percent)
No. 7 – Milford, Connecticut (23.1 percent)
No. 8 –Downers Grove, Illinois (22.6 percent)
No. 9 – Palm Desert, California (19.8 percent)
No. 10 – Country Club, Florida (19.4 percent)
No. 11 – Burien, Washington (18.8 percent)
No. 12 – Murray, Utah (13.5 percent)
No. 13 – Grapevine, Texas (13.0 percent)
No. 14 – Collierville, Tennessee (12.3 percent)
No. 15 – Dunwoody, Georgia (11.1 percent)

The study looked at all available real estate for sale in the 30 largest, mid-size, and smallest cities in the United States, and categorized the listings by their $1-million-plus price tags.

In the category for the largest U.S. cities, Dallas ranked No. 12 with 22 percent of all real estate listings for sale worth over $1 million, while Austin ranked No. 10 nationally at 24.7 percent.

The largest cities also were analyzed for active real estate listings worth over $5 million.

The study admits that luxury homes worth over $5 million are the true indicator of what "real luxury" looks like specifically for the largest American cities. In Dallas, only 1.8 percent of real estate listings fit that criteria, earning the city No. 8. Austin, with 1.5 percent, land just behind Dallas, at No. 9.

The full report and its methodology can be found on point2homes.com.

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'Yellowstone' stars to greet fans at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Yellowstone news

Yellowstone fans, get your comfy shoes ready - there'll be a long line for this one. Cole Hauser a.k.a. "Rip Wheeler" on Yellowstone, and Taylor Sheridan, the show's co-creator, executive producer, and director of the series, will meet fans and sign autographs at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

The event will take place from 4:30-6:30 pm only on Friday, February 3. Location is the 6666 Ranch booth near the south end of Aisle 700 in the Amon G. Carter, Jr. Exhibits Hall.

According to a February 2 announcement from FWSSR, "fans will have the opportunity to snag an autograph as well as purchase some distinctive Yellowstone and 6666 Ranch merchandise while also enjoying all the features the Stock Show offers."

The event is free to attend (with paid Stock Show admission) and open to the public.

It's the second year in a row for Hauser to appear at FWSSR; in 2022, he and fellow cast mates drew huge crowds.

Sheridan, a Paschal High School graduate, is no stranger to Fort Worth; he lives in a ranch near Weatherford and filmed 1883, the prequel to Yellowstone, in and around Fort Worth. Currently, another spinoff, 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, is filming in North Texas.

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is winding up its 2023 run on Saturday, February 4.

Kitchen hideaways among Houzz's 10 top home design predictions for 2024

designed with care

Industrial-style kitchens and tongue-and-groove ceilings were among the hottest home design trends of 2023, but next year is shaping up to be all about timeless style blended with familiar trends of the past.

A new report by Houzz predicts the top home design trends that could emerge in 2024, using data based on the website's search results and expert insight. Here are the top 10 trends they're forecasting in months to come.

Mixing tile and stone for backsplashes
Tile remains the leading backsplash choice for kitchens. However, designers are choosing to break up the monotony of an all-tile background by installing stone or quartz slabs behind the stovetop.

"The slab is often the same material as the countertops, giving the kitchen a vertical display of graphic veining or other interesting details to create a striking focal point that’s easy to wipe clean," the report said.

Fluted furniture
Fluted furniture (namely cabinets and dressers) was initially popular during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic after many viral DIY videos highlighted the idea's budget-friendliness. And Houzz reports that fluted elements have been seen frequently enough "throughout the year" at trade shows to make it a possible emerging trend in 2024. Nearly all furniture pieces can be adorned with the thick appearance of the fluted texture, from bathroom vanities to living room furniture.

2024 Houzz home design trends Just don't get toothpaste on the fluted bathroom vanity.Photo by Shanna Hickman / parsons i.d.

Cool tones are out, warm neutrals are in
It might be time to say goodbye to "agreeable gray" wall paint, according to Houzz. Gone are the days of cool-toned rooms, as more and more designers are leaning back toward warmer neutrals like beige, cream, and rich brown.

"We first predicted this infusion in the kitchen, but the look is beginning to dominate throughout the home to offer a calmer, more welcoming environment," the report said.

While you're in the middle of picking out your next room color, don't forget to incorporate different tones or experiment with new textures and patterns to give the room a "layered look" that can be versatile across every season.

Blue is the color of 2024
Designers on Houzz are predicting blue will be the color of 2024, no matter what Pantone decides the Color of the Year will be. Adding a pop of color to any room is a great way to draw attention to certain pieces a homeowner may want to showcase.

"Whether it’s a sky-inspired hue or a deep watery color, look for an array of blues to be featured more prominently in decorative materials and housewares in the coming year," the report said.

2024 Houzz home design trends Warm neutrals are in, but so is a nice calming blue.Photo by Mike Healey Photography / Brittany Lyons Interiors

Can't go wrong with a timeless look
Sustainability is also top-of-mind for many homeowners and designers heading into the new year, no matter what overarching design style they've chosen. According to the report, timeless details like brick, handmade clay tiles, and wood are becoming trendy among modern homes looking for a "quiet luxury" aesthetic. Adding more traditional design elements is also a popular choice for home renovations.

Handmade and custom design details
Speaking along the lines of a timeless style, designers are often searching for handmade or custom-made pieces to include in a home. European design shows championed personalized design elements in 2023, and the idea is catching fire throughout the U.S.

"[Bespoke elements] create a feeling that the homeowner has something truly unique and special," the report said.

A 2023 Houzz report analyzing bathroom trends further corroborates this shift to personalized details with the discovery that 62 percent of homeowners renovating their space were opting for custom-made bathroom vanities.

Hideaways for your countertop appliances
According to interior design blog Apartment Therapy, appliance garages rose to fame in the 1980s-90s, but eventually fell out of favor in the public eye when open shelving began to take over as the dominant kitchen trend. Now the clocks are turning back, and appliance garages are seeing a resurgence among homeowners who want to hide all the gadgets taking up space on their counters.

"Appliance garages conceal countertop appliances such as blenders, coffee makers, and toasters while keeping them easily accessible and organized," the report said.

Where else are we supposed to keep the air fryers or stand mixers?

2024 Houzz home design trends No kitchen gadgets will be taking up space in this kitchen while being hidden behind folding cabinet doors.Photo by Andrea Rugg Photography / kate roos design

Herringbone design
In another win for timeless style, herringbone is also making a comeback and can suit any room in a house. As a new-and-improved style, herringbone doesn't have to flow horizontally like it commonly used to. Designers are opting to create an "updated" look with herringbone tile by installing it in funky zig-zag or vertical patterns to improve visual interest.

Photo by Shanna Wolf Photography / Rochelle Lee Interiors LLC

Can't go wrong with herringbone tiles in the kitchen.

Combination laundry and mud rooms
For families with kids running around, combining the laundry room with the mud room is one of the safest ways to mitigate entryway messes. And it's becoming increasingly popular.

"[A mud-laundry room] lets homeowners place grimy sports uniforms, sandy beach towels, or muddy winter coats directly into the wash before they track dirt further into a home," the report said. "A utility sink lets you soak dirty clothes or delicates, and a pulldown faucet is effective at rinsing muddy boots or cleats."

Designers on Houzz highly recommend taking advantage of a mudroom's cabinets, hooks, and cubbies to help organize all the clean clothing, athletic gear, and other items.

Let the green grass grow
When it comes to maintaining curb appeal, leaving more room for greenery never hurts. Garden paths and patios made of pavers that leave space in between for grass to grow is an emerging trend for 2024. Houzz says the natural look and design versatility of greenery between pavers softens the harsh angles of the stone and other hardscape elements. Plus, who doesn't love living in a house where the backyard looks like a lush garden?

2024 Houzz home design trends A cozy backyard where the green grass grows.Photo courtesy of J. Montgomery Designs, Inc.

Top Fort Worth-area neighborhoods for magnificent Christmas lights in 2023

Merry & bright

When it comes to holiday decorating, Fort Worth-area homes and neighborhoods know how to bring the "merry and bright."

From over-the-top homes that would make Clark Griswold proud to entire streets that synchronize animated shows, dazzling displays can be found all across the city and beyond.

Below is a list of top local homes and neighborhoods for Christmas light pilgrimages this season. While some are closer to Fort Worth and Tarrant County, there are many that are worth a drive across Metroplex lines. Check back often as the list will grow and grow as the holidays draw near.

For a much longer list of spectacular Christmas lights around DFW, including drive-thrus, immersive experiences, and commercial installations, click here.

Neighborhoods and subdivisions with special displays

Interlochen Lights, Arlington, dates TBA
The Interlochen neighborhood annually presents Interlochen Lights during the holiday season. Hailed as one of the best neighborhood light shows in Texas, the event allows guests to drive through the neighborhood and pick out favorite displays while they tune into holiday music on radio stations 102.1 FM or 98.7 FM. This is one of the busiest spots in Dallas-Fort Worth during the holiday season, and it's free. The route map is here. As of press time, dates were not yet available. Watch for updates on their website and Facebook page.

Diamond Loch, North Richland Hills, through December 31
This North Richland Hills neighborhood has dressed up for the holidays for decades. Drive through the cul-de-sac slowly to check out adjacent houses that join forces to present a massive computerized show. The rest of the street decorates nicely to make an enchanted "Whoville" Christmas experience known as #NRHGrinchLights. They grow the show every year, and The Grinch himself may actually pop in occasionally; follow their Facebook page to keep up. It's open daily, 5:30-11 pm. To find it, navigate to the address 6217 Windsor Ct., NRH, 76180. (Enter Diamond Loch from Glenview Drive. On busy weekends, traffic must enter going eastbound on Glenview. Turn east off of Hwy 377/Denton Highway onto Glenview Drive, then, in about 1/2 mile, turn right into Diamond Loch.)

Glenbrook Christmas, Bedford, through December 31
The Bedford neighborhood lights up nightly to tell the story of “The Night Before Christmas - In Texas That Is” - along with other festive displays. The entrance to Glenbrook is on Brookside Drive located between Cummings and Forest Ridge. The displays will be on daily, 6-10 pm. Follow the Facebook page for updates.

Morrisdale Estates, Euless
Morrisdale Estates neighborhood in Euless is known for great light displays. The Morrisdale tradition is for everyone in the neighborhood to put up the same red lights on their curbs to create a sea of red as you drive through the neighborhood. Bonus that it's still a bit of an undiscovered gem, so there's not as much traffic as other neighborhoods. Find the neighborhood between Pipeline Road and Hurst Blvd., 76040.

Montego Road, Ridgmar neighborhood, west Fort Worth
The Montego Road Christmas Show project, more than 15 years strong, takes an entire street to pull off. Two residences (mirror images of each other) comprise the main program, with two more "support homes" flanking them and curb lights of 12 other homes leading the way to the main event. The show of more than 125,000 lights is fully choreographed to Christmas music (heard on an FM radio station in the car or via outdoor speakers) and lasts about 30 minutes. It begins at 6 pm and runs until midnight each night. To find it, exit Interstate 30 at Ridglea/Ridgmar Blvd. and go north. The streets are in alphabetical order until you reach Montego Road. The display begins there, at Ridgmar Blvd., and continues west on the 1100 block of Montego Road.

Worth a drive ...

Deerfield Holiday Lights, Plano, December 1-30
The Deerfield neighborhood of northwest Plano hosts a top-rated winter wonderland you can walk or drive through. You can even book carriage rides in advance to see dancing Santas, millions of twinkling lights, and larger-than-life displays. Deerfield subdivision is located between Preston Road and Coit Road. Check the website for maps and important information about traffic flow and parking. The free event runs 7 pm-10 pm on weekdays and 7 pm-11 pm on weekends.

Regents Park Luminary Event, McKinney, December 16-17
This Stonebridge Ranch neighborhood takes advantage of its layout to host a magical event every year. Residents hand fold over 2,500 paper bags each year and line the streets and central park area with luminaries for families to enjoy. Grab a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider and drive or walk through streets lined with traditional luminaries and enjoy the Christmas lights that adorn these Craftsman-style homes. Rumor has it that a certain special guest in his red suit even loves this event so much that he makes a special trip just to enjoy it himself. For updates, follow the Facebook page (highly recommended as this is a weather dependent event). Runs December 16-17.

Larger neighborhoods lit up for the holidays

Ryan Place, Fort Worth
The gorgeous historic homes in this grand Fort Worth neighborhood get illuminated in spectacular fashion, as do the long walks that lead up to them. The beloved annual Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place home tour takes place December 2-3, but these stately homes will stay illuminated through the holidays.

Historic Fairmount, Fort Worth
You can pick any night to drive around Fairmount and see historic bungalows lit festively for the season. But the best night of all is Festivus, the annual celebration and holiday lights tour. It takes place 6-9 pm Saturday, December 9. Maps of participating homes will be handed out on arrival. Donations of $10 or a toy for One Safe Place are being requested. Watch the historic district's Facebook page for more information as plans develop.

Ridglea Hills
Folks who take walks and visit the ducks along Luther Lake in this westside Fort Worth neighborhood eagerly anticipate the arrival of the holiday lights on about 30 surrounding homes. The lights reflect in the water of the 10-acre lake, making for some pretty spectacular photo and video opps on clear nights. The best place to see them is along the bridge at Clayton Road.

Cultural District
Make the marvelous Modern Lights around the Modern Art Museum your starting point, but drive through the museum district, then through some of the old neighborhoods across the bricks of Camp Bowie, and you'll see grand homes dressed and ready to dazzle for the holidays.

Downtown Fort Worth
The Fort Worth Community Christmas Tree in Sundance Square Plaza will be lit on December 6 in a special ceremony featuring singer Marie Osmond. The plaza will then be the center of holiday activity downtown. The whole area will be shining bright with twinkling lights in trees and on buildings - a festive setting for shopping, dining, and entertainment at local theaters and concert halls throughout the season.

Worth a drive ...

The Park Cities
The grand homes in the Park Cities neighborhoods of Dallas shine with beautiful light displays, many of which are professionally installed; pick just about any street where you see houses lit top to bottom in twinkling lights, and there are bound to be a dozen more. Be sure to check out Highland Park Village and its 1.5 million lights while you're in the area, and don't pass by SMU without driving down the campus' main drag, Bishop Boulevard, toward the fountain and back.

Fairmount Neighborhood Association presents Fairmount Festivus

Photo by Stacy Luecker

Festivus for the rest of us, in Fairmount.

Homes with over-the-top displays and shows

Wisdom Way Lights, Haltom City, through January 1
The Gonzalez family's choreographed light show first went viral for a "Selena" theme; this year it's getting attention for its tribute to the Texas Rangers' World Series win. The choreographed show includes broadcast game highlights and more, and runs nightly until December 1. Then a "Super Mario Bros." show and two traditional Christmas themes will play through January 1. Visitors can view the shows from from their cars and listen on radio channel 89.7 FM. Wisdom Way Lights runs nightly from 6-11 pm. Find it at 4521 Wisdom Way, Haltom City, and follow Wisdom Way Lights on Facebook and YouTube for updates.

Tell Family Lights, far north Fort Worth, through December 31
The family in this home near Keller Central High School also operates the popular Sugar Lane Lights in Haslet, now it its second year. But their own residential display is still going strong, bigger and better than ever this year, they say. Find the home at 5016 Keating St., Fort Worth, 76244. The choreographed light show is on 6-10 pm daily. From their car, visitors can scan a QR code or visit the website to vote on songs to play. (Make sure to not block anyone’s driveway and be careful driving down the street, they advise.) Follow their website or Facebook page for more information and updates.

Curry Christmas Chaos, North Richland Hills
Three houses annually collaborate to present a light show synchronized to music that's anything but "chaos." From start to finish, it's typically over an hour long, and features a mix of pixels and standard LED lights "dancing" to music. Visitors can tune in to 89.9 FM to listen as lots of Christmas trees light up on the lawn. The show runs every night (unless Mother Nature decides differently), 6-11 pm. Find it at 3506 Reeves St., NRH. Follow the Facebook page for more information and updates.

Worth a drive ...

Burkman Holiday Home of Frisco, December 1-25
Two years after their appearance on ABC’s The Great Christmas Family Light Fight, the most famous "Christmas light family" in DFW will be lighting up its over-the-top display of 98,000+ lights. New features for 2023 include more motion/action village pieces, new-and-improved selfie stations, "Sampa's Light Factory," a nightly dance party with a hip-swinging Santa and live dance cam, and more. This year, they're collecting charitable donations for The LiyanaStrong Foundation and for a family friend suffering from a traumatic brain injury. Hours: 5:30-6:30 Superhero Hour (lights will be on at dusk for sensory sensitive individuals) and 6:30-10 for all other visitors, weather permitting. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays until December 18, then open daily until Christmas. The home is at 3809 Hazelhurst Dr., Frisco, on the Frisco/Little Elm border. Follow their Facebook page for updates.

Miracle on 134th Street, Celina, through December 23
A Celina family has turned their ginormous property into a holiday amusement park, complete with 2 million lights, a train, carousel ride, Santa's workshop, Sugar Plum Fairy Island, and so so so much more. The Christmas adventure park is a ticketed experience, $25.99 for adults; $19.99 for kids 3-12, with season passes available and free on-site parking. It runs 5:30-9 pm through December 23. Find it at 10455 County Road 133, Celina, 75009. Follow their Facebook page for updates on special photo ops and more.

'Movie House,' Allen
This Allen family home has a fun theme: favorite holiday movies. Thousands of lights and props are set to a choreographed show, complete with music and movie quotes from classic characters like Clark, Buddy, Ralphie and more. About 30 films are represented. You'll find it at 1600 Wagon Wheel Dr., Allen. The show runs nightly. Preview it here.

Know of another spectacular lights display in DFW? Email stephanie@culturemap.com. Please include a website or link to social media page with your recommendation.

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