 |
Word from the CVBs Fort Worth’s Parade of Lights Some of the greatest memories from childhood come from the holiday season’s music, decorations, food, and family fun. In Fort Worth, the annual Sundance Square Parade of Lights is one of those classic traditions from which many memories are made. This year, its 23rd anniversary, the parade returns to downtown Friday, November 25, and promises to be a great event for both local residents and visitors. In the past, holiday decorations in the windows of the great downtown department stores, such as Monnig’s, Leonard’s and other wonderful stores, provided excitement for the season. As downtown Fort Worth evolved, Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. took leadership and organized a new tradition, the Parade of Lights, which draws thousands of people downtown. The Parade comes at an exciting time-the day after Thanksgiving and the beginning of the holiday season. With around 100 floats, bands, antique cars and horse-drawn carriages, it is an event that brings thrills to both young and old. Sundance Square is also beautifully decorated with thousands of white lights, bright ornaments, and holiday designs adorning the structures of the 20-block district. Bring your family and friends and spend some time taking in these great holiday sights. The highlight of the Parade of Lights, of course, is the arrival of Santa Claus for the official lighting of the Sundance Square Christmas Tree. Texas Motor Speedway and Speedway Children’s Charities are key sponsors for the tall Christmas tree which will be on Main Street between 3rd and 4th Streets.It takes many dedicated organizations to produce such an event, and Fort Worth is fortunate to have several generous corporate citizens. Chase is the title presenter of the Parade. Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. and the merchants of Sundance Square make the exciting event possible. Other sponsors include Coors Distributing, Starbucks, AmeriCredit and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Arts in Arlington Come indoors and explore the Arts in Arlington. From symphony to country music, from modern art to comic books, from Willy Wonka to Snow White, you’ll enjoy these activities. Arlington Museum of Art “Layered, Stacked, Assembled” “Rock, Paper, Scissors” Creative Arts Theatre & School Snow White Theatre Arlington Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Arlington Convention Center Comic Book Convention Holiday Magic Craft Show The Peddler Show Johnnie High’s Country Music Revue Incredible Kids Show Symphony Arlington Laura Felix, guest pianist Department of Theatre Arts The Underpants November Family Fun in Grapevine The holiday season in Grapevine kicks off November 17 when the Gaylord Texan Resort on Lake Grapevine unveils two million pounds of ice and one million lights during “ICE!” Guests can enjoy the fantasy in ice, exciting slides, dramatic lighting, and music. “ICE!” is part of the Lone Star Christmas celebration, which features holiday activities for the entire family and runs from November 17, 2005 - January 2, 2006. Visit www.gaylordhotels.com or call 817-778-2000 for more information. Enjoy the Carol of Lights at 7 p.m. November 28 at the Gazebo, 325 S. Main. The Carol of Lights celebrates the decorating of Grapevine’s historic downtown with thousands of holiday lights. Sing along with local choirs as North Texas rings in the holiday season. For more information, visit www.grapevinetexasusa.com or call 817-410-3185. The public is invited to a “Night of Mystery and Surprises at the Ranch,” during the Second Annual Jubilee at Austin Ranch, 2009 Anderson Gibson Road, Grapevine, from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m., November 11. All proceeds benefit Nash Farm. For more information call 817-410-3585. Don’t miss a day filled with shopping at the 3rd annual “Canton in the City Holiday Gifts & More” show at the Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 South Main Street, Saturday & Sunday November 26-27, 2005 (Thanksgiving weekend). Experience 23,500 square feet of indoor shopping from 76 topnotch vendors during this event. For more information visit www.cantoninthecity.com or call 972-471-0601. For information about any of Grapevine’s accommodations, attractions and events, please call the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau at 817- 410-3185 or 800-457-6338, or visit www.grapevinetexasusa.com. Grand Prairie, Right in the Middle of Dallas/Fort Worth Celebrate the beginning of the holidays in Grand Prairie with entertainment, great shopping, live horse racing, and fine wine.Live Quarter Horse Racing is back at Lone Star Park after a hiatus from last year’s Breeders’ Cup races. The horses run Wednesday through Saturday, November 2-27, with gates opening at 4 p.m. and the first race at 5 p.m. Simulcast racing is open year-round at the Post Time Pavilion. Shopping is never a chore, Saturdays and Sundays at Traders Village, a Texas size flea market. There is something for everyone. November 12-13 the 8th Annual Mountain Man Weekend is back with songs, storytelling and pre-1840 historical reenactments. Enjoy the many demonstrations and experience how our ancestors lived on the American frontier. Free admission, $2 parking. Searching for antiques? The Main Street Antique Mall and Ellan Carroll offer a treasure hunt for holiday shoppers. Then enjoy a cup of specialty coffee, tea or hot chocolate at the Brass Bean Café, all within walking distance in downtown Grand Prairie. Shop for holiday ornaments and specialty gifts in the Texas Gift Shop at Teri Jackson Tourist Information Center, Gate One at Lone Star Park. NOKIA Theatre presents a variety of headliners during November. Hall and Oates appear November 1. David Gray performs November 4 and Louis Miguel on November 5. KEM with special guest Vivian Green play November 12. Ben Folds with special guest The Fray appear November 19. November 23 features Staind. Kanye West - Touch The Sky Tour with Fantasia highlights November 26. November 27 rocks with All American Rejects with Roony, and Academy Is. For those who enjoy local theater, Grand Prairie Arts Council presents the musical version of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown in Keel Theater at South Grand Prairie High School, November 10-12, 17-19 evenings, and 13th and 20th matinees. Call 972-642-2728 for pricing and times. The Winery in Grand Prairie has special offerings for the holiday season. Enjoy a tasting by the fire place and watch the knowledgeable staff hand craft wine of the highest quality or make your own. Log on to www.gptexas.com or call 972-263-9588 for more information. GRANBURY… Your Not-So-Far-Away Get Away for the Holidays! Most of us have vivid childhood memories of the holiday season in our home towns. We remember those special times: the unforgettable aromas as Mother or Grandmother baked homemade cookies, or made apple cider, or when going outside youcould smell the greenery used for wreaths as you passed each house. Most downtownsquares were really special as the holidays approached. If you walked to the square, as you got closer, you could hear Christmas music being played or, in some cases, live carolers were strolling the Square as they sang. Friends and neighbors shopped in seasonly decorated stores around the Square. Usually one store had a huge chair surrounded by gift-wrapped packages where you could sit on Santa’s lap and present a list of items you hoped he would deliver on Christmas Eve. That special holiday magic still exists today in Granbury, an ideal holiday destination. Holiday festivities begin at dusk November 25, with thousands of twinkling lights illuminating the Square, as individuals light candles and sing Christmas carols. The Country Christmas Lighted Parade, made up of dazzling, lighted floats, begins at 7 p.m. Beginning on west Pearl Street, then traveling to the historic downtown square, the Parade returns to its starting point by way of west Bridge Street. The Parade is presented by the Granbury Ministerial Alliance, area churches, civic groups, businesses, and individuals. Children can visit Santa in the gazebo on the courthouse lawn until 9 p.m.Granbury celebrates its 22nd Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes, December 3 and 4. Vintage Victorian homes and cottages, a bed and breakfast facility or two, and the 1850s Yeats Cabin are included on the tour. Dine in area restaurants, eat out of an 1880s Chuck Wagon, and stay in any of the more than 30 bed and breakfast inns and hotels. Contact the Granbury Convention & Visitors Bureau for additional information at 817-573-5548 ext. 56, 800-950-2212 ext. 56 or www.granburytx.com. November Means Music in Glen Rose There will be music in the air throughout the month of November in Glen Rose. Oakdale Park will host bluegrass jam sessions on November 11 and 12. The popular campground and RV park has hosted some of the top bluegrass concerts in north central Texas for more than four decades. The Dale McPherson Memorial Fiddle Contest will take place on Saturday, November 12 at the Somervell County Expo Center. This is the seventh year for the competition that features top fiddle players competing from across the state. Warm Country Heart Theatre has also become a popular show in Glen Rose and features a tribute to the music of Chet Atkins, Floyd Cramer and Boots Randolph. Shows are every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee at 1 p.m. every Saturday. The theater is located on the historic Glen Rose square.Although Fossil Rim is not hosting musical shows in November, there will be two special events including the Cheetah Challenge on November 13, a 5K cross country run, and a special Thanksgiving Sunset Safari on November 19. For more information on Glen Rose and the surrounding area, contact the Glen Rose Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-888-346-6282 or check out their website at www.glenrosetexas.net. Come see why Glen Rose was named America’s Dream Town in 2004. Denton Lights Up the Season Capture the true spirit of a small-town holiday celebration at the 17th annual Holiday Lighting Festival Thursday, December 1, on Denton’s Historic Courthouse Square, at 110 W. Hickory, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Kick off the Christmas season in style and sing-along with the Denton Community Band, stop in the eclectic shops around the square for a sample of wassail, and vote for your favorite recipe. Local groups will provide entertainment on two outdoor stages and inside the courthouse. Denton’s own Grammy award-winners, Brave Combo, will add their “nuclear polka” bend to the season at 8 p.m. It isn’t Christmas in Denton without a Chicken Dance on the lawn. Santa will be on hand for those last minute requests. Take a spin around the square in a horse drawn trolley or go on a motorized trolley tour through the historic district. Free interactive crafts and art booths will be available for children. Back again this year is the Santa’s Helpers toy drive. Troy Dungan, WFAA/Channel 8’s Chief Weather Caster & Santa’s Helpers Spokesperson, will be on hand to gather toys for families needing assistance during the Christmas season. The drive-through toy drop off will be at the corner of Oak and Locust, in front of Recycled Books, Records and CDs. In case of inclement weather, some venues may change. Please call 940-349-8529 or 940-349-8385 for information on the day of the event. Historic Charm for the Holidays Add a little historic charm to your holidays with a visit to Waxahachie! Festivities begin with the Candlelight Christmas Home Tour, sponsored by the Waxahachie Downtown Merchants Association, Thanksgiving weekend and the first two weekends of December. The tour features four homes on each weekend decorated in their holiday finest. The tour begins November 25-27 and continues December 3-4 and 10-11 from 2 p.m.-8 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 per weekend and can be purchased at the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce, Ellis County Museum and at the homes on tour the day of the event. View photos and detailed information about the homes at www.waxahachiechamber.com. Proceeds from the tour benefit the revitalization of the downtown area. Another great attraction is “Bethlehem Revisited,” the event Fox 4 News named the “#1 Holiday Event in the Lone Star State.” Imagine being able to step back in time 2000 years, walk the streets of ancient Bethlehem, and reenact the night of Christ's birth, complete with Mary, Joseph, marketplace vendors, craftsmen, tradesmen, clergy, as well as numerous live animals. Visitors acquire a better understanding of what life must have been like that night for Jesus and his family. “Bethlehem Revisited” is located behind the Central Presbyterian Church, 402 N. College, in Waxahachie, Texas. The program is open Friday-Sunday, December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Admission is FREE. The nonprofit event is produced solely by donations. For a complete list of holiday events, please visit www.waxahachiechamber.com or call 972-938-9617. Current
Issue | Previous Issues | Keep
Me Posted | FW Welcome | Events | Hotels
Attractions | Art Galleries | Dining | Shopping | Phone Numbers | Area Maps How to Subscribe | Related Links | Return Home Copyright 1997-2006 KEY Magazine
Fort Worth. All Rights Reserved.
This website designed, hosted and
maintained for KEY Magazine Fort Worth by
 ...when it's time to establish an Internet presence. |
||||||||
