The Best Christmas Tree Lightings in Fort Worth (2025)
Fort Worth does holiday Christmas lights in spectacular and dazzling fashion. Downtown crowds counting down in Sundance Square, boots and cocoa in the Stockyards, and a campus‑wide tree lighting at TCU. This guide sticks to Fort Worth‑only tree lightings with confirmed dates and details, plus nearby holiday and Christmas pop‑ups that are open in time.
We added in a few bonus experiences along with our list of the best tree lightings in Fort Worth. Check them out below:
An over head view of the Fort Worth Sundance Square Christmas Tree Lighting (Image Source: Brian Luenser via Youtube)
1. 79th Fort Worth Christmas Tree Lighting in Sundance Square
The city’s signature moment in the heart of downtown. The giant Norway spruce flips on after the program, with prime viewing throughout the plaza. This year’s tree is 86 feet tall, making it 11 feet taller than New York’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree!
When: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 with program 6:30PM, lighting during the 7:00PM hour
Where: Sundance Square Plaza Location: 420 Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
Website: fortworth.com/event/79th-christmas-tree-lighting-in-sundance-square/39907/
Blitzen Bar at Omni Fort Worth: opens 3:00PM on Tuesdays. One block from the plaza; perfect pre‑lighting stop.
Curfew (Downtown): opens 5:00PM daily. A short walk for a pre‑ or post‑lighting round.
Miracle on South Main at Nickel City: open 12:00PM until 2:00 a.m. during the pop‑up run. About a 5‑minute drive from the square.
The Christmas Tree in the Backyard at Hotel Driver (Image Source: Hotel Drover)
2. Hotel Drover “Legendary Tree Lighting”
Separate than the Stockyards Christmas Tree Lighting, the Hotel Drover tree lighting has gained state-wide attention and become known as a go-to event. The tree lighting is located in Hotel Drover’s backyard with the cowboy‑hat topper and live entertainment. It lands one hour before the larger district tree. For those looking to max out Christmas spirit, head to the Drover Christmas Tree Lighting then walk down Mule Alley to catch the Stockyards’ lighting at 6PM
When: Friday, November 28, 2025 at 5:00PM.
Where: The Backyard at Hotel Drover
Location: 200 Mule Alley Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76164
Website: hoteldrover.com/about/happenings/
Honkytonk Holidays at Rodeo Exchange: doors 7:00PM for live music and dancing.
3. Fort Worth Stockyards Tree Lighting
The Stockyards makes it a full day with carolers and a grand entrance from Cowboy Santa and a full parade earlier in the afternoon. The big tree lights at 6:00PM (just after the Hotel Drover tree lighting).
When: Friday, November 28, 2025 starting at 11AM until the tree lighting at 6:00PM
Where: Exchange Avenue & Mule Alley Location: Stockyards Fort Worth, TX 76164
Website: fortworthstockyards.com/events/
Hotel Drover Legendary Tree Lighting: starts at 5:00PM. in The Backyard. Do this first, then walk to the district tree at 6:00PM
Honkytonk Holidays at Rodeo Exchange: doors 7:00PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Keep the night going with dancing and live music.
Fireworks over the TCU Christmas Tree Lighting (Image Source: Tori Couch from 360 West)
4. TCU Christmas Tree Lighting & Concert
A beloved campus tradition with a concert, fireworks, and SuperFrog Santa. This event is a favorite for students, families, and Fort Worth-locals alike. The tree lights during the program, followed with a full fire works show and concert. Arrive early for parking!
When: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 6:30 until 8:30PM
Where: TCU Campus Commons Location: 2901 Stadium Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76129
Website: studentactivities.tcu.edu/holidays/christmas-tree-lighting-concert/
Miracle on South Main at Nickel City: open 12:00PM until 2:00 a.m. Easy 10‑minute drive from campus for pre‑ or post‑lighting cocktails.
Sippin’ Santa at The Down ’n Out: open 3:00PM until 2:00 a.m. on weekdays during the pop‑up run. Another South Main option.
Atlas Fort Worth: opens 4:00PM. daily. Good for a cocktail and small plates before the concert.
Bonus Christmas and Holiday Happenings:
A path of lights in the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens at Christmas in the Garden (Image Source: Fort Worth Botanical Gardens)
Christmas in the Garden at The Fort Worth Botanic Garden
A ticketed lights experience with a dedicated Christmas Tree Show along the trail. Not a one‑time lighting, but a great way to see a lit tree and immersive displays on your own schedule.
When: Nightly, November 21, 2025–January 4, 2026 with timed entry 5:30 - 9:00PM
Where: Fort Worth Botanic Garden Location: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Website: fwbg.org/christmas-in-the-garden
Santa on a float for Parade of Lights through Downtown Fort Worth (Image Source: GM Financial Parade of Lights)
The Parade of Lights in Downtown Fort Worth
The city’s illuminated parade returns for its 43rd year with more than 100 lighted floats, bands, performers, and a finale featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus. It’s not a tree lighting, but it’s the downtown holiday kickoff, and sidewalk viewing is free. Reserve Street Seats if you want guaranteed views.
When: Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 6:00PM
Where: Downtown Fort Worth Location: Route begins at Weatherford St & Throckmorton St
Website: fortworthparadeoflights.org
Blitzen Bar at Omni Fort Worth: opens 3:00PM on Sundays. Perfect before the parade.
Curfew (Downtown): opens 5:00PM for post‑parade drinks.
Miracle on South Main at Nickel City: open 12:00PM until 2:00 a.m. during the pop‑up run.
Fort Worth Christmas Tree Lighting FAQ
Is it free to attend these tree lightings?
Yes. Sundance Square, the Stockyards district tree, and the TCU lighting are free and open to the public. The Botanic Garden lights are a separate ticketed experience. Parade of Lights has free sidewalk viewing with optional paid Street Seats.
What time does the Sundance Square tree actually light?
The program begins at 6:30PM and the tree turns on during the 7:00PM hour. Arrive early for a good view.
How early should I arrive for the popular ones?
Plan 45–60 minutes early for Sundance Square and TCU. For the Stockyards, arrive before 5:30PM to navigate crowds and catch the 6:00PM moment.
Where should I park downtown?
Use Sundance Square garages and nearby paid lots. Consider rideshare to avoid traffic pinch points after the lighting or the parade.
Is there public transit to these events?
Yes. Trinity Metro’s TEXRail and buses connect to Downtown Fort Worth Central Station and T&P Station. From there it is a short walk or DASH ride to many spots. Check schedules before you go.
Can I bring kids and strollers?
Yes. All listed events are family friendly. Strollers are fine in open plazas and sidewalks, but crowds get dense near showtime.
Are pets allowed?
Policies vary by venue. Public outdoor areas often allow leashed dogs, but large crowds and noise can be stressful. Service animals are welcome.
What if it rains?
Most tree lightings proceed in light rain. Severe weather can delay or change programming. Always check the event page or social feeds the day of.
Are there restrooms nearby for Sundance Square and the Stockyards?
Yes. Downtown and Stockyards have public restrooms and participating businesses. Large events often add portable restrooms. Plan a stop before the countdown.
Can I bring lawn chairs?
Policies vary. Low chairs work along the parade route. Chairs are usually not practical inside crowded plazas like Sundance Square.
Will there be fireworks at any of the tree lightings?
TCU’s program traditionally includes fireworks. The other listed tree lightings focus on music and the countdown rather than pyrotechnics.
Any nearby holiday pop-ups to pair with each lighting?
Yes. We listed options under each event that are open in time, including Blitzen at the Omni for Sundance Square, Hotel Drover’s Backyard before the Stockyards tree, and South Main pop-ups for the TCU night.
Best viewing tips for families?
Stake out a spot with a clear sightline and an easy exit route. Keep snacks and hand warmers in a small bag and take a quick restroom break 15–20 minutes before the countdown.
Where can I find more seasonal ideas?
See our Fort Worth Holiday Pop-Ups Guide!