As you might expect, the majority of the new events taking place in and around Fort Worth this weekend have a holiday theme. Choices include holiday train rides, screenings of a new film, a holiday cirque performance, two holiday orchestra concerts, two country concerts, a holiday concert featuring a classic children’s book, and the final days of a notable art exhibition.

Below are the best ways to spend your free time this Thanksgiving weekend. If you want more options, check out the calendar for an even longer list of the city’s best events. For a big list of 2025 holiday lights, go here.

Friday, November 28

Grapevine Vintage Railroad presents North Pole Express
Guests can board the North Pole Express for a festive journey featuring traditional Christmas sing-alongs, Christmas characters, and photos and interaction with Santa. Rides on the train also include special surprises onboard and family-friendly entertainment. The North Pole Express will depart from Grapevine Vintage Railroad almost every day through December 30.

Magnolia at the Modern: The Thing with Feathers
Following the death of his wife, a young father (Benedict Cumberbatch) sees his hold on reality crumble, and a strange presence begins to stalk him from the shadowy recesses of the apartment he shares with his two young sons. A man-like crow, seemingly brought to life from the father’s work as an illustrator, is about to become a very real part of all of their lives, ultimately guiding them towards the new shape their family must take. The film will screen seven times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

Cirque Étendue presents Lumière D’Hiver
Cirque Étendue’s Lumière D’Hiver highlights Hope, a gifted young dancer facing her first Christmas without her family. Surrounded by rehearsals, sparkle, and celebration, she feels quietly alone, until her friends (and a charming admirer) rally to rekindle her holiday spirit. Through breathtaking circus acts, joyful dance, and heartfelt surprises, the original production is a tender celebration of chosen family, the memories that shape people, and the light they find in one another. The performance takes place at United Performing Arts Company in Pantego.

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents Home for the Holidays
Fort Worth’s favorite holiday traditions start when the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra kicks off the season. Families will enjoy a program of Christmas carols and seasonal tunes, and wave to Santa as the orchestra plays “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” There will be performances on Friday and Saturday at Bass Performance Hall.

Drake Milligan in concert
Country singer/Arlington native Drake Milligan has gotten two big breaks in his young career, first starring as Elvis Presley on the CMT series, Sun Records, and then a few years later when he came in third place on America’s Got Talent. He released his debut album, Dallas/Fort Worth, in 2022, and just came out with his sophomore release, Tumbleweed. He’ll play at Billy Bob’s Texas.

Saturday, November 29

The Cliburn presents Cliburn Family Concerts: The Polar Express
The Cliburn will present The Polar Express, celebrating the wonder and spirit of the holidays taking visitors to the North Pole to visit Santa’s home. The show features dynamic narration and illustrations from of Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved classic book, The Polar Express, with accompanying musical interludes and a few surprises. There will be three performances through Sunday at Fort Worth Stockyards Station.

Frostival at Howell Family Farms
At Frostival, visitors can step into a glowing winter dream, where holiday magic comes alive under a dazzling canopy of festive lights. Guests can wander through the enchanting Trail of Lights, sip on hot cocoa, and enjoy seasonal crafts. The event also includes free professional photos with Santa and a chance to meet holiday characters up close. The event takes place at Howell Family Farms through December 28.

Vienna Light Orchestra in concert
The Vienna Light Orchestra performs tributes to Broadway, film scores, classical favorites, and more. Created by conductor Steven Canyon, the orchestra aims to provide a joyful, soul-stirring alternative to the noise of daily life, offering a timeless celebration of music for all ages. There will be two performances on Saturday at Will Rogers Auditorium.

Stoney LaRue in concert
Singer-songwriter Stoney LaRue is part of the recent wave of Texas Country/Red Dirt artists, having put out six albums since 2002, most recently Onward in 2019. LaRue is as close to a regular at Billy Bob’s as you can get, having played there multiple times and even recording a live album there in 2007. He’ll play there yet again on Saturday night.

Sunday, November 30

Amon Carter Museum of American Art presents “East of the Pacific: Making Histories of Asian American Art” closing day
Sunday will be the final day to view “East of the Pacific: Making Histories of Asian American Art” at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. The exhibition explores the continuing artistic influence of people of Asian descent and their indispensable role in shaping American art and culture. It features artworks by more than 32 Asian American artists, including Roger Shimomura, Takeshi Kawashima, and Livien Yin.

GM Financial Parade of Lights
Let’s try this again: After being postponed a week due to anticipated bad weather, the City of Fort Worth will present the official kickoff to the holiday season with the GM Financial Parade of Lights, which features floats, vintage cars, horse-drawn carriages, marching bands, and carolers along the 1.59-mile route in downtown Fort Worth. Carrying on the long-standing tradition, the largest illuminated parade in the state of Texas will conclude with a special appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus on the specially designed, LED-lit, grand finale float. For tips on street closures, transportation, parking, TV coverage, and more, check out this story.

Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra