Christmas Events for Kids in Fort Worth (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

11 min read

The Fort Worth area has 10 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Home for the Holidays Christmas Tree Lighting in Southlake on November 21 to Noon Year's Eve in Fort Worth, on December 31. 5 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Texas, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 10 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Fort Worth for 2026, in Fort Worth, Burleson, Grapevine, Mansfield and Southlake
  • First: Home for the Holidays Christmas Tree Lighting, Southlake, November 21. Runs latest: Noon Year's Eve, Fort Worth, through December 31
  • Free: Home for the Holidays Christmas Tree Lighting, 38th Annual Carol of Lights, 47th Annual Parade of Lights, BTX-MAS: Christmas in Burleson and Christmas at the Library
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Rally watching the snow and a lit Christmas tree, from the pages of Rally Takes the Train.

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Texas Christmas train rides page.

Fort Worth Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
10 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Fort Worth, Burleson, Grapevine, Mansfield and Southlake
Season
November 21 to December 31, 2026
Free events
5
Kinds of events
tree lighting, holiday parade, holiday crafts and breakfast with Santa
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Fort Worth Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Home for the Holidays Christmas Tree Lighting in Southlake on November 21; the last runs to December 31. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Fort Worth? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Fort Worth

3 confirmed events for kids in Fort Worth, soonest first.

Fort Worth: Holiday Event: Grinchmas

Santa visitCity of Fort Worth Park & Recreation · Fort Worth

Host
City of Fort Worth Park & Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
ACJCC at Hillside Community Center, 1201 E Maddox Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Cost
Not stated; check the registration page
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Grinchmas is a City of Fort Worth holiday event at the Hillside Community Center on the near southeast side. The city describes a family afternoon with games, food, arts and crafts and local vendors, and families can pose for photos with Santa and with the Grinch, plus a family photo spot.

The listing says all ages are welcome. It runs on Saturday, December 12, 2026. The city had not yet opened online registration or posted times when we checked, so look at the registration page closer to the date for the start time and any fee before you head over. The center is at 1201 East Maddox Avenue, and the listing is organized by the City of Fort Worth as one of its seasonal community events. Bring a camera or phone for the Santa and Grinch photos.

Parent tip: Online registration had not opened yet when we checked; the page says to check registration dates in the details.

See dates and details from City of Fort Worth Park & Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Fort Worth: Winter Event: Toy Giveaway (Breakfast With Santa)

Breakfast with SantaCity of Fort Worth Park & Recreation · Fort Worth

Host
City of Fort Worth Park & Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
Andrew "Doc" Session Community Center, 201 S Sylvania Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76111
When
Saturday, December 19, 2026
Cost
Not stated; check the registration page
Ages
Ages 5 to 101
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The City of Fort Worth hosts this winter event at the Andrew Doc Session Community Center on South Sylvania Avenue. The city describes a festive morning with a breakfast, holiday crafts, music and a special visit with Santa, held in the center's activity room as part of a toy giveaway.

The listing is open to ages 5 and up. It takes place on Saturday, December 19, 2026. Online registration had not opened when we checked and the page did not show a start time or price, so check back on the registration page as December gets closer. The listing places it in the center's activity room at 201 South Sylvania Avenue, and the city files it under its special events. Families with school age kids will find it the best fit given the stated age range.

Parent tip: Registration was not open yet when we checked; watch the city's ACTIVE page for when sign ups begin.

See dates and details from City of Fort Worth Park & Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Fort Worth: Noon Year's Eve

Holiday craftsFort Worth Museum of Science and History · Fort Worth

Host
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (opens in a new tab)
Where
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, 1600 Gendy St, Fort Worth, TX 76107
When
Thursday, December 31, 2026, 10 am to noon
Cost
Included with museum admission
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History rings in the new year early for families who will not make it to midnight. The morning program includes photo opportunities, crafts and special New Year's activities, and it ends with a confetti drop in the museum atrium at 12 pm, which the museum calls the biggest confetti drop of the year.

Noon Year's Eve runs Thursday, December 31, 2026, from 10 am to noon and is included with regular museum admission. It is a good fit for the days between Christmas and New Year when kids are out of school, and the rest of the museum stays open into the afternoon. The program is aimed at kids, so the activities are built for little hands and short attention spans. Hours that Thursday run 10 am to 5 pm, so families can stay and explore the exhibits after the countdown.

Parent tip: The museum's entrance has moved; use the Omni Theater entrance on Lansford Lane.

See dates and details from Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Burleson

3 confirmed events for kids in Burleson, soonest first.

Burleson: BTX-MAS: Christmas in Burleson

Holiday paradeFreeCity of Burleson · Burleson

Host
City of Burleson (opens in a new tab)
Where
Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza, 141 W Renfro St, Burleson, TX 76028 (near Fort Worth)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

BTX-MAS starts with a lighted Christmas parade at 6 pm that ends at Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza in Old Town Burleson, followed by singers and dancers on the plaza stage. At 8 pm Santa and his helpers switch on the 34 foot Christmas tree, and a nine to ten minute drone show set to holiday music lights up the sky.

An interactive Santa's cabin at the base of the tree makes a photo spot, and Santa poses for pictures. The event is Saturday, December 5, 2026, and it is free. Free and open to everyone, it is organized by the City of Burleson and its BRiCk recreation center. The plaza is at 141 West Renfro Street, and the city posts a map of the drone show viewing area.

Parent tip: The parade starts at Burleson Collegiate High School and ends at the plaza, so find a spot along the route or near the tree.

See dates and details from City of Burleson (opens in a new tab)

Burleson: Christmas at the Library

Holiday craftsFreeBurleson Public Library · Burleson

Host
Burleson Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Burleson Public Library, 248 SW Johnson Ave, Burleson, TX 76028 (near Fort Worth)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to noon
Cost
Free
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Burleson Public Library opens its doors for a festive morning of hands on fun. Kids can make ornaments and decorations, join holiday sing alongs, try a scavenger hunt through the library and visit gift and craft stations.

Christmas at the Library runs 9 am to noon on December 5, the same day as Santa's Breakfast and the evening BTX-MAS parade and tree lighting, so families can build a full holiday day around it. The event is free. The library is at 248 SW Johnson Avenue in Burleson, and the event is part of the City of Burleson's holiday events lineup. Drop in during the morning; no tickets are listed for this one.

Parent tip: Pair it with the 7 to 11 am Santa's Breakfast at Russell Farm and the evening BTX-MAS parade the same day.

See dates and details from Burleson Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Burleson: Santa's Breakfast

Breakfast with SantaCity of Burleson · Burleson

Host
City of Burleson (opens in a new tab)
Where
Russell Farm Art Center, 405 W County Road 714, Burleson, TX 76028 (near Fort Worth)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 7 to 11 am
Cost
$5 ages 3 to 12, $7 adults, under 2 free
Ages
Children 3 to 12; under 2 free
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Burleson's Santa's Breakfast is held at the Russell Farm Art Center. Santa's elves serve pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee, kids work on holiday crafts, and every family gets a visit with Santa. The first hour, 7 to 8 am, is a sensory hour with a low stimulation setting.

The breakfast is December 5, 2026, from 7 to 11 am. Tickets are $5 for children 3 to 12, $7 for adults, and free under 2. Reservations are in 30 minute slots, space is limited, and tickets are sold online through the city or in person at the BRiCk recreation center. Russell Farm is at 405 West County Road 714, with parking right after you enter the property. Accommodation requests can be made through the city's inclusion page.

Parent tip: Pick a 30 minute start time when you buy tickets, and book early since space is limited.

See dates and details from City of Burleson (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Grapevine

2 confirmed events for kids in Grapevine, soonest first.

Grapevine: 38th Annual Carol of Lights

Tree lightingFreeCity of Grapevine / Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau · Grapevine

Host
City of Grapevine / Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau (opens in a new tab)
Where
Historic Downtown Grapevine, 530 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051 (near Fort Worth)
When
Monday, November 23, 2026, 4 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Carol of Lights is the opening night of Grapevine's Christmas season. Families gather on Historic Main Street for live Christmas music and the moment the downtown lights switch on, starting weeks of holiday events in town.

The 38th annual Carol of Lights is on Monday, November 23, 2026, starting at 4 pm, and admission is free. It falls just before Thanksgiving, so it works well as a first holiday outing of the year, and it pairs easily with dinner at one of the Main Street restaurants. The evening is hosted by the City of Grapevine at 530 South Main Street in the historic downtown. Main Street closes to cars for the celebration, so plan to park nearby and walk in with the kids.

Parent tip: Events may change because of weather, so check the city's event page the day of.

See dates and details from City of Grapevine / Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau (opens in a new tab)

Grapevine: 47th Annual Parade of Lights

Holiday paradeFreeCity of Grapevine / Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau · Grapevine

Host
City of Grapevine / Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau (opens in a new tab)
Where
Historic Main Street, 530 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051 (near Fort Worth)
When
Thursday, December 3, 2026, 7 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Grapevine calls itself the Christmas Capital of Texas, and its Parade of Lights is one of the season's centerpieces. More than 100 lighted floats and marching bands travel along Historic Main Street, and Santa Claus makes a special appearance riding on the last float, which is the moment most kids wait for.

The 47th annual parade is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, starting at 7 pm, and watching from the curb is free. Families often come early to eat and shop along Main Street before claiming a viewing spot. The parade is the largest lighted Christmas parade in North Texas, according to the listing, and it is organized by the City of Grapevine. Weather can change plans, so check the city's event page that afternoon.

Parent tip: Arrive early for a good curbside spot; Main Street closes to cars on parade night.

See dates and details from City of Grapevine / Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Mansfield

1 confirmed event for kids in Mansfield, soonest first.

Mansfield: SUPER Kids Santa Visits

Santa and Mrs. ClausMansfield Parks & Recreation · Mansfield

Host
Mansfield Parks & Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
Mansfield City Hall, 1200 E Broad St, Mansfield, TX 76063 (near Fort Worth)
When
Thursday, December 10, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
Cost
Not stated; register through the city
Ages
Ages 2 to 18
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Mansfield Parks and Recreation offers these sensory friendly Santa visits for children with any special needs or activity limitations. Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome each family for a one on one visit, and families wait in a quiet room beforehand instead of a long, noisy line. City Hall is wheelchair and walker accessible.

The visits run Thursday, December 10, 2026, from 5 to 8 pm, for ages 2 to 18. Registration goes through the city, either with the form linked on the listing or by calling the Mansfield Activities Center during business hours. The visits are hosted by Mansfield Parks and Recreation as a quieter alternative to large holiday events with crowds and music. Children of many ages are welcome, from toddlers through teens.

Parent tip: Register ahead; you can also call (817) 728-3680 during business hours to book.

See dates and details from Mansfield Parks & Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Southlake

1 confirmed event for kids in Southlake, soonest first.

Southlake: Home for the Holidays Christmas Tree Lighting

Tree lightingFreeCity of Southlake · Southlake

Host
City of Southlake (opens in a new tab)
Where
Southlake Town Square, 1400 E Southlake Blvd, Southlake, TX 76092 (near Fort Worth)
When
Saturday, November 21, 2026, 4:30 to 8:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Southlake opens its Home for the Holidays season with a big community evening in front of Town Hall. Kids can slide down a three lane snow hill, make something at the Craft Corner and take photos with Santa, while local school groups perform holiday music on stage. The tree is lit at 6 pm and a fireworks show follows.

The celebration is Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 4:30 to 8:30 pm. Admission, parking and the Craft Corner activities are all free. The celebration is organized by the City of Southlake as part of its Home for the Holidays season. Bring layers, since much of the evening, including the snow hill, takes place outdoors after dark.

Parent tip: Parking is free; plan to stay past 6 pm for the tree lighting and fireworks.

See dates and details from City of Southlake (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our Texas Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Fort Worth Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Fort Worth in 2026?

We confirmed 10 Christmas events for kids in Fort Worth for 2026 on each host’s own page: Home for the Holidays Christmas Tree Lighting in Southlake (November 21), 38th Annual Carol of Lights in Grapevine (November 23), 47th Annual Parade of Lights in Grapevine (December 3), BTX-MAS: Christmas in Burleson in Burleson (December 5), Christmas at the Library in Burleson (December 5), Santa's Breakfast in Burleson (December 5), SUPER Kids Santa Visits in Mansfield (December 10), Holiday Event: Grinchmas in Fort Worth (December 12), Winter Event: Toy Giveaway (Breakfast With Santa) in Fort Worth (December 19) and Noon Year's Eve in Fort Worth (December 31). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Fort Worth, Texas?

For families in and around Fort Worth, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Event: Grinchmas (Sat, Dec 12, not stated; check the registration page); Winter Event: Toy Giveaway (Breakfast With Santa) (Sat, Dec 19, morning, not stated; check the registration page); Noon Year's Eve (Thu, Dec 31, 10 am to noon, included with museum admission). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Fort Worth section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Burleson, Texas?

For families in and around Burleson, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: BTX-MAS: Christmas in Burleson (Sat, Dec 5, parade 6 pm, tree lighting 8 pm, free); Christmas at the Library (Sat, Dec 5, 9 am to noon, free); Santa's Breakfast (Sat, Dec 5, 7 to 11 am, $5 ages 3 to 12, $7 adults, under 2 free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Burleson section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Grapevine, Texas?

For families in and around Grapevine, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: 38th Annual Carol of Lights (Mon, Nov 23, from 4 pm, free); 47th Annual Parade of Lights (Thu, Dec 3, 7 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Grapevine section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Mansfield, Texas?

For families in and around Mansfield, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: SUPER Kids Santa Visits (Thu, Dec 10, 5 to 8 pm, not stated; register through the city). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Mansfield section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Southlake, Texas?

For families in and around Southlake, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Home for the Holidays Christmas Tree Lighting (Sat, Nov 21, 4:30 to 8:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Southlake section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Fort Worth?

Yes. 5 of the 10 events here are free: Home for the Holidays Christmas Tree Lighting in Southlake, 38th Annual Carol of Lights in Grapevine, 47th Annual Parade of Lights in Grapevine, BTX-MAS: Christmas in Burleson in Burleson and Christmas at the Library in Burleson. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Fort Worth this December?

Santa appears at Home for the Holidays Christmas Tree Lighting in Southlake (November 21), 47th Annual Parade of Lights in Grapevine (December 3), BTX-MAS: Christmas in Burleson in Burleson (December 5), Santa's Breakfast in Burleson (December 5), SUPER Kids Santa Visits in Mansfield (December 10), Holiday Event: Grinchmas in Fort Worth (December 12) and Winter Event: Toy Giveaway (Breakfast With Santa) in Fort Worth (December 19). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Fort Worth?

Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Santa's Breakfast in Burleson (Sat, Dec 5, 7 to 11 am) and Winter Event: Toy Giveaway (Breakfast With Santa) in Fort Worth (Sat, Dec 19, morning). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.

Are there kids' Christmas events in Fort Worth on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Noon Year's Eve in Fort Worth (through December 31).

How much is Home for the Holidays Christmas Tree Lighting in Southlake?

Free. Home for the Holidays Christmas Tree Lighting is on Saturday, November 21, 2026, 4:30 to 8:30 pm at Southlake Town Square. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 38th Annual Carol of Lights in Grapevine?

Free. 38th Annual Carol of Lights is on Monday, November 23, 2026, 4 pm at Historic Downtown Grapevine. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 47th Annual Parade of Lights in Grapevine?

Free. 47th Annual Parade of Lights is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 7 pm at Historic Main Street. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is BTX-MAS: Christmas in Burleson in Burleson?

Free. BTX-MAS: Christmas in Burleson is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6 pm at Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Christmas at the Library in Burleson?

Free. Christmas at the Library is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to noon at Burleson Public Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa's Breakfast in Burleson?

$5 ages 3 to 12, $7 adults, under 2 free. Santa's Breakfast is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 7 to 11 am at Russell Farm Art Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is SUPER Kids Santa Visits in Mansfield?

Not stated; register through the city. SUPER Kids Santa Visits is on Thursday, December 10, 2026, 5 to 8 pm at Mansfield City Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Event: Grinchmas in Fort Worth?

Not stated; check the registration page. Holiday Event: Grinchmas is on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at ACJCC at Hillside Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Event: Toy Giveaway (Breakfast With Santa) in Fort Worth?

Not stated; check the registration page. Winter Event: Toy Giveaway (Breakfast With Santa) is on Saturday, December 19, 2026 at Andrew "Doc" Session Community Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Noon Year's Eve in Fort Worth?

Included with museum admission. Noon Year's Eve is on Thursday, December 31, 2026, 10 am to noon at Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Fort Worth?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Fort Worth Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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