Just in time to treat your family and guests to unforgettable memories, Sundance Square kicked off the holiday season last weekend with the lighting of the 56-foot Blue Spruce Christmas tree at the heart of the plaza in downtown Fort Worth last weekend. The local musical theatre group Kids Who Careentertained a happy crowd that spilled out of the plaza onto surrounding sidewalks and streets.
Santa Claus brought his magical sleigh to the Sundance Square Plaza stage, and he’s ready for kids of all ages to tell him exactly what they want to see under their tree Christmas morning. There’s no waiting in long lines while the kids fidget and whine. Upon arriving in Sundance Square, simply send a text to check in at Santa’s Sleigh, then shop, eat, and have fun until it is time to see Santa.
Every year, proceeds from photos with Santa benefit the Fort Worth Sister Cities’ Youth Program. Visits with Santa are $20 (cash only), which includes a photo with Santa, who will be in Sundance Square thru December 23. Check www.sundancesquare.com for specific times.
The Sundance Square Plaza has been transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland with all new décor, including a dazzling, silver backdrop for Santa’s sleigh with wintry trees and crystal snowflakes. In addition to the beautiful Christmas tree, there are numerous backdrops in the plaza for photo opportunities.
Treasures await you around every corner in Sundance Square. On Friday, November 23, also known as “Black Friday,” national retailers such as H&M, Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Loft, Overland Sheepskin Co., White House Black Market will be offering holiday deals.
November 24 is Small Business Saturday. Find the perfect gift for your “hard to shop for” person with unique offerings from the many boutiques and local specialty stores in Sundance Square like Earth Bones, Haltom’s Jewelers, Houston Street Toy Company, the Virgin Olive Oiler, Parts Unknown, Willow House and Yours Truly, among others.
Parking is always free in Sundance Square after 5 p.m. on weekdays. Before 5 p.m. parking is free with validation from a Sundance Square restaurant or retailer. Validation is good for 2.5 hours of dining or shopping, or four hours for weekday movies. Weekends are free all day and evening.
Guests can also valet park for free with a purchase from any Sundance Square merchant. Just look for the red umbrellas in 10 locations across Sundance Square. You can even drop your car off at one valet stand, then shop, eat, stroll and pick your car up at a different valet stand on the other side of Sundance Square. Just text the valet when you’re ready for your car and let them know where you want to pick it up.
HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT
Bass Hall will host a number of events, including the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” throughout the month of December, and a Mannheim Steamroller concert December 28.
Jubilee Theatre presents “The First Noel,” a musical that flashes back to Harlem in 1985. The play follows the story of Noel as a child and her desire for Christmas joy in a house where it has been unwelcome for years. This family-friendly production runs November 23 - December 23. More information and tickets at jubileetheatre.org.
Circle Theatre will present “Holiday Punch,” a holiday party with a twist, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 8. Details at circletheatre.com.
If you’re looking for something a bit funkier, Scat Jazz Lounge will kick off the holiday weekend with Johnny Reno on Thanksgiving night. Then, songstress Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield performs Friday, Nov. 23; Red Young & His Hot Horns light up the night Saturday, Nov. 24; and you can wrap up the weekend with the long running Black Dog Jam on Sunday night. More info at http://scatjazzlounge.com.
Sundance Square is a vibrant, award-winning entertainment district spanning 36 blocks in downtown Fort Worth. The multi-use development attracts more than 10 million visitors each year for dining, shopping, events, and performances. For more information visit sundancesquare.com or follow the business and entertainment development on Facebook.com/sundancesquare or Twitter @sundancesquare