Our neighbor to the west has many holiday happenings to help you celebrate Christmas! Grab the kids–gather up the grandkids–and head west! Here’s a list of events and restaurants that will get you into the spirit of Christmas, courtesy of Sundance Square.
See The Nutcracker At Bass Performance Hall
The Texas Ballet Theater puts on an amazing performance of the classic show every year, just in time for Christmas. You’ll notice allusions to the ballet throughout Sundance Square during the holidays. Whether you’re passing a family tradition on to the next generation or it’s your first time seeing The Nutcracker, you’ll enjoy the magical experience that blends theater and dance.
Come Play At Houston Street Toy Company
Christmas brings out the kid in everyone. Stop by Houston Street Toy Company to let your inner child play and the adult in you enjoy bits of nostalgia. Buy a bucket of snowballs for a snowball fight, pose with the ferris wheel in the storefront window, or let the little ones in your life choose their own Christmas surprise. It’s a toy paradise for kids of all ages.
Buy Chocolates At Schakolad
Enter at your own risk because there isn’t a thing in Schakolad you won’t want to taste. It’s the perfect place to pick up some treats to share, whether it’s a gift for a chocolate-loving friend or delicious treats for a holiday party. Look for Nutcracker related items while you breathe in the fragrance of fresh chocolate.
Savor Peppermint Bark Cheesecake At The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory offers a wide selection of dessert options (37 different flavors of cheesecake for those counting options instead of calories). But our recommendation for the slice of creamy goodness that puts you in the holiday spirit is Peppermint Bark Cheesecake. Savor the minty freshness.
Visit Santa
Santa is kind enough to visit the Plaza and listen to our lists of wants. He will even take a photo with you if you’re nice. Santa’s hours are 11:00 to 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays through December 23. Pictures with Santa are $10 with all proceeds going to Sister Cities International.
Celebrate Family Togetherness At Reata Restaurant
Southern comfort food meets Tex Mex cuisine in upscale Reata Restaurant. The tenderloin tamales alone are enough to make a vegetarian reconsider their entire dietary lifestyle. (Just ask Sundance Square’s Director of Marketing, Tracy Gilmour.) Treat the family to something special this holiday season.
Drink Hot Cocoa From Starbucks
It doesn’t feel like the holidays without a warm beverage between your palms. Starbucks is conveniently located in the northwest corner of the plaza and always has an assortment of holiday beverages in addition to the everyday coffee fair. Pop in, get something warm, and take it with you as you stroll through the crisp winter air. (You may have to imagine that last part in Texas.)
Shop For Family And Friends
Sundance Square has diverse options! You can find jewelry and toys, giant candy and art, live performances and the latest fashions. Send something “Texas” to a family member who moved away, stop by one of the pro shops to pick up something for a sports fan, or buy season tickets to one of the theatres in Sundance Square. There’s something for everyone on your list.
Have A Gander At Thomas Kinkade’s Winter Paintings
The painter of light has produced hundreds of winter scene prints that transport viewers to a simpler time, a snowier climate, and a nostalgic moment in time. Stop by the Thomas Kinkade Gallery to enjoy the view or to make a purchase.
Grab Brunch at Taverna
Brunch is as much a holiday tradition as hot cocoa is. You may not know that, in addition to serving great Italian fare, Taverna serves a wonderful brunch. Sleep in a bit before rousing the troops and heading downtown. Pro tip: order the French toast.
Pick Up A Funny Tie From Earth Bones
Chris Gensheimer has made sure his store is a place people want to laugh. There are lots of punchline options on a variety of products, but since everybody seems to buy dad a tie for Christmas, you might as well buy him one that makes him smile. Stop by Earth Bones for a laugh this season.
Create A New Holiday Tradition At Piranha Killer Sushi
Break the mold by eating something other than turkey or ham this holiday season. How about sushi and sake? Taste the fusion of classic Japanese cuisine and flavors of the Pacific Asian Rim in a killer atmosphere at Piranha Killer Sushi. Follow your meal with an order of creme brulee.
Take In Holiday Window Scenes
One of the beauties of Sundance Square is the collection of holiday window displays you’ll find while walking from place to place. Such window displays are reminiscent of old-fashioned, traditional Christmases in the city. Be sure to stop by the displays in front of Flowers To Go, Loft, and (especially) Haltom’s Jewelers. Even if Fort Worth doesn’t have a white Christmas, these window scenes help transport you to a winter wonderland.
Watch the LED lights on the Sundance Square Christmas tree sparkle.
Merry Christmas from Sundance Square and Laura Van Meter!