FIRST THURSDAYS ARE THE NIGHT TO BE IN DOWNTOWN ARLINGTON

Grab the family and text the group chat, it’s THE day to be in downtown Arlington! Enjoy once a month evening of live music, artistic experiences, and exploration at your favorite businesses!

Our next installation of this event will be Thursday, December 3rd from 5-8pm. This month will be particularly special as it will also include Arlington's Tree Lighting Ceremony, sponsored by Republic Services & Linebarger. Events and specials will be announced 2 weeks ahead of each event!

Supported by

December Featured Attractions

Featured Event: Arlington Tree Lighting Ceremony, sponsored by Republic Services & Linebarger Attorneys at Law

Join us on Thursday, December 3, for Arlington's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 7:00 PM on the lawn of Levitt Pavilion. This beloved holiday tradition brings the community together to officially kick off the season with the lighting of Arlington's holiday tree.

Make an evening of it and enjoy December First Thursdays featuring Letters to Santa on the Levitt lawn with the Arlington Public Library & a festive holiday market from Small Business Mercado from 4pm-8pm. From 5pm-8pm, enjoy holiday-themed experiences at more than 25 downtown businesses and cultural institutions.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony is proudly presented by the City of Arlington, Republic Services, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP, and Levitt Pavilion.

Featured Attraction: Letters to Santa

Starting November 17th through December 3rd, the Downtown library will also serve as an official USPS Operation Santa letter drop-off location for the holiday season.

Learn more and RSVP at the Letters to Santa event page.

Make holiday memories at Letters to Santa during December First Thursdays! Families are invited to visit the Levitt Pavilion from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM to write a letter and hand-deliver it directly to Santa Claus himself. Children can create their letters on-site, meet Santa and enjoy the festive atmosphere before exploring Downtown Arlington's holiday activities, shopping, and entertainment.

Learn more and register to let us know you're coming!

Featured Attraction: Downtown Christmas Market hosted by Small Business Mercado

Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the Downtown Christmas Market hosted by Small Business Mercado from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Abram Street, in front of City Hall and next to Levitt. Browse unique gifts, handcrafted goods, and festive finds from local vendors while enjoying the energy of Downtown Arlington's holiday season.

Make an evening of it by stopping by Levitt Arlington's Letters to Santa activities happening at the same time, then stay through 7:00 PM for Arlington's Official Tree Lighting Ceremony, sponsored by Republic Services and Linebarger Attorneys at Law. It's a festive night of shopping, family fun, and holiday cheer you won't want to miss! 🎅🎁🎄

Featured Attraction: Elves in the Window at Miss Persis Studio of Dance

Miss Persis Studio and Dance Theatre of Arlington present "Elves in the Window! " during First Thursday in Downtown Arlington on Dec 3 at 6:00pm -we'll have lots of cute elves, dancing ballerina dolls, singing trees and tap dancing soldiers! Raggedy Ann & Andy will get everyone in the holiday spirit with a sing-along and we may have a reindeer sighting! Afterwards, everyone can head over to the tree lighting at 7:00pm in front of City Hall!

Featured Event: Community Run with Run O’Clock Run Club

Get moving this December! Downtown Arlington is thrilled to feature Run O'Clock as our First Thursdays highlighted attraction. Following the official Downtown Arlington Paths program running track, this community run is designed for every runner, walker, and mover.

Run O'Clock's community is built to welcome every pace, every background, and every level of experience, focusing on creating a supportive, inclusive space where movement feels fun, motivating, and community-driven. Whether participants are just starting out or looking for a group to stay consistent, there are always people cheering them on. Their goal is to make everyone feel seen, supported, and excited to return!

Event Details

Date: Thursday December 3rd
Meeting Location: Dream Sign at Rotary Dream Park (100 E. Front St., Arlington, Tx 76011)
Schedule:
- Gathering & Check-In: 6:00 PM
- Run Kick-Off: 6:15-6:20 PM
- Post-Run Event: Afterwards, stick around & explore December First Thursdays, including the 7pm Tree Lighting at Levitt Pavilion!
Distance: 2-Mile Loop (following the Paths program track)
Pace: All paces welcome - walkers, joggers, and runners alike!

Come out, connect with the community, and kick off December First Thursdays on the right foot!

Featured Attraction: Raku Fire Pottery Demos at Division Brewing

Experience the heat, smoke, and spontaneity of live raku pottery firing with artist Landon Palmer during December First Thursdays at Division Brewing.

Watch as red-hot ceramic pieces are pulled straight from the outdoor kiln and plunged into combustible materials—creating dramatic, one-of-a-kind metallic lusters and crackle glazes right before your eyes. Grab a local craft beer, warm up by the fire, and see the raw alchemy of raku ceramics in action.

Symphony on the Streets with Symphony Arlington

Enjoy a special musical moment in Downtown Arlington with Symphony on the Streets, a partnership with Symphony Arlington. Each month, a featured Symphony Arlington musician will busk in the heart of downtown, filling the sidewalks with live music and creating a unique atmosphere for visitors and businesses alike. As you shop, dine, and explore, be sure to stop and enjoy this one-of-a-kind performance that brings the arts directly to our downtown streets. Enjoy Symphony Arlington musician James Lee on the sidewalk in front of Abram Alley.

Featured Attraction: Downtown Arlington Buskers

Downtown Arlington brings curated live music to the sidewalks of Downtown.

Keep an ear out for this month’s featured performers throughout the Downtown district.

Follow the music as you shop, dine and explore the vibrant spirit of our downtown community!

Check out our Interactive Google Map:

Use our Google Map to plan your First Thursday: December First Thursday Map

Be sure to come early to visit these participating businesses and their activations for our December First Thursday event: 

Cafe Americana: "Candlelight Concerts" - Every first Thursday of the month, Cafe Americana transforms into an intimate, candlelit sanctuary. Framed by cascading plants and moving artwork, our bohemian stage hosts the raw, soulful storytelling of local indie-folk duos and traveling Americana balladeers. It is the perfect hidden escape for artists, dreamers, and music lovers alike.Sip on craft elixirs, eclectic wines, or late-night espresso as you sink into a velvet couch and lose yourself in the music. Doors: 6:00 PM

Coliseum Comics & Games: "Coloring Pages & Free Comic Giveaway" - Join us for our free comic giveaway and art / coloring pages and activities!

Mosaic Moments: "Thursday Night Open Jam" - We know you’ve been missing F6 Lounge Thursday night Jams. Well, we’re bringing them back. With the help of Mosaic Moments, we will be providing a space to share your music, meet local musicians and celebrate the joy of making music together.

Wondrous Works Gift Shop: "Local Artist Pop Up Show" - Cici House of Clay will have pottery on display and for sale in the shop and we'll have an artist meet and greet during First Thursday

Big Brother, Big Sister of Tarrant County: “TBA"

Tokyo Station ($): “Killer Queen Arcade Tournament” - Join the Hive! Every first Thursday of the month, Tokyo Station hosts a Killer Queen Arcade tournament. Starting at 8pm, this tournament places players on a randomized team of five. Competitors must work together to ensure victory in the ultimate arcade action game. As an added bonus, all new players get FREE venue the next time they return to the arcade. Try something NEW this Thursday with Nippon NewBees at Tokyo Station!

Ann’s Natural Grocer: “Live Concert in the Grocery Store” - Stop by Ann’s during December First Thursdays for an evening of great tunes with a local musician and free samples. While the music plays outside, we will have free samples from body care and wellness to snacks and refreshments on the inside!

J. Gilligan’s: “Plant Bingo” - Join us on the restaurant side from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a special edition of Plant Bingo. It’s the perfect outing for families and friends—enjoy some classic pub favorites and play for your chance to win a beautiful new plant to take home!

Canvas & Co.: "Open House & Free Headshots” - Join Canvas & Co. Studio for an December First Thursday Open House! We’re inviting the Downtown Arlington community to tour our modern, creative production spaces. To celebrate, our team is offering two free professional headshots to guests during the event. Come take a look behind the scenes and update your professional profile for free.

The Mosaic Market: "TBA"

Space Monkey Tattoo: “TBA"

Kung Fu Tea: "Decorate the Kung Fu Tree" - We will have a beautiful, tall Christmas tree where event guests can get creative and spread some holiday cheer! Guests will have the opportunity to decorate their very own wooden Christmas ornament and then hang it on our tree. This interactive, festive activity will allow everyone to add their personal touch to our tree while creating a fun holiday memory to take part in throughout the event.

STASH VHS: ”Thrifty Thursdays & Game Night” - Head inside the shop for a classic video game night and outside, you can challenge friends to a game of cornhole. While you're there, be sure to take advantage of their special Thrifty Thursday deals!

Chosen One Tattoo: “Gallery Night & Tours” - Free walk in art gallery & free arcade night! Join us as we showcase our rare art gallery from around the world! Tattoo specials, free arcade night and refreshments for our guest!

Mi Tesoro Thrift: “TBA"

Donna’s Gift Closet: “TBA"

Acapulquito Taqueria Bar & Grill: “Free Salsa Lessons & Dance” - From 6pm-10pm, head on over to Taqueria Acapulquito for their viral salsa night with dance company, Salsa in the Gardens.

Division Brewing: “Rock the Growl Open Mic Night” - Join us at Division Brewing for evening of music with Rock the Growl Open Mic Night, where you can take the stage or cheer on local performers. While you're here, browse the vinyl pop-up shop and grab a fresh pizza from the kitchen.

Hooligan’s: “Karaoke Night” - Stop by Downtown Arlington’s iconic Irish pub and sing your heart out with your friends during Karaoke Night on First Thursdays!

Downtown Arlington Library: “Creative Corner ”- Explore our makerspace and discover the exciting possibilities of technology and craft. And don't forget to enjoy our family-friendly games in the lobby. Thank you to the Friends and Foundation of the Arlington Public Library for their generous support of our programming.

Fool’s Kava: “Gamer Night” - THURSDAY = GAME DAY at Fool’s Kava House! Sip some kava and get your game on all day long with our PC, console, and VR setups. Whether you're here for the skills or just the vibes, come chill and level up your First Thursday with us. Enjoy $15 All-You-Can-Drink Kava specials.

Element Cocktail Lounge: "TBA"

Amore Mio: "TBA"

First Thursdays: Coming Soon!

Wondering what’s in the cards for the upcoming 2026 First Thursdays season? Get ready for an incredible lineup of community, culture and creativity. Join us in Downtown Arlington for these upcoming highlights:

NOVEMBER

Pumpkin Art Build at City Hall: Join us for our 3rd year in bringing the art of Fall pumpkin design to the steps of City Hall!
Radiant Solz Fire Performance: Welcoming back a First Thursdays favorite, Radiant Solz, for live fire performance, juggling and more to Rotary DREAM Park.
Plant a Plant: Help us celebrate the unveiling of our new landscaping program, by planting flowers in our new district-wide floral planters.

DECEMBER

Downtown Arlington Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Night Market: Help Downtown Arlington ring in the 2026 Holiday season with the ceremonial lighting of our Downtown Arlington Christmas Tree! While there, enjoy shopping for your Holiday needs with the Small Business Mercado First Thursday's Night Market!
Elves in the Window: A whimsical holiday performance by Miss Persis Dance.
Raku Fire Pottery: Live demos at Division Brewing with artist Landon Palmer.
Letters to Santa: A dedicated station for holiday wishes and community cheer.

Interested in volunteering for First Thursdays? Fill out our form here