Hometown Downtown for the Holidays

There’s no place like home for the holidays, and there's no place like Downtown Arlington for feeling right at home. We think what makes our downtown so special is the depth and breadth of holiday happenings here that will keep you and your family and friends coming back for more. 

From now through the month of December, we look forward to seeing you today – and tomorrow and the next day – in Downtown Arlington, the heart of your hometown holidays.

FEATURED HOLIDAY EVENTS     

Letters to Santa
Nov. 24 – Dec. 10
Arlington Main Post Office, 300 E. South Street

In collaboration with the U.S. Postal Service, Downtown Arlington is helping make it easy for kids to send their letters to Santa! Look for the bright red mailbox at the Downtown Arlington Post Office for a fun photo op (and real mail service!) Letters addressed to Santa c/o 123 ELF ROAD and postmarked by Dec. 10 will automatically be routed to USPS Operation Santa, a nationwide effort to pair volunteers with hundreds of thousands of letters sent to Santa from children in need across the country. See below for Photo Op with Santa on December 9.
 

The Kringle Village at Knapp Heritage Park
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 26 through Dec. 19
Knapp Heritage Park

Everyone knows Santa’s elves love to sing and dance, but at The Kringle Village at Knapp Heritage Park they do it with a modern Texas flair! Enjoy dance performances by professional and amateur companies, holiday sing-alongs, tree lighting celebrations, readings by Mrs. Claus, great holiday photo ops, the Jingle Jangle Dance Party, and other family-friendly activities in Downtown’s historic Knapp Heritage Park. On opening day, Friday, Nov. 26, all UTA staff, faculty, students and alumni get in free with UTA ID or by wearing Maverick gear! $6 for kids 11 and under, $12 for 12 and up. Hosted by Dance Theatre of Arlington and the Arlington Historical Society. 

Holiday Lights Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting, and Photos with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 11 starting at 6:00 pm

Bring your friends and family to Downtown to enjoy the annual Holiday Lights Parade. Thousands of people will gather for the pageantry which is followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree. Don’t forget to bring your camera and take a picture with Santa before the parade at the Downtown Library or after the tree lighting at the Levitt Pavilion.

DECEMBER IN DOWNTOWN    

Letters to Santa Mailbox
Now through Friday, Dec. 10
Downtown Arlington Post Office

The Nutcracker
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 3-4 at 7:00 pm
Arlington ISD Center for Visual & Performing Arts

The Nutcracker presented by Leap of Faith Dance Studio
Friday, Dec. 3 at 7:00 pm
Arlington Music Hall

A Wynonna Christmas
Saturday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 pm
Arlington Music Hall

Holiday Crystal Bowl Sound Bath
Saturday, Dec. 4 at 2:00 pm
Arlington Yoga Center 

A Holiday Jubilation: UTA Symphonic Winds and University Singers concert
Sunday, Dec. 5 at 7:00 pm
Texas Hall, UT Arlington 

Christmas with the Beatles Abbey Road Tribute 
Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 pm
Arlington Music Hall

Photos with Santa!
Thursday, Dec. 9 from 3:00 – 6:00 pm 
Downtown Arlington Post Office

Downtown Arlington Urban Market
Thursday, Dec. 9 at 4:00 pm
Legal Draft Beer Co., Urban Union

The Texas Tenors Deep in the Heart of Christmas
Thursday, Dec. 9 at 5:00 and 9:00 pm
Arlington Music Hall

Holiday Glass Art Sale
Saturday, Dec. 11 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
UT Arlington Department of Art and Art History 
Studio Arts Center #C145, UT Arlington

Arlington Holiday Lights Parade
Saturday, Dec. 11 
Kids activities begin at 3:30 pm
Parade begins at 6:00 pm
throughout Downtown
Watch for the Downtown Arlington float, matey!

Tree Lighting and Photos with Santa 
Saturday, Dec. 11 after the parade until 8:30 pm
Levitt Pavilion Arlington

Mayor's Holiday Pajama Storytime
Monday, Dec. 13 at 6:30 pm
George W. Hawkes Downtown Library Children's Area

Third Thursday Pop-Up Market
Thursday, Dec. 16 at 6:00 pm
Create Arlington 

Holiday Concert and Sing-Along
Thursday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 pm
Symphony Arlington

Chad Prather & Friends Christmas concert
Friday, Dec. 17 at 8:00 pm
Arlington Music Hall

Ugly Christmas Sweater Pub Crawl and Contest
Friday, Dec. 17 (details TBA)
Downtown Arlington bars and pubs, ending at Hooligan’s Pub

Al Joslin Blue Christmas
Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2:00 pm
Arlington Music Hall

Hot Chocolate with Santa dinnerware paper goods drive
Saturday, Dec. 18 
Sanford House Inn and Spa

Holiday Candlelight Jazz Concert featuring Sky Quartet
Saturday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 pm
Catalyst Creative Arts

Sunday Downtown Arlington Holiday Urban Market
Sunday, Dec. 19 at 12 noon
Legal Draft Beer Co., Urban Union

ONGOING EVENTS    

Advent and Christmas Worship Services
Sunday, Nov. 28 - Friday, Dec. 24
Houses of worship throughout Downtown Arlington

While individual churches observe Christmas differently in accordance with their own unique doctrines, all are joined together during this time in joyful celebration. In Downtown Arlington, all congregations invite you to join them for their special Advent and Christmas services and events. 

Arlington Museum of Art winter exhibitions
Dec. 4, 2021 – Feb. 27, 2022
Quaintrelle and Oblivious Sensation

Holiday DIY art and crafting workshops 
Throughout December
Board & Brush Arlington
Catalyst Creative Arts

Are you looking for a night out with friends? Is your inner DIYer itching for a fun holiday project without having to buy all your own supplies and make a mess at your house? Enroll in a workshop at Board & Brush Arlington and Catalyst Creative Arts can make all your maker dreams come true.

Photo Ops in Downtown
Now through Dec. 31
Christmas trees and wreaths in Downtown Arlington

When Arlington’s 65-foot artificial tree, one of the tallest in the state, is set in place on the Levitt lawn in Downtown, it really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. For another lovely holiday selfie spot, visit the Vandergriff Family poinsettia tree inside the Downtown Library. As you’re out and about, take note (and pics!) of the 40 local businesses that have joined together to deck their doors with boughs of evergreen wreaths. 

OTHER ARLINGTON HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS   

• The Lights of Interlachen
• Texas Christkindl Market at Choctaw Stadium
• The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey at Choctaw Stadium
• Six Flags Over Texas Holiday in the Park
• Click here for more ideas!