Discover 25 Days of Ho-Ho-Holiday Cheer in Downtown Arlington

On the twenty-five days of Christmas 2020, my true love knows I'm eager to get out and enjoy some festivities! Since the only thing we want to spread is holiday cheer, we've put together a list of activities in Downtown Arlington and beyond that are full of sparkle and committed to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Grab your Santa hat and your matching holiday mask (why not?) and make some happy holiday memories. 

Selfies in front of the City's Christmas Tree
Levitt Pavilion*
Ongoing
When Arlington’s 65-foot artificial tree, one of the tallest in the state, is set in place in the heart of Downtown, it really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. For another beautiful holiday selfie spot, visit the Vandergriff Family poinsettia tree just inside the Downtown Arlington Library.

Down to Business Podcast
Downtown Arlington Texas Facebook Live
Launching on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28 at 2 p.m., then ongoing
This free, new Downtown Arlington podcast celebrates the ingenuity, tenacity, pride and entrepreneurial energy that powers all kinds of commercial enterprises in Downtown Arlington! From fledgling start-ups to long-time local favorites and everything in between, Down to Business takes you inside our vibrant and diverse business culture. First up: Wally Hardin, proprietor of The Man’s Shop.

Santa's Mailbox
Downtown U.S. Post Office*
Through December 23, 2020

Vivian Maier: The Color Works 
Arlington Museum of Art
Nov. 27 - Feb. 21, 2021
Dating from the 1950s to the 1980s, Vivian Maier: The Color Works captures the street life of Chicago and New York, and includes a number of the artist’s enigmatic self-portraits. This exhibition is the largest and most highly curated collection of Maier’s full-color photographs to date.

Catalyst Creative Arts
ongoing
Catalyst Creative Arts has a studio full of original fused glass, leather ornaments, silk, paper and handmade pottery that make unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. Catalyst Creative Arts also takes custom orders and commissions on many of the projects that they teach in-studio.

Mural Watch Party with artist Mariell Guzman
Outside Arlington Music Hall*
Wednesday, Dec. 2 from 2-7 p.m.
Sought-after artist Mariell Guzman will be creating one of the largest mural in Downtown Arlington, and you're invited to watch. The mural, a reflection of the artist’s noteworthy colorful style, will be an interactive tribute to the many facets of Texas cowboy culture and heritage.

Down to Business Podcast
Downtown Arlington Texas Facebook Live
Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m.
This free, new Downtown Arlington podcast celebrates the ingenuity, tenacity, pride and entrepreneurial energy that powers all kinds of commercial enterprises in Downtown Arlington. Today's guests: Vikash Bhula and Mitesh Natha of Lone Star Axe Throwing.

Theatre Arlington’s Musical Revue and Holiday Party
Theatre Arlington
Dec. 4-12, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Are you ready for some Christmas cheer? Bring the whole family to Theatre Arlington’s Holiday Party and spend some time with Micah, Leslie and Lori as they sing the night away.  They’ll share laughs, stories, songs and give the audience a chance to join in the fun. 

Pictures with Santa and Toy Drive
Legal Draft Beer Co.
Saturday, Dec. 5 starting at noon
Santa is coming to Downtown! The fine folks at Legal Draft will help keep him at a safe distance, of course, but kids are welcome to take pics in front of Santa from 3-5 p.m. Bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the toy drive run by Arlington Professional Fire Fighters. For each toy brought, get a free Legal Draft beer! Food provided by Inspirations Catering. Live music from 2-5 p.m. by the Ashmore Duo and from 5:30-6:30 p.m. by Stephanie Quayle.

Art is for Everyone: Handcraft Your Own Accessory!
George W. Hawkes Downtown Library [re]Brary Room A
Saturday, Dec. 5 at noon

Maker Teens: Melt and Pour Soap
George W. Hawkes Downtown Library Tinker Room
Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m.

Arlington High School Orchestra Winter Festival
Levitt Pavilion*
Saturday, Dec. 5 at 1:30 p.m.
Get in the holiday spirit with a free performance by the Arlington High School Orchestra! Concert seating is in socially distanced squares that are first come, first served. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. You are welcome to bring snacks and beverages. Visit the Levitt website for more details.

Blue Christmas Starring Al Joslin
Arlington Music Hall
Saturday, Dec. 5 from 2 - 4 p.m.
Al Joslin is considered one of the top Elvis tribute artists in the business, having finished in the top five in the world for the past two years in a row. 

Boots & Blessings Cowboy Church
Levitt Pavilion*
Sunday, Dec. 6
While the National Finals Rodeo is in town, join the Levitt on the lawn for worship led by Pastors Brandon Blasingame and Jason Norton and music featuring The Band Reeves and Perfectly Broken. There also will be chuck wagons with hot coffee and fresh donuts. Seating is in socially distanced squares that are first come, first served. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. You are welcome to bring snacks and beverages. Visit the Levitt website for more details.

Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas
Arlington Music Hall
Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 7 - 9 p.m.
The original Cosmic Cowboy and an Americana pioneer, Michael Martin Murphey has multiple Grammy nominations, three gold albums, and one certified Platinum. His long, rich career includes such favorites as “Geronimo’s Cadillac,” “What’s Forever For,” “Carolina In The Pines”, “Cowboy Logic” and “A Face in the Crowd.”

Video Tutorial: Cheese board designed with Carvey
Virtually via the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library's Facebook and Youtube channels
Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 10 a.m.

Downtown Arlington Urban Market
Urban Union*
Thursday, Dec. 10 from 4-8 p.m.
Hosted by Legal Draft Beer Co. this monthly Market is a great shop-ortunity for handmade arts and crafts, chef-driven treats, farm-to-table products, and one-of-a-kind gift ideas. While you’re there, don’t forget to stop by Legal Draft for a delicious seasonal pour and visit the other destinations in Urban Union. 

Holiday Lights
Knapp Heritage Park
Ongoing; the park will be open Friday Dec. 11 and Dec. 18

Virtual Holiday Lights Parade City-wide Celebration
Holiday Lights Parade Facebook page
Saturday, Dec. 12
Holiday Lights Parade organizers are drawing on the spirit of the season to offer a virtual city-wide Christmas celebration. Tune in to the Holiday Lights Parade Facebook page for interactive children’s games, Christmas carol sing-alongs, recorded programming, and other entertainment. Don't miss Mayor William's live storytime with his daughter at 8 p.m.!

Collected Treasures Holiday Open House and 50% off sale kick-off
Collected Treasures
Saturday, Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Maker Teens: Fabric Bookmarks
George W. Hawkes Downtown Library Tinker Room
Saturday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m.

Mix Tape Jazz Session: Dan Cavanagh Trio
Urban Alchemy
Saturday, Dec. 12 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Enjoy our favorite jazz pianist Dan Cavanagh and two of his very talented friends as we celebrate the magical season of Christmas. This is a ticketed event with very limited seating; plenty of room for comfortable social distancing.

Merry Brunchmas
Urban Alchemy
Sunday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Mayor's Holiday Pajama Storytime
Virtually via the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library's Facebook and Youtube channels
Wednesday, Dec. 16, all day

Video Tutorial: Make Your Own Holiday Soap
Virtually via the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library's Facebook and Youtube channels
Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m.

Down to Business Podcast
Downtown Arlington Texas Facebook Live
Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m.
This free, new Downtown Arlington podcast celebrates the ingenuity, tenacity, pride and entrepreneurial energy that powers all kinds of commercial enterprises in Downtown. Today's guest: Heidi Allison of Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery.

Third Thursday Marketplace with music by The Sky Jazz Quartet
Create Arlington
Thursday, Dec. 17 from 4-8 p.m.

Symphony Arlington Holiday Performance with guest Ricardo Garcia, tenor
Arlington Music Hall and Live-Stream 
Thursday, Dec. 17 at 7:35 p.m.
Revel in a classically-inspired holiday concert featuring guest tenor, Ricardo Garcia. The performance will feature Christmas favorites, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 in C major, and the symphony’s annual carol sing-along.

Holiday Craft Kits Pickup
Lake Arlington Branch Library
Friday, Dec. 18, all day (registration begins Dec. 14)

Art is for Everyone: Upcycled Jewelry
George W. Hawkes Downtown Library [re]Brary Room A
Saturday, Dec. 19 at noon

The Polar Express Drive-In Movie 
First United Methodist Church
Saturday, Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m.

Merry Christmas with Love in-person and live-stream musical
First Baptist Church Arlington
Sunday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m.

Christmas Eve services (reservations required to ensure social distancing)
First Baptist Church Arlington
Thursday, Dec. 24

Christmas Eve services
First United Methodist Church
Thursday, Dec. 24

Christmas Eve service
St. Alban's Episcopal Church
Thursday, Dec. 24
 

More Holiday Magic Around Town     

New experiences and time-honored traditions make every year the best year to celebrate the holidays. As you enjoy all that the City has to offer, we hope you'll make Downtown Arlington your homebase for pre-outing dining and post-concert celebrations. Learn more about our locally-driven culinary, craft beer, coffee and mixology vibe by visiting our Downtown Delivers platform.

Luminova Holidays
Globe Life Field in Arlington
November 20 – January 3, 2021
Surround yourself with 2.7 million twinkling lights at Luminova Holidays. This larger-than-life light display is coupled with a 10,000 sq. ft. outdoor ice-skating rink, holiday-inspired treats, Christmas tree, train rides for kids, strolling holiday entertainers, Santa and his elves and more.

Holiday in the Park
Six Flags Over Texas
November 21 – January 3, 2021
Open for select days, this immersive winter wonderland experience features seasonal entertainment with festive shows and dancing reindeer, a Merry Marketplace full of holiday favorites like hot chocolate and s'mores, and The Frosty Snow Hill, a sledding hill covered in real snow-ho-ho!

For King and Country - A Drummer Boy Drive In Christmas Tour 
Globe Life Field Tacoma Lot R
Nov. 28, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
For King and Country is coming to Arlington for a live, in-person drive-in concert. They'll perform music from their new album ‘A Drummer Boy Christmas’ as well as some of your favorite Christmas classics.

Arlington Interlochen Christmas Lights
Lake Interlochen neighborhood, Arlington, TX
throughout December 
This 40-year holiday tradition is a free display of Christmas lights hosted by residents in the Lake Interlochen community of Arlington. Stay in your car to cruise through the neighborhood and experience miles of twinkling Christmas decorations. Ooooo, ahhhhh!

Texas Christkindl Market
Online Market
November 27 – December 23
Traditionally one of the largest open-air holiday markets in the Southwest, the Texas Christkindl Market is going from the Entertainment District to an all-digital format this year. The German-inspired market will feature traditional holiday treat recipes with virtual demonstrations, one-of-a-kind finds from local vendors, live performances, and more.

Love and Joy   

With so much going on in Downtown and throughout Arlington, we admit that it's possible we've missed an event or two. If you're aware of other holiday events taking place, please let us know.

* = Downtown Outdoors

Christmas tree photo from City of Arlington Facebook page

City-wide event calendar shared in partnership with the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau