Fort Worth City Councilmember Joel Burns; Sundance Square CEO Johnny Campbell; and Fort Worth Mayor Pro Tem W.B. "Zim" Zimmerman in front of the 55-foot tall Christmas tree in Sundance Square.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas now that the 55-foot blue spruce tree has arrived in Sundance Square and is being prepared for the official tree lighting on November 23 at the corner of Main and 3rd street in downtown Fort Worth.
This is not just any Christmas tree – this year’s holiday centerpiece will once again be “green,” using LED lights for the third year. Furthermore, the blue spruce’s electricity emissions from its LED lights are being 100 percent offset with pollution-free Texas wind power from Sundance Square’s energy partner, Green Mountain Energy Company. Offsetting the emissions from the tree has the same environmental impact as removing a car from the road for nearly 22,000 miles. That's the equivalent of driving to the North Pole and back three times. The tree originated from Traverse City, Mich. and is being decorated throughout the week by Sundance Square elves in its traditional nutcracker motif.
“Sundance Square is a magical destination during the holidays and we are happy to continue the tradition of the Christmas tree for our community to enjoy,” said Johnny Campbell, president and CEO of Sundance Square. “Sundance Square is the perfect setting for the holidays as everyone comes together to celebrate the joy of the season.”
Sundance Square will kick off the holiday season with the 30th annual Chesapeake Energy Parade of Lights presented by Chase on Friday, November 23 starting at 6 p.m. The parade is themed "The Wonder of it All!" and will feature illuminated floats, marching bands and other performers to herald the holiday season. The parade route has been extended this year and will start at Belknap Street and Throckmorton Street, proceed along Belknap to Commerce Street, head south on Commerce to 9th Street, west on 9th to Houston Street, and north on Houston to Weatherford Street.
As the parade draws to a close, the lights on the Christmas tree in Sundance Square will come to life with the tree-lighting ceremony. Santa Claus will visit with children and take pictures until 10 pm. Holiday keepsake photos with Santa are only $7 each with the funds benefiting a scholarship fund established by the Fort Worth Sister Cities’ Youth Scholarships. Santa will be in Sundance Square through December 23. Check www.sundancesquare.com for specific times.
Bass Hall will feature Home for the Holidays presented by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra November 24 and 25, as well as the "Reduced Shakespeare Company - The Ultimate Christmas Show" November 28 through December 2. "The Nutcracker," performed by the Texas Ballet Theater returns to Bass Hall beginning December 7 and continuing through December 23.
Four Day Weekend presents interactive skits and improvisational comedy on Friday and Saturday evenings. Show times are 7:30 p.m. & 10 p.m.
Numerous local choirs will perform throughout the holidays with the Christmas tree as a spectacular backdrop. Check the event listings at www.sundancesquare.com for dates and times.
Need a laugh during the holiday season? Visit Hyena’s Comedy Nightclub located within Lone Star Nightclub on Commerce Street. Hyena’s offers some of the best stand-up comedians including Dustin Ybarra, Billy D. Washington, Ben Creed, Jason Russell, and Marvin Michaels... all are sure to be crowd pleasers.
Located in the heart of downtown Fort Worth, historic Sundance Square is a 35-block commercial, residential, entertainment and retail district where people work, live, shop and dine. Sundance Square’s beautiful landscaping, red-brick streets and turn-of-the-century buildings make it a pedestrian’s delight. Named after the famed Sundance Kid, who used the Fort Worth area as a hideout, Sundance Square has been hailed as a monumental achievement in urban redevelopment. For more information, visit www.sundancesquare.com
WFAA-TV meteorologist Colleen Coyle touches the top of the 55-foot tree before it is put into its stand
