Sundance Square will kick off the holidays with the lighting of the Christmas on Nov. 22 featuring a visit from a resident of the North Pole, musical and theatrical entertainment, as well as photo opportunities throughout the plaza. “The 58-foot blue spruce tree we have chosen this year is stunning,” said Tracy Gilmour, marketing director for Sundance Square. “The tree will sit in the center of the plaza until New Year’s Day and will be decorated with thousands of lights and gorgeous trimmings.”
The tree will be decorated with LED lights that are 100 percent offset with pollution-free Texas wind power from Sundance Square’s energy partner, Green Mountain Energy Co., according to Sundance Square officials. At 4 p.m. Nov. 22, the entertainment will begin with choirs on the main stage, strolling entertainers, holiday characters, as well as new shops and restaurants to explore. At 6 p.m. on Dec. 22, the tree will officially be lit. Santa will be in Sundance Square through Dec. 23. On Nov. 28, the 32nd annual XTO Energy Parade of Lights will begin at 6 p.m. at Belknap and Throckmorton streets. Cowboy Santas volunteers will collect new, unwrapped toys along the parade route before the parade begins.
Miguel Harth-Bedoya, music director of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, has been selected as the Grand Marshal for the 2014 XTO Energy Parade of Lights. Harth-Bedoya, joined by his wife Maritza, will sit atop the celebrated float during the parade. Harth-Bedoya will be joining the ranks of previously honored Parade of Lights’ Grand Marshals, including Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, Fort Worth Police Chief Jeffrey W. Halstead, and Billy Bob’s Texas owners Pam and Billy Minick. Holiday fun will continue in Sundance Square with the opening of The Cheesecake Factory on Dec. 9 at Commerce and Fourth streets.