Sundance Square officially kicked off the holidays with the arrival of the Christmas tree Monday morning, November 18. Johnny Campbell, president and CEO of Sundance Square was joined by Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price and City Councilman Joel Burns to hoist the 55-foot blue spruce into a 6,000-pound tree base in the center of Sundance Square Plaza.
Crews will spend the week decorating the tree with 5,000 LED lights powered by Green Mountain Energy, Sundance Square's energy partner since 2007. The tree’s carbon footprint will be offset with 100 percent renewable energy and reduce the environmental impact in the community, which is comparable to avoiding 765 pounds of carbon dioxide, the same weight of a reindeer or 3,000 sleigh bells. After the holidays, the tree will be recycled into mulch.
The lighting of the Sundance Square Christmas tree is scheduled for Saturday, November 23 at 6:30 p.m. Family-style festivities begin at 3 p.m. with choirs on the main stage, strolling entertainers, classic holiday characters, as well as new shops and restaurants to explore. Immediately after the tree lighting, Santa Claus will greet children until 10:30 p.m.
“The plaza was created just for these type of community events that offer a whole new experience for visitors coming downtown,” said Tracy Gilmour, director of marketing. “We want the tree lighting to be a family-friendly outing enjoyable for kids of all ages. With the new plaza as the backdrop and a fun set for Santa Claus, Sundance Square will continue the tradition of hosting the Christmas tree for the community to enjoy.”
Santa’s new set will offer holiday photo opportunities for families. Three candy-theme sculpted elements near the plaza’s new jetted fountains will be great for children to explore as kids wait to see Santa Claus.
Holiday keepsake photos with Santa are only $7 each with the proceeds benefiting a scholarship fund established by the Fort Worth Sister Cities’ Youth Scholarships. While waiting to see Santa Claus, families also will have several photo opportunities along the new set. Santa will be in Sundance Square through December 22. Check www.sundancesquare.com for specific times.
The holiday fun in Sundance Square continues with many more exciting performances and entertainment, including:
- 31st Annual Chesapeake Energy Parade of Lights presented by Chase - Nov. 29
- Home for the Holidays at Bass Performance Hall – Nov. 29 – Dec. 1
- Jingle Bells for Cancers Cells – Dec. 7
- Adonis Rose and the Fort Worth Jazz Orchestra – Dec. 14
Sundance Square is a vibrant, award-winning entertainment district that spans 35 blocks in downtown Fort Worth. The multi-use development attracts more than 10 million visitors each year. Two new buildings, several restaurants and shops flank the new Sundance Square Plaza, which opened November 1. For more information about Sundance Square, visit sundancesquare.com or follow the business and entertainment development at Facebook.com/sundancesquare or on Twitter: @sundancesquare.