How to Start a Holiday Lights Tour in Fort Worth

Fort Worth, Texas, known for its rich Western heritage and vibrant community spirit, transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland during the holiday season. From twinkling tree-lined boulevards to elaborate neighborhood light displays, the city offers endless opportunities for festive exploration. Starting a holiday lights tour in Fort Worth isn’t just about showcasing beautiful decorations—it’s about building community, supporting local businesses, and creating unforgettable seasonal experiences for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re a small business owner, a neighborhood association leader, or an event planner with a passion for the holidays, launching your own lights tour can become a beloved annual tradition that boosts local engagement and economic activity.

The concept of a holiday lights tour is simple: curate a route or collection of the most spectacular light displays across the city, then promote and guide people through them. But the execution requires strategy, local knowledge, and thoughtful planning. A well-organized lights tour can draw thousands of visitors, increase foot traffic to nearby shops and restaurants, and elevate Fort Worth’s reputation as a destination for family-friendly holiday activities. This guide will walk you through every step needed to plan, launch, and sustain a successful holiday lights tour in Fort Worth—from identifying the best neighborhoods and securing permits to marketing your event and measuring its impact.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research and Identify Key Light Display Areas

Before you can create a tour, you need to know where the most impressive displays are located. Fort Worth has several neighborhoods and communities known for their elaborate holiday lighting, each with its own character and appeal. Start by driving or biking through areas such as:

• North Richland Hills – Home to the famous “Light Up the Night” event, featuring synchronized light shows and themed displays.
• Westover Hills – Upscale homes with meticulously designed light installations, often competing in local light contests.
• Fort Worth Botanic Garden – Hosts “Winter Lights,” a professionally curated, immersive light experience.
• Clear Fork Village – Combines retail, dining, and festive lighting in a walkable, family-friendly setting.
• Southside on Lamar – Trendy district with creative, artistic light installations and pop-up events.
• Forest Hill – Known for neighborhood-wide efforts, with residents going all-out with inflatables, projections, and animated scenes.

Reach out to local Facebook groups like “Fort Worth Holiday Lights” or “North Texas Christmas Lights” to see which homes and streets are consistently mentioned. Visit during early November to capture displays before they’re taken down. Take notes on accessibility, parking, safety, and crowd flow. Prioritize locations that are easy to navigate by car or on foot, with minimal traffic congestion or road closures.

2. Define Your Tour’s Format and Theme

Not all lights tours are the same. Decide what kind of experience you want to offer. Will it be:

• Self-Guided – Visitors follow a map or digital route at their own pace.
• Guided Bus Tour – A chartered bus picks up participants at designated locations and provides commentary.
• Walking Tour – Focused on walkable districts like Clear Fork or Sundance Square.
• Themed Tour – “Retro Christmas,” “Animals in Lights,” “Star Wars Lights,” or “Texas-Style Western Holiday.”

For your first year, a self-guided digital tour is the most manageable. It requires minimal staffing, low overhead, and allows flexibility for participants. A themed approach adds memorability—consider “Fort Worth’s 12 Days of Lights,” where each stop represents a different holiday tradition or local landmark.

3. Secure Necessary Permissions and Permits

Even if you’re not hosting a physical event, you may still need permits depending on how you promote and operate your tour. If you plan to:

• Use public parks or sidewalks for informational kiosks or signage
• Collect donations or sell tickets
• Partner with local businesses for sponsorships or promotions
• Use drones or amplified sound during the tour

you’ll need to contact the City of Fort Worth’s Permitting and Inspections Department and the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau. For private property displays, no permit is needed from the city—but you should reach out to homeowners’ associations (HOAs) if your tour includes neighborhoods with strict aesthetic guidelines. Some HOAs may even be willing to promote your tour to residents as a community-building initiative.

Additionally, if you’re creating a mobile app or digital map, ensure compliance with data privacy laws if collecting user information. Always disclose that the tour is not affiliated with any private residence and that visitors should respect privacy and property boundaries.

4. Create a Digital Map and Route

A digital map is the backbone of any modern lights tour. Use free or low-cost tools like Google My Maps, Mapbox, or ArcGIS Online to plot each stop. For each location, include:

• Exact address or landmark name
• Best viewing time (e.g., 6–9 PM)
• Estimated duration to view
• Photo or video preview
• Notes on parking, accessibility, or nearby restrooms
• Optional: QR code linking to a short video tour or holiday message from the homeowner

Organize the route logically—group stops by proximity to minimize backtracking. Aim for a 5–8 stop tour that takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete. Include a “hidden gem” or two to reward dedicated explorers. Add a filter option for “family-friendly,” “pet-friendly,” or “accessible” displays to cater to diverse audiences.

5. Build a Website or Landing Page

Your tour needs a central hub. Create a simple, mobile-responsive website using platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace. Include the following pages:

• Home – Hero image of lights, tagline (“Discover Fort Worth’s Most Magical Holiday Lights”), and CTA (“Get Your Free Map Now”).
• The Route – Interactive map with clickable stops.
• FAQs – Answers to common questions (see section 6).
• Partners – Logos of local businesses supporting the tour.
• Submit a Display – Form for homeowners to add their lights to next year’s tour.
• Contact – Email form or link to your social media.

Optimize your site for SEO by including keywords like “Fort Worth holiday lights tour,” “best Christmas lights near me,” and “Texas Christmas light displays.” Add alt text to all images and include a blog section with posts like “Top 5 Tips for Decorating Your Fort Worth Home for Christmas.”

6. Partner with Local Businesses and Organizations

Collaboration is key to success. Reach out to:

• Local restaurants – Offer “Lights & Dine” discounts for tour visitors.
• Coffee shops and bakeries – Create holiday-themed drinks named after stops on the tour.
• Art galleries and museums – Host after-hours holiday events tied to the tour.
• Chambers of Commerce – Get listed in their holiday event calendars.
• Schools and churches – Encourage student art displays or caroling at stops.

In return, offer them visibility on your website, social media shoutouts, and branded materials like flyers or window decals. Consider creating a “Lights Passport” where visitors collect stamps at partner locations for a free gift (e.g., hot cocoa at a local café or a discount at a boutique).

7. Launch a Marketing Campaign

Start promoting your tour at least six weeks in advance. Use a multi-channel strategy:

• Social Media – Post daily countdowns, behind-the-scenes clips of light installations, and resident interviews. Use hashtags like

  FWLightsTour, #FortWorthChristmas, and #TexasHolidayLights.

• Local Media – Pitch your tour to WFAA, KTVT, Fort Worth Report, and the Star-Telegram. Send press kits with high-res photos and a compelling story angle (e.g., “How a Single Neighborhood Sparked a Citywide Tradition”).
• Community Boards – Post on Nextdoor, Craigslist, and Facebook Groups. Join “Fort Worth Families” and “North Texas Events” groups.
• Billboards and Transit Ads – If budget allows, place ads near major highways like I-35 or I-820.
• Email Newsletters – Partner with local influencers, bloggers, and community organizations to share your tour with their subscribers.

Create shareable content: printable coloring pages of the route for kids, Instagram filters with holiday lights overlays, and TikTok videos showing time-lapse light setups. Encourage visitors to post their own photos and tag your tour—offer a weekly prize for the best photo.

8. Organize Volunteer Support

Even a self-guided tour benefits from volunteers. Recruit locals to:

• Staff a welcome table at a central location (e.g., Sundance Square or the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History).
• Distribute printed maps at libraries, coffee shops, and grocery stores.
• Answer questions on social media or via a dedicated phone line (use Google Voice).
• Help with cleanup after peak nights.

Offer volunteers free merchandise (e.g., holiday hats, reusable tote bags), recognition on your website, and a thank-you party. Make them feel like part of the tradition.

9. Plan for Safety and Accessibility

Fort Worth winters are mild, but evenings can be chilly. Include tips in your materials:

• Dress warmly and wear non-slip shoes.
• Use headlights and drive slowly—many streets are narrow.
• Do not block driveways or sidewalks.
• Respect “No Trespassing” signs.

Ensure your digital map includes ADA-accessible routes and notes on wheelchair-friendly parking. If you offer a bus tour, partner with a company that has accessible vehicles. Consider offering a “Quiet Hour” (e.g., 5–6 PM) for neurodiverse families who prefer less crowded, lower-volume experiences.

10. Collect Feedback and Plan for Next Year

After the tour ends, send a short survey via email or link on your website. Ask:

• What was your favorite stop?
• What would you change?
• Would you attend again?
• Would you like to submit your home for next year?

Use this feedback to refine your route, improve partnerships, and expand offerings. Track metrics: website visits, social media engagement, survey responses, and media mentions. Document everything—this becomes your playbook for year two.

Best Practices

1. Prioritize Community Over Commerce

The heart of a successful holiday lights tour is community connection. Avoid making it feel like a sales pitch. While sponsorships are helpful, let the lights—and the people behind them—remain the stars. Highlight homeowner stories: “Meet the Smiths, who’ve decorated their Westover Hills home for 22 years.” This emotional connection drives repeat visitors and word-of-mouth growth.

2. Keep It Free (or Low-Cost)

Most successful lights tours in Fort Worth are free to access. Charging admission can deter casual visitors. If you offer a guided bus tour, keep ticket prices low ($5–$10) and donate proceeds to a local charity like the North Texas Food Bank or the Fort Worth Animal Shelter. This builds goodwill and media appeal.

3. Embrace Sustainability

Encourage LED lighting and solar-powered displays. Include tips in your materials: “Look for homes using energy-efficient lights—save energy and money!” Partner with local electric cooperatives to offer rebates to homeowners who upgrade to LED. Promote carpooling and public transit options like the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) to reduce congestion.

4. Be Inclusive

Fort Worth is one of the most diverse cities in Texas. Ensure your tour reflects that diversity. Feature displays from Hispanic, African American, Asian, and international families. Include cultural traditions like Las Posadas, Kwanzaa, or Diwali lights. Translate your website and materials into Spanish. This isn’t just ethical—it expands your audience.

5. Don’t Overcrowd

Popular stops can become overwhelming. If a home receives excessive traffic, suggest staggered viewing times or offer virtual tours as an alternative. Encourage residents to use timers so lights aren’t on all night. Respect the balance between celebration and quiet residential life.

6. Document and Archive

Take photos and videos each year. Create a “Hall of Fame” page on your website featuring past standout displays. This builds legacy and gives new participants something to aspire to. Consider compiling a digital photo book or annual holiday video to share with the community.

7. Stay Consistent

Timing matters. Launch your tour the Friday after Thanksgiving and run it through New Year’s Eve. Announce the dates early and stick to them. Consistency builds trust and anticipation. Treat your tour like a seasonal institution—not a one-off event.

Tools and Resources

Mapping & Planning

• Google My Maps – Free, easy-to-use tool for creating interactive routes.
• Mapbox – Advanced customization for developers; integrates with mobile apps.
• Canva – Design printable maps, flyers, and social graphics.
• Airtable – Organize homeowner contacts, display details, and feedback.

Website & SEO

• WordPress + Elementor – Build a professional site with drag-and-drop ease.
• Yoast SEO – Optimize content for search engines.
• Ubersuggest – Research local holiday-related keywords.
• Google Analytics – Track traffic sources, user behavior, and conversions.

Marketing & Social Media

• Hootsuite – Schedule social posts across platforms.
• Mailchimp – Free email campaigns for up to 500 subscribers.
• Canva Social Media Templates – Pre-designed posts for Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
• Local Influencer Outreach – Connect with Fort Worth-based bloggers and TikTokers who focus on family, food, and events.

Community Engagement

• Nextdoor – Direct access to neighborhood residents.
• Facebook Events – Create an event page and invite local groups.
• VolunteerMatch – Recruit local volunteers.
• Fort Worth Public Library – Partner to host a “Lights Story Hour” for children.

Legal & Operational

• City of Fort Worth Permitting Portal – fortworthtexas.gov/permitting
• Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau – visitfortworth.com
• Nonprofit Status – Consider forming a 501(c)(3) if accepting donations for charity.
• Liability Waiver – Include a disclaimer on your website: “All light displays are privately owned. Visitors view at their own risk.”

Real Examples

Example 1: The “Lights of Westover Hills” Tour

Started in 2019 by a local real estate agent, this self-guided tour highlights 12 of the most elaborate homes in one of Fort Worth’s most affluent neighborhoods. Each home is listed with a brief story: “The Rodriguez family, who moved from Mexico City, combines traditional Mexican poinsettias with American-style icicle lights.” The tour’s website receives over 15,000 visits annually. Local businesses like “The Westover Coffee Co.” and “Café La Tienda” offer 10% discounts to visitors who show a printed map. The tour now includes a “Best Display” vote, with proceeds going to the Westover Hills Elementary PTA.

Example 2: Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s “Winter Lights”

While not a neighborhood tour, this professionally produced event draws over 100,000 visitors each year. It’s a model for how to scale up. The garden uses synchronized music, laser projections, and themed zones (e.g., “Jungle Lights,” “Butterfly Garden”). They partner with local artists, sell food trucks, and offer VIP timed-entry tickets. Their success proves that with strong branding and infrastructure, a lights tour can become a regional attraction.

Example 3: “Northside Lights” – A Grassroots Movement

Founded by a group of neighbors in the Northside on Lamar area, this tour began as a Facebook post in 2020. They created a Google Map, printed 500 flyers, and handed them out at local taco stands. By year three, they had 18 participating homes, a sponsored hot chocolate cart, and a live acoustic performance on the final weekend. Their secret? Authenticity. No ads. No sponsors. Just neighbors sharing joy.

Example 4: “Texas Cowboy Christmas”

A themed tour launched in 2022, combining holiday lights with Western decor: cowboy hats on reindeer, cactus-shaped light sculptures, and barn-themed displays. It partnered with the Fort Worth Stockyards and featured live country music and chili tastings. The tour’s Instagram page went viral, attracting visitors from Dallas, Austin, and even Oklahoma. It’s now an official event on the Fort Worth Tourism calendar.

FAQs

Can I include my home in the Fort Worth holiday lights tour?

Yes! Most tours welcome new participants. Visit the official tour website and look for a “Submit Your Display” form. You’ll typically need to provide your address, a photo of your display, and agree to have your home included on a public map. Be sure your lights are visible from the street and that you’re comfortable with visitors viewing from sidewalks or public areas.

Do I need permission from the city to decorate my house with lights?

In most residential areas of Fort Worth, no permit is required for holiday lighting. However, if you plan to use large inflatables, projections on public property, or amplified sound, you may need approval. Check with the City of Fort Worth’s Permitting Department for specifics.

Is it safe to drive around looking at holiday lights?

Yes, as long as you follow basic safety guidelines: drive slowly, use headlights, avoid stopping in driveways or blocking traffic, and never text while driving. Many neighborhoods are designed for light viewing, but always respect private property and follow posted signs.

When is the best time to view holiday lights in Fort Worth?

Most displays are turned on between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM and stay lit until 10:00 PM. The best viewing days are weekends, especially the first two weekends in December. Weeknights are quieter and less crowded. Avoid Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve if you prefer a more peaceful experience.

How can I support the holiday lights tour if I don’t have lights to display?

There are many ways to help: share the tour on social media, volunteer to distribute maps, donate to a charity partnered with the tour, or sponsor a local family’s display. You can also encourage your favorite businesses to participate as partners.

What if it rains or there’s bad weather during the tour?

Most displays stay on regardless of weather—many visitors even say the lights look more magical in the rain. However, if severe weather is forecast, the tour organizers will post updates on their website and social media. Consider bringing rain gear and waterproof shoe covers if you plan to walk.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes. Some local tour companies offer private or group bus tours during December. Check the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau website or search “Fort Worth Christmas light bus tour” for current offerings. These often include hot cocoa, holiday music, and commentary about the history of each display.

How do I get my business involved as a sponsor or partner?

Contact the tour organizers directly via their website’s contact form. Offer a discount, free sample, or donation in exchange for logo placement on the website, social media, or printed materials. Many small businesses find this a cost-effective way to reach thousands of local families.

Conclusion

Starting a holiday lights tour in Fort Worth is more than a seasonal project—it’s an opportunity to celebrate community, creativity, and the enduring magic of the holidays. From the quiet streets of Forest Hill to the vibrant sidewalks of Sundance Square, Fort Worth is brimming with light, warmth, and stories waiting to be shared. By following this guide, you’re not just creating a route—you’re building a tradition.

The most successful tours aren’t the ones with the most lights—they’re the ones that make people feel seen, connected, and joyful. Whether you’re a first-time organizer or a seasoned event planner, your tour can become a cornerstone of Fort Worth’s holiday identity. Start small. Be authentic. Listen to your neighbors. Let the lights speak for themselves.

As you plan your first tour, remember: every bulb turned on is a small act of generosity. Every map printed is a bridge between strangers. Every child’s wide-eyed gaze at a glittering display is a reminder of why we do this.

Fort Worth doesn’t just celebrate the holidays—it lights them up. And now, with your help, it will shine brighter than ever.