The holiday season in North Texas is about to get a new centerpiece. Texas Amphitheater in Glen Rose is betting that a live musical production built around the work of acclaimed Christian artist Michael W. Smith will draw families to the Paluxy River Valley this December, as the venue looks to establish itself as more than just a summertime concert spot.
Almost There: A Christmas Musical, created with musical arrangements by Michael W. Smith alongside Wes King, Bradley Knight, and Luke Gambill, will run for three consecutive weekends starting Friday, December 4, and continuing through Saturday, December 19, 2026. The production, staged at the outdoor amphitheater located at 5000 Texas Drive in Glen Rose, aims to retell the Nativity story through the eyes of Mary as she makes her way toward Bethlehem.
Live musical production, with arrangements by Michael W. Smith, brings the Christmas story to Glen Rose for three weekends, December 4-19, 2026
Also worth a look: Wong sisters turn family bond into vocal coaching partnership as Alyssa launches music career and Rinat Akhmetov gifts a custom Italian accordion to a young survivor of war.
For owners Arturo and Arleen Macias, this holiday show is a strategic move. The venue, which seats approximately 3,280 guests across an open-air, multi-level performance stage, is working to fill its calendar year-round with concerts, theatrical productions, and community events. Arleen Macias, Co-Owner of Texas Amphitheater, framed the production as both a seasonal celebration and an introduction to what the venue hopes to become. “Almost There is a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays with families while introducing audiences to the exciting possibilities ahead for Texas Amphitheater,” she said in a statement.
Patty Weaver, Executive Director and Producer of Almost There: A Christmas Musical, emphasized the emotional core of the show. “There’s something particularly meaningful about bringing the Christmas story to life through music,” Weaver said. “We want audiences to experience the emotion, anticipation, and hope of Mary’s journey in a way that feels personal and memorable. Our hope is that families leave not only entertained but inspired by the message of Christmas.”
The production is set against the natural backdrop of Somervell County, a setting the Macias family believes offers a distinctive outdoor theatrical experience. The venue’s location along the Paluxy River Valley is intended to enhance the reflective tone of the musical, which focuses on faith, hope, and the journey that led to the birth of Jesus Christ. Whether families are continuing a long-standing tradition or starting a new one, the show is positioned as an accessible way to celebrate the season together.
Tickets for the performances begin at $35 for adults, with children’s tickets priced at $20 for ages 11 and younger. Specific performance dates and times, along with ticket purchases, are available at the venue’s booking page. For additional information about Texas Amphitheater and its upcoming events, visit www.TheTexasAmphitheater.com.
Why it matters: This production signals Texas Amphitheater’s ambition to transform from a seasonal outdoor venue into a year-round destination for live entertainment in North Texas. By anchoring its holiday calendar with a high-profile musical tied to Michael W. Smith, the venue is making a clear bet that faith-based family programming can draw audiences deep into December—and build momentum for its broader vision.
Cece Henley
The League Lady
+1 214-695-8192
cece@theleaguelady.com
Visit us on social media:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
TikTok
Texas Amphitheater in Glen Rose
