Photo courtesy of jcsullivan24/CC BY 2.0.
The holiday season is upon us, and that means the DFW area is ripe with adventures and celebrations to spread some wintry cheer.
As you read this, Mariah Carey is being thawed out of her ice block, ready to sing “All I Want for Christmas Is You” at a moment’s notice. Whether you can’t get enough of the festive tunes or would rather wear noise-blocking earmuffs all season long, there are tons of holiday activities around DFW.
We’ve gathered up the top events for Christmas, Chanukah, and New Year’s celebrations. Start looking at your schedule now—there are plenty of merry times to be had.
1. Grapevine’s Christmas Capital of Texas
Various dates from November through early January
Various locations around downtown Grapevine
Grapevine is the Christmas Capital of Texas, and for good reason: The city transforms into a winter wonderland of more than 40 activities across November, December, and even into the New Year. The Palace Theater regularly shows Christmas classics like “Miracle on 34th Street” and “Home Alone,” the Drone Shows and Parade of Lights are stunning visual displays, Santa’s North Pole Express Neighborhood is a choo-choo-choose your own adventure of delight, and the Great Wolf Lodge offers scavenger hunts, bingo, and a holiday dance party.
2. Holiday at the Arboretum
November 13-January 5
8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
Holiday at the Arboretum is celebrating ten years of its 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos exhibit, and they’re honoring the occasion with complementary activities. Walk around the Winter Wonderland to see more than a million festive lights. Get into the holiday spirit at the DeGolyer House or say hello to Santa. Listen to Christmas choirs and other entertainers, then sample the most exquisite seasonal treats as part of Chef Sharon’s Favorite Things.
3. The Trains at NorthPark
November 16-January 5
8687 North Central Expy Dallas, TX 75225
I’ve always had a fondness for trains, perhaps due to regularly watching Thomas the Tank Engine shows as a child. (Side note: Watch this short clip and try not to have the song stuck in your head). The Trains at NorthPark is the greatest train display across the DFW community. The event has raised millions for Ronald McDonald House Dallas over 37 years. This season includes 1,600 feet of tracks traversing through models of Dallas neighborhoods, a S.T.E.A.M.-inspired experience, a LEGO feature, and a ton of other attractions. Fellow train enthusiasts can also purchase railcars for home, including engines, boxcars, cabooses, and a ruby red observation cart.
4. Lightscape at Fort Worth Botanic Garden
November 22-January 5
Fort Worth Botanic Garden: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76107
The stars at night shine big and bright, and so does the Fort Worth Botanic Garden during its annual Lightscape celebration. Grab a favorite treat or hot cocoa from a local vendor and then stroll the garden, enjoying millions of twinkling lights and dazzling displays set to music. On select nights, you can even meet Santa—and if you ask him for a light display, your wish has already come true! Ticket prices vary by date, so you can save some money (up to 40% off) by going at value times instead of peak hours.
5. Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas
November 22-December 29
Choctaw Stadium: 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX 76011
Even the coldest of hearts can be warmed by the Coca-Cola polar bears, and Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas brings that magic to several Texas cities during the holidays. No matter when you visit, you’ll get to enjoy a 55,000-square-foot custom and interactive light display, a market square, ice skating, and an inner tube snow slide. Make your experience even more memorable with a themed night. Our picks are Paws n’ Claus on December 1—a dog-friendly opportunity to snap a photo with Santa and sniff so many things—and Ugly Sweater Christmas Night (December 15), because we all have at least one and need to wear it sometime.
6. Radiance! at the Ranch
November 22-December 28
Parker County Sheriff’s Posse: 2251 Mineral Wells Hwy, Weatherford, TX 76088
If you don’t like the thought of braving the cold weather, Radiance! at the Ranch is for you. You’ll head to the Parker County Sheriff Posse’s ranch and stay in your car as you enjoy a spectacular display of over two million lights. Larger groups should definitely splurge for the VIP package, which includes hot cocoa and popcorn for everyone, plus magic glasses for the kids, which reveal hidden festive images among the displays.
7. Skate the Square
November 22-January 6
8843 Coleman Blvd, Frisco, TX 75034
I think my record for ice skating without immediately tipping over is about two seconds. I imagine you have better luck, so you’d have a grand time at Frisco’s Skate the Square, the area’s only real outdoor ice rink. And this is a sizable behemoth at 80-by-55 feet. Tickets cost $20 per person with or without skates. If you have an enormous squad of skaters, you can rent the entire rink for up to 50 people at $500 per hour.
8. Vitruvian Lights
November 23-January 1
Vitruvian Park: 3875 Ponte Ave, Addison, TX 75001
Vitruvian Lights is a more subdued celebration, with the trees around Vitruvian Park becoming vibrant displays of holiday cheer. That doesn’t make it any less impressive—the lights bounce off the water and create a lovely reflection. Head to the park on November 23 or November 30 for live performances from the Jordan Kahn Orchestra and Dallas Strings Quartet, respectively.
9. Galleria Dallas Grand Tree Lighting Celebration and Hanukkah Menorah Lighting
November 29-30 (Christmas tree), December 29 (Menorah lighting)
Galleria Dallas: 13350 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75240
Galleria Dallas has a bevy of events for the holiday season, including illumination displays and Santa Paws portraits with Jolly Old Saint Nick himself. The mall hosts a grand tree lighting celebration for Christmas that features an ice-skating show with Olympic skaters and a back-flipping Santa. During Hannukah, guests can celebrate the festival of lights with remarks by Temple Shalom and a large-scale Menorah that stands proudly.
10. Christmas in the Stockyards
December 2
Fort Worth Stockyards: 131 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164
The Fort Worth Stockyards is always a good time, but the holiday season turns it up a notch. This year’s annual Christmas in the Stockyards includes a holiday ice rink, Cowboy Santa photos, Mrs. Clause storytelling, reindeer games, strolling carolers, two Championship Rodeos, and a Christmas Parade. It’s stuffed with more goodies than even the largest stocking.
11. Dallas Symphony Holiday Concert Series
Select dates from December 6-31
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center: 2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is full of talented players, and they bring the seasonal flavor throughout December. Christmas Pops features Broadway, TV, and movie star Capathia Jenkins and three-time Grammy-nominated artist Ryan Shaw leading a chorus of adults and children in Christmas classics. Elf in Concert is a showing of the Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel film, complete with a live orchestra soundtrack.
12. The Nutcracker with Live Orchestra
December 6-8
Moody Performance Hall: 2520 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201
Pyotr Tchaikovsky wrote and orchestrated The Nutcracker ballet from 1891 to 1892, and the show has endured for over 130 years. Avant Chamber Ballet’s version is led by Paul Mejia and features a live orchestra. Follow along with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince as they traverse the Land of Sweets, complete with elaborate costumes and outstanding choreography. The ballet is also performing a couple of “Short and Suite” versions around town that are an hour long and even more family-friendly.
13. Dallas Holiday Parade
December 7
Begins at Commerce and Houston
The first Dallas Holiday Parade happened all the way back in 1988 and was put on by employees from The Adolphus hotel and Children’s Medical Center Dallas. The “Miracle on Commerce Street” has grown into one of the city’s most anticipated events and is nationally televised each year. Get an up-close look at live music, giant inflatables, holiday floats, and a whole lot of good vibes. If you don’t buy bleacher tickets, get to the parade well before the 9 am start time to secure a spot along the route.
14. DeDe Mcguire Foundation Winter Wonderland Ball
December 7
Daisha Board Gallery West: 2720 Bataan St, Dallas, TX 75212
Some of the other events on this list offer music, food, and cocktails. None of them offer a $500 prize for the “coldest dressed.” The Winter Wonderland Ball is your chance to don your snazziest holiday Winter White attire while enjoying a magical evening at the Daisha Board Gallery museum. Early VIP tickets get you access to a private lounge, curated cocktails, and a swag bag.
15. Chanukah Celebration at Willow Bend
December 7
Willow Bend Mall: 6121 W Park Blvd, Plano, TX 75093
Chabad of Plano is hosting a free Chanukah Celebration in solidarity with Israel at the Willow Bend Mall. In addition to the Menorah Lighting, you can hear live music and admire the Chanukah Graffiti Canvas. Guests will also be able to enjoy latkes, donuts, and chocolate coins while rocking Chanukah light-up necklaces.
16. Downtown Stocking Stroll & Family Festival
December 21
Main Street Garden Park: 1902 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201
Need to do a little last-minute Christmas shopping? The 6th annual Downtown Stocking Stroll is a free walk through the streets of downtown Dallas before wrapping up in Main Street Garden Park. It’s packed with over 30 merchants selling stocking stuffers and other treats. Perhaps you’ve done your shopping well in advance, so you might just be browsing until you hit the Family Festival portion of the event. In that case, indulge in a hot cocoa station, a Ferris wheel, train rides, Christmas carolers, a jazz trio, and storytime with Santa.
17. Chanukah at Klyde Warren Park
December 26
Klyde Warren Park: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201
Head to Klyde Warren Park to celebrate the Miracle of Light with the whole family. You’ll find donuts, latkes, swag, and much more. The free event also includes a guest concert from reggae musician Matisyahu, who will be rocking a special acoustic performance.
18. Drinks & Dreidels Chanukah Party
December 26
Granada Theater: 3524 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206
The Intown Chabad hosts Drinks & Dreidels, one of the largest Chanukah parties across Dallas-Fort Worth. Matisyahu kicks off the jams with a live concert, and DJ Avi keeps the festivities going throughout the after party. All the while, you’re celebrating with drinks, dancing, and plenty of merriment.
19. New Year’s Eve Champagne Life: Royalty Masquerade
December 31
Aloft Dallas Love Field: 2333 West Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75235
Some people like to spend New Year’s Eve at a lavish party with friends, music, and fancy outfits. Others like to spend New Year’s Eve at home, pouring some festive Martinelli’s sparkling apple cider and doing their best to make it to 10 pm, let alone midnight. The Royalty Masquerade is for the former group. Black tie attire means everyone is looking glam, and you’ll arrive in style with a red carpet. Multiple DJs and a live jazz trio provide tunes, an open bar offers libations, and you can add some luck to your new year with a run at the casino tables.
20. New Year’s Eve Party at Billy Bob’s
December 31
Billy Bob’s Texas: 2520 Rodeo Plz, Fort Worth, TX 76164
Alongside its Christmas festivities, the Fort Worth Stockyards is hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration at Billy Bob’s with country star Gary Allan rocking out on the main stage. The Honky Tonk Kitchen serves up tasty food before you get buck wild with live bull riding. The party has a champagne toast at midnight and four different balloon drops, so don’t worry if you miss one because your attention is elsewhere.
21. Reunion Tower New Year’s Celebration
December 31
300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX 75207
Dallas may not have the Times Square ball, but Reunion Tower is pretty tough competition. The tower illuminates the Dallas skyline on New Year’s Eve with a 259 LED light display and a drone show. You’ll witness over 5,000 fireworks get launched from the tower. If you’re staying at the Hyatt Regency Dallas or Crown Block Dallas, you can watch from the hotel lawn; otherwise, the show is quite visible around areas of the city.
22. New Year’s Eve Dallas Pub Crawl
December 31
Starts at Dot’s Hop House: 2645 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226
Can’t decide where to spend your New Year’s Eve? Join this Deep Ellum pub crawl, and you’ll get access to ten different spots across the city. Beyond free entry, you’ll find discounted drinks and will even receive welcome shot tickets at some locations. Dress up to the nines and wow everyone else in the room, no matter the places you go.
23. New Year’s Eve Candelit Sound Journey Experience
December 31
Entelechea: 1201 International Pkwy #200, Richardson, TX 75081
The New Year is a time when we say goodbye to the past and look ahead with excitement to the future. The best way to do that is by getting in touch with yourself—and the Entelechea Candlelit Sound Journey Experience can help. Step into a guided meditation with crystal bowls providing sound vibrations to embrace healing properties like lower blood pressure, less anxiety, and better sleep. You’ll also be done by 9 p.m., so you’ll have plenty of time to shower and head out to another adventure.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
