It's the most wonderful time of the year! From Christmas markets to lights to hot chocolate, we have a list of our favorite ways to celebrate the holidays around North Texas.
COOL DISPLAYS
This family favorite is back at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine with the theme "'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." The display features two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures and five two-story tall ice slides, bringing to life some favorite Christmas characters. ICE! will be open Nov. 9-Jan. 1.
WHERE: Gaylord Texan Resort, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051
Glass gazebos filled with whimsical scenes depicting the 12 Days of Christmas, plus the already beautiful setting of the Dallas Arboretum? Count us in! This year there will be Santa sightings, live reindeer, and over 500,000 lights throughout the gardens. The event runs from Nov. 24 to Dec. 30. Admission is $10 for children ages 3-12 and $15 for adults.
WHERE: Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218
The City of Richardson is getting into the holiday spirit with a FREE "virtual winter wonderland," complete with lighting displays and mini gingerbread-style houses! Expect pictures with Santa and live performances from local musicians, dance groups, and choirs every night. The event is Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from Dec. 1 - Dec. 16.
WHERE: Santa’s Village, 411 W Arapaho Rd, Richardson, Texas 75080
Our local theme park's tribute to the holidays is another family favorite! From Nov. 16-Dec. 30, Six Flags will be decked out with lights, visits from Santa, and even a hill made of snow!
WHERE: Six Flags Over Texas, 2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington, TX 76011
It’s a world of Christmas wonder at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Explore the World’s Largest Light Maze, enjoy ice skating trails, shop holiday vendors and see live entertainment. Nov. 23-Dec. 30. Tickets are $19.99 to $64.99.
WHERE: Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, Texas 76011
The Trains at NorthPark display celebrates 31 years of benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. The trains will be set up from Nov. 17-Jan. 6.
WHERE: NorthPark, 8687 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75225
MARKETS
Now at Texas Live in Arlington. Inspired by German holiday traditions. A family-family-friendly market with gifts and decorations. Nov. 23-Dec.23. Admission is FREE!
WHERE: The Plaza at Texas Live! 1650 E. Randol Mill Road, Arlington, TX 76011
HANUKKAH EVENTS
Temple Emenu-el will hold its annual Hannukkah choir concert at NorthPark Center, featuring old favorites and new fun songs sung by youth and adult choirs. The FREE concert is Dec. 4 at 6 p.m.
WHERE: NorthPark Center 8687 North Central Expressway Dallas TX 75225
Head to the Dallas Galleria, Dec. 2-10, to watch a custom-designed Menorah light up each night of Chanukah at sunset.
WHERE: Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75240
HOLIDAY FOOD
Who wouldn't want to check out holiday lights with some delicious hot cocoa and premium chocolates? Dallas By Chocolate is offering a special Christmas tour between Nov. 23-Dec. 30 (except Christmas Eve and Christmas), where you'll visit top local dessert venues in Dallas before admiring some amazing neighborhood Christmas light displays. The tour lasts three to four hours and costs $43 to $47.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Head to Vitruvian Park in Addison Nov. 23-Jan. 1 and witness the spectacular colored lights, along with live performances and festive food!
WHERE: Virtruvian Park 3875 Ponte Ave, Addison, TX 75001
The largest drive-thru light park in Texas is back! Texas Motor Speedway's Gift of Lights will return Nov. 29-Dec. 30, featuring more than 150 new displays. Admission is $30-$60.
WHERE: Texas Motor Speedway, 3545 Lone Star Cir, Fort Worth, TX 76177
This annual twinkling drive-through light display in Grand Prairie is always fun. Open nightly from Thanksgiving through Dec. 30, Prairie Lights features four million lights and hundreds of custom displays along a two-mile path. Admission is $35 per car during the week and $45 on weekends.
WHERE: Lynn Creek Park 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
CHRISTMAS IN THE SQUARE (FRISCO)
They had us at snow flurries! From Nov. 23-Dec. 31, you can catch the largest choreographed holiday lights and music show that draws more than 750, 000 people every year to Frisco's downtown square. The FREE show runs every night from 6 to 10 p.m.
WHERE: 8874 Coleman Blvd, Frisco, TX 75034
Celebrate the holidays at The Star in Frisco, complete with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and Dallas Cowboys entertainment! Photos with Santa are being held Nov. 23-Dec. 22. Check out the Cowboys Christmas Spectacular -- a weekly holiday performance by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue Dancers & Drumline -- every Friday and Saturday night between Nov. 24-Dec. 22.
WHERE: The Star, One Cowboys Way, Frisco, TX 75034
Come enjoy the Holiday Lights Trolley Ride through Highland Park, we provide the Trolley ride, Candy Canes and Christmas music from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31.
WHERE: Bus lanes at Mockingbird Station. Corner of Worcola St. & E. Mockingbird Ln. Dallas, TX 75206
'TIS THE SEASON FOR GIVING
WFAA’s Santa's Helpers is celebrating its 49th year of collecting holiday toys for children throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth counties of Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant.
