Best Places to Experience Christmas in DFW
As the holiday season continues in full-gear, with Christmas lights strung up around every block and hoards of shoppers in every store, many people will be looking for things to do during their winter break. Here are 12 things to fill your weekends and Christmas break with holiday cheer.
Gaylord Texan
This event showcases the massive ICE! Production, a Gaylord resort of large ice sculptures, featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa’s Wild Workshop, Glacier Glide Ice Skating, Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt and much more. General admission starts at $17.99. These events will be available from November 9 – January 1, 2019.
Dallas Arboretum
The Arboretum features 25-foot gazebos filled with costumed characters from the beloved A Christmas Carol. Each gazebo is encased in glass and decorated on all sides for a three-dimensional experience, featuring mechanical parts and seasonal music. Special Events are planned throughout the holidays. This attraction will be open from November 9 – December 31. It is $15 per adult, with childrens’ prices being $10-12.
Dallas Galleria
This three story mall not only offers an indoor skating rink but also 312 different stores to browse through while looking for Christmas gifts for all.
Coyote Drive-In
Boasting Fort Worth’s only outdoor ice skating rink, they also offer seasonal music, visits from santa for the kids, and the obvious drive in movies every night, including “Elf” and “The Polar Express.”
NorthPark Center
A 20 year tradition, children of all ages have been thrilled to see the holiday train display at NorthPark Center. The train display showcases a journey through america, featuring Time Square, The White House, Golden Gate Bridge, and more. Benefitting the Ronald McDonald House, this event will be open November 17 – January 6, 2019.
Texas Motor Speedway
With over 2 million LED lights, this drive-thru display of holiday lights at the Texas Motor Speedway would prove enjoyable and easily accessible to the family. The tour can last from 45 minutes to an hour and costs $30 per car.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad
From November 23 – December 23, take a train ride “back in time” with music, sleigh bells and Santa to make this a memorable experience with the family. The railroad offers the seasonal North Pole Express, a kid friendly adventure. Tickets are $28.50 per person.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra has several concerts planned in December such as a family concert with Santa or the untamed Home Alone movie in Concert. Check out their schedule at their website and make a plan to see one. They will stay available from November 23 – December 31.
Bass Performance Hall
The classic tale, “The Nutcracker” comes to Fort Worth at the Bass Performance Hall this year with showings starting December 7 and ending December 24. Don’t forget to look into the “Nutty Nutcracker,” a PG-13 version of the orginal for kids. Prices can range from $54- 200, depending on seating levels and positions. Visit the website to order tickets now.
Texas Live
This unique experience cannot be found elsewhere. The Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington is one of the “largest open-air holiday markets in the Southwest,” claims its website. The market is inspired by german tradition and culture. This family-friendly market features a unique shopping experience for gifts along with authentic German cuisine, beverages, and live entertainment happening from November 23 – December 23.
Prairie Lights
Although this one isn’t in the DFW region, its spectacular light show must be mentioned. Located in Grand Prairie, visitors can drive through the park to view the five million holiday lights and the longest light tunnel in Texas. Prices can range from $35-100, depending on how many participants are in the vehicle.
Enchant: A Christmas Light Maze
Wonder awaits as Enchant, the world’s largest Christmas Light Maze & Market is moving inside Globe Life Park in Arlington, replacing the Texas Christkindl market. Families can take seasonal photos around the largest Christmas tree in North Texas or play in the ice-skating trail. The market includes 85 different vendors, with christmas gifts and non-seasonal buys. It is $30 per person, with free admission for children ages 3 and under. Enchant will be open from November 23 – December 30.