Looking for something fun to do? Craving a new Holiday experience? Our amazing team has pulled together their list of favorite Seasonal activities in various areas around the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex. Check it out, and if you attend one of the suggested venues featured in our list, please come back and comment to share how it went!
|
Angel Tree Donation Area Location |
Salvation Army Address |
|
Dallas |
8787 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75247 |
|
Dallas |
5554 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235 |
|
Farmers Branch |
12895 Josey Ln, Farmers Branch, TX 75234 |
|
Garland |
435 S 5th St, Garland, TX 75040 |
|
Denton |
2801 N Elm St, Denton, TX 76201 |
|
Arlington |
1301 E Abram St, Arlington, TX 76010 |
|
Sherman |
426 W Houston St, Sherman, TX 75090 |
|
Date and Time: |
Venue: |
|
Date: November 6th 2018- January 14th 2019 Time: Check website for schedule |
What: Panther Island Ice Where: 223 NE 4th Street, Fort Worth, TX 76164 The return of Panther Island Ice this holiday season will up the cool factor in Fort Worth. Located at Coyote Drive-In, Fort Worth’s only outdoor skating rink brings a winter wonderland of fun and excitement. Beginning Nov. 16, the ice rink will operate seven days a week, including all holidays, through Jan. 14, 2019. |
|
Date: November 9-January 1, 2019, Time: Open Daily |
What: ICE! Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Where: 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051 Two million pounds of colorful hand-carved ice bring the story of the Red-Nosed Reindeer to life for the 15th annual ICE! attraction. The frosty walk-through display, located in a 14,000 square foot arena inside the Gaylord Texas, is part of the hotel’s Lone Star Christmas, which runs Nov. 9 through Jan. 1, 2019. Visitors will don complimentary parkas (bring your own mittens and hats) to view ICE!, which is kept at a chilly 9 degrees. Along with festive ice sculptures and scenes starring Santa’s reindeer, families can enjoy five ice slides and a life-size Nativity. Adults can sip a cocktail at an ice bar. Other Lone Star Christmas attractions include a snow tubing hill, ice skating rink, holiday escape rooms, and an all-new Christmas carousel. ICE! Tickets start at $13.99 for children and $22.99 for adults, with discounts for ages 55+ (free for children 3 and younger, no strollers inside the exhibit). |
|
Date(s): November 14- December 30, 2018 Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Every 7 Weeks on Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun |
What: Holiday at the Arboretum at the Dallas Where: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden 8525 Garland Road Dallas, TX 75218 The 12 Days of Christmas at Night, features 12 elaborate 25-foot-tall Victorian gazebos filled with the charming costumed characters, whimsical animals and winter scenes made famous by the beloved Christmas carol. Each gazebo is encased in glass and extravagantly decorated on all sides to provide a dramatic, three-dimensional experience that adds to its “music box” quality, depicting the old English carol from the Victorian era. Extended hours include Wednesday through Sunday from 6-9 p.m. Enjoy more than 500,000 lights throughout the garden, trimming the historic homes and featuring a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree in the center of the property. |
|
Date(s): November 23- December 24, 2018 Time: Monday-Saturday, 11:30AM-8:30 PM Sunday, 12:30PM-6:30 PM Christmas Eve, 10:30AM-3:30 PM Shows start at the bottom of every hour. |
What: Scrooge Puppet Theatre Where: Northpark Center 8687 N. Central Expressway Dallas, TX 75225 Level One in East Court, near Dillard’s NorthPark Center’s whimsical Scrooge Puppet Theatre has been a holiday tradition for four decades. Charles Dickens’ famous character creates a funny scene through the magic of puppetry. Children of all ages giggle with delight as everyone’s favorite despicable holiday character emerges from his cottage. Come back time and again for this improvisational performance and be sure to catch the final show on Christmas Eve, when Scrooge is finally filled with the holiday spirit. |
|
Date: November 23rd- December 31st 2018 Time: November 23rd: 5 p.m-11 p.m. After opening night, the light show will be open nightly through Dec. 31, from 6 to 10 p.m. |
What: Christmas in the Square Where: Frisco Square 8874 Coleman Blvd Frisco, Texas 75034 Frisco Square’s annual choreographed light show opens with a free festival on Nov. 23, from 5 to 10 p.m. The festive lights – more than 175,000 – are choreographed to holiday music. Highlights include a parachuting Santa, trackless train rides, a new Christmas tree maze, ice skating and more. After opening night, the light show will be open nightly through Dec. 31, from 6 to 10 p.m. These attractions will also be available through Dec. 31. See the hourly schedule here. Skate the Square Real outdoor ice rink. $12 per person (includes skate rental). Christmas Tree Maze Find your way through a maze of 250 flocked trees. $8 ($5 with the donation of an unwrapped gift). In addition, the city of Frisco’s Merry Main Street free festival and tree lighting takes place on Dec. 1. |
|
Date: November 23rd-December 30th 2018 (except Nov. 26, Dec. 3 & 10) Time: 5 p.m.- 11 p.m. |
What: Enchant Christmas Where: Globe Life Park in Arlington 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX 76011 Lights-ablaze holiday wonderland moves inside Globe Life Park this year with the “world’s largest” light maze and outdoor skating. Explore the light maze and find eight gifts hidden by mischievous Eddie the Elf. Rent a pair of skates and glide along the infield “ice” trail through lighted sculptures and displays. Enchant also offers nightly appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, seasonal treats and eats, and shopping in the Christmas marketplace on the concourse. Live entertainment takes place nightly on the music stage. Enchant Christmas runs Nov. 23-Dec. 30 (except Nov. 26, Dec. 3 & 10). |
|
Date(s): November 23- December 23, 2018 Time: 10:30 am Every Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat ongoing 12:00 pm Every Sun ongoing |
What: Story Time with Santa Claus – NorthPark Location: Northpark Center 8687 N. Central Expressway Dallas, TX 75225 Gather around Santa’s picture-book cottage to hear stories about the North Pole. Santa has been telling tales at NorthPark Center for over 25 years, and we invite you to make it a part of your family’s holiday tradition. Level One in Macy’s Court (not no Storytime on Christmas Eve) |
|
Date(s): November 27- December 02, 2018 Time: 7:30 pm-10:30 pm |
What: Elf The Musical | November Where: Music Hall at Fair Park 909 1st Avenue Dallas, TX 75210-9998 ELF The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF. The New York Times says that ELF is “SPLASHY, PEPPY, SUGAR-SPRINKLED HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT!” USA Today calls ELF, “ENDEARINGLY GOOFY!” Variety proclaims, “ELF is happy enough for families, savvy enough for city kids and plenty smart for adults!” |
|
Date(s): December 14-15, 2018 Time: 6:30pm-9:00 pm |
What: Holidays at the Heard Where: Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary 1 Nature Place McKinney, TX 75069 Bundle up and experience Holidays at the Heard, the most unique holiday event in North Texas. Holidays at the Heard brings the beauty of the holiday season into nature. Guests will see lights and holiday décor along a half mile Heard nature trail. In keeping with the Heard’s role as a nature preserve, this light display is designed to enhance, rather than overpower, the sanctuary’s natural beauty. Children and the young at heart will enjoy the opportunity to take a photo with Father Christmas and Mother Nature in a festive setting. Hot beverages and treats will be available for purchase. Family-friendly entertainment will complement the holiday atmosphere. Local musicians will delight audiences with live holiday music in the Heard outdoor amphitheater. |
|
Date/Time: Shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 24-Dec. 23, and on select weekdays at 11 a.m. from Dec. 5-21. |
What: Geppetto’s Marionette Theater: Winter Wonderland Where: 2201 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207 Take a whirlwind journey to the North Pole in this charming holiday show that features a cast of over 60 marionettes. Children will delight as they meet the Winter Wizard, the North Pole dancing Elves, the magical toys of Santa’s Workshop, ice skating penguins, and a whole host of other holiday favorites including Rudolph and Frosty. This musical variety themed show is colorful and fast-paced and heavy on audience participation including sing-a-longs and Yes, it even snows in the audience. Fans of Frozen will be ecstatic to meet Elsa and Olaf and other fun winter favorites. Make the puppet theater a new family holiday tradition and watch your children’s eyes light with joy as Santa glides onstage in his magical sleigh to close this adorable holiday show. Winter Wonderland has a little bit of everything and is sure to be a holiday favorite for years to come. Geared to ages 2 – 100 and RATED A+ Fun for the whole family. Geppetto’s Marionette Theater is located inside the Hilton Anatole Hotel. Arrive early to see how the marionettes are made and stay after for a private behind-the-scenes tour. Parking is not included in the price of the ticket. |
|
Date: November 16th-17th 2018 Time: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. |
What: 2018 – Festival Of Trees Weekend Where: Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront 2055 Summer Lee Dr, Rockwall, TX 75032 Browse among holiday items, home décor, furniture, jewelry, clothing, wreaths, and trees. You can also see local performers. |
|
Date: On select days from Nov. 16-Dec. 31. Time: 1 p.m.- 9 p.m. |
What: Six Flags: Holiday at the Park Where: 2201 E Road to Six Flags St, Arlington, TX 76010 The theme park is transformed into a winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights and a festive LED light show. Take a slide down the snow-sledding hill and warm yourself by fire pits and toast s’mores. Stroll through the Merry Marketplace and visit Santa’s Outpost to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves. Encounter fun furry friends at Johnson’s Creek Critter Corral. There’ll also be seasonal performances, caroling, a 60-foot Christmas tree and, of course, rides. At the gate, tickets are $81.99, $66.99 for kids under 48 inches. Discounts available on the website. |
|
Date: December 1st, 2018 Time: 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. |
What: Old Town Lewisville Holiday Stroll and Christmas Parade Where: 150 W Church St, Lewisville, TX 75057 Capture the magic of the holidays at Lewisville’s Old Town Holiday Stroll and parade. The fun starts early with an 8 a.m. Motorcycle Toy Run and a Pancake Breakfast With Santa. The holiday parade starts at noon and is followed by shopping and crafts in Old Town Lewisville, midway rides and games, live music and entertainment. The Lewisville Lights! tree-lighting ceremony starts at dark and the day concludes with a holiday movie screening under the stars. |
|
Date: December 1st, 2018 Time: 10 a.m. |
What: Dallas Holiday Parade Where: Downtown Dallas The parade route begins at Commerce and Houston streets Thousands will line the streets in downtown Dallas to see festive floats, marching bands, dance teams, giant balloons and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. The parade route steps off at 10 a.m. at Houston and Commerce and travels east on Commerce St., pausing in front of both the Adolphus hotel and the Statler. After turning south on Harwood, the parade will turn west on Young St. and finish in front of City Hall Plaza. The parade is free unless you want to purchase bleacher seating along the route. Early arrival is recommended. |
|
Date: December 1st, 2018 Time: 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. |
What: Wylie Tree Lighting Where: 200 N Ballard Ave, Wylie, TX 75098 Head for historic downtown Wylie to be on hand when the big switch is thrown and the holiday season officially begins. Hot chocolate, cookies, kids’ crafts and activities, performances by local choirs, and Mayor Eric Hogue’s traditional reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas are all part of the evening’s fun. |
|
Date: December 1st- 2nd & 8th-9th 2018 Time: See daily schedule |
What: Christmas at the Beach Where: Little Elm Park 701 W. Eldorado Parkway Little Elm, TX 75068 The Little Elm beach offers the perfect setting for a spectacular Christmas celebration Dec. 1-2 with the opening of Santa Land, a light-up parade and official tree lighting with fireworks. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there both nights and available for pictures. A 30 foot Christmas tree, music, hot cocoa, s’mores on the beach and decorated elf houses are also a part of the Christmas celebration. Santa Land is a village set in Little Elm Park that features elf houses and beautiful decorations. Stroll through Santa Land Dec. 1-31. Admission is free. Santa will be in Santa Land on Dec. 1, 2, 8, and 9. There is a fee for commemorative photos with Santa but you may also bring your own camera to capture moments with Santa. Saturday, Dec. 1 6 p.m.- Light-Up Parade 7 p.m.- Official Tree Lighting with Fireworks Sunday, Dec. 2 2-8 p.m. – Live Reindeer and a holiday train Saturday, Dec. 8 6-10 p.m. – Holiday train Sunday, Dec. 9 2-8 p.m. – Holiday train |
|
Date: December 1st, 2018 Time: 12 p.m.- 6 p.m. |
What: Celebrate the Holidays at Klyde Warren Where: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201 Visit the downtown deck park for a day of holiday fun. There will be crafts for kids, face painting, holiday entertainment, and games. Watch for Santa’s arrival at the end of the day and see the Klyde Warren Christmas tree light up at 6 p.m. This event is followed by Reliant Lights Your Holidays, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Sammons Park and surrounding AT&T Performing Arts Center grounds, a short walk from Klyde Warren Park. |
|
Date: December 5, 2018 Time: 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. |
What: Christmas on the Square Where: Celina’s Downtown Historic Square 141 N. Ohio Street, Celina, TX 75009 The holiday spirit falls on Celina’s Historic Downtown Square during Christmas on the Square presented by Celina Main Street. Free family-friendly activities include a Christmas train ride, an inflatable slide, bounce houses, a live reindeer display, a hayride, and much more. Take a photo with Santa, stroll the new Holiday Market vendors, sip on some hot chocolate and take in the tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. all while enjoying live holiday music and performances. |
|
Date: December 8th-17th, 2018 Time: check tickets for details |
What: Dallas Symphony: Christmas Pops Where: 2301 Flora Street Dallas, TX 75201 The beloved tradition returns with Christmas classics, sing-along carols, the Dallas Symphony Chorus, and the Meyerson decked out in her holiday finest. Lawrence Loh conducts the orchestra, and Joshua Habermann directs the chorus. |
|
Date: December 8th, 2018 Time: 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. |
What: White Rock Holiday Market Where: 9150 Garland Rd, Dallas, Texas 75218 In addition to its usual farmers market vendors, Good Local Market’s final East Dallas market of the season will include people selling locally crafted gifts and items for holiday meals. |
|
Date: December 8th, 2018 Time: 6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. |
What: McKinney Christmas Parade of Lights Where: Downtown McKinney The theme is “Christmas Around the World” for the McKinney Rotary Club’s 19th annual Christmas Parade of Lights. The lighted parade features themed floats, performances by McKinney ISD bands and drill teams, antique fire trucks and, of course, Santa Claus. Free trolley service will be available from 3 to 10 p.m. from the First Baptist Church, 1615 W. Louisiana St. |
|
Date: December 8th, 2018 Time: 9 a.m.- 11 a.m. |
What: Plano Lions Christmas Parade Where: Plano ISD Administration Building 2700 W 15th Street, Plano, TX 75075 Festive floats, flags, firetrucks, clowns and Santa will be in the annual holiday parade. Also participating will be every Plano high school marching band, drill team, cheer squad and JROTC, Boy and Girl Scouts, church groups and more. The parade starts at 9 a.m. in the parking lot of the Plano ISD Administration building. It will travel west on 15th St. then north on Independence, east on Parkhaven and ends at Plano Senior High School. |
|
Date: December 9th, 2018 Time: 4:30 p.m. |
What: Rockefeller Christmas Where: Majestic Theatre 1925 Elm St. Dallas TX 75201 Park Cities Studios and the Dallas Conservatory present the 10th annual holiday show, “Rockefeller Christmas at The Majestic,” which showcases Radio City-style fun for all ages. The show stars Olga Pavlova as Sugar Plum Fairy and Yevgeni Anfinogenov as her Cavalier in their farewell performance. The spectacular also features jazz dancing, tap dancing, singing, and Act II of The Nutcracker complete with live gingerbread children and snow falling on stage. |
|
Date: December 13th, 2018 Time: 5 p.m.- 9p.m. |
What: Holiday Local Night Market and Christmas Celebration Where: Highland Park Village 5401 Preston Rd., Dallas, TX 75205 Experience a festive holiday night market at Highland Park Village. Expects carolers, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, carriage rides, extended store hours and specials. |
|
Date: December 15th, 2018 Time: 8 a.m. -12 p.m. |
What: McKinney Farmers Market at Chestnut Square Holiday Market Where: 315 S. Chestnut Street McKinney, TX 75069 Shop for goodies from local crafters at this market, which will be at its temporary location on Hunt Street between Kentucky and Tennessee streets. |
|
Date: December 15th, 2018 Time: 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. |
What: Christmas Market at Old Town Burleson Where: 141 W Renfro St Burleson, Texas 76028 Shop from the wares of more than 100 small businesses, get free photos with Santa, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, roast s’mores and more. |
|
Date: December 16th, 2018 Time: 12 p.m. -4 p.m. |
What: Mistletoe Market Where: Downtown Plano Visit the second annual Mistletoe Market in Downtown Plano for great deals and special offers from shops and restaurants. Sip hot cocoa or mimosas while you shop. |