Holiday Happenings in Dallas/Fort Worth 2022

It's that time of year again... Time to start planning for the holiday season!

Dallas/Fort Worth is hosting a seemingly-endless number of awesome holiday events this year. From a walk-through light event in Frisco to North Pole-themed events in Dallas and Grapevine, DFW is your ho-ho-home for the holidays from north to south and east to west. Although 2022 won't see the return of the Magical Elf Journey that flooded Globe Life Park with holiday cheer last year, there are enough other events coming to the area that you'll have your pick of holiday happenings.

So whether you are looking for a drive through light show or an immersive experience, look no further than the DFW Metroplex for holiday cheer in 2022. Here are 10 events throughout DFW meant to get you in the holiday spirit, eggnog not included (though definitely encouraged!). 

We are ready for some holiday magic in 2022!

(Be sure you are following me on Instagram, as I will be giving away admission to a number of these events this season there- www.instagram.com/everythingarlingtontx)

11 Holiday Events in DFW for 2022

'Twas the Night Before Cirque du Soleil (Grand Prairie)- Be prepared to be amazed when the circus blows into Grand Prairie! You'll get to marvel at acrobatic feats set to the backdrop at one of the most beloved holiday tales of all time. Kids will love seeing all the high-flying magic of the circus with a fun, holiday twist!

Why we love it: This show is truly something unique and different for the holiday season. Plus, no driving all the way to Dallas or Frisco to experience wonderful holiday magic. Texas Trust Theater is an intimate setting without a bad seat in the house, so kids of all ages will get to experience the magic of the circus combined with the magic of the holiday season. 

The Light Park (Arlington)- Open evenings through January 1; Starts at $29 per vehicle

Drive through thousands of sparkling Christmas lights in Hurricane Harbor's parking lot! Listen to festive music as you relax in the comfort of your vehicle as you bask in the glow of holiday magic.

Why we love it: Low cost per person if you drive a vehicle that seats seven and fill every seat. Bring your own hot cocoa and Christmas cookies to get the most bang for your buck. 

Radiance: Frozen in Frisco (Frisco) or Radiance at the Ranch (Weatherford)- Open nightly November 18- December 31. Tickets start at $34.99 per person.

There is so much to do at Radiance that it is truly a Hallmark Holiday movie brought to life. Build snowmen from real snow, go snowtubing, see thousands of holiday lights, go ice skating, have a snowball fight and lots more.

Why we love it: This is your one-stop shop for holiday magic. There is truly so much to do you can arrive when the show opens and plan to stay until they turn off the lights!

A Christmas Carol (Granbury)- Weekends in December. General admission tickets start at $39.

Immerse yourself in a live reenactment of A Christmas Carol in a truly delightful way. Follow the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future as actors bring to life the famous tale of Ebenezer Scrooge himself. Grab a cup of hot cocoa to keep you warm on this outdoor adventure.

Why we love it: This experience is truly unique. We did the Sleepy Hollow Experience last year and the kids loved it. Plus who doesn't love the story of Mr. Bah Humbug himself? 

Immersive Nutcracker Experience (Dallas)- Weekends in November and then daily in December. Tickets start at $30.

Watch the magic of the Nutcracker come alive around you as you partake this open space concept. Marvel at the images projected on warehouse walls that will illuminate the famous story of Clara and her wooden friend.

Why we love it: This event allows you to go at your own pace and experience this age-old tale in a truly 21st Century way. We have been to the Van Gogh Experience and have really enjoyed the ambiance and presentation of this immersive experience. 

The Trains at Northpark (Dallas)- Open daily November 12- January 6. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids or seniors.

For 35 years, area residents have enjoyed seeing miniature trains done up for the holidays. Enjoy winter scenes involving some of America's most iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. 

Why we love it: These trains are so fun to see up-close and personal. This event is affordable for everyone and you can go whenever you want to- no need to worry about your time of entry.

Christmas at the Gaylord Texan (Grapevine)- Open daily, November 11- January 1. All events are a la carte, prices vary per activity. Packages available. Use code ARLINGTON to receive half off your ICE admission on select dates.

Head to the Christmas Capital of Texas for a truly magical holiday experience. The Gaylord does the holidays in a big way, fitting for a Texas resort! This year sees the return of crowd favorite ICE, where visitors don parkas and meander through thousands upon thousands of pounds of ice trucked in an meticulously carved and dyed to spread holiday cheer. We can't wait to return to this fun event!

Why we love it: When you visit the Gaylord, you are truly immersed in holiday cheer. There are festive trees and sparkling lights everywhere you turn. The Gaylord has so many holiday offerings- from cookie decorating to snow tubing and everything in between- that the kids will be occupied for hours. Just be sure to bring your checkbook and remind yourself that Christmas only comes once a year! 

Snagged this photo when we saw ICE at the Gaylord in 2019. Can't wait for this event to return! 

SnowDay (Dallas)- Open November 18- January 8. Combo tickets start at $35 for kids and $48 for adults. 

Embark on a whimsical "train ride" to see Santa and get a few photos with the man in red himself before you wander through a winter wonderland. Snap fun selfies, explore festive holiday scenes and generally have a holly jolly good time.

Why we love it: You'll get some fantastic holiday photos at SnowDay. If you are after unique holiday settings for one-of-a-kind photos, this is the spot for you! Plus the Santa photos give you a more unique backdrop than you might find elsewhere. 

Dallas Zoo Lights (Dallas)- Open select nights, December 17- January 1. Tickets start at $14 for kids and $18 for adults.

Zoo Lights returns this year as a walk-through event alight with holiday merriment. See the zoo lit up at night, enjoy live entertainment, sip toasty beverages and more. There will be fun photo opps spaced throughout the zoo and a place to visit with Santa himself. 

Why we love it: Who doesn't love the zoo?! And it's so much fun at night. You may not see all the animals you would during the day, but the lights and sounds of the holiday season more than make up for it. 

Prairie Lights (Grand Prairie)- Open nightly November 24- January 1. $50 per vehicle.

Drive through thousands of holiday lights while your car radio plays the holiday music you know and love. Stop at the holiday village mid-way through your experience for eats and treats, a walk-through village and a visit with Santa himself.

Why we love it: Not only is Prairie Lights nearby in Grand Prairie, it is a relatively inexpensive event when you look at the prices of other activities around DFW. Staying in your own vehicle means you don't need to worry about bundling up if you don't want to and can bring your own snacks. If you do plan to get out at the holiday village, though, be sure and dress for the weather. We love this event!

A sweet Santa snap from Prairie Lights 2021. 

North Pole Texas (Dallas)- Open weekends starting November 24 and running through Christmas. Adults are $43, kids are $36. 

Get ready for a holly jolly Christmastime at the Hilton Anatole. Book a North Pole Texas experience and play yard games, meet with Santa, make crafts and cookies... I could go on! Kids will love running around the expansive yard partaking in reindeer games while adults can nosh on sweet bites and delicious drinks. 

Why we love this event: There is literally so much to do that you won't hear the words "I'm bored" all day. There are a lot of activities for one fee, which is nice. Plus the Hilton is simply a stunning hotel, so you couldn't ask for a better backdrop for holiday cheer. 

More activities worth checking out: Six Flags Holiday in the Park, Enchant Dallas, ChristKindl Market & Lightscape at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. 

What event are you looking most forward to this holiday season? What events would you love giveaways for?

My cool kids hanging with Santa in the summertime. 

DFW's Hot List: The Best Holiday Events in Dallas/Fort Worth for 2021

Guys... It's here.

The holiday season 2021!

I love this time of year.

The lights. The hot cocoa. The colder weather. The merriment. 

All. Of. It.

We are fortunate enough to live in an area that does the holidays in a BIG way. There are so many amazing holiday events coming to the metroplex in 2021 I struggled to keep my list to 10. 

So, without further adieu... 

Here is my list of the 10 Best Holiday Events in DFW for the 2021 Season.

Happy Holidays from the EA Crew. 

Also, before you read on... The BEST place for Santa photos is right here in Arlington. Right at the Highlands. Santa Town Arlington is FABULOUS- be sure and check them out this season- you will love the prices and the experience! (And follow them on Facebook here)

Have fun and be merry!

The Best Holiday Events in Dallas and Fort Worth for December 2021

1. Christmas at the Gaylord- Although the Gaylord won't be hosting ICE! this year, they have plenty of other amazing activities for you and your kids to enjoy. Join Buddy the Elf in a mission to save Christmas in an interactive new display. Or check out the light display at Merry & Bright. Enjoy snow tubing and so much more! Code ARLINGTON will save you 50% on some events, restrictions apply. 

2. Magical Elf Journey at Choctaw Stadium- Arlington has a brand new light display and interactive holiday exhibit that follow everyone's favorite (or maybe least favorite as this elf is a chore to move every night for weeks?!) elf this holiday season. Help Scout Elf Tiny Tinkerman find the ingredients for Christmas Spirit at this fun show. Christkindlmarket will also be part of this wonderful display, so book your tickets now!

3. Zoo Lights at the Dallas Zoo- This drive-through lights display at the Dallas Zoo will leave you feeling merry and bright for sure. See the zoo lit up at night and discover the magic after hours. Loads of twinkly lights await. Pack your car full of friends and hot cocoa (and maybe a Christmas cookie or two!) and prepare for a wonderful evening. 

4. Prairie Lights at Joe Pool Lake- Prairie Lights is back with all it's holiday merriment this year! Drive through 1000s of twinkly lights as you listen to music on your car radio. Stop in the middle of the drive at Holiday Village for shopping, a walk-through wonderland, photos with Santa and so much more. Prairie Lights is a holiday tradition you won't want to miss. 

Prairie Lights at Joe Pool Lake. 

5. Gift of Light at Texas Motor Speedway- Drive around at Texas Motor Speedway gazing at Christmas lights and generally being merry! Stop off at Santa's Village for photos with Santa, drinks and more merriment. No ice skating this year, and weekdays are less crowded if you don't want to wait in line. The drive thru takes about an hour. 

6. Enchant at Fair Park- The holiday magic that is Enchant Christmas has moved to Fair Park! I'll admit- I'm pretty partial to this event. We've gone every year since they first came to DFW, and every  year I'm blown away by the sheer magic and wonder of the lights, the maze, the ice skating... All of it. I guess we'll just have to drive to Dallas for the magic this time around! 

7. A Christmas Carol in Granbury- We had the privilege of attending The Sleepy Hollow Experience by the Brian Clowdus Group in October for Halloween and absolutely loved it. So we are so excited that they are introducing a holiday experience! Interact with characters and become part of this tale that involves a grouchy old man discovering the true meaning of Christmas. This one should not be skipped! 

8. Snow Day at the Dallas Galleria- Experience more than 20 immersive rooms that are sure to leave you feeling jolly. Your kids will love taking wonderful photos and creating lasting memories. Grab a combo ticket to experience Santaland, too, which includes a meeting with Santa himself. This experience is located at the Galleria. 

9. 12 Days of Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum- Stroll through the Arboretum in delightfully cooler weather to enjoy the magic of the season. The 12 Days of Christmas will spring to life as you stroll the grounds with hot chocolate in your hands (this is optional, obviously!). Visit with Santa, shop and do so much more at this annual holiday tradition. 

10. Christmas at the Hilton Anatole- A kid's winter wonderful awaits you at the Hilton Anatole this season. Kid's can bounce on a giant bounce house, visit with Santa, watch a marionette show and so much more at this fabulous Dallas hotel. Decorate cookies, attend Elf Academy, I can ramble on with all the fun activities that are happening this season. 

Christmas magic. 

Happy Holiday Season, friends! 

Best of the Holidays 2020: Prairie Lights!

We look forward to the holidays every year, and 2020, with all of its challenges, is no different.

We love holiday lights and visits with Santa and all the festivities and hoopla.

We've been fortunate enough to get to check out several holiday events (around the country!) this year... And one of our favorites has been Prairie Lights right here in Grand Prairie!

We have gone for the past several years... We pile in the minivan (well, okay, this year we piled in our brand new Kia Telluride!), grab some hot cocoa, turn on Christmas music and enjoy the lights and magic at Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie.

This year there is no walk-through village, which, while disappointing, is most certainly understandable. BUT, don't worry! The magic isn't lost! The rows and rows of twinkling lights, the different themed areas and the light tunnel all make the experience so very fun for the kiddos.

Even better? This year's Prairie Lights is at an unbeatable price! Seriously, guys... This year Prairie Lights is only $30 per car. $30!!! For my family of 5 that is only $6 per person. Totally reasonable (more than reasonable, actually!) for the fun, festive event you can enjoy from the comfort of your vehicle. Most events around DFW are at least double the cost per person.

Prairie Lights is open nightly at 6 pm through New Year's Eve. And guys, it's one of the best events we have been to here in DFW and most certainly the best value for your money. 

What are you waiting for? Book your tickets now and enjoy the magic of the holidays at Prairie Lights 2020! 

*I attended this event for free. All thoughts and opinions are my own*

10 Dallas/Fort Worth Holiday Events 2020

 It's official.

The 2020 Holiday Season is upon us.

Today I got my reusable Starbucks cup in Christmas Sweater print at a jam-packed Starbucks near my house. 102.1 now has Christmas music playing around the clock. My calendar is filling up with a list of events I want to take my kiddos to to experience the magic of the season. 

I'm starting now with making my list and checking it twice so I don't miss a single minute of holiday joy! 

Here is a list of (some!) of the awesome events coming to DFW for 2020. (If I miss any, please please let me know!)

10 DFW Holiday Events for 2020

Luminova at Globe Life Field- From the makers of Enchant, Luminova is a walk-thru holiday light experience sure to delight right in Arlington. Grab your tickets and your friends and prepare for Insta-worthy pics and holiday merriment. The magic starts November 20.

Dallas Zoo Lights- this year's Zoo Lights will be drive-thru only so you can enjoy the magic from your vehicle. Kids will love seeing the zoo lit up for the holidays! Nights starting November 20th, 6:30-9:30 pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Prairie Lights- Prairie Lights at Loyd Park in Grand Prairie will also be socially distanced this year, with customers staying in their car for the entire magical experience. The fun opens Thanksgiving night- grab your tickets in advance!

Wonder (at Toyota Music Factory)- This event is new to DFW for this year and is described as an "immersive experience for families to journey to the North Pole to meet Santa." Each kiddos who visits the big man in red gets a toy from the big guy! Make your reservations early! Event starts 11.19. This event was canceled. 

The Lights at Texas Motor Speedway- Drive through millions of sparkling lights starting Thanksgiving night. The excitement starts Thanksgiving Day. Check the Website for various discounts.

Holidays at the Gaylord Texas- No ICE! this year, but there is still lots of holiday magic to be enjoyed the Gaylord Texas. Go snow tubing, ice skate outdoors and enjoy an immersive holiday movie experience starting November 13.

North Pole Express at the Grapevine Vintage Railroad- hop aboard a 1920s-inspired coach car and journey to the North Pole. Kiddos will enjoy an on-board visit from Santa and his elves and receive a cookie and a "We Believe" bell. Please note: the website says all events are sold out, so check FB Marketplace and local buy sell trade groups for tickets.

Holiday Party at Theatre Arlington- experience fun with the whole family at Theatre Arlington's Holiday Party production running November 13- December 13.

Dallas Holiday Parade- The Dallas Holiday Parade may look a bit different this year as it adjusts to Covid protocols, but mark your calendar for December 5 at 10 am to enjoy the show.

Holidays at the Dallas Arboretum- Bundle up and head out to the Dallas Arboretum for gorgeous photos with holiday backdrops along White Rock Lake. The event features the 12 Days of Christmas and starts November 7.

Happy Holidays!