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!