Fort Worth/Arlington Fun for the Holidays 2023

 It's November. Already.

That means it's time. 

Time for peppermint mochas and sleigh bells and Santa photos and Love Actually on repeat. It's time to make your list and check it twice.

I could go on. 

Really, for me, November 1 is a time to assess the holidays. What events are we attending? What parties do we have? What big-ticket items do I need to budget for? What actually even is my budget for the season?

While I can't help you figure out your budget for holiday merriment in 2023, I can tell you what events you might want to check out this holiday season. From lights at the zoo to drive-thru displays and everything in between, here are a few activities you might want to consider for the Holidays 2023. 

Holiday ready at our house!

DFW Holiday Happenings 2023

1. Christmas at the Gaylord Texan. It rarely feels like the holidays without a visit to the Gaylord. Even if you decide to skip out on the paid activities it's fun to simply wander the premises, admiring all the lights. Gaylord is perhaps best known for ICE, it's huge walk-through display of ice sculptures that require you to wear a parka so you don't get cold! Other activities at the Gaylord include snow tubing, a walk-thru light display and more. Stay the night if it's in the budget (and you have a spare night or two!). Code ARLINGTON will save you 50% on select dates HERE. 

2. Dallas Zoo Lights. We love Dallas Zoo Lights because it feels as if you've stepped into a holiday movie set! Wander through the zoo at night to see thousands of twinkling lights. You likely won't see many animals but that's okay. You can still grab festive food and drinks, see Santa and so much more. Be sure to bundle up if it's cold outside as this event is mostly outdoors. 

3. Holiday at the Arboretum. I admit- last year was the first year I visited Holiday at the Arboretum and I was absolute dazzled by it! Watch as they make the Twelve Days of Christmas come alive in fun snow globe-like displays and then stop and enjoy the Christmas Village. Last year I was freshly back from a visit to Germany and the holiday village had the same quaint feel I loved during my visit to Deutschland. I can't wait visit again this year (and be sure you follow me on social if you're interest in tickets for you and the fam!)

4. Prairie Lights. Definitely an EA Crew fave, Prairie Lights is a fun way to get in the holiday spirit without leaving your car! Although you'll want to for the holiday village halfway through, trust me on this. Tune your radio to the proper station and watch as thousands of holiday lights sparkle and dance to the music. Halfway through, get out of the car and grab some snacks, ride a few rides and see Santa himself! We love this event because it is priced per car, not per person. 

5. The North Pole Experience at the Hilton Anatole. We've never done the Anatole at Christmas- maybe this will be the year?! In addition to special holiday hotel packages, the Anatole offers up some fun activities in December, including Breakfast with Santa and The North Pole Experience. You can visit Santa's workshop, enjoy holiday treats, engage in immersive experiences and more. 

6. The Light Park at Hurricane Harbor. The Light Park is holiday cheer enjoyed exclusively from the comfort of your car! So grab the kids and some hot cocoa and drive through lights that twinkle and dance to music. Go early in the season and you will find this is one of most affordable holiday activities in DFW so you can enjoy it more than once!

7. Texas Christkindlmarket in Arlington. Wander through the stalls at the Christkindlmarket at Globe Life Field Plaza for free, shopping with vendors and enjoying holiday treats. Live music is frequently performed by choirs and schools from around the area. Although this event is small, it is such a fun and unique activity for Arlington to have- make sure you visit it so it keeps coming back! Plus you can take charming photos while you're there. 

8. Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway. If you've ever wanted to see what it takes to be a Nascar driver, this is your chance! Totally kidding, totally kidding. However, you CAN drive on the raceway at Texas Motor Speedway to see their fantastic presentation of lights. Turn on your favorite holiday music, throw kids and friends in the car and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. 

9. Daystar Christmas. This is another event I had seen on Instagram for years but didn't visit until last year. Y'all- I was missing out! Daystar Christmas, located just up 121 from Arlington, is totally FREE and offers loads of walk-through lights displays for everyone to enjoy. Bundle up and go for a stroll and make sure your phone is charged to take alllll the pictures. There is a cafe with warm drinks for purchase. Seriously- if holiday activities aren't in the budget this year, no worries- this one will still knock your socks off without breaking the bank. 

10. Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas. We just love Six Flags- and it doesn't hurt that it's a quick drive across town for us! Six Flags knows how to do the holidays right, and Christmas is no exception. Live entertainment, festive treats, loads of lights and more await at Six Flags for you to enjoy in between exciting rollercoasters and thrilling rides. A holiday must-do for sure!

This was taken at Prairie Lights several years ago. We love that event! 

What events will you be attending this holiday season? We are so sad that Enchant won't be back for another year in DFW... Maybe next year?!