By Emma Louviere '22 Posted on

Activities to Add to Your Holiday Checklist

  1. Enchant Christmas
    1. Enchant Christmas is an Ice-skating trail around Fair Park surrounded by Christmas lights. There is also a Santa meet and greet and a walking path if you don’t want to ice-skate. The entire park is transformed into Christmas galore and has activities for the whole family. This event runs from November 26th to January 2nd. Tickets range from $20 to $35 for adults and $25 for children.
  2. Nutcracker
    1. Attending the Nutcracker during the holiday season is a tradition amongst many Ursuline girls and their mothers. This year the Texas Ballet Theater will be performing the Nutcracker from November 26th to December 26th in the Winspear Opera House. Ticket prices range from $25 to $125 based on seating preferences.  
  3. Arboretum Holiday
    1. The 12 Days of Christmas at the Arboretum transforms the Arboretum into a winter wonderland. 12 different 25-feet-tall gazebos are decorated to portray the 12 days of Christmas. There is also a Christmas Village, Santa Clause and a 50-foot-tall Musical tree. “I go every year with my family, and I always invite a friend,” Olivia Grey said, “They play Christmas music all around and it feels like you’re transported somewhere else.” Grey plans to attend the event again this year and thinks it’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Tickets are $17 for an adult, $12 for a child and admission is free for members. The event runs from November 10th to December 31st.
  4. Luminova
    1. Luminova is a special light event in the new Texas Rangers Ball Park Stadium. The event opened last year and allows guests to see the new baseball park and be transported into a winter wonderland. “There is an ice-skating rink, lights and even different booths with food. The hot chocolate was really good, and you get to tour the new baseball park,” Grey said. Tickets usually cost around $30 depending on when you buy them.
  5. Gaylord
    1. The Gaylord is famous for their winter activities, and this year they have a brand-new feature. They describe it as a “Journey into Buddy the Elf’s World to help save the holiday in our all-new, multi-sensory experience.” They also have Snow Tubing, Ice Skating, Snowball fights and a place to build your own Snowman. The event lasts from November 12 to January 2. You can purchase tickets to any event without being a guest at the hotel and tickets vary for each experience.
  6. Carriage Ride
    1. A Dallas Christmas favorite is the Carriage Rides around town. “I go to the Highland Park one every year with my family and our family friends,” Avery Zulick said, “We stop by Starbucks first for hot chocolate and coffee. Then we head to the ride, and we vote on which lights we like best while covered with warm blankets on the carriage.”
  7. The Symphony Christmas Pops
    1. The Dallas Symphony Christmas Pops runs from December 3rd to the 12th. The Dallas Symphony Chorus sings holiday carols and there is an exciting surprise at the end. “At the very end of the symphony Santa and his elves comes out and lead a singalong to Jingle bells all while snow is falling,” Hannah Singer said. Pricing is determined by seating preference, but it is a fun event for all ages.
  8. Train NorthPark
    1. The trains at NorthPark have been a Dallas tradition for the past 34 years. The event is held inside NorthPark mall and is an exhibit filled with different holiday decorated trains. The event benefits the Ronald McDonald House, and according to their website, has raised over $13 million  since 1987.  “I love seeing all the trains and watching the kids get so excited. It really helps me get into holiday cheer,” Carlisle Myers said. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, the event runs from November 13th to January 2nd.
  9. Ice Skating
    1. If you’re looking to burn some energy during the holidays Ice Skating is the perfect event. “When I go to ice skate during December it give me pure bliss and transports me from the heat of Texas,” Elle De La Garza said. There are many ice-skating rinks to choose from around Dallas. Panther Island Ice is located in Fort Worth and is open from November 19th to January 17th. There is free parking, heaters for those who decide to watch and popcorn and hot chocolate for sale. Skating under the Stars will be open from November 27th to January 3rd. This rink is located in the Children’s Health Star Center in Farmers Branch and cost $10 per session. The Galleria in Dallas has an Ice-Skating rink open year-round located on the bottom floor of the mall. The tree lighting ceremony will take place on November 26th in the middle of the Ice-Skating Rink and will remain lit for the holiday season. It costs $12 for admission and $5 to rent ski’s at the Galleria. Ice-Skating is the perfect event to get you in the holiday spirit,  and there are countless options around Dallas.
  10. Gingerbread Houses
    1. A fun event to do at home with the family during the holidays is making your own Gingerbread House. Central Market will be hosting a make and take event on November 27th to teach customers how to decorate Gingerbread houses. The event costs $32. 50 for two people to make one house,  and you get to take the house home. There are also countless packages of Gingerbread houses that you can pick up from target or Walmart. If you are feeling confident,  there are event recipes on Simply Recipes on how to make your own Gingerbread and icing. If you are looking for an event to stay in and get the whole family involved this is the perfect choice for you.

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