Spending your holidays in the Dallas/Fort Worth area? Then you're in luck because there's a host of amazing events taking place during December. From entertaining holiday musicals to some of the best Christmas light displays in the country, North Texas doesn't hold back when it comes to celebrating the best time of year. The only question is, how will you fit all of these festive activities in over the next few weeks?
The Trains at NorthPark Center (Now - January 7)
For the past 30 years, the NorthPark center has been home to an impressive display of 1600 feet of track and hundreds of miniature trains. More than 70,000 visitors stop by every year, and their tickets help benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. Over the past few decades, the trains have raised more than $13 million for families in need. Get your exhibit tickets now and enjoy a truly unique holiday experience in Dallas.
Dr. Suess' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at the Winspear Opera House (Select Dates Through December 17)
Watch as one of the most beloved holiday tales comes to life in a musical, magical production. Featuring all of the classic songs you know and love, the production is an engaging version of Dr. Suess' devious story that children and adults alike will enjoy. Take a trip to Whoville and learn the true meaning of Christmas sometime this month by purchasing tickets online.
The Gift of Christmas at Prestwood Church (Select Dates Through December 17)
On certain dates during the month of December, this Plano church will play host to an impressive display of Christmas songs, dances, and a live nativity. Witness a high-value production that will leave you in the Christmas spirit and impress viewers of all ages. Tickets are on sale now, but they might sell out soon, so act quickly if you want to enjoy this spectacular holiday celebration.
Santa Claus: A New Musical in Fort Worth (Select Dates Through December 23)
The Casa Manana is putting on a show unlike any other, and it's sure to entertain audience members of all ages. Santa Claus has decided he's retiring, and it's time for him to select an heir. Full of catchy tunes and holiday cheer, Santa Claus: A New Musical is sure to win the hearts of your entire family. It might even become a yearly tradition! To browse showtimes or purchase tickets, visit www.casamanana.org.
A Charlie Brown Christmas at the Dallas Children's Theatre (Select Dates Through December 23)
See the timeless animated classic brought to life on stage this Christmas season. Children of all ages will get a kick out of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and his other friends as they rediscover the true meaning of the holiday. Full of music, heart, and talented performances, this show is one your family won't soon forget. To browse showtimes or purchase tickets, visit this website.
Santa Claus and His Village at the Galleria Dallas (Now - December 24)
If your children are desperate to tell Santa what they want for Christmas, then you'll want to head over to the magical Village at the Galleria. Santa will be available daily for photos with the little ones, and he'll even listen to those gift requests you've been hearing for the past month. Visit www.galleriadallas.com to learn when the big guy will be available.
The Dallas Jingle Bell Run (December 21)
For more than twenty years, families have turned out for a nighttime 5k race, one-mile fun run, and festive party hosted by the Generaltional Group. The proceeds from the event go to the Trinity Strand Trail and the Mavs Foundation, and there's more to do than just run. Carolers, music, free jingle bells, glow sticks, holiday attire, and so many other additions make this event one you won't want to miss. Learn more at www.dallasjinglebellrun.com.
Dallas Theater Center's A Christmas Carol (Select Dates Through December 28)
The Wyly Theater is proud to present Dickens' timeless tale as it's brought to life on their big stage. Bring the kids along and enjoy a festive production full of special effects, talented actors, fun songs, and more. You might know the age-old story, but you've probably never seen it presented like this. Even the biggest Scrooge in your family will get a kick out of the stellar performance. To learn more about showtimes and how to purchase tickets, visit http://www.dallastheatercenter.org.
Enchant: The World's Largest Christmas Light Maze and Market (Now - December 31)
Millions of dazzling lights will twinkle as you make your way through an ornate Christmas maze. Afterward, ice-skate on a frozen pond, browse goods at the Christmas marketplace, or sip on a steaming cup of hot cocoa. Hosted at the Globe Life Park in Arlington, this is one holiday event you'll simply never forget. Tickets are on sale now, so scoop some up while they're still available!
Praire Lights (Now Until December 31)
At this premier holiday light park in Grand Prairie, you can witness more than 4 million beautiful lights without even leaving the warm comfort of your car. Drive through the beautiful tunnels or get out and walk through a magical forest and fun holiday village. There are concession stands, photo opportunities, and gift shops to peruse in the village. The whole family can come, but tickets are going quickly, so visit priairelights.org to snag some now.
ICE! Featuring 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (Now - January 1)
This walk-through attraction features more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, five ice slides, and freezing cold temperatures. Bundle up and spend an afternoon wandering through this winter wonderland, then explore the Gaylord's many (warmer) holiday attractions when you're finished. This year's theme is 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and it's sure to be a hit with visitors of all ages. Buy your tickets online today.
The 12 Days of Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum (Now - January 2)
Now is the perfect time to meander through the beautiful gardens located in Dallas. There are a dozen decorated gazebos full of mesmerizing scenes from the timeless Christmas carol, as well as yummy drinks and a display of 800 gorgeous nutcrackers. You can check the exhibit out during the day or wait until nighttime when the gardens are illuminated by thousands of sparkling lights. Check out ticket availability here.
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas (Now - January 7)
Six Flags is always a fun place for a family outing, but it's never more enjoyable than during the holidays. The theme park transforms into a breathtaking wonderland and introduces several holiday-themed activities that you can only participate in at this time of year. Ride a few roller coasters, visit Santa, chow down on some s'mores, and browse the Merry Marketplace with friends and family. There's even an artificial hill of snow you can sled down! Purchase your tickets in advance so you won't miss out on any of the best shows and activities.
Holidays at the George W. Bush Presidential Center (Now - January 7)
Did you know the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas celebrates the holidays, too? The center features an exhibit called "All Things Bright and Beautiful" that emphasizes the beauty of nature during the winter months. Browse gorgeous flower arrangements, photos from the presidency, colorful murals, and more. You might even feel like you popped over to the real White House during the Christmas season of 2005 after wandering through the festive showcase.
Holiday Wonder at Fair Park (Now - January 7)
New this year, the Holiday Wonder event in Dallas' Fair Park is an outdoor walk-through wonderland composed of eye-catching Chinese lanterns. More than two million lights illuminate figures of Santa Claus, floating swans, and other holiday favorites. There are also shows, music, dancing, a snowflake corridor, hot chocolate, and a huge slide. Tickets for this exciting light festival are available online, so grab yours now.
What other festivities this month do you know of in the DFW area? Leave other recommendations for locals in the comments below, and have a wonderful December!