Need a break from shopping, baking and mailing holiday cards? Create some new traditions with family and friends at DFW’s favorite holiday-themed entertainment venues. There will be plenty of time for roasting chestnuts over an open fire later. DFW has some of the best activities during the holidays with fun for everyone.
1. Check Out the Tree at the Galleria
Angela Patterson
2. Christkindl Market - Arlington
Christkindl Market (kris-kin-dill) is an enchanting family market in the tradition of markets held throughout Germany during the Holiday season. Featuring authentic German cuisine, beverages, entertainment, arts, crafts and holiday gifts. Admission and Parking are free.November 29 - December 15, 2012
Thursday, November 29 from 5 pm - 9 pm (Opening Ceremonies); Monday - Thursday from 11 am - 7 pm; Friday: 11 am - 8 pm; Saturday frin 11 am - 9 pm; Sunday from 11 am - 7 pm.Main entrance is at Road to Six Flags and Ballpark Way.
3. Bethlehem Revisited: Waxahachie
Travel back to Old World Bethlehem as it was at the time of Christ's birth. Rated the "#1 Holiday Event for the Lone Star State" by Fox 4 News in 2001. Open Friday-Sunday the first two weekends of December. Located behind Central Presbyterian Church, 402 North College Street. Bethlehem Revisited runs from November 30 - December 9, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.Candlelight Home Tour runs from November 23 to December 9, 2012. Get into the holiday spirit by strolling the glimmering streets of Waxahachie. Nine unique homes, spanning from the Victorian era to the 21st century, will don their holiday finery for three weekends.
4. Children's Medical Center Holiday Parade
Photo courtesy of Children's Medical Center
What: The Children's Medical Center Holiday Parade is a free event open to the public. Sidewalk seating is available along the Parade route. Tickets for reserved bleacher seating may be purchased online. Free 2 and under. Elizabeth Gillies from Nickelodeon's Victorious will kick off the parade.
When: Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 10 a.m.
Where: It begins at City Hall and ends up at The Adolphus, 1321 Commerce Street, Dallas. Please note this is a new parade route for 2012.
Parking/DART: There are multiple street and garage lots for public parking. You can also take DART to the parade. Visit the DART for more information. The parade route is only a few blocks from the Akard Station, the West End Station, Union Station and the Convention Center Station.
TV: The parade will be broadcast on WFAA-TV Channel 8.
5. Trains at NorthPark
Courtesy of The Trains at NorthPark
6. The Turtle Creek Chorale: "Naughty and Nice"
In the style of those fabulous vintage holiday specials by Judy Garland and others, The Turtle Creek Chorale will be presenting their own holiday special - A Very Turtle Christmas. Sometimes you need a little break from family, tradition, and all the “ho ho ho” of the holidays - and we’ll give it to you through story, song, dance and special surprise guests, in our inimitable Turtle style. Order tickets early and don't miss this show.
Dates: December 20, 21 and 22, 2012 at 8 p.m. and December 23 at 2:30 p.m.
Where: City Performance Hall, 2520 Flora St, Dallas.
7. ICE!
What: Ice! is back. From November 8, 2012 to January 1, 2013, the DreamWorks animated holiday TV special, Merry Madagascar, will be brought to life in an interactive world of colorful ice sculptures and 20-feet tall ice slides carved entirely from TWO MILLION pounds of ice!
Where: Gaylord Texan Resport, Grapevine, TX
When: November 8, 2012 through January 1, 2013.
8. Holiday in the Park (Six Flags Over Texas)
What: Holiday in the Park is the seasonal transition where Six Flags Over Texas transitions into a winter wonderland each year. Enjoy spectacular seasonal shows, tasty holiday treats and an unprecedented Christmas celebration like none in North Texas. Sled down a Frosty's Snow Hill and participate in crafts and sing-alongs. Don't miss the parade 30 minutes before closing.
When: Holiday in the Park is open weekends and some days beginning November 23, 2012 through January 6, 2013.
Where: Six Flags over Texas, 2201 Road To Six Flags, Arlington, TX 76010. 817-530-6000.
Tickets: $34.99 online.
9. Christmas in the Square (Frisco)
Angela Patterson
When: Opens at 6 p.m. Friday, November 23, 2012 and runs nightly until 10 p.m. through January 6, 2013
Where: Frisco Square, located at Main Streetand Coleman Boulevard, Frisco, TX 75034
What: Don’t miss the largest choreographed holiday lights and music display in Texas. Christmas in the Square was created by Frisco’s own Jeff Tykoski and it features over 100,000 lights, 9.1 miles of wiring and 5.5 miles of extension cords. Lights and music are switched on from 6-10 p.m. nightly through January 8, 2012.
10. Twas the Night Before Christmas
Twas the Night Before Christmas
Dates: November 24 - December 23, 2012
Contact www.casamanana.org
Casa Manana, 3101 West Lancaster Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76107. 817-332-2272.
