Sparkling lights, a nip in the air, and lots and lots of shopping--December is here and there's plenty to do in and around Dallas.
Nov 14, 2008-Jan 3, 2009. Sun-Thu, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. ICE!2008 is two million pounds of ice carved into magical holiday scenes and sculptures by forty visiting artisans from China. Mon-Thu, admission costs $20 for adults, $10 for children 4-12, and $18 for seniors 55 and older. Fri-Sat, admission costs $23 for adults, $12 for children 4-12, and $20 for seniors 55 and up. Children three and under are free every day. Self-parking is included in the price of the ticket. The Gaylord Texan Resort is located at 1501 Gaylord Trail in Grapevine.
Nov 22, 2008-Jan 4, 2009. Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun noon-6 p.m. Over 2500 feet of train track wind through miniature landmarks, such as Reunion Tower, the Statue of Liberty, and Mount Rushmore. More than forty locomotives pull train cars around the track to the delight of kids and adults. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids 3-12 and seniors 65 and over, and free for kids two and under. Proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.
Nov 27-Dec 31. Sun-Thu 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Fri-Sat and holidays 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Over three million lights decorate more than two miles of path at Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie. Halfway through the drive, Holiday Village has Santa, carnival rides (rides are included with the cost of admission), snacks, and souvenirs. Cars with up to eight people in them cost $15 Mon-Thu, $20 Fri-Sun and holidays. Limos and buses cost more. Lynn Creek Park is at 5700 Lake Ridge Parkway in Grand Prairie. To get there, take I-30 or I-20 to 360 and go south. Make a left of Camp Wisdom Road and a right on Lake Ridge Parkway.
Nov 28, 2008-Jan 4,2009. Six Flags Over Texas turns into a winter wonderland each year. Sled down a hill made of snow, watch holiday-themed shows, and participate in crafts and sing-alongs. Don't miss the parade thirty minutes before closing. Buy tickets online for $24.99.
Dec 19, 6 p.m.-10 p.m. On the longest night of the year, everyone -- regardless of faith -- is welcome to join in the festivities. A donation of $5 is requested, but no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Contact info@EarthRhythms.org to get a low-income voucher. Vouchers must be obtained in advance. Bring canned meat, fish, or Saltines crackers for the food pantry. To participate in the light service, bring a flashlight. The Winter SolstiCelebration is being held at the Cathedral of Hope at 5910 Cedar Springs Road in Dallas. To get there, take I-35E to the Inwood exit and go east on Inwood to Cedar Springs. Take a left on Cedar Springs and the Cathedral of Hope will be on your right.
Kwanzaa at the South Dallas Cultural Center
Dec 31, 7 p.m. Enjoy the annual Kuumba celebration at the South Dallas Cultural Center. The event is free and everyone is welcome. The SDCC is at 3400 S. Fitzhugh Avenue.
