DFW Family Holiday Fun

Holiday Shopping at Frisco Mercantile

WHAT: From vintage finds, hard-to-find vinyl records, apparel, home decor and so much more, discover a wide variety of unique shops and boutiques full of goodies for anyone on your list at Frisco Mercantile. There are over 200 vendors to choose from!

NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 3

Modern Wreath Making Workshop at Legacy Hall

WHAT: Get into the holiday spirit as the Creative Arts Guild of Wylie instructors leads you in creating a modern wreath design of live greenery on a slim brass hoop. The metal and natural elements combine to create a modern fresh look for a classic holiday favorite.

NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 4

The Northpark Salvation Army Angel Tree

WHAT: Make the holiday season a memorable one for those in need by giving presents, clothing, and necessities through the Salvation Army Angel Tree. Choose an Angel by December 4 and drop off your unwrapped gifts at The Salvation Army mobile truck, parked in the northeast parking lot at NorthPark, on December 4 and 5 and The Salvation Army will deliver in time for Christmas.

DECEMBER 12

MillHouse Open Air Maker Market

WHAT: MillHouse and the McKinney Cotton Mill are hosting an open-air Maker Market bursting with unique products — art, jewelry, pottery, candles, soaps, and more. Meet the makers and shop for quality handmade items for home, office, or gifts. Food and drink trucks will be onsite.

NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 18

Chanukah Menorah Lighting – Galleria Dallas

WHAT: The nation’s tallest indoor Christmas tree illuminates in grand fashion for a special light show choreographed to magical sounds of the season.

DECEMBER 5 – 20

Christmas Tea at the Alexander Mansion

WHAT:  Capture the joy of the holidays with an afternoon tea at The Dallas Woman’s Forum. Enjoy the historic C.H. Alexander Mansion as it is transformed into a tearoom with elegant decorations, sweets and treats, tea, and sparkling champagne. This event has become an annual tradition for many families!

NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 20

Home for the Holidays – Southlake Town Square

WHAT: Southlake is the perfect place for your holiday days and nights! With a list of fun things happening throughout the holiday season, there is no better place to see lights, experience a visit with Santa Claus, send letters with your wish list to the North Pole, ride in a horse-drawn carriage, taste the warmest and most delicious holiday fare and fill up your car with all the items on your shopping list!

NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 21

Christmas at the Star – Frisco

WHAT: Presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb and hosted by the Dallas Cowboys, this event will give fans an opportunity to enjoy free, family-friendly events throughout the holiday season including the Cowboys holiday show every Friday and Saturday night at 6 p.m. and the opportunity to take a photo with Santa Claus. The event starts with the lighting of The Star’s 67-foot Christmas tree, lit with digital LED lights, located on Tostitos Championship Plaza, and leads into a holiday performance showcasing the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blue Dancers and Rookie Squad, Dallas Cowboys Drumline, mascot Rowdy, Santa, and special Dallas Cowboys guest appearances.

NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 23

North Pole Express®

WHAT: Experience the magic of Christmas onboard Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s North Pole Express®, presented by Great Wolf Lodge and T-Mobile.

NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 24

A McKinney Christmas: Holiday Pop-up

WHAT: Celebrate Christmas all season long in beautiful Downtown McKinney. Make magical memories with your family this holiday season!

The Grinch’s Grotto 

WHAT: Visit the Grinch in his special cave for a one-of-a-kind photo and surprises. Complete with a burlap sack full of presents, a Grinch stylized holiday tree, and a backlit fireplace with hanging stockings just as depicted in the book, this true-to-form experience will place guests inside the classic tale in one of the most authentic ways possible. Guests will also be given the opportunity to pick a sign with their choice of a favorite 2020 slogan to be placed in their photo with the Grinch. Sample slogans include, “You’re a mean one, 2020” “2020: “Stink, Stank, Stunk,” “2020 – How The Grinch Stole, Well, The Whole Year” and some positive ones including “The Grinch still can’t steal Christmas!”

Illumination Celebration – Galleria Dallas

WHAT: The nation’s tallest indoor Christmas tree illuminates in grand fashion for a special light show choreographed to magical sounds of the season.

DECEMBER 25

Virtual Parade Broadcast

WHAT: The LIVE 2020 TOYOTA Dallas Holiday Parade has been reimagined into a virtual holiday parade. Due to the generous support of TOYOTA, AT&T and The Adolphus Hotel, we will be broadcast locally on the CW33.

NOW THROUGH  DECEMBER 31

Dashboard Drive-In Cinema

WHAT: A new drive-in movie experience of classic Christmas movies shown every day through Dec. 31. A local food truck will also operate on the premises, providing additional tasty items for your drive-in experience, and restrooms will be available. Ushers will direct you to your parking location on a first-come, first-served basis. They will do their best to assure larger vehicles do not obstruct the view for other guests. You will have the option to park your vehicle facing front or back. It is recommended that you arrive 30 minutes to 1 hour before showtime.

Twelve Days of Christmas – Dallas Arboretum

WHAT: The 12 Days of Christmas is part of the Holiday at the Arboretum and features elaborately decorated Victorian-style gazebos on display every day during the holiday festivities throughout the garden. Includes access to their expanded Christmas Village!

Great Gatsby Themed New Year’s Eve at the AC Hotel Fort Worth

WHAT: Life is too short for a boring party! Your New Year’s Eve plans just got better with a Great Gatsby themed party at the AC Hotel Fort Worth! Join the new AC Hotel Fort Worth for an unforgettable themed celebration. All packages include an overnight room, 2 p.m. late checkout, and two tickets to the party which includes an open wine & beer bar, live music from the Latin Express Band, and a champagne toast at midnight! NOTE: Guests are required to wear masks when not eating or drinking. Social distancing will be encouraged, and room capacity limitations observed.

The North Pole Express & Snow Day – Galleria Dallas

WHAT: Santa is making a special stop in his sleigh at Galleria Dallas to meet with you. Two experience options will be offered this year  – visit with Santa in-person or virtually from home. After you’ve seen Santa, go enjoy Snow Day – an immersive holiday photo experience for all ages.

NOW THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2021

Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge

WHAT:  Snowland welcomes your family to the winter holidays. Enjoy visits with Santa, create your very own snowflake, enjoy the Snowland Snowball family dance party, a flurry of fun at the Snowfall Celebration,  and Grab ‘N Go arts & crafts. You can also stretch your body and listen to a story about the Great Wolf Kids during the Twas the Night Before Snowland Yoga Tails.

NOW THROUGH JANUARY 3, 2021

Luminova

WHAT: The whole family will be dazzled by millions of lights that create Luminova’s holiday landscapes, a 65-foot tree, and twinkling snowmen who never melt. The very best fun of the season is all in one place, with 270,000 square feet of immersive indoor and outdoor entertainment to get everyone in the holiday spirit: lace up your skates and glide on their outdoor ice pond – it’s the largest outdoor rink in Texas, enjoy some delightful treats from local businesses, join Santa in his magical light globe for a safely-distanced photo, and choo-choo around the stadium on their trackless train.