Hidden Holiday Gems Of DFW
We all know what the Dallas Fort Worth community has to offer each holiday season, but what about those hidden gems that you might not know about because they aren't highly advertised. This guide will show you where to celebrate the holidays that aren't always mentioned in other local guides.
Ice Sculptures at Gaylord Texan
1501 Gaylord Trail
Grapevine, Texas 76051
Individual Reservations: 866-782-7897
Phone: 817-778-1000
November 11, 2011 - January 1, 2012
Admission starting at $21.95 adults, children 4-12 $11.95, discounts for groups and seniors.
Officially called ICE! and Lone Star Christmas at Gaylord features a 14,000 square foot ice exhibit including a Shrek theme for 2011, 1.5 million holiday lights, a 52 foot rotating Christmas tree, a life-size gingerbread house, 12,000 ornaments, and Santa Claus himself! ICE! is kept at a frigid 9 degrees Fahrenheit so dress appropriately for a holiday memory you won't soon forget! See the website for times and a full schedule of events.
Lantern Light at Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano
1900 West 15th Street
Plano, TX 75075
972.881.0140
December 3, 2011.
Admission $8 adults and $5 children and seniors
An annual holiday experience that includes readings, a tour of the Farrell Wilson House, magical stories, children's choir, games and crafts for kids, tasty treats, silent movies circa 1900 displays, wagon rides, a visit from Father Christmas and more!
Candlelight at Dallas Heritage Village
1515 South Harwood Street
Dallas, Texas 75215
214.413.3679
December 10 -11, 2011
Admission $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 children; costs more at the gate
2011 is the 40th anniversary of this traditional holiday celebration! Carriage rides, story telling, blacksmithing, holiday treats, carolers, historic buildings decorated in 1840-1910 period decorations, games, and a picture with St. Nicholas himself! Discounted admission starting November 1 through December 8 check out website for details.
Mrs. Baird's Visit with Santa:
7301 South Freeway
Fort Worth, TX 76134
(817) 615-3000
Dates: December 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, and 18 at various times.
Admission FREE
Annual event first began in 1939 and is a North Texas tradition! This FREE event includes visits and pictures with Santa, crafts for kids, treats such as cinnamon toast and hot chocolate, and more all in a Candyland theme for 2011. This year Mrs. Baird's will be collecting toys for Toys for Tots during the event.
Nativity Display in Carrollton
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
4000 Nazarene Dr
Carrollton, TX 75010-6491
December 1st through December 3rd
Admission FREE
Visit this Christmas traditional event which hosts over 100 nativity displays from members of the community, professional singers, choirs, and individual vocalists from across the DFW metroplex, and more at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 4000 Nazarene Drive in Carrollton. Check out the website for times and full schedule of events.
City of Richardson Santa's Village
Richardson City Hall
411 West Arapaho Road
Richardson, TX 75080-4551
(972) 744-4100
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Open's December 3rd
Admission: Free
This annual event is targeted to people of all ages and especially includes fun things for children to do! From pictures with Santa to balloon sculpturing elves to a marionette show, there's something for everyone – including over a dozen "North Pole" dwellings! Food is available for a minimal cost. See the website for times and a full schedule of events.
Allie Van Wagoner is a native Texan who grew up in the Dallas area, got married three states away, had 3 boys, and then moved back to her hometown in North Texas to raise her family. She loves the outdoors, spending time with her family, creating recipes (read eat) and volunteering in her community. She owns and writes at screweduptexan.com and publishes her photography at alliefrancesphotography.com.
