17th Annual Loop-the-Lake Event
The mission at the Dallas Loop-the-Lake Foundation is to help local kids get moving! Even though there’s not an in-person run at White Rock Lake this year, they are sticking to tradition and doing the event in a safe way. It’s a three day virtual challenge Dec 31 - Jan 2.So, we wish to stick to tradition and have fun, but in a safe way. You can still run at the White Rock Lake or run from anywhere you want!
Where: Virtual
When: December 31 - January 2
Cost: $45
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/821584025054512
Billy Bob’s Concerts
It’s a big weekend of concerts at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth. On New Year’s Eve, Granger Smith hits the stage. And on Friday night and Saturday night, there are two chances to catch the Randy Rogers Band. Billy Bob’s reminds you to arrive early, as COVID-19 protocols mean it will take longer than normal to get into the venue.
Where: 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort
WorthWhen: Thursday 10 p.m., Friday 10 p.m., Saturday 10 p.m.
Cost: $20 - $65
More info: https://billybobstexas.com/events
Christmas in the Square - Frisco
Frisco Square Property Owners Association, and in partnership with the City of Frisco presents the largest choreographed holiday lights and music show in North Texas. Christmas in the Square returns for its 16th year, full of established favorites and new surprises. Christmas in the Square draws over 750,000 visitors annually. Families, friends and holiday guests from all over come and enjoy the spectacular show. The Holiday lights and music will run daily 6-10 PM. This show is free to the public. You can also skate, visit with Santa, or take a horse carriage ride.
Where: Frisco Square, 8843 Coleman Blvd, Frisco
When: Nightly through Jan 4, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Cost: Free, with Ice Skating, Visits with Santa, and Horse Carriage rides available for purchase
More info: https://www.friscosquare.com/cits-overview
Dallas Zoo Lights Drive-Thru
They’ve reimagined Dallas Zoo Lights as a drive thru experience this year. You and your family can drive through a holiday safari of lights, across a newly-constructed pathway, and also through familiar parts of Dallas Zoo. You’ll see more than a million lights, elaborate displays, silk-covered animal lanterns, and a penguin ice palace! Tickets must be purchased online.
Where: Dallas Zoo, 650 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas
When: Now - January 3 from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $50-$65
More info: https://www.dallaszoo.com/zoolights/
Deerfield Christmas Lights in Plano
Have you ever checked out the Deerfield neighborhood Christmas lights? They get REALLY into Christmas at Deerfield, and cars line up to take the slow, relaxing ride, as patrons soak in the sights of the season. You can book a carriage ride through the neighborhood if you’d like. And usually there will be several families out selling Christmas treats that you can purchase as you drive by. If you plan to visit the neighborhood during times of high traffic, use the entrances from Quincy, Preston Meadow, or Ohio. There is no reason to wait in lines on Legacy drive which tend to push people into one place.
Where: Sundance Drive, Plano
When: Now - January 1
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/675152326500900/
Epic New Year - Cruise Around the World
North Texas’ largest indoor waterpark is setting sail to welcome in the New Year! As 2020 comes to an end (finally!). Guests can ring in the New Year throughout the day along with several countries around the globe. In honor of their mascot, Waddles, Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark created their own take on a “ball drop”, where the park will lower a giant rubber duck several times throughout the day. Families can enjoy various activities and contests throughout the day and night as well, including park-wide karaoke, virtual bingo, trivia and much more!
Where: 2970 Epic Place, Grand Prairie
When: Thursday, Dec 31 1p.m. - Jan 1 1 a.m.
Cost: $17-$34 and up
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/438495354221861
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) and Fort Worth Botanic Garden invites visitors to see their newest exhibit “Topiaries in the Garden,” running through June 30, 2021. Featuring 12 plant-based animal shapes, such as elephants, giraffes, and butterflies, the displays are sure to stimulate a sense of wonderment and fascination.
Where: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth
When: Now through June 30, 2021
Cost: $6 - $12
More info: https://www.fwbg.org/events
Gift of Lights - at Texas Motor Speedway
The Gift of Lights is back at Texas Motor Speedway. You can enjoy the magical sights of the season from the comfort of your own warm car. And since tickets are sold by the carload, why not bring the whole family? For cars and trucks, the cost is $30. You’ll drive under the huge grandstands at TMS, and through a beautiful land celebrating the season.
Where: 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort
WorthWhen: Now - January 3
Cost: $30 - $60
More info: http://giftoflightstexas.com/
Gingerbread Village at The Shops at Legacy
Experience holiday fun with a drive through at the Gingerbread Village on the north side of The Shops at Legacy, where everyone can view life-sized gingerbread and sugar cookie characters, trees, candy canes, and snowflakes on colorful facades. Guests can enjoy from their vehicles or stroll around to pose for photo opportunities. Find the village in the center of Lone Star Drive surrounding Apricot Lane and ella bleu. Start your tour by the Toy Factory, and make your way toward Winterland. Then take your picture by Heart Mountain as you move north to Gingy’s Sweets. That’s the perfect spot for a selfie at the “Life is Sweet,” station. Finally, if you’ve been nice this year, don’t forget to send Santa a letter from the mailbox with a direct line to the North Pole.
Where: 5741 Legacy Dr, Plano
When: Daily through January 11, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/414846936560786
Holiday at the Arboretum
Holiday at the Arboretum is one of Dallas’ favorite holiday traditions. You can stroll the garden to see the 25-foot-tall beautifully decorated Victorian-style gazebos that represent each of the 12 Days of Christmas. Also stop by the Christmas Village. Hours are extended into the evenings, the garden becomes aglow with over one million lights. Enjoy visits with Santa Claus, entertainment, shopping, food & beverage options and more.
Where: 8525 Garland Rd., Dallas
When: Daily thru December 31
Cost: $17 for adults, $14 for seniors 65 and older, $12 for children 2-12, and free for Arboretum members and children under two. (Tickets are a bit more expensive for nighttime entry).
More info: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/
“I Love Christmas Movies” Pop-Up at the Gaylord Texan
The Gaylord Texan is always a magical place during the holidays. The hotel is putting on a brand new event. This 17,000 sq. ft. multi-sensory pop-up exhibition allows guests to go inside beloved holiday movies like The Polar Express, A Christmas Story, Elf, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Patrons will navigate the exhibits with replica film props, audio clips, and more.
Where: The Gaylord Texan, 1509 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine
When: Now - January 3
Cost: $20.99 to $31.99
More info: https://tickets.gaylordtexan.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=88
Luminova at Globe Life Field
It’s the world premiere of Luminova, where millions of dazzling lights will coat Globe Life Field, the new home of the Texas Rangers, for the next few months. There’s a 10,000 sq. ft. outdoor ice-skating pond, light fixtures that make for great family photo moments, yummy treats, and hot cocoa. Limited tickets are available for each night. There’s something for everyone, including a special light journey through illuminated tunnels, the Luminova Train, performers, kid-friendly displays, and Santa, of course!
Where: Globe Life Field, 734 Stadium Dr, Arlington
When: Now through January 3, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. each night
Cost: $19.99 - $24.99 / Family of 5 (2 adults/3 kids) $79.99
More info: https://www.mlb.com/rangers/tickets/events/luminova
Panther Island Ice
Panther Island Ice returns to Fort Worth this holiday season at the Coyote Drive-In. Fort Worth’s outdoor skating rink offers public skating seven days a week, through January 18, 2021. The rink is real ice, and is located mostly under a large pavilion. Patrons can take advantage of free parking, and the drive-in’s other amenities, like covered seating, gas heaters, and a full menu, including beer and wine. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time, online.
Where: 223 NE 4th St, Fort Worth
When: Daily through January 18
Cost: $13/person ($10 for military, their families, and Tarleton students)
More info: https://pantherislandice.com/
Radiance! Frisco (or Weatherford, or Decatur)
Radiance brings three drive-through light shows to North Texas this Holiday season. Sip on a cup of hot chocolate as you gawk at two million lights, animated to the tunes of holiday classics. This event is made for the pandemic, because you never leave your car. Drive thru the location at Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, the Reunion Grounds in Decatur, or the Parker County Fairgrounds in Weatherford.
Where: Dr. Pepper Ballpark, 7300 Roughriders Trail, Frisco
When: Now - January 3
Cost: $30 - $50 / vehicle (may vary by location)
More info: https://www.radiancechristmas.com/
Reunion Tower Over The Top NYE
For the fifth year in a row, Reunion Tower hosts the only 360-degree panoramic fireworks spectacular in our time zone. It’s a Texas-sized New Year’s Eve event benefiting Children’s Health. The fireworks start at 11:59 p.m. CDT on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020. You can also catch the full display online!
Where: 300 Reunion Blvd, Dallas
When: Thursday, December 31 at 11:59 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: https://reuniontower.com/events/reunion-tower-over-the-top-nye-2020/
Snowday at Galleria Dallas
SNOWDAY is an interactive experience for all ages that takes guests on a one-way tour through 11+ holiday-themed rooms over the course of about an hour. SNOWDAY features a dozen unique photo opportunities for guests to have fun, strike a pose, and snap a picture - including 6 extra-special photo moments with integrated cameras and lighting. Professionally processed and sent directly to your phone, your one-of-a-kind pics from SNOWDAY are instantaneously ready to be perfectly posted, shared, and enjoyed with friends and family.
Where: Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas; Level 1, Near Sephora
When: Now through January 3
Cost: $22 ages 13+; $8 ages 4-12; Free for 3 and under
More info: https://www.snowdaydallas.com/
Snow Tubing at the Gaylord Texan
Snow Tubing features an eight-lane tubing hill that’s fun for all ages and covered in REAL SNOW! Zoom down the lanes, race to the bottom, and enjoy unlimited runs on your ticket date. Double riding tubes are available for parents with small children.
Where: The Gaylord Texan, 1509 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine
When: Now - January 3
Cost: $21.99
More info: https://tickets.gaylordtexan.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=60
Sunset Strip - at T’s in Lewisville
The Streets of Los Angeles California has "turned loose" the Boys that ruled the Sunset Strip in the 80's. Four Musicians have come together to bring you the best from the days of Spandex, Big Hair and heavy guitar licks heard around the world! Catch Sunset Strip on NYE at T’s in Lewisville starting at 8:30.
Where: T’s in Lewisville; 1305 S State Hwy 121 #430
When: December 31, 8:30 p.m.
Cost:
More info: https://www.tsbarandgrill.com/
Sweet Tooth Hotel: Intangible
Intangible showcases some of the top fiber artists from around the United States, including several artists with local ties. Each artist has been given a dedicated space to create their own whimsical fairytale world completely made from fiber. They also have new outdoor cafe seating featuring cereal-themed frozen drinks and cocktails with contactless ordering.
Where: 2316 Victory Park Lane, Dallas
When: Through March 31
Cost: $20 adults, $15 kids
More info: https://sweettoothhotel.com/
Texas LIVE! Emerald City Band
Ring in the new year with one of DFW’s most legendary party bands: Emerald City! Emerald City Band, multiple DJs, a champagne toast, confetti cannons, party favors, giant NYE Ball Drop and much more.
Where: Texas LIVE!, 1650 East Randol Mill Rd., Arlington
When: December 31, 9 p.m.
Cost: Starts at $125
More info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1231-at-texas-live-tickets-130826179625?aff=website
The Trains at NorthPark
The Trains at NorthPark is back for its 33rd season. They call it the most elaborate miniature toy trains exhibit in Texas. Travel across America as the trains navigate 1,300 feet of track, chugging past features like the White House, Time Square, Grand Central Station, the Grand Canyon, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more. Most importantly, the exhibit benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.
Where: NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expy, Dallas
When: Now - January 3
Cost: $10 adults, $5 for ages 2-12
More info: http://www.thetrainsatnorthpark.com/
Vitruvian Lights - at Addison
Vitruvian Park transforms into a magical holiday wonderland during Vitruvian Lights. Parking available onsite at Vitruvian Park; Bella Lane Parking Lot, Park Road Parking Lot, and Ponte Avenue Parking Lot. This year, Vitruvian Park made the decision not to host special events in conjunction with Vitruvian Lights because of the pandemic. But Vitruvian is still encouraging visitors to walk through the park, or drive through and enjoy the beauty.
Where: Vitruvian Park, 3875 Ponte Ave, Addison, TX
When: Daily through January 3, from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: https://visitaddison.com/tourism/vitruvian-park-events