$5 admission at the Dallas Arboretum

The weather outside is, well, up and down — this is Texas, after all — but admission to the Dallas Arboretum is at a steadfast discount during the first months of 2020. If your New Year’s resolution involves getting more active or more centered, achieve both on a meditative stroll through the arboretum’s gardens. The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden will be closed through Feb. 22 for annual winterization, but the arboretum will offer ongoing family programming such as self-guided STEM walks through more than a dozen beautiful landscapes.

Through Feb. 22, daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas. $5 for general admission, free for ages younger than 2. $15 for parking, $10 if purchased online in advance. dallasarboretum.org.

At the Dallas Arboretum, you can stroll the gardens and view the Dallas skyline for the... — At the Dallas Arboretum, you can stroll the gardens and view the Dallas skyline for the price of $5 general admission through Feb. 22. (Shaban Athuman / Staff Photographer)

Penguin Days at the Dallas Zoo

If turning over a new leaf also means resolving to have more fun, start by watching silly birds with tuxedo-like feathers perform aquatic antics at the Dallas Zoo. Though the zoo’s deal is named in their honor, the Penguin Days promotion isn’t just about this flightless flock. Discounted admission — around half off regular price — grants access to the entire zoological complex, including indoor learning areas such as the herpetarium, where you will find reptiles and amphibians. They’re smart indoor stops on days when the Texas weather actually feels wintry.

Jan. 6-Feb. 29, daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 650 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas. $8 for general admission, free for children 2 and under; $10 for parking. dallaszoo.com.

Jack Wilson (from left), Esther Fripp and Gabe Masino attended a previous Yule Ball, in... — Jack Wilson (from left), Esther Fripp and Gabe Masino attended a previous Yule Ball, in December 2017.(Lawrence Jenkins / Special Contributor)

Harry Potter Yule Ball in Carrollton

Bewitching attire is encouraged for witches and wizards of all ages at this third annual after-hours party at a public library, which has expanded to a second location in 2020. The party at Josey Ranch Lake Library and the neighboring Carrollton Senior Center will feature trivia, dancing, a scavenger hunt, door prizes, being sorted into a Hogwarts house and a House Cup competition. Record magical memories in a photo booth and strut your stuff to compete in a costume contest.

Jan. 3 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Josey Ranch Lake Library, 1700 Keller Springs Road, and Carrollton Senior Center, 1720 Keller Springs Road, Carrollton. Free. For all ages. facebook.com/carrolltonpubliclibrary.

Friends Reghan Reeves and Cayman Jones of Krum get an up-close look at a dwarf reticulated... — Friends Reghan Reeves and Cayman Jones of Krum get an up-close look at a dwarf reticulated python at Repticon.(Tommy Noel / Staff photographer)

Repticon Dallas

Fidos and Fluffies aren’t for every family. If yours is more into owning a Spike or a Fang, this exhibition of cold-blooded cuties showcases snakes, geckos, turtles and amphibian friends for sale. Sit in on seminars with live animal ambassadors, vie for prizes in frequent raffles and meet experts who know which cages, food and supplies will help you care for an exotic pet. Just be prepared to hear, “Can he hibernate in my bed, Mom?”

Jan. 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4. p.m. at the Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 S. Main St., Grapevine. $12 for ages 13 and older, $5 for children 5-12, free for children 4 and under. VIP and two-day tickets available. repticon.com.

Dallas Motorcycle Show

Ready to get your motor running and head out on the highway? Then race to Progressive International Motorcycle Shows’ Dallas expo, where motorcycle enthusiasts can view new and vintage bikes, browse motorcycle gear, see custom bikes, hear speakers and watch a freestyle motocross show featuring wheelies, flips and other feats. There’ll also be an area where children 3 years to 75 pounds can ride motorized balance bikes on an obstacle course. Already own a motorcycle? There will be free parking for those who ride one to the show.

Jan. 3 from 3 to 7 p.m., Jan. 4 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Jan. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, 650 S. Griffin St., Dallas. $15, free for children 11 and younger. $22 for ticket and T-shirt package. Parking is $15 per day. motorcycleshows.com.

Second Thursdays With a Twist: ‘Starman’

Once a month, the Dallas Museum of Art transforms from fine art museum into pop culture phenomenon. This month, explore gender-bending glam rock and extraterrestrial experiences during a tribute to David Bowie. Get your face painted like Bowie alter egos Ziggy Stardust or Aladdin Sane, paint vinyl records, combine lyrics to create your own poetry, or watch screenings of cult classic film Labyrinth and cuts from the star’s best concert, music video and TV performances in a museum theater. There will also be a photo booth, a DJ and museum tours.

Jan. 9 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas. $5. dma.org.

Free First Saturdays

FREE Fine art museums may not have the reputation for being good places for families with young children, but this monthly series seeks to change hearts and minds on that topic — or at least offer a break for parents ever in search of exciting outings. Family-specific programming runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with free admission lasting through the day. Take in an art-making session led by guest artists, sketch in the galleries, pose in a photo booth and indulge in a snack or coffee from the Buon Giorno Coffee Trike.

Jan. 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora St., Dallas. Free. nashersculpturecenter.org.

The Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival

FREE More than 300 cast members in elaborate Renaissance regalia will march to the sounds of handbells, organ and orchestra in this 44th annual retelling of Jesus’ birth. In observance of Epiphany, the Christian festival commemorating the arrival of the Magi, the ceremonial Boar’s Head tradition celebrates the triumph of good over evil. This “fast-moving production” includes period pageantry that culminates in a live Nativity. Performances are free, but tickets for limited reserved seating are on sale.

Jan. 4-5 at 4 and 6 p.m. at University Christian Church, 2720 S. University Drive, Fort Worth. Free; reserved seats available for $15. universitychristian.org.

Drunk Yoga at Virgin Hotel

Drunk Yoga is coming to Dallas. The classes will be Jan. 3-5 at Virgin Hotels Dallas, the funky new development in the Dallas Design District. The class is part workout, part party, and it’s suitable for beginners. The 90-minute class starts with a 15-minute happy hour before a 45-minute vinyasa yoga class and a 30-minute “wine down.” Students’ cups of wine will be incorporated into the movements and poses during class. Drunk Yoga founder and CEO Eli Walker will lead the classes at the fourth-floor pool club. The pool won’t open until spring, so the class doubles as a sneak peek.

Jan. 3 at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 4 at noon and 7 p.m., Jan. 5 at 1 p.m. at Virgin Hotels Dallas, 1445 Turtle Creek Blvd., Dallas. $45. eventbrite.com (search “Drunk Yoga”).

Liz Garcia takes a selfie with Gisselle Chuca, 10, and Jesus Chuca, 13, during Dallas Zoo... — Liz Garcia takes a selfie with Gisselle Chuca, 10, and Jesus Chuca, 13, during Dallas Zoo Lights.(Juan Figueroa / Staff photographer)

Dallas Zoo Lights by Reliant

More than 1 million lights illuminate the ZooNorth section. Kids of all ages can enjoy animal-shaped lanterns, light sculptures, holiday performances, crafts and animal encounters. New attractions this year include a forest of lighted holiday trees with a show set to music and a disco-themed strobe light display in the Wilds of Africa tunnel. The lights are on from 5 to 9 p.m. You can also visit the zoo during the day and stay without paying extra for the nighttime fun.

Through Jan. 5, nightly from 5 to 9, at the Dallas Zoo, 650 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas. $17 for adults, $14 for ages 3-11 and 65 and up, free for kids 2 and under. Parking is $10 per car. dallaszoo.com.

Gift of Lights

Texas Motor Speedway turns into a winter wonderland for this annual drive-through attraction, which stretches 2 miles and features nearly 3 million LED lights. There’s also a Santa’s Village with train rides and ice skating, both for small fees. This annual holiday event benefits local charities including the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth, KLTY-FM (94.9)’s Christmas Wish and Speedway Children’s Charities.

Through Jan. 5, nightly from 6 to 10, at 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth. $30 per car or truck, $50-$60 for larger vehicles. $2 off for first responders and military with ID or per car donating five canned goods. giftoflightstexas.com.

For Gaylord Texan's "Ice!" exhibit, about 2 million pounds of ice has been hand-carved into... — For Gaylord Texan's "Ice!" exhibit, about 2 million pounds of ice has been hand-carved into sculptures of Charlie Brown and his friends, festive holiday scenes and two-story ice slides. (Lawrence Jenkins / Special Contributor)

‘Ice!’ at the Gaylord Texan

This year, “Ice!,” the freezing but popular indoor exhibit of ice sculptures, features the only theme to ever be repeated because of popular demand: “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” About 2 million pounds of ice has been hand-carved into sculptures of Charlie Brown and his friends, festive holiday scenes and several two-story ice slides.

“Ice!” continues through Jan. 5 in Longhorn Exhibit Hall B at the Gaylord Texan, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine. Tickets are timed, and prices, which vary by date, start at $23.99 for ages 12-54, $14.99 for children 4-11, free for children 3 and under. Parking is $15 per car. christmasatgaylordtexan.com.

Rodney Allison and his granddaughter ride down a hill made of fake snow during Six Flags... — Rodney Allison and his granddaughter ride down a hill made of fake snow during Six Flags Over Texas' Holiday in the Park.(Ben Torres / Special Contributor)

Holiday in the Park

The holiday spirit comes to Six Flags Over Texas as the park is filled with millions of twinkling lights wrapped around trees and along rooftops. One highlight is Lone Star Lights, “an animated holiday lights presentation filled with music and dazzling visual displays.” Guests can also sled down a snow hill, warm up by fire pits and shop at holiday markets. The park offers seasonal performances, festive funnel cakes and, of course, lots of rides.

Through Jan. 5 at Six Flags Over Texas, 2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington. At the gate, tickets are $84.99, $69.99 for kids under 48 inches, free for kids 2 and younger. $39.99 tickets available on the website. Parking is $30. sixflags.com/overtexas.

‘The Trains at NorthPark’

Update your holiday travel plans. From New England foliage to New York skyscrapers to the Grand Canyon, you can hit hot spots across America without leaving Dallas. Billed as the largest miniature train exhibit in Texas, this 32nd annual display features 1,600 feet of tracks and more than 700 railcars that chug along through elaborate scenes. In a new, extended space, “The Trains at NorthPark” is expected to draw more than 70,000 visitors. Since 1987, it has raised more than $13 million for the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.

Through Jan. 5 on Level 2 between Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom at NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expressway, Dallas. $7, $4 for children 2-12 and seniors 65 and up, free for children younger than 2. thetrainsatnorthpark.com.

Panther Island Ice

Located at the Coyote Drive-In in Fort Worth, Panther Island Ice offers skating seven days a week through Jan. 20. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase from the Coyote Canteen. In addition to a military discount, the rink offers half-price admission on Tuesdays and a $2 discount on Wednesdays with the donation of two canned goods to the Tarrant Area Food Bank.

Daily through Jan. 20, times vary, at Panther Island Ice, 223 NE Fourth St., Fort Worth. $13, includes skate rental. pantherislandice.com.

‘Holiday in the National Parks: Christmas at the White House 2007′

As an annual Christmas tradition, the president and first lady have chosen a theme for the White House holiday celebrations every year since 1961. In 2007, George W. and Laura Bush honored our nation’s landscapes and historical sites. This year, the George W. Bush Presidential Center revisits that decor, which features models of the Alamo, Mount Rushmore, the Frederick Douglass house, Spanish missions and more, as well as behind-the-scenes photos of the first lady’s 31 visits and 45 events in support of our national parks. Another treat is the replica of the official White House Blue Room Christmas tree, which is adorned with 347 gold ball ornaments, each hand-painted by a National Parks artisan to reflect park treasures.

Through Jan. 5 at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, 2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas. Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for ages 13-17, $13 for seniors 62 and older, $10 for children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. bushcenter.org.

The Modern Lights

FREE The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and its tree-dotted grounds are illuminated for the season. Most days, the museum closes before dark, but it’s open Tuesdays until 7 p.m. and Fridays until 8 p.m. Gallery admission is free on Fridays and on Tuesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. Cafe Modern, which has dining room views of the display, is open on Tuesdays through Jan. 21 until 7 p.m. for “Lights, Flights and Bites” and on Fridays from 5 to 8:30 p.m. for “Dinner With Lights.” For reservations, call 817-840-2157.

Through Feb. 16, nightly from 5 to midnight at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth. Free gardens admission; prices vary for gallery admission and dinners. themodern.org.

17 fun things to do the week of Jan. 3-9 in Dallas-Fort Worth

Check out these picks for the best of the weekend and beyond