Hello, Dallas Christmas Enthusiasts! I have sorted through hundreds of listings of holidays shindigs, Santa sightings, and twinkle lights displays to bring you the TOP 13 things you have to do to make the most of Christmastime in Dallas! We have already lost precious time because our Dallas weather will not cooperate and stay cold! It's difficult for me to spread Christmas cheer while I'm wearing shorts instead of bundled up in a coat and scarf! All of these are great events to attend with a group of friends or with a significant other! I picked the best of the best just for you to enjoy, my friends! Maybe I'll see you at a few of these!
1. The Dallas Symphony presents Home Alone - The symphony performs live during the viewing of the Christmas classic, Home Alone! (my favorite Christmas movie!) Showings on Dec 21, 22. Cheapest tickets: $24. If this was also your favorite movie growing up, it's a must see! I can't think of any two things more Christmas-y than Home Alone and the Dallas Symphony! Don't get mad if I make it a "quote-a-long" too!
2. Carriage Rides in Highland Park - Enjoy looking at Christmas lights while sipping hot chocolate in a horse drawn carriage! I went on a carriage ride last year and it was so much fun! If you have a large group, look into the wagon option that seats 18-20 people! Prices vary, but certain days/times are already booked, so reserve your spot now!
3. Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie - Drive through a magical lights display, complete with rides, food, and of course, Santa! Buy the "fast pass" online to avoid the general admission car line! $35 per car.
4. FREEBIE! Vitruvian Park Lights - Take a stroll through the lit up trees in this Addison park (for free!!). This is the perfect place to walk with someone special or get in some Christmas-themed cardio ;)
5. It's a Wonderful Life at the Majestic - This black and white favorite is showing on Dec 21st at 8pm at the Majestic. $11.50 tickets. This is my dad's favorite Christmas movie, so of course it made the list. I love seeing old movies in the theater!
6. Texas Ballet Theater presents The Nutcracker - It's not Christmas unless you see the Nutcracker, right? Enjoy the Texas Ballet's performance of my favorite Christmas ballet at the Bass Performance Hall in Ft. Worth!
7. Dallas Arborteum - stroll through the Arboretum's gardens with its 12 days of Christmas exhibits on display, complete with carolers, live reindeer, and a holiday market! $15 adults.
8. Christmas in Grapevine - nicknamed the "Christmas Capital of Texas" for good reason, the streets of historic downtown Grapevine are covered with lights, parades, and performances. Visit Christmas on Main and Gaylord's ICE exhibit while you're in town!
9. Enchant at Globe Life Park - The largest Christmas maze and market in Globe Life Park in Arlington. $21.19 per adult.
10. Ice Skating at the Galleria - Enjoy ice skating and the largest indoor Christmas tree at the Dallas Galleria. Tree lighting ceremonies happening on Dec 2, 9, and 16th.
11. Home Alone at the Angelika - I told you Home Alone is my favorite! ;) Watching Christmas classics on the big screen is always a fun experience. See my favorite Christmas movie at the Angelika on Saturday, Dec 9th! $8.50/ticket.
12. FREEBIE! Christmas Lights and hot chocolate with friends is always a fun time- pack your car with a few of your favorite people, grab some hot chocolate at the festive Highland Park Village Starbucks to put you in the Christmas spirit and drive around Highland Park to look at some of the prettiest lights displays (and houses!) in Dallas.
13. What about NYE?? Of course, you have to finish the year strong and ring in 2018 with the best people in Dallas at BEATS & BUBBLY! I hope you can join me on the dance floor to welcome the new year! beatsandbubbly.com for more information. This event sells out every year, so get your tickets quick!
There is plenty of time to check a few of these off of your list with friends or family, so enjoy some Christmas experiences this year instead of just gifts!