by Mina Frannea

Popular holiday events and light displays in the Dallas – Forth Worth Metroplex 2012

Holiday Events in Arlington

Holiday in the Park – Six Flags Over Texas
Six Flags is transformed into a winter wonderland with sparkling lights, decorations, festive scents and seasonal treats, playful activities, rides, and holiday shows. Check website for hours and admission. Through January 6th.
Website:  http://content.sixflags.com/holiday_sfot

Interlochen Lights
More 200 homeowners decorate their homes with lights and holiday-themed displays. Starting drive-through entrance point is at the intersection of Randol Mill Rd and Westwood Dr in Arlington, Texas. Hours for the drive-through are 7PM-10PM from December 16th-December 22nd. On December 23rd, 24th and 25th you may drive-through from 7PM-11PM. Allow several hours for your visit.  More information here: http://www.experiencearlington.org/includes/events/index.cfm?action=displayDetail&eventid=16830

Holiday Events in Cleburne

Whistle Stop Christmas!
Come experience the sights and sounds of our Christmas wonderland with over 3 ½ million lights decorating Hulen Park in Cleburne, Texas through December 31st.
Website: http://www.whistlestopchristmas.org

Holiday Events in Dallas

Holiday at the Arboretum: It’s A Fairy Tale World
The magic of the holiday season arrives at the Dallas Arboretum through December 31st. Enjoy visits and photo ops with Santa, Rudolph, Frosty and a live reindeer. Daily attractions include the Chihuly Collection, the Harrington Collection of Nativity Scenes and more. For more info, visit: http://www.dallasarboretum.org/HolidayAtTheArboretum/index.htm

Holiday Events in Farmers Branch

Christmas Tour of Lights
Featuring 300,000 twinkling lights, the driving tour will be available each night between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. through December 31st.  The Historical Park segment of the driving tour will not be open on Tuesday, December 25 only. The driving tour starts at I-35E at Valley View and follows the Candy Cane signs down William Dodson Parkway and around to the Farmers Branch City Hall. Website: http://www.farmersbranch.info

Holiday Events in Frisco

Christmas on the Square
Christmas in the Square draws over than 650,000 visitors annually. Over 175,000 lights, 11.5 miles of wiring and 8 miles of extension cords. Nightly through  January 6th, you will be able to enjoy a one of a kind computerized light show (6PM – 10PM). Enjoy train rides and carriage rides. December 15th, visit with Santa and enjoy seeing Santa parachute down and inter-tubing snow slide. More info: http://www.friscosquare.com

Holiday Events in Fort Worth

The Gift of Lights is back and this family-friendly holiday show is a great opportunity to share the joy of the season with friends and family. Located at the Texas Motor Speedway, you will find more than two million LED lights in dazzling displays every night of the week through January 6th. Open nightly beginning at 5:30 pm. On Friday, Saturday and holidays, Gift of Lights closes at 10:00 pm and Monday thru Thursday, visitors may enjoy the lights until 9pm. For more information, including cost, visit http://www.giftoflightstms.com/

Holiday Events in Grand Prairie

Prairie Lights Holiday Display
Sunday – Thursday, 6 – 9 pm; Friday – Saturday, 6 – 10 pm; Christmas Eve/Day and New Year’s Eve 6-10pm. Through December 31st. For Admission prices, visit http://www.prairielights.org

Holiday Events in Grapevine

Christmas on Main Street
Play reindeer games with Santa and step back in time this season at Christmas on Main! See Victorian-style buildings dressed up with ribbons, bows and wreaths and set aglow with twinkling lights. Watch jolly Christmas characters including Santa on stilts, play reindeer games, experience the glass workshop at Vetro Glassblowing Studio, enjoy tractor-drawn wagon rides ($1 per person, per ride) and spot beautiful decorations adorning Historic Downtown Grapevine’s Main Street. December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 & 23. Website: https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/christmas/Main/index.html

ICE!
The ICE! winter holiday attraction returns with an all-new, hilarious theme: ICE! featuring DreamWorks’ “Merry Madagascar™.” From November 8 to January 1, see all your favorite characters including Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria carved from more than two million pounds of ice. You’ll be delighted as these colorful creations set the perfect holiday mood.
Website: https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/christmas/gaylord/ice.html

Lone Star Christmas
Lone Star Christmas at Gaylord Texan will provide a winter wonderland including one-and-a-half million twinkling lights, 12,000 ornaments, an amazing 52-foot-tall rotating Christmas tree, a life-sized gingerbread house (yes, it’s made of real gingerbread!) and exclusive holiday events and attractions for you and your entire family. Through January 1, 2013.
Website: http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-texan/

North Pole Express
Enjoy a pre-boarding holiday stage show, a journey through the Christmas tree maze, caroling on-board, a visit from jolly ol’ Saint Nick, a commemorative gift for all the kids, and as a special treat, a complimentary hot chocolate will be given to all passengers. December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the North Pole Express experience! Check website for cost and schedule.
Website: https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/christmas/NPX/index.html

Holiday Evens in Lindale

Santa Land
Come experience the sights and sounds of our Christmas wonderland with over 2 1/2 million lights lighting your path. Take a ride on Santa’s Trailer or remain in the warmth of your own vehicle as you drive through Santa Land’s 24 acres of unforgettable adventure designed especially for the entire family. Open thru December 26th from 6:30 -9PM daily. For more information and cost, visit http://www.santalandtexas.com

Holiday Events in Richardson

Santa’s Village
A heart-warming event for the young and young at heart…..where all of the sights and sounds of the holiday season can be enjoyed! Santa’s Village features a variety of dwellings, each with a different activity, and live entertainment on stage. For more information, please check Santa’s list of Frequently Asked Questions. Santa’s Village is made possible by our sponsors, so please show them some love, too. Santa’s Village is open regardless of the weather. December 1 and 2, December 6-9, and December 13-16, 2012.
Website: http://www.cor.net/index.aspx?page=1303

Mina Frannea is a web editor and social media professional. Also a mom to nine-year-old twins, Mina enjoys writing about family friendly activities around town, and issues that are relevant to Moms and raising children. Mina also enjoys sharing favorite recipes and activities that keep her children busy and happy. Visit Mina’s blog at www.themomsjournal.com.

Top Image Credit