Holiday Break Bucket List

Texas+doesnt+have+many+snow+days%3B+however%2C+there+are+many+popular+activities+to+do+over+holiday+break+in+the+Dallas+Fort+Worth+area.+%28Photo+by%3A+Lauren+Landrum%29

Texas doesn’t have many snow days; however, there are many popular activities to do over holiday break in the Dallas Fort Worth area. (Photo by: Lauren Landrum)

Ashlynn Roberts, Reporter

From playing Topgolf on New Year’s Eve to enjoying Christmas lights at the Texas Motor Speedway Light Show, there are plenty of unique things to take part in over the holiday break. The only problem is that with so many choices, it can sometimes be hard to decide what things are worth doing. Below is a compiled list of the most popular things to do over holiday break in the Dallas Fort Worth area.

The Gaylord

Arguably one of the most popular places to go is the Gaylord Hotel. Located in Grapevine, it is an accessible 30 minute car ride away and is said to be worth the drive. While staying overnight enhances the magic of the hotel, many people simply enjoy driving by to look at the outside of the building. Some common things to do while staying there are Santa’s Christmas Cottage Escape Room, Cookies with Mrs.Claus, and an Elf on the Shelf Character Breakfast. With activities such as ice skating and snow tubing, visiting the Gaylord is a unique experience like no other. The Gaylord Hotel is celebrating the holidays until Jan. 1, so there is still a little time left to visit.

Texas Motor Speedway’s Gift of Lights

The Texas Motor Speedway’s Gift of Lights event is going on now in Denton. Known as the “only Texas-sized drive thru light park”, this event allows visitors to drive around the speedway and admire the almost three million Christmas lights on display. At the end of the drive-thru extravaganza, visitors are encouraged to take pictures with Santa, make homemade ornaments and even dance around with Olaf. Open seven days a week from 6 p.m.- 10 p.m., this will be available to families until Dec. 30th. They will not be open on New Year’s Eve.

New Year’s Eve at Topgolf

Many teens, as well as families, love to participate in some type of sport over the holidays. This year Topgolf is open for business on New Year’s Eve and is expected to sell out soon. Everyone that comes is told to deck out in all gold as a way to decorate in grand fashion. Activities include golf, live entertainment, a chef-inspired menu and a midnight celebration like no other. Make a reservation as soon as possible for best results.

Six Flags Over Texas

With more than eight and a half miles of Christmas lights, Six Flags is different from many places simply because they go all out for the holidays. Not only do they have a large quantity of lights, but also huge displays. They are known for having “Texas-sized ornaments” that are included in the Christmas lights section. Six Flags is also putting on a closing holiday show that will feature over 25 holiday performers. This is a place people won’t want to miss out on this season. Fortunately, Six Flags is open until Jan. 7 for the holidays, so there are plenty more chances for people to visit.

Christmas at Frisco Square

For the 13th consecutive year, the city of Frisco is putting on their annual Christmas in the Square event. This event is extremely well-known, and caters to over 750,00 visitors annually. Every Friday and Saturday night at 15 minute intervals, “snow flurries” are blasted out of snow machines to create a magical winter wonderland scene. Other things include carriage rides, ice skating, and snow sliding. This will only last until New Year’s Eve, so make sure to go visit soon.

Galleria Christmas Tree Lighting

‘Tis the Season To Sparkle is the motto this holiday season in the Dallas Galleria. Until Friday, Dec. 24, the nation’s tallest Christmas tree is lit up with over 450,000 lights. This takes place at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., with no 8 p.m. shows on Sundays. When the trees lights up, it can be seen on all levels of the galleria, at the center court for no charge at all.

The 12 Days of Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum

Opening during the nighttime until Dec. 30, the Dallas Arboretum is hosting a one-of-a-kind special Christmas light show for visitors. This event is a unique alternative because no other place in the area is a Christmas themed botanical garden. Holiday music will be played throughout the night with hot cocoa and cookies being available for purchase.