Holiday in the Park — Photo courtesy of Six Flags Over Texas Facebook
While Dallas may not have the picturesque snowy background during the holiday season, it can still pack a punch when it comes to holiday festivities! Choose from a wide variety of attractions and activities that will get you into the holiday spirit. Below are some of 10Best's favorite things to do during the holiday season in Dallas.
Holiday Shopping
First things first - in Dallas, shopping is an integral part of local culture, so you're definitely in the RIGHT spot to do some holiday shopping! Bargain hunters can choose from a wide variety of shopping centers that have year-round low prices, such as the Allen Premium Outlets, the Paragon Outlets in Grand Prairie or The Shops at Park Lane. Luxury shoppers can head on over to Highland Park Village, where Gucci, Hermes and Jimmy Choo rule, or check out some of the boutiques in the upscale meccas, NorthPark Center and the Dallas Galleria.
Holiday Attractions
If you're traveling with kids, you'll want to take them to see Santa Claus, of course. He can be found at any area shopping mall, but the ones at NorthPark Center and the Dallas Galleria are sure to impress your little ones. In fact, NorthPark Center also has The Trains at NorthPark exhibit, the most elaborate toy train exhibit in the Lone Star State. It features a train track of more than 1,600 feet that shows a journey across the U.S., including cityscapes of New York City, San Francisco, and yes, Dallas! Older kids will love the ice skating rink in the Dallas Galleria, complete with a huge Christmas tree in the middle of the rink.
Story time with Santa at NorthPark Cente — Photo courtesy of NorthPark Center Facebook page
Kid-Specific Attractions
Take your family to the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine for an extra special holiday treat. This huge resort hotel and convention center is decked out in holiday decorations and lights - trust us, it's work the trip! You can also visit the holiday exhibit, ICE! featuring DreamWorks' Merry Madagascar exhibit. This magical indoor wonderland exhibit is made out of more than 2 million pounds of ice, and it even has 20-feet tall ice slides! Six Flags Over Texas also goes all out for the holidays and has "Holiday in Park" - this seasonal event transforms the amusement park with thousands of twinkling lights, carolers and yummy holiday foods, like apple cider and hot chocolate.
Holiday Romance
If you'll be in Dallas with your sweetie, take her on a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride in Highland Park. You can choose from several operator companies which offer them. Most wind through the decorated mansions of this historic neighborhood, and you can even bring your own bottle of wine or champagne on the ride.