Tina Huang
Staff Writer
Part of the holiday spirit comes from events and activities done during the festive season. Families and friends swarm to events such as “The Nutcracker” ballet and The Gaylord Hotel’s ICE! Display. They gather for pictures with Santa or put up holiday decorations. And although many families have developed their own holiday traditions, events for the season can be something new, exciting and available conveniently– the only problem is finding the right one to go to. Luckily, Dallas Fort Worth is brimming with activities for the holiday season.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
This show features over 30 performers showcasing daring stunts such as walking a tight rope and bicycle tricks. Music accompanies all the acrobats as they “come to life” from ornaments. Performances begin Dec. 18.
Pricing: $49- $219
Locations: AT&T Performing Arts Center (2100 Ross Avenue #650 Dallas, TX)
Winspear Opera House (2403 Flora St. Dallas, TX)
http://listings.dfw.com/performers/show/1084596-cirque-dreams-holidaze
Christmas Light Airplane Tour
This activity given by the local airplane tour company, Star Flight, offers either a 30 or 60 minute flight around Dallas through neighborhoods such as Highland Park and Deer Field. You must make a reservation to take a flight.
Pricing: $190 for 30 minutes/$245 for an hour
Location: Million Air Addison Airport
http://starlightflight.com/flight-descriptions/christmas-light-airplane-tour/
Six Flags Holiday in the Park
In the spirit of the holidays, Six Flags goes all out; the whole park is decorated in holiday lights, create specific activities, like the Fa-la-la-la Light Show, Holiday Campfires, Santa’s Workshop and holiday foods are offered. Santa and all the characters dressed in holiday costumes will be out and about. Freshman Rachel Buigas-Lopez is just one of many who have experienced this holiday fun.
“Everything is covered in snow, and there are themed booths and attractions to go with the holiday,” Buigas-Lopez said. “I really like the Santa show and drinking hot chocolate on a cold winter night at Six Flags.”
Pricing: $34.99 Online, General Admission $59.99 and children under 48″ $42.99 at the park
http://content.sixflags.com/holiday_sfot
Breakfast with Santa
The Dallas Zoo is one of the places hosting a breakfast with Santa, but one factor sets them apart from others. You can spend the rest of the day at the zoo; there also will be crafts offered. The event will be on Dec. 8 at 9 a.m.
Make reservations at: 469 554 7470
http://www.dallaszoo.com/event/breakfast-with-santa/
North Pole Express
Grapevine, TX has been called the Christmas Capital of Texas, not only does the city have the Gaylord Texans’ ICE! Show and a festively decorated downtown, but they also have a real train ride that takes you to the “North Pole.” The event consists of a pre-show introducing the Christmas characters such as elves and Santa that will be your hosts on board. The actual show begins the conductor shouts “all aboard” and everyone gets on the train for a musical and game filled ride.
“There is such Christmas joy, and it really keeps up the Christmas spirit. The kids love it and they truly believed that I was an elf,” senior Bethany Laprade says of her experience from singing in the show last year.
Pricing: $18.00 for everyone two years and up, free for under two years
https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/christmas/NPX/funpark.html
Jingle Bell Run
For those looking to run off some of those holiday treats, this is a great holiday run. It will be held Wednesday, Dec. 19. This nighttime run will be located at the Hilton Anatole (2201 N. Stemmons Freeway Dallas, TX). The mile starts at 6:30 p.m. and 5K starts at 7:00 p.m. Packet pick up is at Luke’s Locker, a shop near SMU in Dallas. After the race, there will be a Christmas party featuring the Ray Johnston Band. There will be food and fun activities throughout the duration of the event.
Pricing chart below:
Pre-Registration
thru 12/14/12 Registration
12/15/12- 12/19/12
1 Mile $20.00 $25.00
5K $25.00 $30.00
5K Chip Timed $30.00 $35.00
Children 10 & Under (5K or 1 Mile) $10.00 $15.00
Children 5K Chip Timed $15.00 $20.00
http://www.dallasjinglebellrun.com
Carriage Rides
The Northstar Carriage Ride Company is giving holiday carriage rides until Dec. 31. Reservations should be made in order to enjoy this event. During the carriage ride, the horses will trot through the beautiful and festive neighborhoods of Deerfield and Highland Park. Enjoy the holiday lights while drinking hot cocoa. You can choose either to rent a carriage (seats four) or a wagon (seats 10-20).
Pricing: 1 hour carriage is $145, 1 hour wagon is $225
Make reservations at 214-441-9996
