By Sloane Samberson
Managing Editor
@SloaneSamberson
Winter Break; two weeks of freedom, relaxation and celebration – and for most, it could not have come any sooner.
Though many of you have holiday activities that have been planned out months in advance, two weeks is a long time…you may experience boredom. If stumped as to what to do to stop this boredom, look no further, the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex is filled with ample amounts of festive activities.
Here is a list of five things you could do to make the most of your Winter Break:
- Pleasures Past Carriages: Christmas Light Tours in Old Town Coppell
Take a time machine back to the 15th century with Pleasures Past Carriages: Christmas Light Tours in Old Town Coppell. Pleasures Past Carriages has been conducting sleigh rides in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for 25 years. Famous for having a 20 passenger sleigh, the largest sleigh in the world, Pleasures Past Carriages offers a variety of sleighs depending on your party’s size. Their seasoned carriage drivers will take you through some of Coppell’s most festive neighborhoods, giving you candy for the eye and an experience that will last you a lifetime. Pleasures Past Carriages is located at 448 W Bethel Rd, Coppell, TX.
See sleigh ride rates and/or book your reservations here.
- Holiday movies for everyone!
Holiday movies have evolved greatly since the release of classics “Home Alone” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” – some for the better, some for the worse. If you are tired of watching the classics, visit your local movie theater and see one of the following holiday themed movies.
Krampus (PG-13) – “Krampus” is not your typical holiday movie. Director Michael Dougherty puts a dark spin on the generally happy season through this horror film. Coming from a broken family who clashes over the holidays, main character Max loses hope in Christmas. Not aware of the repercussions of his disbelief, Max accidentally summons Krampus, an ancient demonic monster that punishes those who do not believe in the holiday. In this 98 minute thriller, Max and his family have to put their differences aside and work together to stay alive and out of Krampus’ death grip.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (PG) – The fourth movie in the series, “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip,” is not Christmas themed like “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” but is still an appropriate movie to see during the holidays. In “The Road Chip,” Alvin, Simon and Theodore develop false beliefs that their beloved owner, Dave is going to propose to his new girlfriend and then abandon them. Over a period of three days, the trio races through Miami to try and stop the proposal, saving themselves from abandonment.
The Night Before (R) – “The Night Before” is the perfect mix of comedy and Christmastime. With All Star cast, Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Anthony Mackie, your stomach will be sore from laughing after seeing this movie. For the past 10 years, the trio of best friends have had a tradition of reuniting on Christmas Eve for a night of dissipation and merriment. Now that they are entering adulthood, the tradition is beginning to fade, so they try to make the night as memorable as possible, with aims of finding the “Nutcracka Ball,” the greatest Christmas party of all time.
- ICE! at Gaylord Texan Resort
Everything is bigger in Texas, and the Gaylord Texan Resort sure lives up to that standard. Every year the resort decks out their 14,000-square-foot exhibit hall with hand-carved, holiday themed ice sculptures, sculpted by more than 40 ice sculptors. This years theme is Christmas Around the World. More than two million pounds of ice will be carved into holiday scenes and children from around the world, in celebration of the different cultural traditions that makes our world so diverse. Though a heavy parka will be provided, you will need to dress warm. It is recommended to bring gloves. ICE! at Gaylord Texan Resort is located at 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX.
See ticket pricing and/or purchase your tickets here.
- The Trains at NorthPark presented by Bank of Texas
The Trains at NorthPark Center is a great activity for the little ones, the young at heart or anyone who loves trains. The exhibit includes 4,000 plus square feet of holiday themed train environments. This will be the 17th year The Trains have been exhibited at NorthPark Center. All of the money raised from the exhibit is donated to children and families helped by the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. The Trains at NorthPark is located at 8687 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX.
See ticket pricing here.
- Ice skating at Galleria Dallas
Ice skating at Galleria Dallas during the holidays is like Texas’ equivalent to ice skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center in New York during the holidays. Though open year round, ice skating at Galleria Dallas during the holidays is special because you get to skate around the country’s tallest indoor Christmas tree (95 feet tall to be exact). Whether a family outing or a cute date, ice skating is a great activity to put you into the holiday spirit. But just a fair warning, it gets crowded quickly, and stays crowded consistently. Admission tickets can be bought at the rink for $10. You can save some money and bring your own ice skates, or rent a pair for $3. All ice skaters renting skates are required to wear socks. Galleria Dallas is located at 13350 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, TX .
For more information click here.
