Holiday Activities for Families in DFW

As the holiday season approaches, families in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area look forward to enjoying festive activities that create lasting memories. Southlake, a charming city in DFW, offers a variety of holiday events and attractions that cater to all ages. Whether you’re new to the area or a long-time resident, this guide highlights some of the top holiday activities for families in Southlake.

Southlake Town Square is the place to be during the holiday season, and the Annual Home for the Holidays Celebration is a must-visit event for families.

This event kicks off with a grand tree lighting ceremony, transforming the square into a winter wonderland complete with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday music. Families can enjoy activities such as horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa Claus, and live performances by local choirs and bands. The celebration also features a holiday market where you can shop for unique gifts and enjoy seasonal treats. This event runs throughout the holiday season, making it easy for families to find a convenient time to attend.

Located just a short drive from Southlake, The Star in Frisco offers a magical ice skating experience that’s perfect for families looking to embrace the winter spirit.

The outdoor ice skating rink is set against the backdrop of the Dallas Cowboys’ world headquarters, creating a unique and festive atmosphere. Skaters of all ages can glide across the ice while enjoying the surrounding holiday lights and music. For those new to ice skating, The Star offers rental skates and beginner lessons to ensure everyone has a great time. After skating, families can warm up with hot cocoa and snacks from nearby vendors, making it a perfect holiday outing.

For a more relaxed holiday experience, families can enjoy a delightful Holiday Tea at the Dallas Arboretum.

This elegant event offers a variety of teas, finger sandwiches, and pastries served in a beautifully decorated setting. While the Holiday Tea is an excellent opportunity for parents and older children to enjoy a special afternoon together, the Arboretum also features family-friendly holiday attractions such as the “12 Days of Christmas” outdoor exhibit. This exhibit showcases life-sized Victorian gazebos, each depicting a day from the famous Christmas carol. Families can stroll through the gardens, enjoy the festive displays, and take in the seasonal beauty of the Arboretum.

Highland Park, one of Dallas’ most upscale neighborhoods, is famous for its elaborate holiday light displays, and a tour of these lights is a favorite family activity.

Families can take a self-guided driving tour or hop on a carriage ride to explore the beautifully decorated homes and streets. The lights and decorations in Highland Park are truly a sight to behold, with many homes featuring intricate displays that rival those of professional light shows. For an added touch of holiday cheer, families can bring along blankets, hot cocoa, and holiday music to enjoy during the tour. This activity is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit and see some of the most stunning light displays in the DFW area.

The Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine offers a variety of holiday events, but one of the most popular for families is Breakfast with Santa.

This event provides a festive atmosphere where children can meet Santa Claus, share their Christmas wishes, and enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet. The Gaylord Texan is known for its elaborate holiday decorations, and families can explore the resort’s indoor winter wonderland after breakfast. The resort also offers other holiday attractions such as ice skating, snow tubing, and the “I Love Christmas Movies” experience, where families can walk through scenes from their favorite holiday films. This all-in-one destination makes it easy to create a full day of holiday fun for the whole family.

Christmas in the Square is another beloved holiday event in the DFW area. It offers a wide range of activities that families can enjoy together.

This event is located in Frisco Square and features a choreographed light and music show that runs nightly throughout the holiday season. Families can drive through or walk around the square to experience the dazzling display, which includes over 175,000 lights synchronized to holiday music. In addition to the light show, Christmas in the Square offers an outdoor ice skating rink, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a holiday market where visitors can shop for gifts and enjoy seasonal treats. This event is free to attend, making it a budget-friendly option for families looking to enjoy the holiday festivities.

For a truly magical holiday experience, families can take a ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s North Pole Express.

This train ride transports passengers to the North Pole, where children can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and listen to holiday stories. The train is decorated with festive lights and decorations, and passengers are encouraged to wear their pajamas for a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. The North Pole Express is a popular event, so booking tickets in advance is recommended to ensure a spot on this enchanting holiday journey.

Returning to the Dallas Arboretum, the Christmas Village is another holiday attraction that families won’t want to miss.

Inspired by European Christmas markets, this village features charming shops, festive decorations, and twinkling lights that create a magical holiday atmosphere. Children can explore the village, participate in holiday crafts, and even meet Santa Claus. The Christmas Village also offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including storytime with Mrs. Claus, holiday-themed scavenger hunts, and live entertainment. This attraction is open throughout the holiday season, providing plenty of opportunities for families to visit and create cherished memories together.

Selling Southlake is a comprehensive real estate brokerage with a deep understanding of Southlake’s high-end communities and nearby markets. Backed by over 20 years of experience in the real estate industry, the team at Selling Southlake comprises seasoned professionals dedicated to meeting your residential and commercial real estate needs. The brokerage goes beyond merely facilitating real estate transactions, offering a personalized, concierge-like service that takes the time to understand each client’s unique preferences. This client-focused approach ensures that the team can provide tailored guidance and insights, helping clients learn more about the community and make informed decisions about their investments.

Ready to explore real estate in Southlake, TX? Contact Selling Southlake today to begin the search for your dream home.