Image Courtesy of The City of Southlake
Whether this is your first Christmas in the Metroplex or you just want to try something new this year, there's always more celebrating to explore. So to bring a little holiday cheer, we are highlighting 50 things to check off your list before the big day. How many can you do before December 25?
1. Enjoy a yuletide performance with Casa Manana's “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” running November 23 to December 23.
2. See Santa do a backflip, on skates nonetheless, at the Galleria Dallas' annual tree lighting performance. Even if you miss the first show on November 23 at noon, you can still take in the wonder of a skating Santa because there will be shows every Saturday from November 24 to December 22 at 6 p.m.
3. Shop Southlake's best Black Friday deals, listed on VisitSouthlakeTexas.com.
4. Witness some exotic wildlife embrace the season at Dallas Zoo Lights – select nights from November 16 to January 1.
5. Experience the wonder that is Penatonix as they venture home to perform at the Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie on November 25 as part of their Christmas is Here! tour.
6. Drive through an extraordinary light presentation at the Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway. It opens to the public on November 29.
7. See a live reindeer at Westlake's annual community tree lighting in Solana Plaza on November 29.
8. Take a break from holiday shopping at NorthPark by stopping by Storytime with Santa Claus. Performances run November 23 to December 24 in Macy’s court.
9. Introduce some of your favorite Christmas characters – like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman – to your little ones by planning a family holiday movie marathon.
10. Take in the arts at Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra's “Sounds of the Season" at White’s Chapel United Methodist Church. The evening performance proves you don’t have to travel far to get in a good show.
11. Treat your kids to a “Frozen”-inspired cooking class on December 1 at Taste Buds Kitchen Southlake's Snow Princess Cupcakes Workshop.
12. Check Out Roanoke's Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade on December 1. It will include a parade down Oak Street, family-friendly activiites and much more.
13. Sponsor a family's Christmas by picking up a tag at a local angel tree. Or head over to NorthPark to benefit the Salvation Army – just be sure to choose an angel by December 7.
14. Take a family photo at Santa's Village at Southlake Town Square. Make sure to check its website for their hours.
15. Celebrate the festival of lights at the fourth annual Chanukah at Southlake Town Square on December 2.
16. Experience outdoor ice skating at Panther Island Ice.
17. See a holiday classic movie come to life during "A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage" at Bass Hall.
18. See Christmas lights take on the water during the annual Lake Grapevine Twinkle Light Parade. Or, if you have a boat, enter it into the contest for your chance to win prizes.
19. Dine out with some of your favorite holiday characters at the third annual PJs and Pancakes with Mrs. Claus at The Cheesecake Factory in Southlake Town Square. It’s the perfect excuse to break out your family’s holiday pajamas early.
20. Swing by Snacks With Santa on December 1 to see the big guy and let your kids create a holiday craft.
21. Take in all the glory of Enchant Christmas, the home of the world’s largest Christmas light maze, a holiday market, an exciting ice-skating trail and much more!
22. Visit the Christmas Capital of Texas. Grapevine has The Senate of The State of Texas proclamation to prove it’s a must-visit during the holiday season.
23. Reserve a carriage ride around Southlake Town Square for your family. With the sound of horses’ hooves hitting the pavement and the holiday music playing through the ride, your family will feel transported to a winter wonderland.
24. See all of the beautiful creations at ICE! Featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Don’t forget to bring your coats because the entire space is kept at 9 degrees.
25. Make Christmas cookies from scratch with your kids. Because nothing says happy holidays like fresh sugar cookies.
26. Volunteer to work the GRACE Christmas Cottage to brighten another family’s holiday season.
27. Chug over to Dallas to see The Trains at NorthPark benefiting the Ronald McDonald House. Your kids will love watching these displays circle through the store and you will marvel at the intricacies of their sets.
28. Drop off goodies in front of Southlake Town Hall on December 3 to support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve at the annual Toys For Tots Toy Drive.
29. Let your fluffy friends revel in the season at Santa Paws at MUTTS Canine Cantina in Dallas. The big man himself, Santa Paws will be there to take pictures with guests and their owners.
30. To get a holiday photo of your pet without the drive, head over to Three Dog Bakery Southlake on December 8 to take Pictures With The Grinch!
31. See your favorite attractions in a whole new light at Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas.
32. Spend some quality time with Santa's special lady at Story Time With Mrs. Claus. Your kids will love listening holiday tales while shacking on hot cocoa and cookies.
33. Take in a classic performance by grabbing tickets to “The Nutcracker” at Winspear Opera House. The traditional story will keep both you and your kids captivated throughout.
34. Celebrate local artists at the North Texas Youth Ballet's Production of "The Nutcracker" at Will Rogers on December 9.
35. Send out holiday cards so friends and relatives near and far know you are thinking about them this time of year.
36. Watch the big guy dive into the season by stopping by SEA Life Grapevine Aquarium's Scuba Diving Santa. He will pose for pictures while he is under water on Wednesdays and Saturdays (Dec 12, 15, 19 and 22) at 11:30 a.m.
37. Teach your kids the art of gift wrapping this year so they don't have to rely on gift bags for the rest of their lives.
38. If we don't get a White Christmas season, still treat your kids to a snow dessert by trying Lumi Snow + Dough in North Richland Hills. Their fun snow treats will put a smile on your kids’ faces.
39. Enjoy a special holiday movie night featuring “Elf” on December 12 at Texas Live!
40. See the 12 Days Of Christmas come to life at the Dallas Arboretum.
41. Design and construct a gingerbread house with your family. Or, if you are a competitive bunch, make a game out of who can make the tallest or sleekest home.
42. Grab your costumes and head out to the Jingle Bell Run in Dallas on December 20.
43. Entertain the kids with some fun holiday DIY projects. You can craft everything from snowflakes out of coffee filters to colorful wreaths out of extra fabric.
44. Enjoy a little bit of childhood magic during the Dallas Children's Theater's performance of
The Snowy Day and Other Stories By Ezra Jack Keats."
45. Gather up some neighbors and take to the streets to go caroling. You're sure to bring Christmas cheer everywhere you go.
46. Enjoy a cup at Tea With Santa at The Fairmont Dallas on December 8 or 15. The kids won’t be the only ones to have a good time – each meal includes unlimited mimosas and Kir Royales for adults.
47. Browse some untraditional advent calendars to put a twist on an old tradition. They have everything from cheese to wine to chocolate varieties.
48. If you love tree lights, then you have to visit the Vitruvian Lights in Addison. The entire park comes to life with the help of their colorful displays.
49. Enjoy a steaming cup of hot chocolate while snuggled up next to the fire.
50. Explore a new nearby city – like Frisco or McKinney – while they are donned in beautiful Christmas lights. Each quick day trip will include unique draws – like a real ice rink for Frisco's Skate the Square.