Kick off the holiday season at the Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration in Colleyville. Located at the Plaza at City Hall, the celebration will have performances from several local schools, pony rides, inflatable slides, face painting, a 3-D light attraction, a drive-in movie and more. To watch Santa Claus and Colleyville Mayor Bobby Lindamood arrive to the celebration, plan on arriving at 5:15 p.m. The tree will be lit at 5:30 p.m. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. 90 Main St., Colleyville. www.colleyville.com/residents/special-events/christmas-tree-lighting-celebration
Dec. 2-4 Watch ballet in the park
Watch as the North Central Ballet journeys through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of the Sweets in the Nutcracker at Grapevine’s Meadowmere Park. Parking is $5 per car. 6-9 p.m. $25. 3000 Meadowmere Lane, Grapevine. https://thenutcracker.ticketspice.com/nutcracker-in-the-park-2022
Dec. 3 Run a 5K
Don your running shoes and best elf costume for the 7th annual Elves on the Run 5K/Kids Fun Run. Presented by the Women’s Division of the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce, the event will have the opportunity to take a photo with Santa Claus and enjoy children’s activities in Santa’s Workshop. The elf costume contest and pet costume contest will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the 5K beginning at 9:30 a.m. 8:30-11 a.m. $30. Oak Grove Park, 2520 Oak Grove Loop S., Grapevine. 817-229-5911. https://elvesontherun5k.com
Dec. 3-4 Get a gingerbread making kit
Explore Southlake’s Park Village and celebrate the holiday season with complimentary gingerbread kits from participating retailers as a gift with purchase. Saturday and Sunday’s retailers are Lavender Square and The Joint. Each kit will have a pre-assembled gingerbread house with a variety of sweets to decorate with. Kits are available while supplies last. Event is during store operating hours. Free (with store purchase). Park Village, 1065 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake. www.facebook.com/events/446232040780602/446232057447267/?active_tab=about
Now through Dec. 23 Catch a carriage ride
Head to Southlake Town Square to enjoy a carriage ride with friends and family. Feel free to bring your own blankets and hot cocoa to stay warm during the cold weather. Rides for small groups can be reserved in-person or online. Online reservations are required for large groups with six to eight people. Friday and Saturday 5:20-8:20 p.m., Sunday 4:40-6:40 p.m. $35-$75. Rustin Park, 101 State St., Southlake. www.visitsouthlaketexas.com/157/Carriage-Rides
Now through Jan. 8 Skate in a plaza
Get in the holiday spirit with ice skating at Peace Plaza in front of Grapevine Main Station. The 4,500 square foot ice rink is located next to Grapevine’s live Christmas tree. The rink is open 4:15-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4-10 p.m. Friday and 12:15-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $20. 815 S. Main St., Grapevine. https://bit.ly/3B0ywCD
