Nov. 11-Jan. 1: Visit Gaylord Texan Ice!
ICE! returns to the Gaylord Texan with a theme of “The Polar Express.” Attendees of all ages wear a provided parka and walk through the exhibit that is 9 degrees Fahrenheit and made up of 2 million pounds of colored ice created by artists from China. The exhibit includes Santa’s Village, the iconic Polar Express train and Santa himself. Times vary by day. Tickets range from $16.99-$34.99. Gaylord Texan, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine. www.christmasatgaylordtexan.marriott.com
Nov. 18-Dec. 31: Stroll through a winter wonderland
One ticket provides entrance to Radiance! Holiday Light Spectacular and Frozen in Frisco, a winter carnival. Radiance! Is a stroll through almost 3 million holiday lights. Frozen in Frisco’s experience includes two-story ice tubing hills, an ice skating rink, snowball throwing, snowman building, a Christmas carousel and more. Time varies by day. Ticket prices vary by package. 7300 Roughriders Trail, Frisco. www.radiancechristmas.com
Nov. 21: Kickoff the holidays in Grapevine
The 34th Annual Carol of Lights, which is Historic Downtown Grapevine’s kickoff to the holiday season, includes live performances by local schools, photos with Santa and live reindeer, holiday inflatables, a snow hill, seasonal crafts, food vendors, and more. The lighting of the 40-foot Christmas tree takes place at Peace Plaza at 6:30 p.m. Lights and fireworks shows will take place at 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at City Hall. 4-8:30 p.m. Free (admission). Downtown Grapevine. www.gograpevine.com/event/caroloflights
Nov. 24-Jan. 1: Slow down at the speedway for a light display
Texas Motor Speedway hosts its drive-thru Gift of Lights event featuring more than 2 million lights. Average drive-thru time is 45 minutes. Times vary from 6-9 p.m. or 6-10 p.m. throughout the month. $35 (per car), $60 (bus/limo/RV). 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth. www.giftoflightstexas.com
Nov. 25-Jan. 1: Immerse yourself in a light display at Fair Park in Dallas
Enchant is making its debut at Fair Park in Dallas this year. The immersive walk-thru story-themed maze features more than 4 million lights. It includes a village with live entertainment, dining and shopping options as well as an ice skating rink. Times vary throughout the month. $34 (adult); $31 (seniors age 65 and older, and military personnel); $20 (children ages 3-17); free (children age 2 and younger); $17 (ice skating). 1438 Coliseum Drive, Dallas. www.enchantchristmas.com
Nov. 25-Dec. 30: Visit a holiday-themed farmstead in Plano
Lights on the Farm at the Heritage Farmstead Museum allows visitors to experience a “winter wonderland” with more than a million lights and animated holiday displays. The outdoor event includes a walk through a quarter-mile trail through the property, a view of a 20-foot-tall Christmas tree, treats ranging from hot cocoa to kettle corn and the opportunity to make your own s’mores. Guests can also visit with Santa and have their picture taken in Santa’s farmshop. The event runs Fri.-Sun. Nov. 25-Dec. 18 and Wed.-Fri. Dec. 21-30. 6-9 p.m. Tickets in advance are $12 (adults), $7 (children ages 3-12), free (ages 2 and younger); group rates are available. 1900 W. 15th St., Plano. www.heritagefarmstead.org
Nov. 25-27: Shop, play locally at ‘Home for the Holidays’ in McKinney
Historic Downtown McKinney transforms into a holiday wonderland in this three-day event that includes shopping, family activities, food and entertainment. Home for the Holidays ... a McKinney Christmas includes the city tree lighting ceremony at 6:15 p.m. on Nov. 25, visits and photos with Santa, and live music. Ticketed activities include a ferris wheel, a carousel, a snow hill, Frosty’s train, a petting zoo, a rock climbing wall and a Candyland area. 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. (Nov. 25-26), noon-5 p.m. (Nov. 27). Free (admission and parking). Historic Downtown McKinney. www.mckinneychristmas.com
Nov. 26-27: Shop handmade items at Christmas in Grapevine
The annual craft show features holiday-themed vendors, Christmas music, holiday treats, free drawings, prizes, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Nov. 26), 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Nov. 27). $5 (adults), free (children age 12 and younger). Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 S. Main St., Grapevine. www.facebook.com/events/grapevine-convention-center/christmas-in-grapevine-craft-show/564077345461470/
Dec. 1: Watch a celebrated Christmas parade
Billed as the “largest lighted Christmas parade in North Texas,” the Grapevine Parade of Lights has been a mainstay since 1979. This year’s theme is “Music, Magic & Memories.” The city, the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce and Grapevine-Colleyville ISD work together to put on the parade. 7 p.m. Free. Downtown Grapevine. www.grapevinechamber.org
Dec. 2: Celebrate the holidays in Colleyville
Colleyville’s Christmas kickoff event includes a tree lighting as well as live reindeer, carriage and trackless train rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables, a carousel, face painting, balloon artists, hot chocolate/gourmet drinks, a light tunnel, 3D light attractions and a drive-in movie. 5:30-8:30 p.m. (activities), tree lighting (5:30 p.m.), drive-in movie (6 p.m.). Free. Plaza and South Lawn at City Hall, 90 Main St., Colleyville. www.colleyville.com
Dec. 2: Celebrate the holidays with the city of Keller
The city of Keller kicks off the holiday season with its Holly Days event. In addition to the town’s tree lighting ceremony, activities include a parade, performances by local singers and dancers, laser light show, inflatables, vendors and food trucks. 6-10 p.m. Free entry. Keller Town Hall, 1100 Bear Creek Parkway. www.cityofkeller.com
Dec. 3: Run or walk in a holiday 5K and fun run
Walkers, joggers or runners can take part in the city of Frisco’s Frosty 5K and Merry Mile event. All participants receive a Frosty 5K long-sleeve T-shirt and a finisher medal. 8:30 a.m. (Merry Mile), 9 a.m. (Frosty 5K), 10 a.m., (party in the plaza/awards). $35 (Frosty 5K), $30 (Merry Mile), $30 (virtual participation), additional $5 for day-of registration. Simpson Plaza (in front of City Hall), 6101 Frisco Square Blvd., Frisco. www.friscotexas.gov
Dec. 3: Celebrate the holidays in Frisco
Merry Main Street, Frisco’s official kickoff to the holiday season, includes a parade, shopping opportunities and the city’s tree lighting ceremony. The Santa & Friends Parade kicks off festivities at 3:30 p.m. along with the Holiday Gift Market and food vendors. Frisco Elementary School choirs perform on three stages, and the Kids Holiday Store operates from 4-8 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony takes place at 6 p.m. 3:30-8:30 p.m. Free (admission). Simpson Plaza (in front of City Hall), 6101 Frisco Square Blvd., Frisco. www.friscotexas.gov
Dec. 3, 10: Craft holiday gifts for family and friends
Jump Into Art Studio is providing an opportunity for children in first grade through high school to make eight gifts for family and friends during its Santa’s Workshop Gift Making Extravaganza. Project options during the two-hour workshop include gingerbread houses, elf decorating, fairy dust scrubbies, ornaments, elf stockings, trees, wreaths, soaps, perfumes and facial mists. Participants are also sent home with ribbon and tissue paper for wrapping. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $80. Jump Into Art Studio, 404 N. Church St., McKinney. 214-937-9153. www.jumpintoart.com
Dec. 3: Run and walk for a good cause
This seventh annual 5K and fun run benefits the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce Women’s Division. Runners and walkers will meet Santa at the finish line, and vendors will be set up in Santa’s workshop. Leashed dogs and strollers are welcome. 9 a.m. (fun run), 9:30 a.m. (5K). $20 (fun run), chip-timed 5K $25 (student), $30 (adult), $35 (day of registration). Downtown Grapevine. www.elvesontherun5k.com
Dec. 3, 17: Watch a holiday drone show in Grapevine
Grapevine’s second annual Merry & Bright Drone Show features a fleet of 160 drones in a show in front of Peace Plaza. 8 p.m. Free, but VIP seating will be available for purchase. 815 S. Main St., Grapevine. www.gograpevine.com/event/droneshow
Dec. 3: Get some exercise in holiday attire
The fourth annual Reindeer Run 5K and Grinch Sprint takes place at Bakersfield Park, and participants are encouraged to wear holiday attire. Hosted by the Flower Mound Rotary Club, the Reindeer Run is a chip-timed 5K, and the Grinch Sprint is a 1-mile fun run for kids. Santa and The Grinch will pose for photos after the race, and hot beverages will be served. All participants will receive a medal and a T-shirt, and proceeds benefit the charity work of the Rotary Club. 9 a.m. (5K), 9:45 a.m. (Grinch Sprint). Advance tickets are $35 (Reindeer Run), $20 (Grinch Sprint). Bakersfield Park, 1201 Duncan Lane, Flower Mound. www.reindeerrun5k.com
Dec. 3: Take part in a parade and tree lighting
Flower Mound’s day to kickoff the holiday season starts with a 5K and ends with the annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony event. The parade, with its “Toyland Christmas” theme, begins at Spinks Road and Lexington Avenue and ends at the Flower Mound Community Activity Center. The tree lighting ceremony takes place at the Community Activity Center and begins with live performances from local groups, pictures with Santa, food trucks, activities for kids and more, and ends with the lighting of the 50-foot Christmas tree. The Summit Club of Flower Mound is also accepting canned good and nonperishable food items to benefit Christian Community Action. 6-9 p.m. Free (admission). Flower Mound Community Activity Center, 1200 Gerault Road, Flower Mound. https://tx-flowermound2.civicplus.com/
Dec. 9-10: Mingle with wildlife holiday-style
The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Refuge has a special two-day event where wildlife and the holidays meet. Holiday lights and decorations accentuate a half-mile nature trail, and walkers will also see some of the Dinosaurs Live! exhibit along the way. Live holiday music will take place in the outdoor amphitheater. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Members: $8 (adults), $5 (children ages 3-12), free (children under age 2); non-members: $11 (adults), $8 (children ages 3-12), free (children age 2 and under). 1 Nature Place, McKinney. 972-562-5566. www.heardmuseum.org
Dec. 10: Carol on the Square in McKinney
Participants can meet up at McKinney’s Hall Library for peppermint sticks and hot chocolate, then walk to the Square to sing Christmas carols before the McKinney Rotary Christmas Parade of Lights begins. Songbooks will be provided, and holiday attire is encouraged. 5 p.m. Free. Hall Library, 101 E. Hunt St., McKinney. 972-547-7500. www.mckinneytexas.org
Dec. 10: Kick off the holidays in Trophy Club
Trophy Club’s major Christmas event includes a tree lighting, a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Mayor Alicia Fleury, choir performances by Lakeview Elementary School students, pictures with Santa, face painting, refreshments and giveaways. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Independence Park East, 500 Parkview Drive, Trophy Club. www.trophyclub.org
