Thanksgiving!

Holiday fun at the ready!

Holiday fun...

Lot's to do in around the area this time of year! The weather is just right for firepits & hot chocolate. It's also a great time to experience some of the local holiday traditions. I've gathered a few of the one's we've done over the years...feel free to share any you know of as well.

The River Legacy Living Science Center is located in Arlington and it is a museum filled with learning stations for children. There is even a small play area for the youngest visitors. Outside the center is a series of trails that can be explored along the river.
http...://riverlegacy.org/

Dallas Arboreteum - a great place for fall & holiday pictures. Get those Christmas Cards ready.
http://www.dallasarboretum.org/

Ft. Worth Botanical Gardens - Beatiful place to spend the day with the family.
http://fwbg.org/

 Jazz in the Atrium What: Jazz in the Atrium. Arlington Jones Trio. Distinguished pianist, composer, and producer Arlington Jones performs his original compositions. Jones has shared the stage with legends such as David “Fathead” Newman, Red Holloway, and Frank Foster. He has been the keyboard player for Wayman Tisdale since 2001.
When: Thursday, December 2, 2010 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Dallas Museum of Art
Cost: Free with general admission
Children's Medical Center Holiday Parade
Photo Courtesy of Children's Medical Center

The Children's Medical Center Holiday Parade is a free event open to the public. Sidewalk seating is available along the Parade route. Tickets for reserved bleacher seating may be purchased online. Free 2 and under.
When: Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 10 a.m.
Where: It begins at The Adolphus, 1321 Commerce Street, Dallas, Texas 75202 and it ends at City Hall Plaza.
Parking/DART: There are multiple street and garage lots for public parking. You can also take DART to the parade. Visit the DART for more information. The parade route is only a few blocks from the Akard Station, the West End Station, Union Station and the Convention Center Station.
TV: The parade will be broadcast on WFAA-TV Channel 8.
Parade Questions: Call 214-456-8360.

 Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer
What: Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer. Experience the timeless tale of Rudolph and friends live. The beloved classic soars from the TV screen to the Casa Mañana stage in this live-action world premier. Featuring everyone's favorite characters: Hermey the Elf, Sam the Snowman, the Misfit Toys, the Abominable Snow Monster, Yukon Cornelius, Santa and Rudolph! You won't want to miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. This show is suitable for all ages.
When: November 26 - December 23
Where: Casa Mañana Theatre, 3101 West Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76107. 817-332-2272
Tickets: Tickets from $20

 Holiday in the Park What: Holiday in the Park. Six Flags Over Texas turns into a winter wonderland each year. Enjoy spectacular seasonal shows, tasty holiday treats and an unprecedented Christmas celebration like none in North Texas. Sled down a hill made of snow and participate in crafts and sing-alongs. Don't miss the parade thirty minutes before closing.
When: November 26 - January 2, 2011
Where: Six Flags over Texas, 2201 Road To Six Flags, Arlington, TX 76010. 817-530-6000

 ICE! A Charlie Brown ChristmasWhat: Ice! is back. It's 2-million pounds of hand-carved sculptures and slides, including larger-than-life characters from A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles Schulz. Lone Star Christmas features acres of dazzling decorations, a 52-ft rotating Christmas tree, over 1.5-million twinkling lights and special activities.
SNOW! - New this year. Grab a tube and speed down an extreme eight-lane tubing hill covered in real snow!
A real life-sized Gingerbread House Electric Train Display and Toy Soldier Stilt Walkers Rudolph's Reindeer Roundup Yourself as an Elf... A Family Holiday Adventure Visits with Santa and Cookies & Milk with Mrs. Claus Breakfast with Charlie Brown Where: Gaylord Texan Resport, Grapevine, TX
When: November 12 through January 3, 2011.

 Camp Gingerbread Celebrate the holidays in sweet style at the second annual Camp Gingerbread. Bring the whole family to decorate gingerbread cookies with frosting, nuts, dried fruit, candies and sprinkles.
When: December 4-5, 2010
Where: Northpark Centre, Located on Level One near Macy's.
Cost: $10 per child. Hours on Saturday, December 4th are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, December 5th are from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Charity Event: Proceeds benefit Shared Housing, a non-profit organization that facilitates affordable housing options for those in need.


Trains at Northpark CentreWhat: Over 2500 feet of train track wind through miniature landmarks, such as Reunion Tower, the Statue of Liberty, and Mount Rushmore. More than forty locomotives pull train cars around the track to the delight of kids and adults.
When: November 20, 2010 to January 2, 2011. M-Sat 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday noon to 6 pm. Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Where: NorthPark Center
Cost: Adults: $6; Kids 3-12 and seniors: $3; free for kids two and under. Discount tickets at Tom Thumb stores. Proceeds provide almost one-third of the annual operating budget for the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.

North Pole Express Train Ride -Grapevine, TX
https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/christmas/NPX/index.html

Thanksgiving is around the corner! Turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, etc...a day for good food, family & fun. I hope each of you has a wonderful time enjoying a little down time & fun with your families.

A few things going on around the Metroplex are:

The Ft. Worth Turkey Trot!
http://www.fwtrot.org/

Fun Holiday Plays:

At the Nasher Sculpture Center, check out a "Masterpiece Holiday" through Dec. 31st at 2001 Flora Street in Dallas. For the prim and proper go to afternoon teas and savor classic coffee and tea service, finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts on Fridays from 2-4 p.m. Festive Family

Masterpiece Holiday
Neighborhood: Nasher Sculpture CenterDallas, TX 75218
Saturdays include children's art activities, carriage rides, ice-sculpture demonstrations, and music on Saturdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Late sleepers can take in holiday brunches with a traditional fare and gourmet coffee on Sundays from 11-3. For the young dancer in the family take her to Breakfast With A Ballerina which includes a brunch menu, opportunities for children to meet "Nutcracker" characters, and a reading Dec. 9th and 23rd from 9-11 a.m. For more information, call 214-242-5152 or go to nashersculpturecenter.org

This site also has a list of holiday parades all around Texas!
http://gotexas.about.com/od/festivals/tp/05HolidayParade.htm

Train rides & light shows!

GRAPEVINE: North Pole Express – The Grapevine Vintage Railroad hourlong holiday trip includes carols, stories and an encounter with Santa Claus. Before or after the trip, enjoy the Christmas lights, bounce house and photos with Santa. At the ornament factory, make a decoration for free. Friday, Saturday, Sunday from Nov. 28 through Dec. 21. Departure times vary. Tickets: $16. Children under 2 are free. Remote parking and free shuttles.
817-410-3123 ; http://www.gvrr.com/ (click on "Special Events").


PALESTINE: The Polar Express Train Ride – Journey to the North Pole on the Texas State Railroad's hourlong holiday runs on which riders meet Santa while enjoying caroling, hot chocolate and a treat. Nov. 28-30, Dec. 5-7, 12-15, 17-22, 24 and 26-27. Friday, Saturday and weekday departures are at 5:10, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. Sunday trips at 5:10 p.m. Reservations are required. Tickets: adults, from $28; ages 2 to 11, $18 or $19. First Class Car service includes cookies served on silver trays and hot chocolate in a collectible mug. Adults, $49.95; ages 2 through 11, $24.95. 1-888-987-2461

Light displays:

FORT WORTH: Chesapeak Energy Parade of Lights – Fort Worth's holiday season starts with a parade of more than 100 illuminated, decorated floats, horses, carriages and marching bands topped off with the lighting of the 56-foot-tall official Fort Worth Christmas tree on Main Street between 3rd and 4th streets. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or two to be collected for needy children. Sundance Square, Nov. 28. Kids' activities begin at 2 p.m.; parade from 6 to 8 p.m. 817-336-2787 ; http://www.fortworthparadeoflights.org/.

Holiday Home Tour:

FORT WORTH: Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place Holiday Home Tour – Includes five Ryan Place homes built in the early 1900s and listed on the National Register, decorated for the holidays, plus historic St. John's Episcopal Church. Light snacks and refreshments at the church. $20 per person. Dec. 5, 6 to 9 p.m.; Dec. 6, 2 to 10 p.m.; Dec. 7, 2 to 6 p.m. http://www.historicryanplace.org/.

Through Dec. 21st experience Victorian Christmas at the Heard-Craig House that are set to reflect what the mansion, built in 1900, might have looked like when the family was getting ready for the holidays at 205 W. Hunt Street in McKinney. Tours of the home started Nov. 24th and will continue Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m., Saturdays at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. For more details, call 972-569-6909
Holiday Shopping:

CANTON: First Monday Trade Days – This is your last chance before the holidays to shop Texas' foremost flea market for antiques, home decor, arts and crafts, tools, plants and more. Nov. 27-30. 903-567-6556

The Holiday Urban Bazaar at the Market will showcase Dallas Farmers Market Friends and Make Crafting Studio and sale items such as home accessories, furniture, jewelry, clothing, handbags, art, and photography Dec. 9, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Dec. 10th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Dallas Farmers Market, 1010 S. Pearl Street in Dallas. For information, call 214-256-3061

The McKinney Avenue Contemporary presents "The Blue Yule," its annual fundraiser featuring unique handmade holiday ornaments designed by various artists Dec. 9th from 5-7:30 p.m. at 3120 McKinney Avenue in Dallas. For details, call 214-953-1212



And for a lot of free & fun holiday activities you might want to check out

North Park Mall
8687 N. Central Expressway
Dallas, TX.

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!!