Seven Family-Friendly Christmas Events for 2021
It's Christmas time! Even if the weather seems more like spring, the sights and sounds of the holiday season are everywhere. It's a great time to gather friends and loved ones to experience a favorite holiday tradition...or start a new one!
Here are just seven of the many family-friendly Christmas events happening around town:
1. Holiday at the Arboretum (Dallas)
This dazzling event is a favorite, year after year. Enjoy the gardens with elaborate Victorian-style gazebos representing the 12 Days of Christmas. At night, the gardens are set aglow with over one millions lights. New this year is the Christmas Village, a quaint collection of shops inspired by European Christmas markets. Visit with Santa Claus or take in the entertainment, shopping, food & beverage options and the NEW 50-foot tall Dazzling Musical Tree.
Dates: through Dec 31
Location: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218
Website: www.dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/holiday-at-the-arboretum
Cost: varies by day and age group. See website for more information
2. Santa's Village (Richardson)
Santa's Village is a tiny town of 16 holiday dwellings, including Santa's library, police department, workshop, and more. Each colorful building offers children a fun activity. Guests can also enjoy live performances, holiday photo ops and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or a snack.
Dates: December 16 - December 19, 6-9 PM
Location: 411 W. Arapaho Road, Richardson, Texas 75080
Website: https://www.cor.net/departments/parks-recreation/community-events/santa-s-village
Cost: FREE
3. Lights on the Farm (Plano)
The Heritage Farmstead Museum comes to life with over one million lights in festive yuletide displays. There will be plenty to see and do as visitors walk the historic path leading from Candycane Lane to Santa's farm-shop. Guests can also enjoy s'mores and elaborate displays in Pancho's Pasture before walking through a tunnel of animated lights. Strollers and wagons are welcome!
Dates: Weekends through Dec 26 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), from 6-9PM
Location: Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 West 15th Street, Plano, TX, 75075
Website: www.heritagefarmstead.org/event-list/lights-on-the-farm/
Cost: $10 adults and $7 children (purchased online in advance). $15 adults and $10 children (at the door)
4. Christmas in the Square (Frisco)
Enjoy the largest choreographed holiday lights and music show in North Texas at Christmas in the Square. Guests can also ice skate, take a carriage ride, and more. See website for more details.
Dates: through Jan 2, 2022
Location: 8843 Coleman Blvd, Frisco, TX 75034
Website: www.friscosquare.com/cits-overview
Cost: light show is FREE; visit website for additional activity pricing
5. The Trains at Northpark (Dallas)
The Trains at Northpark Mall have been delighting multiple generations for the past 34 years. Featuring over 1600 feet of track, the exhibit takes guests on a rolling tour of the USA from coast to coast. There's even a guest appearance from outer space visitors!
Dates: through Jan 2, 2022
Location: Northpark Mall, 8687 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75225
Website: www.thetrainsatnorthpark.com/home
Cost: $10 adults and $5 children
6. Virtual Visit with Santa
For those who are looking to enjoy a special event this holiday from the comfort of home, children and families have the chance to see and speak virtually with NorthPark’s Santa. Each visit takes place via a secure link and includes a private conversation with Santa, live from his cozy home at the North Pole.
Date: Now through Dec 23 (reservations are taken on Sunday for the following week).
Website: https://give.childrens.com/landing/north-park-santa?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=referral
Cost: $25 suggested donation
7. Digital "A Christmas Carol" performance
The Dallas Theater Center offers another option to enjoy a night "in" with a digital performance of the 2021-2022 season's classic play by Charles Dickens, "A Christmas Carol."
Date: through Dec 29
Website: https://my.dallastheatercenter.org/a-christmas-carol-2021/digital
Cost: $20
However you celebrate, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Celebrate the wonder of the season with Chase Oaks on Christmas Eve. For a list of service times and locations, look here.