Best Family Fun Christmas Destinations in Texas
Holiday Entertainment on a Budget in the Dallas Ft. Worth Metroplex
The traditional family vacation may not be in the budget this year. With a little creativity, families can still get away for some fun and adventure on a budget. Consider heading south this year to the Lone Star state. A family of four can experience total family fun and adventure for less than $100 a day.
Christmas in Grapevine
The Dallas/ Ft. Worth Metroplex consists of two very large cities and several small cities all working together in close proximity. During the Christmas season, that can mean big revenue for the local economy. Seasonal events are usually scheduled from Thanksgiving to New Years.
Nestled right in the center between Dallas and Ft. Worth, and just a little to the north is Grapevine, Texas, the Christmas capitol of Texas. This place has all things Christmas. From the middle of November until New Year's Day, Grapevine truly celebrates the season.
Every year, the Gaylord Texas Resort in Grapevine holds an ice festival. This is part of the annual Lone Star Christmas celebration at Gaylord. This year's theme brings to life the Dr. Seuss classic, How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Ice sculptures will depict scenes from the story. Also enjoy a 50 foot rotating Christmas tree, magical train sets, a life-sized gingerbread house and 1.5 million Christmas lights. Grapevine, Texas is also the location of the Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark. Families can go play in the ice and then spend some time in the water without feeling the chill.
Christmas in Grand Prairie
Just south of Grapevine, still in the middle of the DFW metroplex, are two neighboring towns that share the Christmas fun, Grand Prairie and Arlington. Most people know about Arlington, home of the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, and Six Flags over Texas. However, few know about Grand Prairie, Texas.
Grand Prairie hosts the Prairie Lights Holiday display. Over three million Christmas lights are set in scenic displays along two miles of winding road. It is a sight to behold. Midway through the drive, patrons can stop the car and visit the Holiday Village concession area and carousel rides. Pictures with Santa are available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the event. The holiday display will run every night from Thanksgiving until New Year's Eve and the cost is a low $15 to $20 per car.
Christmas at the Mall
For a day of family fun on a budget, head to the mall. Believe it or not, a family can save money on a Christmas vacation by checking out what the Dallas/ Ft. Worth area malls have to offer. Many of these grand mega shopping complexes have free or low cost events planned for the whole family throughout the holiday season.
The trains at North Park Mall in Dallas are an annual event to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, a home away from home for families with children in Dallas hospitals. View over 35 'O' gauge trains as they travel on a magical journey across America, past a miniature Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Rushmore, and on past the Dallas skyline before taking in Times Square and Washington, D.C. It's fun for all ages. Tickets are sold at $6 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. Children aged 2 and under are admitted free.
If the family needs time to unwind and cut loose, plan on visiting Collin Creek Mall in Plano, Texas. Not only is this a traditional shopping mall, but it's now the home to Amazing Jake's Family Entertainment Center. Amazing Jake's is not the average pizza arcade. It's a two-story, 95,000 square ft. extravaganza of food, laser tag, rock climbing, bumper cars, go karts, miniature golf, kiddie rides, and arcade games all under one roof. It's open everyday. However, for the best bargain, consider going on a Tuesday. For $17 a person, customers, aged 4 and up, get to enjoy the all-you-can-eat pizza buffet and unlimited access to all the attractions and games.
Budget Friendly Christmas Events Throughout Texas
The metroplex is not the only place in Texas celebrating the holidays. Many cities throughout the great state are celebrating in grand style. Travel east to the lights of Marshall. Head to the coast to celebrate Dickens on the Strand in Galveston. Explore the rich Hispanic heritage of San Antonio. There are so many choices. Texas is rich in hospitality but frugal when it comes to cost. This place may be big, but they keep the cost of fun down. Get the family to head on down to Texas and have a Merry Christmas!
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Christmas Family Fun in Texas
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