DFW and the holidays...What is your favorite tradition?? (Fort Worth: how much, hotel)

[Guingirl]

I know...its not even Halloween yet and there are Christmas decorations were Im at currently It got me thinking about the holidays and how hopefully we will be there in Texas for them.

I was really curious as to what you all consider a family tradition, geographically, that you just can't wait to do each year.

Also, another silly question, how much do Christmas trees cost down there. We bought our 8' tree (noble fir) last year for about 45.00 and was just pondering what it would be there.

Hubby was through DFW the other day and I had him pick me up a D Magazine and it showed a thing at the Gaylord Texan that looked really cool.

Anyway, thank you guys for all your continued help!! My family and I really appreciate it!

[WVMMRH]

i look forward to watching uncle henry attempt to eat the cat.we only have one left now since last christmas.he's coming back for more.the artificial trees are very cheap here,but i'm not sure about the real ones.i've had an artificial for so long,that the only real trees i see are in the lots when i pass by them while i'm driving. i suspect that the real ones here in dallas aren't to highly priced,but again,i'm not sure.the 6-8 foot fake trees are easily bought for 12 to 20 bucks and anywhere in between depending on where you go to get one.got my 6 foot for 14 dollars 9 years ago.

[momof2dfw]

I'd LOVE to know where you one can get an artificial Christmas tree for $20? LOL!!! That is way too funny.


I have an artificial tree that I purchased 4 years ago that is 10' and was around $300. It is a nice one that is prelight. If you find one you REALLY like, don't wait too long or think you will get it really cheap after Christmas. The nice ones are usually sold out before Christmas. As far as the price on real trees, I have several friends that do the real tree thing and some can spend a good sum on one. But they are usually pretty picky about what the tree looks like. Some prefer to buy from the local garden centers like Calloway's. I could not even begin to give you a figure on how much they run as I have never purchased one.

Was the exhibit at the Gaylord the ice sculptures? I wanted to go last year but we never had the time. They have a weekend package that you can buy that includes lodging, breakfast and tickets to the ice sculpture exhibit.

There are some places around that we love to go look at lights. There is a man in Rowlett that dresses up like Santa Claus. He has a real beard and his wife if she is home will be Mrs. Claus. They are SOOO SWEET!!!!!!!! We will even take the kids by at night after baths in their pj's and let them go see Santa and get their pics. That has become one of the popular Santa's for some to get their kids pics. Their house is also done up really nice w/ neon lights decorating it.

Now, THE Santa for some to go see is at NorthPark Mall. You literally have to check in and get a number and it can be a 2-3 hour wait. I've never done that w/ my kids but know plenty that do. NorthPark also has a model train exhibit that the proceeds benefit a local charity.

[GoPadge]

If I recall correctly the Parks in Arlington had restaurant style pagers for Santa last year, which "allowed you" to continue shopping while you waited. Once the pager went off you had a 15 - 30 minute wait....

[Guingirl]

Originally Posted by GoPadge

If I recall correctly the Parks in Arlington had restaurant style pagers for Santa last year, which "allowed you" to continue shopping while you waited. Once the pager went off you had a 15 - 30 minute wait....

OMG...I would have loved that!! Our first time in the Santa line here was a good couple of hours at least. Last year we passed on the Santa pictures.

Yes, the pictures of the Gaylord were the ice sculptures.

Last year, here in California, we went to one of the churches here and they had kindof a drive through Christmas Story scene, where each station had a part of the story of the birth of Christ and had real life actors out playing the part. They have been doing that here for awhile.

[Spookmeister]

The Galleria in December is where everyone should browse through!

[bugaboo]

Here are a few things on our must do list every year.

Take the DART downtown to the Neiman Marcus children's parade. Followed by a stroll through the downtown Neiman marcus to see all the decorations (they always have great window displays). Then pictures in front of the Christmas tree in the lobby of the Adolphus hotel. We always wrap up the day with lunch at Chipotle in the west end......not very "christmas-y" i know!

Dad and kids visit the miniature train exhibit at North Park Center while mom shops.

Visit to the Galleria mall one weekend to watch Santa ice skate. He has sparklers on his skates!

Stroll through the Gaylord hotel for pictures and to visit the ICE exhibit.

Carriage ride through Highland park to see the lights. Another good neighborhood is Deerfield (?) i think that's the right name. It's in Plano.

Attend the lighting of the square in downtown Denton.

Pictures with Santa at Willowbend mall.

Can't forget the Nutcracker ballet in Fort Worth at Bass Hall (BEAUTIFUL)!

Wow! I've never listed these before like this. We do a lot and this isn't everything! Our favorites are always the children's parade and the nutcracker ballet.