Winter is a busy time for most families. Whether you’re busy holiday shopping, decorating, going to parties, and cherishing these precious moments with your family, you may be in need of local activities to add to your calendars.

Invite your friends and family along for the ride at these five fun winter activities in the DFW metroplex.

• Check out Christmas lights:

The Deerfield neighborhood (75024) is one of the brightest lit neighborhoods during the holiday season. Take a drive with friends and family and see one of the most ravishing neighborhoods in DFW. Admission is free, but it does get busy so arrive early! 

Another dazzling neighborhood with beautiful lights and fun activities is Highland Park village. Take a drive or ride in a carriage throughout the Highland Park neighborhood and finish the night with a stroll through the shopping center to experience the magic of the holiday season. Carriage rides are roughly $135, but the experience is like no other. 

In Addison, the Vitruvian Lights Park is a great place to take family pictures or just admire the colorful, vivid and brilliant trees scattered around the park. Admission is free! 

• Holiday at the Arboretum 

From November 10 to December 31, experience the holiday themed garden at the Dallas Arboretum with over one million lights. Explore the European-style Christmas Village, the Twelve Days of Christmas exhibits, and the new Artistry of Faith & Culture house that celebrates three world holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. At the Christmas Village, children and families can tour 12 different holiday houses–each with a different theme, like The Bakery or The Carpenter–and a volunteer will pass out a special gift. Kids can even visit Santa! The Twelve Days of Christmas is inspired by the hit Christmas song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and each exhibit represents a different part of the song that you can walk around and admire. Tickets for Holiday at the Arboretum range in price from $11 to $35.

• Gaylord Texan 

Visit the Gaylord Texan hotel from November 11 to January 1, 2023 and explore the magnificent polar express-themed ICE! exhibit. The adventure starts with receiving a large parka for warmth, traveling through the large hand carved ice sculptures of different scenes from the hit Christmas movie “The Polar Express,” and sliding down real ice slides! Tickets cost $16.99 to $25.99 for this unforgettable experience!

• Ice skate at the Galleria Dallas

Although ice skating is a year round event at the Galleria Dallas mall, it’s especially fun during the holiday season. From December 19 to January 8, skate around a larger-than-life Christmas tree that plays fun holiday music and has over half a million lights and 10,000 colored ornaments! For a cheap admission price of $12 and $5 for skate rental, spend time with friends and family and experience the joys of the holiday season!

• Six Flags Holiday in the Park 

Six Flags’ annual Holiday in the Park is truly a must-see event!  For select days through November 25 to January 1, walk around Main Street and reminisce in the falling snow, dazzling lights, and intricately decorated, cozy colonial style homes. Experience the 52-foot dancing Christmas tree that comes to life every 30 minutes, warm up with hot chocolate, and enjoy the iconic rides and attractions! One-day tickets are $49.99, but so much is included!