Dallas “Lights” Up The Night.
Every year, around this time, I start to create a list in my head of everything that I need want to get done to prepare for the holidays.
Usually my list is chucked full of internet-inspired grandiose ideas that I truly think I have time for. You know, the ones that make you want to dust off the old “footie pajamas”, crank up the classic Sinatra holiday tunes & guiltlessly drink ultra-rich hot cocoa with lots of baby marshmallows?
Yep, every year, about the second week into December, of course, I decide that “This WILL be the year that I squeeze all of my favorite traditions into the two weeks leading up to Christmas”. What I don’t ever seem to remember is that the rest of my life does not pause during the month of December.
So, ultimately I have to cut out a few traditions (not the guilt-free, ultra-rich hot cocoa, of course) and decide which festive event will be set to the highest level of priority. Que Holiday Lights gazing.
Every year in Dallas, millions of people try to out-do their neighbors with the biggest, brightest and most electricity bill shocking display of Holiday Lights (everything is bigger in Texas, right?). Well, thankfully, 2011 is no exception to this tradition. From Highland Park to Farmers Branch & even Forth Worth, we thought it would be fun to share some posts on where you can find the biggest and baddest display of lights this year!
- Farmers Branch Tour of Lights When: November 25 to December 31, 2011 from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Where: Tour starts at Valley View Lane and I-35. Follow the candy cane signs. Cost:It’s a free drive-through display.Christmas Tree Lighting event is December 3, 2011 at 7 p.m. at Farmers Branch Historial Park, 2540 Farmers Branch Lane. Fireworks, snow hill, Santa and more.
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Kessler Park in Dallas
This is a wonderful neighborhood to view holiday lights.
Directions: From downtown Dallas: go West on I-30. Take the Sylvan exit – turn left (south) on Sylvan. Travel about a half a mile on Sylvan to Colorado – go right (west) on Colorado. Travel another half mile on Colorado to the intersection of Colorado and Lausanne. Look for a big traffic triangle at that intersection with five large trees.
Cost: It’s a free drive-through display.
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Highland Park (Dallas)
What: Highland Park is the premier neighborhood for viewing holiday lights in Dallas.
Where: The best place to enter is at Armstrong Parkway and Preston Road. The homes are beautifully (and professional) dressed for the holidays. The area is bordered by Preston on the east side, Mockingbird to the north, the Dallas North Tollway to the west, and Armstrong Parkway for an entrance. There are a number of carriage services available for viewing the spectacular lights.
Cost: Free to drive through. Carriage rides are available for a fee.
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Sundance Square Parade of Lights (Fort Worth)
What: The 2011 Sundance Square Parade of Lights. Held each year in downtown Fort Worth, the Sundance Square Parade of Lights features over 100 illuminated entries, Cowboy Santas, marching bands, antique cars and more. This year’s parade theme, “Unwrap the Magic,” will feature even more professional floats, as well as our wonderful array of community-based units of all shapes and sizes. Street seats are available for a fee but there are also plenty of free viewing areas available.
When: The parade starts at 6 p.m. Friday, November 25, 2011.
Where: The parade route runs from Belknap Street to Commerce Street, around 6th Street to Houston Street and up to Weatherford.
Cost: Free
