Thinking about a staycation? Dallas-Fort Worth is a top holiday spot, WalletHub says
Stay put this year! Dallas-Fort Worth was ranked No. 3 in a recent list of the best warm-weather travel destination for the holidays.
WalletHub compiled a study of the best holiday destinations based on cost and convenience rather than scenery. To gather data, it pulled 70 of the largest metropolitan areas. From there, WalletHub looked at flight data, safety indicators and weather predictions.
D-FW wasn’t the only metropolitan area considered at the top. Austin was acknowledged as the No. 4 location for warm weather. And it’s also worth mentioning that Houston was ranked at No. 6 and San Antonio was at No. 11. Las Vegas and San Diego were the top contenders regarding warm weather vacations.
For cold weather, Atlanta and New York were ranked at Nos. 1 and 2, respectively.
“Whether you love to have a chill in your bones during the winter travel season or prefer to escape to somewhere sunny, the top travel destinations can cost as little as $200-$300 to reach by plane from major U.S. cities, with no connections.” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said.
Source: WalletHub
Dallas is only a 35-minute drive from Fort Worth. However, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a staycation with your family to celebrate the holidays. Here are some attractions that Dallas-Fort Worth has to offer.
Spending the holidays in Dallas-Fort Worth
Beginning with festive activities in D-FW, you can plan a holiday vacation based around these events.
Twas the Night Before Christmas play
Casa Manana Theatre: 3101 West Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth
Showing from Nov. 29 until Dec. 23.
Box office times are Tuesdays through Fridays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Play runs for an hour and 30 minutes, plus intermission.
“Molly is having trouble finding her Christmas spirit. Determined to make it a Christmas to remember, Molly’s mother takes her on a magical treasure hunt through New York City from Radio City Music Hall to Macy’s, where they encounter dancing elves and even Santa Claus himself!” says the Casa Manana website.
The Shops at Clearfork: 5188 Monahans Ave, Fort Worth
Dec. 7
Begins at 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Showcases local vendors and small businesses that feature seasonal produce, desserts, bread and artisanal items.
Fort Worth Stockyards: 131 E. Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth
Dec. 2
Events will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“Featuring festive activities such as our holiday ice rink, sounds of the season, photos with Cowboy Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, reindeer games, Strolling Dicken’s Carolers, two Championship Rodeos and a spectacular Christmas Parade!” according to the Stockyards website.
A Magical Cirque Christmas circus show
Music Hall at Fair Park: 909 1st Ave, Dallas
Nov. 21
Show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets begin at $29 and go up to $110.
“Get ready to be dazzled, enchanted, and filled with holiday cheer as you witness the incredible talents of world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music.” says Cirque Du Soleil.
Texas Ballet Theatre: The Nutcracker
Winspear Opera House: 2403 Flora St, Dallas and Bass Performance Hall: 525 Commerce St, Fort Worth
In Dallas from Nov. 29 to Dec. 8 and Fort Worth from Dec. 13 to Dec. 29. With both matinee and evening performances. Must buy tickets online for specific date and time.
For matinee shows, children can show up an hour early to visit the Kingdom of Sweets where they can meet a ballerina and more.
Dec. 5 and Dec. 19 are ugly sweater nights with a contest.
Two hours with a 20 minute intermission.
Dallas Children’s Theatre: Charlie Brown Christmas
Baker Theatre: 5938 Skillman St., Dallas
Nov. 23 through Dec. 22. Matinee and evening times proposed.
One hour long.
“Fill your heart with music, merriment, and warmth, as you remember the true meaning of this holiday season with Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts Gang! The holidays wouldn’t be the same without this Charles Schulz classic and a live jazz trio.” says the DCT website.
Where to stay in Dallas-Fort Worth
If you are visiting from out of town, or just want a staycation, here are some D-FW hotels that will put you in the holiday spirit.
2201 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas
Prices average $150 a night.
Offers breakfast with Santa, christmas tree maze, ferris wheel, santa suite and Bavarian village.
Breakfast with Santa is Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 30 until Dec. 22 with special dates, Dec. 23 and 24 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at SER Steaks and Spirits.
1717 N Akard St, Dallas
Prices average $175 to $200 a night.
Holiday wonderland with opportunity for kids to write letters to Santa in the North Pole. They also offer holiday themed brunches and cocktails.
200 Mule Alley Drive, Fort Worth
Prices range from $400 to $700 per night, depending on the room.
In addition to their holiday menu and brunches at their 97 West restaurant and bar, Drover also offers a tree lighting event and the 12 Days of Drover Christmas.
Tree Lighting event is on Nov. 29 at 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the backyard (must be an overnight guest to attend).
12 Days of Drover is everyday from 5 to 8 p.m. beginning on Dec. 13 until Dec. 24. You can meet Santa and enjoy festive holiday drinks and treats.
1300 Houston Street, Fort Worth
Prices are from $200 to $1,400 per night, depending on the room.
Omni offers Whiskey Wonderland tastings on Nov. 14 and Dec. 13 at 4 p.m.
“Then learn how to make a warming seasonal cocktail like a Whiskey White Russian or Whiskey Espresso Martini in a class led by a veteran bartender. Snack on sweet holiday treats while you fill—and empty—your glass.” says Omni website.
Where to eat for a holiday dinner in D-FW
Fort Worth and Dallas have so many good restaurants to choose from. Here are a few that will be open on Christmas.
Mercat Bistro: 2501 N Harwood St Suite 225, Dallas
Polar Bear room is available Nov. 20 through Jan. 5. The Polar Bear room features polar bear dancers (if you want a good view, you must book a Polar Bear table which comes with a $50 booking fee).
Reservations are a two hour experience.
Meals range from $30 to $50 per person.
Neiman Marcus: Level Six 1618 Main St., Dallas
Meals range from $30 to $50 per person.
“Enjoy the glitz and glam of Neiman’s during the holiday season, as well as the buffet at the Zodiac Room. Dallasites have been coming here for generations, and there is a reason why.” says Visit Dallas.
Hotel Drover: 200 Mule Alley Drive, Fort Worth
Thanksgiving Dinner: Nov. 28, Christmas Eve brunch and dinner: Dec. 24, Christmas Day brunch and dinner: Dec. 25, New Year’s Eve dinner: Dec. 31
Meals range from $30 to $50 per person.
Renaissance Worthington Hotel: 200 Main St. Fort Worth, Fort Worth
Christmas Day brunch is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner, 5 to 10 p.m. with bar service that goes from 10 a.m. to midnight.
Their full menu as well as prime rib will be available.
Meals range from $30 to $50 per person.
