Christmas Lights in Highland Park
Location: Highland Park Village and surrounding residential areas
Price: Free
One of my favorite parts about SMU is being right near Highland Park at Christmas time. The lights go up early, especially at Highland Park Village, and they really brighten up the stressful time of finals. Grab some friends and hot chocolate and drive around Highland Park as a study break! You can even book a carriage to take a guided tour of the lights from Northstar Carriage or Brazos Carriage.
Holiday Tea at the Adolphus
Location: The Adolphus (1321 Commerce St)
Price: $65 per person plus tax and tip
The holiday tea service at The Adolphus is quite the splurge, but it is a great way to spend an afternoon. The hotel is beautifully decorated for Christmas, and tea takes place in the elegant setting of The French Room restaurant. The all-inclusive price covers a glass of champagne, two different teas, and three courses of tea sandwiches, scones and desserts. The Adolphus has added more tea times this season to ensure social distancing, and I recommend going on a weekday to avoid crowds and get a last-minute reservation. Make your reservation at Resy.com.
Miracle on Lowest Greenville
Location: 2010 Greenville Ave
Price: Specialty Cocktails $14 each
This pop-up Christmas bar is back for a second year in a larger space to accommodate more guests. Miracle features fun Christmas cocktails and over-the-top decorations with themed rooms for The Grinch, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Christmas in New York City. Reservations are required to maintain safety guidelines, and each slot is limited to 90 minutes. Secure a spot at the Miracle Dallas website!
St. Henry Winter Wonderland
Location: The Henry (2301 N Akard St Suite 250)
Price: Food $12-$32, Cocktails $14-$17
For the first time, The Henry restaurant has a pop-up rooftop bar with a limited edition holiday menu. The space offers cozy holiday decorations and unique cocktails like “Nog on the Rooftop” and “Junior & Mrs. Mint.” The menu also features small bites and desserts. The rooftop is open from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. on weekdays, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday. Make a reservation at The Henry website.
Holiday at the Arboretum
Location: The Dallas Arboretum (8525 Garland Road)
Price: Admission Ticket $17
The Dallas Arboretum knows how to do the holiday season. I visited the fall pumpkin exhibit, and it is the perfect way to enjoy a day with friends. The admission is affordable, and you can bring food and drinks to enjoy in picnic areas in the gardens. Until December 31st, the Arboretum features a Christmas Village and the 12 Days of Christmas installation. There is also a holiday tea service offered daily. Reserve a spot for the daytime or night at the Dallas Arboretum website.
