Festive Things to do in Dallas This Month

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Processed with VSCO with a6 preset Photo credit: Mary-Wesley Maddox

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.

Photo credit: Mary-Wesley Maddox
Photo credit: Mary-Wesley Maddox

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.

Photo Credit: Tiffany Saba
Photo Credit: Tiffany Saba

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!

Photo Credit: St Henry’s Winter Wonderland on Instagram
Photo Credit: St Henry’s Winter Wonderland on Instagram

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.

Photo Credit: The Dallas Arboretum on Instagram
Photo Credit: The Dallas Arboretum on Instagram

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.

Mary-Wesley Maddox

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