You don’t have to travel to the North Pole to experience the magic of Christmas — the Hilton Anatole is bringing it right to Dallas with the return of Peppermint Park.
The immersive winter festival has a seemingly endless list of activities for children and parents alike, with everything from holiday train rides to arts and crafts with the Grinch. Here are nine things to know before visiting:
Dates and times
Peppermint Park is open 5-9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays from November 23-December 15, and then daily December 20-23 from 1-9 pm.
Tickets
It pays to stay at the Anatole during the holidays, because entry to Peppermint Park is included. If you're not a guest, then a la carte tickets can be purchased for $24.95 (adults) and $19.95 (kids ages 3-17), with kids under 3 getting in for free.
Parking
Parking is $20 and can be paid for upon arrival at Lot 4.
Merry activities
Take a magical train ride through the park and enjoy the light displays, predict the weather with Jack Frost, enroll in Elf School and learn what it takes to be one of Santa's helpers, mail your letters to the North Pole, or make holiday slime with the Grinch. There is also a petting zoo featuring the types of animals that would have been present during the nativity, such as donkeys, goats, lambs, and more.
Feel-good giving
To celebrate the spirit of giving this holiday, Hilton Anatole has partnered with Make-A-Wish North Texas to help make life-changing wishes come true for children with critical illnesses. As Peppermint Park opens its doors, it will feature a Make-A-Wish booth accepting personal donations along with Make-A-Wish volunteers throughout the park. To celebrate and honor the wishes of children, a portion of the proceeds from game commissions, unused coupons, and entrance commissions will be donated to the foundation.
Treats to share
Gossip Bar, located just inside the hotel and adjacent to Peppermint Park, will feature holiday-style concessions including hot cocoa, coffee, snacks, and adult beverages.
Breakfast with Santa Package
Save up to $100 and indulge in all the fun at Peppermint Park on Friday night, and the hotel will take care of breakfast on Saturday morning. Guests will enjoy standard luxurious accommodations, admission to Peppermint Park on the night of arrival, holiday movie night, a very special Breakfast with Santa for up to two adults and two children on the morning of departure, and late checkout of 1 pm.
VIP Holiday Experience Package
Save up to $100 and enjoy a private reception with Santa and Mrs. Claus before exploring all the excitement of Peppermint Park. Guests will enjoy standard luxurious accommodations, a private meet-and-greet event with Santa and Mrs. Claus on the night of arrival for up to two adults and two children, one complimentary 5x7 printed photo with Santa, admission to Peppermint Park on night of arrival, holiday movie night, valet parking for one vehicle, a very special Breakfast with Santa for up to two adults and two children on the morning of departure, and late checkout of 3 pm.
Festive fireworks
Hotel guests get to enjoy another perk with a special fireworks finale just for them on December 7. Set to holiday tunes, the display will light up Peppermint Park and telegraph the spirit of the season far and wide.
Enroll in Elf School, or learn how to predict the weather with Jack Frost.
Figure skater Mariah Bell. Getty Images