Weekend Event Planner

Embrace the holidays at Dallas' best events this Thanksgiving weekend

With Thanksgiving now out of the way, you are free to count down to Christmas with everything you've got. And although there are a few non-holiday options available, it's pretty much a holiday event or nothing if you plan on going out this weekend.

Below are the best options for your precious free time Thursday through Sunday. Don't like what you see? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.

Texas Christkindl Market
Multitudes of shoppers will head to the malls or other stores today for Black Friday deals, but for a different kind of shopping experience head to Globe Life Park in Arlington. It's hosting the annual Texas Christkindl Market, which features gifts, holiday decorations, authentic German cuisine, holiday beverages, live entertainment, children’s activities, and much more. It will continue every day through December 23.

Grand Prairie Parks, Arts & Recreation Department presents Prairie Lights
No doubt plenty of houses in your neighborhood are already sporting holiday lights, but this display at Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie is a step above. Featuring 4 million lights set along two miles of path, the event includes a Holiday Village with food, gifts, Santa Claus, an indoor laser show, and the Holiday Magic Lighted Walk-Through Forest. The drive ends with an animated light tunnel. You can experience the lights through January 3.

Dallas Children's Theater presents Miracle on 34th Street and Not a Creature Was Stirring
This holiday season brings not one but two productions from Dallas Children's Theater. The first, Miracle on 34th Street, is the well-known story of Kris Kringle trying to get a single mother and her daughter to believe in Christmas again. Not a Creature Was Stirring is a puppet show from Kathy Burks Theater of Puppetry Arts that focuses on a family of mice and a Christmas adventure. Miracle will run through December 20, while Creature will run through December 23.

Dallas Theater Center presents A Christmas Carol
Even though Dallas Theater Center presents A Christmas Carol every year, the company also change up aspects of the production each time to keep things fresh. This year's version of the classic Charles Dickens' story will star Brierley Resident Acting Company member Hassan El-Amin as Ebenezer Scrooge and be directed by fellow member Christie Vela. The production will run at Wyly Theatre through December 26.

Globe Life Park in Arlington will host the Texas Christkindl Market through December 23.

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Smurfs News

Immersive show starring blue Smurfs makes U.S. debut in Arlington

SBX

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Beloved blue characters The Smurfs are making their way to Arlington with an immersive experience for families: The Smurf Experience, located at Esports Stadium at 1200 Ballpark Way, opens May 7.

Get ready to shrink down, turn blue, and journey into the land of the Smurfs to help save the world from the evil wizard, Gargamel in a show that started out in Europe and now makes its U.S. debut in DFW for a limited time.

“The Smurfs may be small, but their journey has been anything but," says SBX Group’s CEO, Danny Fritz in a release. "From their origins in Europe in the 1950’s to their increasing global popularity, we are excited to bring the world of the Smurfs to life for families in DFW! Based on the success of the attraction in Europe, we believe US audiences will thoroughly enjoy the launch of The Smurf Experience."

This 13,000-square-foot, fully immersive attraction will transport families into the heart of Smurf Village. The 75-minute experience will feature nine mission-based zones filled with interactive scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, virtual reality adventures, meet-and-greets with beloved Smurf characters and more. It’s hands-on, high-energy and full of Smurftastic fun for kids and parents alike.

The Smurf Experience is not to be missed and is only in Texas until the end of summer.

Tickets are now available at $30 for regular admission and $40 for VIP, as well as group and birthday packages.

“When my father first drew these little blue characters decades ago, I don’t think he ever imagined that they’d one day jump off the pages and be able to physically interact with families around the world," says Véronique Culliford, Founder & President of Peyo Company and daughter of Peyo, in a release. "It is wonderful to see The Smurf Experience bring the Smurfs, their story and their values to life in such a meaningful way."

Timed with the release of Paramount Pictures’ new Smurfs movie, hitting theaters July 2025, this summer-long adventure builds on the excitement of the big screen.

The film stars Rihanna as both a producer and the voice of Smurfette. She’s also behind the soundtrack’s musical hits. The Smurf Experience lets fans step into the world of the Smurfs ahead of the film’s release—creating unforgettable moments for families to share together.

The Smurf Experience was designed by Belgium-based agency Cecoforma in collaboration with Smurf parent entity Peyo Company. SBX Group, a leader in entertainment attractions, is working with Cecoforma and Peyo Company to adapt the experience for North American audiences.

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