Making spirits bright

Dallas' most enchanting holiday wonderland will light up Fair Park for 2021

Enchant is back to enchant.

Photo courtesy of Enchant Christmas

UPDATE 9-29-2021: Tickets for Enchant Christmas, the whimsical and magical Christmas light maze and village, go on sale Thursday, September 30 at 10 am.

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Dallas' Fair Park will twinkle and shine this holiday season as the new location for Enchant, the magical Christmas lights event that dazzled Dallas-Fort Worth for two years before it sadly went dark in 2019.

The festive light maze and village will welcome guests November 26-January 2 at the Esplanade at Fair Park.

Themed "The Great Search," the light maze — the big highlight of the event — will take visitors "on a quest within the mystical forest of millions of twinkling lights and a world of wondrous art installations as they journey to save Christmas," a release says.

Enchant will also include a chance to glide down the Ice Skating Trail, sample gourmet holiday treats from around the world, shop at the artisan Christmas market, and meet Santa.

Enchant: World's Largest Christmas Light Maze & Market is a touring event from Canada that debuted in Arlington in 2017 and ran for two years in and around Globe Life Park. But construction of the Rangers' Globe Life Field forced it to shut down in 2019, and it did not return for 2020. A new, immersive experience called Luminova Holidays took its place.

In its two years, Enchant had become a favorite outing for families, couples on dates, and Instagrammers seeking for the perfect holiday selfie. More than 600,000 people visited the attraction in two cities — Arlington and Vancouver — in 2018.

“I can’t tell you how much it means to us to be returning to North Texas this year," says Enchant founder and CEO Kevin Johnston in the release. "Providing magical Christmas experiences is at the heart of what we do, and I know I am definitely ready to go back out and celebrate the festivities with my family, and I can imagine many of our guests feel exactly the same way."

According to the release, highlights of the 2021 experience will include:

The Christmas Light Maze – “The Great Search” takes guests through a twinkling wonderland in search of Santa’s missing gifts.
Christmas Market – Taste seasonal delights and shop for holiday gifts from dozens of local vendors showcasing home decor, jewelry, gourmet foods, and more. (Vendor applications are being accepted at EnchantChristmas.com.)
Star Experiences – A "VIP" type experience that includes full-service catering and more. They're now accepting reservations for holiday parties.
Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus – Santa will be on site for holiday photos, and Mrs. Claus will lead story time for the little ones.
Food and Beverage – Holiday-themed food and drinks that aim to please everyone.
Ice-Skating Trail – An Ice-Skating Trail adorned with spectacular light displays. Skates can be rented at the event.

“It’s only right that one of the biggest and brightest holiday events in Texas comes to the home of some of the biggest events in Texas," says Peter Sullivan, Fair Park manager, in the release. "We’re looking forward to hosting this world-class holiday experience.”

This is the second major holiday event to announce its grand return for 2021, as last year's smash hit Radiance! Holiday Light Spectacular recently unveiled big plans for both Halloween and Christmas throughout Dallas Fort Worth.

Enchant ticket details will be announced in September. For more information, visit EnchantChristmas.com.

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Fair Park News

Dallas to terminate agreement with management of Fair Park

Photo courtesy of Fair Park First

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The City of Dallas has issued a notice of termination to Fair Park First, the nonprofit entity that has been managing Fair Park under a long-term agreement. According to a release, the termination is effective in 90 days.

The action also brings to a close the subcontracting relationship between Fair Park First and OVG360, which has provided venue and facilities management services and has overseen daily operations at Fair Park since 2019.

City leaders said the move is needed because the organizational structure under the existing contract is flawed and lacks a direct relationship between OVG360 and the city.

“Fair Park is a vital part of our city’s cultural and historic identity,” said Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. “This decision reflects our commitment to ensuring sound stewardship and transparent management of this beloved public asset."

Since assuming management in January 2019, Fair Park First has been responsible for overseeing the park's year-round programming, facility operations, and maintenance.

As the city transitions to a new management structure, Dallas Park and Recreation staff will step in to ensure continuity of operations for park tenants, campus partners, and upcoming events.

Dallas Park and Recreation Department director John D. Jenkins said in a statement that the termination gives the city a chance for a reset.

“This step enables us to reset our approach to Fair Park management and is in the best interest of Fair Park, patrons, and the taxpayers of Dallas,” Jenkins said.

Their goal is to develop a new plan that is "financially sustainable, vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive … so that Dallas residents will be able to enjoy the park year-round," Jenkins said.

"The new plan will involve Dallas Park and Recreation managing the daily operations and maintenance, partnering with a non-profit to deliver third party funding opportunities, continuing the relationship with existing campus partners and bringing in new companies with expertise with producing large and small events and programs."

During the transition, Dallas Park and Recreation staff will be onsite at Fair Park to provide a transition of operations for the park’s existing campus partners, vendors, and events.

Dallas Park and Recreation will honor all existing contracts for upcoming park events.

state fair

Making spirits bright

Dallas' most enchanting holiday wonderland will light up Fair Park for 2021

Fair Park News

Dallas to terminate agreement with management of Fair Park

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