Fort Worth Holiday Festivities

Spectacular holiday show lights up the track at Texas Motor Speedway

With the week of Thanksgiving upon us, you can expect holiday decorations to pop up virtually everywhere. That includes Texas Motor Speedway just north of Fort Worth, which is hosting the Gift of Lights display for the third straight year through January 5.

Those dreaming of revving up their engine on the track or taking a spin up the banked corners will be disappointed, however. Most of the lights are found on the concourse underneath the west side stands, with a short jaunt outside of the north end of the track.

In all, there are more than 600 displays featuring 2 million LED lights on the concourse. The displays run the gamut from traditional (Santa Claus, elves, snowmen) to the whimsical (snowboarding penguins, parachuting reindeer) to the religious (Jesus, angels).

The people in charge of the lights might want to brush up on their holidays, though, as one display takes viewers through Jesus' crucifixion journey, from dragging the cross through the streets of Jerusalem to being nailed on the cross. Not only is this something associated with Easter instead of Christmas, it isn't exactly fitting with the cheery mood of the rest of the displays.

Each car, which costs $15 on weekdays and $20 on weekends and holidays, gets special glasses that turn the glittery lights into snowflakes. Drivers will want to take their time, though; some displays benefit from seeing them from afar, while others deserve more up-close looks.

This year the event is upping the ante, adding in a Snow Town that includes a field of manmade snow, outdoor tubing hill and more, promising wintery fun even if the weather stays snow-free.

Visitors should note that Snow Town comes with a separate charge, which runs up to $27 per person during the day. Combo tickets for both the lights and snow are a bit cheaper at night, running anywhere from $50 for five people on certain dates to $17 per car (for the lights) plus $10 per person for the snow on weekend nights.

Tickets for both events can be purchased in advance online, or in person at Walgreens, where customers get a special discount.

A tunnel with moving lights is one of the more fun displays at the Gift of Lights and Snow at Texas Motor Speedway.

Photo courtesy of TMC

A tunnel with moving lights is one of the more fun displays at the Gift of Lights and Snow at Texas Motor Speedway.

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Philanthropy is fun

The 7 essential parties of spring 2023 for philanthropic Dallas young professionals

Photo by Amy E. Frost

Members of Genesis Young Leaders at the second annual masquerade.

Dallas' big-hearted, young movers and shakers work hard and play hard. Spring 2023 finally brings back a full slate of fantastic parties, power lunches, and galas for good causes. From a disco-themed Masquerade to a Derby-style Day at the Races, these are the seven top social events for every Dallas young professional's calendar.

CASAblanca, February 4
The Dallas CASA Young Professionals kick off YP social season with this fabulous casino party, filled with games, cocktails, appetizers, silent auctions, prizes, and dancing at The Hall on Dragon. After trying their luck at the blackjack and roulette tables, guests can get crazy on the dance floor to the sounds of The Special Edition band. The event is under the guidance of co-chairs Anuka Dhakal, Brooke Donelson, and Melissa Wong, and all proceeds benefit the children served by Dallas CASA. Note: Tickets are officially sold out, but the silent auction is open to the public here, and more information on how to help is here.

Masquerade, February 17
The Genesis Young Leaders are back with their spring fundraising bash after a two-year pandemic pause. Themed "A Night Out at the Disco," the event promises a sparkling evening of beats by DJ Blake Ward, an open bar with signature cocktails, casino games, a silent auction, roller skate entertainment, and more - all at The Empire Room. Dress code is semiformal - sequins encouraged - and co-chairs are Michael Anorue, Brooke Roshell, and David Green. All proceeds will benefit the many women and children whom Genesis Women's Shelter serves. Tickets are available here.

Junior League Milestones Luncheon with Rob Lowe, April 14
Known for snagging big-name Hollywood speakers, this year's event doesn't disappoint. Award-winning actor, activist, and author Rob Lowe is the keynote speaker for the annual Junior League of Dallas luncheon. Pam Busbee will be honored as Sustainer of the Year at the event, taking place at Omni Dallas Hotel and chaired by Heather McNamara. The luncheon benefits Junior League's many civic causes throughout greater Dallas. Tickets and more information are here.

Under the Moonlight and Into the Garden Gala, April 14
Ronald McDonald House of Dallas has an active "Young Friends" auxiliary organization who will no doubt be out in force at RMHD's Under the Moonlight and Into the Garden Gala. Taking place at the Northwood Club, the cocktail-attire affair is chaired by Laura Petka and Lauren Pond. The annual gala has, since 2006, raised more than $2 million for the families living at RMHD and has furthered their mission of supporting the health and well-being of seriously ill or injured children receiving treatment by providing them and their families a home-away-from-home. Watch for more information and tickets here.

Yellow Rose Gala, April 15
The Yellow Rose Gala comes back big at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel as the "Everything is Bigger in Texas Masquerade." Christie Eckler, David Moore, and Tamiko Ryan (three individuals who each live with multiple sclerosis) are the inspiring event co-chairs who'll help the organization raise money for a cure for MS. The night will also honor Patrick and Kristy Sands, and the Dee Wynne Courage award will be presented to the Walker Bateman IV family. The high-energy evening will also include live music by legendary Motown singer and performer GC Cameron. Tickets are available here.

CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, May 4
Save the date for the most scrumptious culinary event of the season (not that we're biased) and get ready to raise a glass to Dallas' restaurant and bar stars. The annual CultureMap Tastemaker Awards returns this spring — and tickets will be on sale soon. Join us May 4 at Fashion Industry Gallery (F.I.G.) for an evening honoring the very best of Dallas' culinary scene, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting our nonprofit partner, Harvest Project Food Rescue. More details will be coming soon.

Day at the Races, May 6
Those who can't make it to Churchill Downs have the next best option in this festive Kentucky Derby-themed party. Guests should show up to Turtle Creek Park dressed in their Derby best for Southern food, mint juleps, a silent auction, table games, "wagering," music, dancing, a best-dressed and best-hat competition, and of course, Kentucky Derby viewing. The event - now it its 15th year - is chaired by Katherine and Austin Wyker with honorary chairs Olivia and Charles Hasty - and benefits the work of Turtle Creek Conservancy. More information and tickets here.

Photo by Amy E. Frost

Members of Genesis Young Leaders at the annual Masquerade.

young-professionals charity galas tastemakers luncheons

Fort Worth Holiday Festivities

Spectacular holiday show lights up the track at Texas Motor Speedway

A tunnel with moving lights is one of the more fun displays at the Gift of Lights and Snow at Texas Motor Speedway.

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