A Dallas Cowboys Christmas

The Star in Frisco scores a touchdown with jolly holiday happenings

For diehard football fans — and for those who can never get enough Christmas spirit — this is truly the most wonderful time of year. And right now, it’s prime time at The Star District in Frisco.

The corporate headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys has also decked the halls (and the end zones) with some serious holiday star power.

Here’s how to get in the game and experience all the cheer of Christmas at The Star:

Make the holidays lit
The Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza, powered by Reliant, is the touchdown of the festive season. Held on Tostitos Championship Plaza, the electrifying, 20-minute show ignites The Star with game-day-worthy thrills and Christmas dazzle — and it all kicks off with a performance by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

The lighting of the 67-foot LED Christmas tree is a fan favorite; the towering, illuminated stunner is synched with original music and pyrotechnics. Also on the roster are appearances by Cowboys football legends along with a lineup of performers, including the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blue, Cowboys Rookie Squad, Rowdy, and a special appearance by Santa Claus.

It all goes down on Fridays and Saturdays from December 2-17.

Go behind the field
After the Christmas Extravaganza, reserve an exclusive guided Christmas Tour of The Star, presented by SeatGeek, and experience the place where the Cowboys train and work 355 days of the year.

In addition to all the behind-the-scenes action, the holiday edition of these tours comes with additional sweet perks like Christmas cookies and limited-edition Cowboys ornaments. Tours will be held on December 2, 9, 16, and 17 at 6:30 p.m.

Pay a visit to Old Saint Nick
Cowboys fans with little ones in tow need look no further than this Santa photo opp at The Star. The jolly chap will be ensconced at his Cowboys-themed cottage, presented by Monument Realty, through Friday, December 24.

Spike your holiday shopping
Seasonal flavors — and lots of amazing shopping — await at the Christmas Sip & Stroll on Thursday, December 15, where many of The Star’s restaurants and shops will fill your glass while you browse.

Plus, look for complimentary gift customization opportunities and exclusive offers, carolers and Christmas music, photo moments, and more.

When you check in, you’ll get a stroll map, tasting glass, and a holiday shopping tote so you’re well-prepared for three hours of shopping and socializing with a twist.

Make your list, check it twice, and book a staycay
Multitask in the best way possible with holiday dining and shopping in The Star District. But first, do yourself a favor and book a room at the Omni Frisco Hotel, where they’re offering holiday specials all season long.

From there, you’ll be mere steps away from all the places to get your holiday shopping handled — especially with the brand-new stores J. Hilburn and Monkee’s along with fan faves like Lucchese, Flea Style, and Luxe Eyewear.

Then, step into The Gents Place, Hiatus Spa, Tangerine Salon, or Cherry Blow Dry to give the gift of self-care to yourself and grab a few gift cards for friends.

Dine and be merry
The Star also has no shortage of places to feast and fest. On Fridays in December, grab a special holiday lunch at Dee Lincoln Prime, complete with a Prime rib bar.

Over at Lombardi Cucina Italiana, don’t miss cheer-laden events like their Tinsels, Tinis, and Toddies Brunch on December 11 and Holiday Truffle Dinner on December 13.

For brand-new scene-stealers, The Glen and its exclusive scotch bar The Monarch Stag were made for that holiday vibe with a mystically unique atmosphere, lush florals, provocative lighting, and incredible food and drink. Snowbird Cocktail Lounge & Kitchen is another sleek newbie that’s not to be missed.

And of course, seasoned faves like Cane Rosso, City Works, Mi Cocina, Wahlburgers, and more are tried-and-true for day and night.

Explore all the ways to make your holiday merry and bright at The Star here

Photo courtesy of The Star

The lighting of the 67-foot LED Christmas tree is a fan favorite.

holidays shopping dinner sports promoted

Big Tex Wrap-Up

State Fair of Texas bounces back with 2.1 million attendees in 2026

Crowds around Big Tex at 2026 State Fair of Texas

Photo courtesy of State Fair of Texas

Almost 2.1 people attended the 2026 State Fair of Texas, up from 2025.

After experiencing its lowest total attendance numbers in seven years in 2025, the State Fair of Texas bounced back in 2026, welcoming nearly 2.1 million visitors, according to an official release.

That represents a slight bump up from the 2,020,064 that came through the gates in 2025. Both numbers are still down significantly from the highs of 2019 and 2022, when more than 2.5 million people attended the State Fair.

The uptick in attendance could be attributed to the concerted effort to make the Fair more affordable this year, including lowering ticket prices, making games and rides cheaper, expanding days for free student tickets, and offering a free day of parking.

As usual, the busiest day of the State Fair was Saturday, October 10, the date of the annual Texas-Oklahoma football game, with more than 203,000 fairgoers in attendance, including the 92,100 fans in the Cotton Bowl.

The average attendance for the other 23 days of the fair was around 82,500.

“We are grateful to every fairgoer who joined us this year, as well as the team members, vendors, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this season possible," said State Fair of Texas President Mitchell Glieber in a statement. "As a nonprofit organization, a successful Fair helps fuel our work throughout the year, and we are proud of the impact we continue to make through agriculture, education, and community.”

Other notable numbers from the 2026 State Fair of Texas include:

An all-new look for Big Tex, standing 55 feet tall, sporting a 95-gallon Resistol cowboy hat, a Cavender’s shirt measuring 245 by 192 inches, Levi’s 501 jeans measuring 380 inches wide by 290 inches long, size 96 Lucchese boots, and a Shiner belt buckle.
The unveiling of an official State of Texas Historical Marker from the Texas Historical Commission for Big Tex, honoring his enduring legacy as a beloved Texas icon and symbol of State Fair tradition.
An estimated 110,655 pounds of food were collected and donated to the North Texas Food Bank.
More than 28,600 members of the military and their families visited the Fair over 24 days, utilizing the special discount offer in gratitude for their service.
Approximately 500,000 prizes, valued at an estimated $1.8 million, were won at the State Fair Midway, enough stuffed animals and prizes to fill approximately 90 semi-trucks.
Approximately 450,000 Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs were enjoyed by fairgoers.
The State Fair of Texas is estimated to generate more than $600 million in economic activity each year, serving as one of the most impactful annual events in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

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