4 Dallas-area golf courses make list of best public facilities in Texas

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Four Dallas-area golf courses score slots on a new 2023 guide of the best municipal golf courses in Texas by Texas Monthly magazine.

"You don’t need to belong to a country club, or even have especially deep pockets, to enjoy high-quality golf," the guide promises.

The Lone Star state Texas ranks fifth in the U.S. (behind California, Florida, Michigan, and New York) for number of public courses, with about 600 facilities.

The magazine sent out seven staffers and freelancers to come up with list of the 18 greatest public golf courses in Texas. Criteria included uniqueness, reasonable price, and accessibility to a wide range of skill levels.

These four made the cut:

Stevens Park Golf Course is a 6,285-yard course in Kessler Park that shares trails with locals while offering tricky, unique challenges and stunning views from the 15th fairway. Enthusiast golfers can enjoy a day out at Stevens Park, while more expert players can push themselves to improve.

"What makes [Stevens Park] fun is deciding just how much risk to take in pursuit of a birdie," contributor Shawn Shinneman says. "Take the par-4 number three, which has a fairway that twists right 90 degrees around a clump of trees. If you try to cut the corner with a towering drive but cut too deep, you’ll find bark; fail to cut at all and you’ll barrel into a bunker."

Pecan Hollow Golf Course in Plano earnspraise for its amenities, vast open spaces, and unforgettably fun courses.

"Strategic bunkering and tree placements keep you thinking and engaged, plus five sets of tees guarantee that anyone can enjoy the challenge," says Shinneman. "Most fun of all, though, are Pecan’s MiniVerde greens, which are big, sloped, and filled with nuance — and they’re quick... But you’ll be left wanting to come back again and again to figure them out, and the affordable rates won’t stop you from doing so."

Grapevine Golf Course is a 27-hole course designed by the legendary Byron Nelson in 1979 and rejuvenated by Irving-based design firm Golf Resources two decades later. The Monthly calls it "a gentle test" of a golfer's skills without being overly easy.

"Take the par-4 fifth hole on the Pecan nine: 405 yards from an elevated tee, moving right to left toward a vaguely reverse-redan green," wrote contributor Kevin Robbins. "It’s scenic, strategic, and, if you fancy, heroic. And, as on a handful of other holes on the Pecan and Mockingbird nines, both of which underwent renovations in the early aughts, you feel that you’re all alone with an allée of oaks."

Rockwood Park in Fort Worth is an 18-hole course designed in 1938 by John Bredemus, a former math teacher turned golf course architect.

Since Rockwood's revivification and reopening in 2017, the course has held on to some of its more distinctive features while enticing golfers with modern design elements. And no one can forget those gorgeous views.

"The tee of the lovely, 142-yard par-3 eighth hole takes you to one of the highest points on the property," said Robbins. "From there, you see downtown Fort Worth — and a massive green in the shape of an amorphous arrowhead, with a spacious false front just beyond a bunker that looks a lot closer to the green than it really is."

Robbins further ponders if Rockwood Park has visitors wondering whether it's a course in a city, or a course that rescues them from it.

The remaining 14 courses in Texas Monthly's "A Guide to Texas' Best Public Golf Courses" can be found on texasmonthly.com.

Photo courtesy of Estately.com

Dallas unlocks No. 12 ranking among U.S. cities with most million-dollar homes

The luxe life

With median home prices sitting at $412,000, it takes quite the leap for the average Dallas home to be considered a luxury listing. And yet there are many; 22 percent of all real estate listings in Dallas are homes worth over $1 million, according to a new study.

The report, by online real estate marketplace experts Point2, ranks Dallas No. 12 nationwide among U.S. cities with the highest shares of luxury homes. Dallas ranks second in Texas, behind Austin.

In Point2's 2021 report, Dallas ranked No. 13 with only 13.9 percent of real estate listings with a price tag for more than $1 million. These new findings confirm that Dallas is on the rise as one of the best housing markets for growth, while also opening up possibilities for redefining what the term "luxury" means for real estate in 2023.

"Once used to describe famous estates recognizable by name alone or opulent residences redefining the apartment concept, luxury may now be reduced to a convenient location and cushy amenities," the report says. "Its meaning varies even further when analyzing different-sized markets across the United States, beyond the well-known house-hunting grounds of affluent home seekers."

Austin ranked No. 10 nationally with 24.7 percent of all active real estate listings for sale for over $1 million. No other Texas cities made the top 15.

The study looked at all available real estate for sale in the 30 largest, mid-size, and smallest cities in the United States, and categorized the listings by their $1-million-plus price tags.

In the category for the smallest U.S. cities, Grapevine ranked No. 13 with 13 percent of all real estate listings for sale worth over $1 million.

The largest cities also were analyzed for active real estate listings worth over $5 million.

The study admits that luxury homes worth over $5 million are the true indicator of what "real luxury" looks like specifically for the largest American cities. In Dallas, only 1.8 percent of real estate listings fit that criteria, earning the city No. 8. Austin, with 1.5 percent, land just behind Dallas, at No. 9.

The top 10 largest cities in the U.S. with the highest shares of luxury real estate listings worth over $5 million are:

No. 1 – Los Angeles, California (11.6 percent)
No. 2 – Boston, Massachusetts (9.4 percent)
No. 3 – San Diego, California (7.6 percent)
No. 4 – New York City, New York (7.4 percent)
No. 5 – San Francisco, California (7.1 percent)
No. 6 – Washington, D.C. (2.1 percent)
No. 7 – Seattle, Washington (2.0 percent)
No. 8 – Dallas, Texas (1.8 percent)
No. 9 – Austin, Texas (1.5 percent)
No. 10 – San Jose, California (1.1 percent)

The full report and its methodology can be found on point2homes.com.

Photo courtesy of NorthPark Center

Luxury furniture brand opens first Texas outlet store in buzzy DFW locale

Shopping news

A popular retailer of high-end, artisan-crafted furniture and decor has introduced a new concept to Texas by way of Grapevine: Arhaus The Loft, an offshoot of Arhaus, opened at Grapevine Mills on June 30.

It has nestled into the hottest spot in the mall, in the city, in all of Dallas-Fort Worth - next to Meow Wolf.

While Arhaus has seven locations in Texas (including one at Dallas' NorthPark Center), this is the brand's first "Loft" outlet in the state. The store carries new, discontinued, slightly imperfect, and overstocked pieces for every living space.

"As a luxury furniture store and leader in home décor, Arhaus was founded on the idea that home décor should stand the test of time, being sustainably sourced, lovingly made, and built to last," the company says in a release.

Arhaus The Loft offers a variety of home décor pieces and outdoor furniture including dining tables, sofas, sectionals, accent chairs, beds, desks, lighting, and more - at "incredible, consumer-friendly prices," they promise.

Grapevine Mills director of marketing Trudy Cresswell points out that Arhaus The Loft is a complement to Horchow Finale, located in Neiman Marcus Last Call at the mall.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome yet another anticipated opening that will further enhance Grapevine Mills’ home décor portfolio,” Cresswell says.

Its debut is well-timed to the opening of Meow Wolf, the buzzy immersive art experience launching July 14. The store sits between Meow Wolf and the Old Navy Outlet at Grapevine Mills.

Hours are 11 am-7 pm Monday-Saturday and 12-6 pm Sunday.

Photo by Jess Gallo

Take a first peek inside Meow Wolf before it opens in Grapevine next month

Opening the portal

The buzziest opening of summer is almost upon us: Meow Wolf will debut in Grapevine Mills on July 14. With just two weeks to go, we finally have an idea of what it might be like inside the "portal," thanks to five sneak-peek photos the organizers have revealed.

Themed "The Real Unreal," Meow Wolf Grapevine will be an immersive experience that will take participants on a "journey through a Technicolor wonderland that blends storytelling, technology, and immersive art," they say. Guests will experience different dimensions of perspective and creativity through more than 30 rooms.

The storyline of the journey, conceived by sci-fi and fantasy author LaShawn Wanak, goes like this: "Beginning in a house, the story centers on a mother and son, their chosen family, and the extraordinary events that open their house to a realm of expansive creativity."

Initial images capture details of the exhibition's intricate and otherworldly landscapes, although they're not fully explained. Meow Wolf likes to keep things mysterious. All were created by 38 Texas artists alongside dozens of Meow Wolf artists.

"We’re thrilled to reveal these first looks of our newest exhibition," says Dale Sheehan, Meow Wolf senior vice president and executive creative director, in a release. "It’s been in the works for four years and is an awe-inspiring self-guided experience for visitors to get lost in. 'The Real Unreal’s' narrative journey takes a leap through the spaces between universes, and is the first major step in connecting the Meow Wolf story universe."

Photo by Jess Gallo

Is it real? Or is it unreal?

Meow Wolf is a wildly popular, Santa Fe-based interactive adventure known for enchanting art lovers and amusement zealots with its mind-bending immersive experiences. The first-ever Texas portal (so called for Meow Wolf’s expertise in transporting visitors to fantastic realms of imagination), in Grapevine, has been in the works for more than a year.

The new Grapevine portal will be located in the Grapevine Mills shopping mall and encompass 40,000 square feet in the space formerly occupied by a big-box store. A Houston portal will follow, in 2024.

In addition to the exhibition, "The Real Unreal" portal will include a retail store, live event venue, and cafe featuring 15 food purveyors.

"The Real Unreal" will be open at 10 am daily beginning July 14. (Hours may vary.) Tickets are now available for pre-purchase starting at $50 for general admission ($45 for children). Pre-booking a time slot for entry is required.

Photo courtesy of Reunion Tower

Dallas-Fort Worth hot spots rack up 14 accolades at 2023 Texas Travel Awards

Award-winning attractions

Some of the best attractions in the state are in Dallas-Fort Worth and surrounding areas, according to the 2023 Texas Travel Awards, which "shine a spotlight on the most exciting, innovative, and inviting places around the state."

The Texas Travel Awards were created by Austin Monthly, San Antonio Magazine, and Texas Music publishers, and the winners are decided by a panel of industry professional judges, travel journalists, and a musician. The awards are bestowed in "by population" categories (small, mid, or big market), as well as in statewide and people's choice categories.

In all, the Dallas-Fort Worth region won 14 accolades this year, which highlights just how positively travelers perceive the Metroplex. The winners of these prestigious awards - including spots in Arlington, Mansfield, Grapevine, Granbury, and even Mineral Wells - offer some of the most unique experiences in Texas for travelers.

The only Dallas attraction to win a best "by-population" award was the 561-foot-tall iconic Reunion Tower, in the category for the most Instagrammable "Big Market" Spot. (The storied Dallas landmark will surely draw even more Instagram attention now that it's home to a new restaurant.)

The remaining awards all fell to the 'burbs and two outlying cities.

The town of Grapevine took home three" by population" awards in this year's rankings, which is one more than last year's awards. For the second year in a row, Third Rail and MagnumSpeakeasy won Best "Mid Market" Live Music Venue and Best "Mid Market" Bar. Magnum opened in 2021 at the height of the speakeasy trend that took over Dallas-Fort Worth, as did Third Rail, and have been popular additions to the city's nightlife scene.

And what do they have in common? They're both conveniently located in the Best "Mid Market" Hotel: Hotel Vin, Autograph Collection. It is the only boutique hotel in Grapevine, mixing luxurious accommodations with classic Texan hospitality.

The city of Mansfield earned two accolades in this year's awards, after not gaining any in 2022. The "Love Your Vibe" mural won most Instagrammable "Mid Market" Spot, and Music Alley Music and Arts Festival won the title for Best "Mid Market" Music Festival or Event.

Arlington took home one award in the "by population" category for Best "Big Market" Food Festival or Event. The city's #SaveTheTacos Contest won the award, where several local restaurants add new, specially-made tacos to their menus and compete to become the city's favorite taco.

One up-and-coming city that earned one statewide award and two by population awards is Mineral Wells, located 50 miles west of Fort Worth. Mineral Wells' downtown area earned the statewide Best Revitalization award, while its visitor center won the Best "Small Market" Visitor Center. In the category for Best "Small Market" Under the Radar Activity, Mineral Wells Fossil Park was awarded that accolade.

For the second consecutive year, the Texas Travel Awards created People's Choice awards for the public to vote on the best destinations in four categories: arts and culture, families, foodies, and outdoor adventures. And Dallas-Fort Worth cities swept in the category, leaving other Texas cities in the dust.

Dallas was named the Best Destination for Arts and Culture, and Grapevine won the award for Best Destination for Families. The outlying southwestern city of Granbury, which is located less than 40 miles from Fort Worth, won Best Destination for Foodies, and Mineral Wells earned the title of Best Destination for Outdoor Adventures.

Elsewhere in Texas, the Hill Country city of New Braunfels just outside San Antonio took home 12 awards, the most out of any Texas city in this year's rankings.

The full list of winners in the 2023 Texas Travel Awards can be found on their website.

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Director Todd Haynes tackles inappropriate relationships in May December

Movie Review

Director Todd Haynes has pushed buttons throughout his career, starting with his acclaimed short film, Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story, which used Barbie dolls to illustrate the late singer’s anorexia battle. He’s at it again with his latest, May December, which tackles the idea of highly inappropriate relationships through a lens that itself has the potential to be upsetting.

Elizabeth (Natalie Portman), an acclaimed actress, has traveled to Savannah, Georgia to shadow Gracie (Julianne Moore) in preparation for a movie in which Elizabeth will play Gracie. That movie tackles the beginnings of Gracie’s relationship with Joe (Charles Melton), when he was a 13-year-old seventh grader and she was a 36-year-old pet shop worker. The shocking tryst resulted in much controversy, a child, and a jail stint for Gracie, but the couple professed their love for each other through it all.

Twenty years later, they’re still together, having added two more kids to their family, children who happen to be the same age as Gracie’s grandkids from her previous relationship. Elizabeth wants to experience it all, bouncing from person to person to try to understand exactly who Gracie is and was. Striving for authenticity in her performance, however, soon takes her down a Method acting rabbit hole.

Directed by Haynes from a script by Samy Burch, and loosely based on the story of teacher Mary Kay Letourneau and her 12-year-old student, Vili Fualaau, the film treats Gracie and Joe’s relationship in a relatively straightforward manner. It details a benign life in which they have the love of their kids and some neighbors, even if they occasionally get a box full of poop on their doorstep.

It’s the arrival of Elizabeth that sends things spiraling, as her various conversations trigger responses from both Gracie and Joe that they seem not to expect. Haynes alternates between being serious and being campy, with not enough of each for either for them to seem to be the goal. The score gives off a less-than-serious vibe, and an early scene in which a mundane thing is treated as if it were happening in a soap opera points in the campy direction, but those type of moments are few and far between.

In casting Portman as the obsessive actor, Haynes may have been trying to offer up echoes of her Oscar-winning role in Black Swan. It’s no small irony that the person who comes off as the most craven in such a sordid story is the actor who everybody wants to be around, not the woman who became a pariah because she is a sex offender. In that and other ways, Haynes upends expectations, keeping the film interesting even through its slower moments.

Portman and Moore are ideal for their respective roles, Portman because she has a knack for portraying confidence and guile, and Moore due to her ability to manipulate at will. Melton, best known for playing Reggie on Riverdale, pales in comparison due to his less showy role, but he complements the story well. Special notice goes to Elizabeth Yu as Gracie and Joe’s daughter Mary, who shines in her limited scenes.

The story of May December contains elements that will creep certain viewers out, whether it’s the subject matter itself or the performances of the two great lead actors. Haynes has a way of getting under the skin with his storytelling, and this film is yet another great example.

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May December will debut on Netflix on December 1.

Photo by François Duhamel / Courtesy of Netflix

Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore in May December.

These are the 20 best things to do in Dallas this weekend

Weekend Event Planner

The first weekend in December will feature an array of holiday-themed events, from theater to music to festivals. If you're not quite ready to commit to the season, there are a few other choices, including a big comedian, a theater production that pays homage to the Harry Potter series, and a dance production.

Below are more best ways to spend your precious free time this weekend. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.

Thursday, November 30

Dallas Theater Center presents A Christmas Carol
Three spirits have come to visit the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, and to take him on a fantastic journey through Christmases past, present, and future. Brimming with joyful songs, magical spirits, and holiday cheer, the holiday classic embodies a story of joy, redemption, and the spirit of Christmas. The production runs through December 30 at Wyly Theatre.

The Firehouse Theatre presents Miracle on 34th Street
Miracle on 34th Street tells the story of single mother who doesn't want her daughter's head filled with romantic notions. Their neighbor tries to woo the mother by charming her daughter and taking her to see Santa Claus at Macy's. When it turns out that Macy's Santa may, in fact, be the real Kris Kringle, a wave of love spreads across New York City that melts even the most cynical hearts. The production runs through December 17 at The Firehouse Theatre in Farmers Branch.

Bishop Arts Theatre Center presents Black Nativity
Bishop Arts Theatre Center's annual holiday production of Black Nativity, inspired by Langston Hughes's iconic 1960 Broadway show, is back with a mesmerizing display of hand-clapping, toe-tapping, and finger-snapping theatrical wonderment like never before. The production runs through December 17.

Andrea Bocelli in concert
Iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will perform songs from his extensive repertoire, including music in honor of the holiday season. Selections will include his recent No. 1 album, A Family Christmas, his 2020 solo album, Believe, as well as a variety of arias, crossover hits, and love songs. The concert takes place at American Airlines Center.

Friday, December 1

Majestic Theatre presents Pete Davidson
Comedian Pete Davidson has seen his profile raised immensely from the time he joined Saturday Night Live in 2014. He shot his first one-hour stand-up special for Comedy Central in 2016 and was named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 the same year, and was listed as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2022, the same year he left SNL. He also co-wrote and starred in the semi-autobiographical film, The King of Staten Island, and recently wrote and starred in the Peacock comedy, Bupkis. He'll perform two shows of stand-up comedy at Majestic Theatre.

Ballet Ensemble of Texas presents The Nutcracker
There's no shortage of Nutcracker productions to take in this time of year, and Ballet Ensemble of Texas will add their version to the list. Updated in 2022, the production rings in the holiday season with humor, tradition, and splendor. The production will feature Melody Mennite, principal dancer with the Houston Ballet, as guest artist, and more than 200 young dancers from the Ballet Academy of Texas. There will be four performances through Sunday at Irving Arts Center.

Garland Civic Theatre presents Puffs
Puffs gives audiences a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three potential heroes just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. Alongside them are the Puffs, a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a thing for badger. Their epic journey takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be. The production runs through December 17 at Granville Arts Center.

Art Centre Theatre presents A Christmas Story
A Christmas Story is a beloved holiday classic that follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie Parker, who spends most of his time dodging a bully and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a Red Ryder air rifle. Frequently at odds with his cranky dad but comforted by his doting mother, Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas Day with his glasses and his hopes intact. The production runs through December 17 at Art Centre Theatre in Plano.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents Christmas Pops
The tradition of Christmas Pops continues with the Dallas Symphony Chorus performing anthems, holiday favorites, and sing-along carols. The concert features an appearance by you-know-who, a bit of snow, and the joyous music of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. There will be nine performances through December 10 at Meyerson Symphony Center, as well as Family Christmas Pops, an hour-long, family-friendly version on the next two Saturdays.

Theatre Arlington presents A Christmas Carol: The Radio Show
It’s Christmas Eve, and with the actors snowed in and unable to make it to the studios of WXMS for the live radio performance of A Christmas Carol, the sound effects person decides to take the audience through the classic tale himself. This telling is performed as a 1940s radio play with one person providing all of the characters’ voices and sound effects. The production runs through December 17 at Theatre Arlington.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre presents Black on Black
Audiences can step into a world of creativity and inspiration with Black on Black, an evening of intimate and captivating performances, all produced and choreographed by Dallas Black Dance Theatre company members. There will be performances on both Friday and Saturday at the Dallas Black Dance Theatre Studios.

Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas and Camp Death Productions presents Santa Claus vs. The Martians
Based on the 1964 infamously bad cult movie Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, Santa Claus vs. The Martians recreates many of the hilariously bad acting moments and low budget props from the original film, as Martian leader Kimar kidnaps Earth's Santa Claus in order to bring happiness and laughter to the children of Mars. Opposing Kimar in his plan are Martian villain Voldar, as well as two Earth children, Billy and Betty Foster. The production runs through December 17 at Mainstage Irving-Las Colinas.

Theatre Coppell presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
In this hilarious tale, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids - probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem - and the fun - when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on. The production runs through December 17 at Coppell Arts Center.

Richardson Theatre Centre presents It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
It’s a Wonderful Life is about the life of George Bailey, a generous and well-meaning man who has become too downcast and tired to continue living. It will take help from a lovable angel to show George what life would be like if he wasn’t born for George to have a change of heart and understand the true spirit of the holidays. The production runs through December 17 at Richardson Theatre Centre.

Saturday, December 2

Dallas Holiday Parade
The Dallas Holiday Parade is the city’s largest one-day, outdoor event and has become a holiday tradition for thousands of families throughout North Texas. The show-stopping parade commonly known as "The Miracle on Commerce Street" begins at Commerce and Houston, and finishes up at Dallas City Hall. After the parade, the fun will continue at Main Street Garden with a festival featuring over 20 vendors, 10 food trucks, and entertainment.

Klyde Warren Park presents Tree Lighting Celebration
Klyde Warren Park's annual Tree Lighting Celebration will feature a festive day of activities and entertainment, including photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, face painting, crafts, games, and snow flurries. The day culminates with live music from the Emerald City Band, visits from Frosty and Rudolph, and the lighting of The Mayor's Tree. Visitors can then go across the street to...

Reliant Lights Your Holidays
Reliant Lights Your Holidays will feature the illumination of hundreds of thousands of LED lights, with a holiday concert featuring The Poylphonic Spree. There will also be a Christmas-themed drone show, a wintery snow playground, kids craft area, photos with Santa, and miniature golf on the Reliant Putting Green. The event takes place at Sammons Park, outside of Winspear Opera House. (For a longer list of the best Christmas lights in the area, go here.)

The City of Carrollton presents Santa on the Square
The City of Carrollton's annual Santa on the Square features festive lights, face painting, a trackless train around the Downtown Carrollton Square, and holiday crafts. Later in the evening will be the official tree lighting ceremony and Carrollton’s 160-drone light display presented by Sky Elements Drone Shows. The event takes place in Historic Downtown Carrollton.

City of Grapevine presents Merry & Bright Christmas Drone Show
Grapevine’s Merry & Bright Christmas Drone Show takes the Christmas Capital of Texas to new heights, with a fleet of 160 drones creating Christmas magic in the sky over Main Street in front of Grapevine Main Station. There will be shows every Saturday night through December 16.

The Colony Parks & Recreation Department presents The Colony Christmas Spectacular
At the Colony Christmas Spectacular, visitors can enjoy the jolliest hits of the season. 99.9 FM will highlight holiday ballads set to a light show display which visitors can enjoy without leaving the warmth of their cars. The show will take place nightly through January 7 at the Central Fire Station in The Colony.

Photo by Jordan Fraker

Dallas Theater Center presents A Christmas Carol at Wyly Theatre through December 30.

TRE is hosting train rides with Santa to 2023 Dallas holiday parade

Holiday News

The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) is running two trains to the Dallas Christmas parade and they've recruited Santa to make an appearance.

The commuter rail service, which runs between Fort Worth and Dallas, is hosting two special train rides on Saturday, December 2, when both Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on board.

The occasion is the 2023 Dallas Holiday Parade, which takes place in downtown Dallas on December 2, starting at 9 am.

The idea is that you take the train to see the parade, and get to hang out with the Clauses along the way.

The TRE has two routes benchmarked that'll get anyone from Fort Worth or the mid-cities to the starting line in time to see the parade begin.

There are two trips where Santa will be aboard. The schedules are as follows:

TRE TRE Holiday Train routesTRE

Both routes arrive in time for riders to be in position when the parade begins:

Train No. 3904 will be first, departing the T&P Station in downtown Fort Worth at 6:48 am, and arriving one hour later at Union Station in downtown Dallas at 7:50 am.
Train No. 3906 will be the second train, departing the T&P Station in downtown Fort Worth at 7:48 am, and arriving at Union Station at 8:50 am, just in time for the parade.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be walking through the train from Fort Worth to Union Station, taking pictures with riders and passing out candy canes. If they were smart, they'd be handing out nips of peppermint schnapps.

The route has stops at 10 stations between Fort Worth and Dallas, so anyone can board and get with the festivities, whether they're coming from North Richland Hills, Irving, or even DFW Airport.

Each train ride will end at Union Station in downtown Dallas, with live musical performances and promotional giveaways, as well as photo opportunities with the Claus Family.

Santa will also be on hand at Union Station from 7:30 am– 9:30 am to give out hot chocolate to riders. Santa will magically be everywhere! (Truthfully, each train will have their own Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as a separate Santa on the platform at Union Station passing out hot chocolate.)

This is the second year for the TRE “Ride with Santa” program.

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