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Get immersed in Hallmark Channel Christmas at Texas hotel holiday suite

like a hallmark movie

Photo by Christy Radecic

It's that time of year again, when the airwaves are flooded with that holiday staple known as the Hallmark Channel Christmas movie.

Legions of fans know the plots by heart. Big-city gal returns to her small town, finds love and saves Christmas. Or the family business. Or a lost kitten. Two colleagues who can't stand each other discover they have more in common than ever imagined and find love. And save Christmas. Or the family business. Or a lost kitten. Three generations of family at loggerheads re-connect after finding themselves stranded in a cozy cabin in the woods. And save Christmas. Or the family business. Or a lost kitten.

Hilton-Americas Houston

Photo by Christy Radecic

Stay inside a Hallmark holiday movie.

Now, fans who love the genre for its uplifting messages and smiles-through-tears can experience the movies in a whole new way. The Hilton Americas-Houston is offering a limited-time Hallmark Channel “Countdown to Christmas” Holiday Suite by Hilton, available starting November 1 and running through January 1, 2024. The hotel is one of only three Hilton properties across the country to offer this one-of-a-kind festive dreamscape.

In H-Town, guests can book the Hilton Americas-Houston's "Haul Out the Holly" suite, which offers a cascade of seasonal cheer, and is based on the all-new, original Hallmark holiday movie of the same name. Look for jaw-dropping holiday designs and light treatments throughout the suite, including enchanting light pillows, a light-up holiday village that will dazzle the world’s biggest Christmas enthusiasts, a custom holiday light decorating station, a gingerbread bar, and more.

Expect special surprise-and-delight moments like a festive oversized game, a custom Hallmark Channel light-up marquee, and even a twinkling Christmas light ceiling. This exceptional stay will allow guests to embrace the essence of the sequel film, starring beloved Hallmark star Lacey Chabert and centering on the iconic residents and ongoing HOA decorating competitions – and infamous citations – of the ever-festive Evergreen Lane.

"We're thrilled to partner with Hallmark for a collaboration that embodies the joy of the holiday season and brings to life the light and warmth of hospitality we show our guests every day,” said Matt Schuyler, chief brand officer, Hilton in a press release announcing the initiative. “This is a great representation of Hilton’s commitment to delivering immersive and unforgettable experiences during every stay. Our collaboration with Hallmark allows us to leverage timeless storytelling to bring an added level of excitement during the holidays.”

The "Haul Out the Holly" suite, like its counterparts the “Hallmark’s Holiday Sweetest Suite” at the Hilton New York Times Square and the “Santa Summit” at the Hilton Chicago, includes a custom-decorated Christmas tree and complimentary hot cocoa station.

To keep the holiday cheer going all season long, each of these special guest suites also include Hallmark Channel-branded takeaways that guests can enjoy with their loved ones during or after their holiday stay. Think Hallmark Channel Wine, Bissinger’s cocoa mix and hot cocoa bombs, Republic of Tea products, wine glasses, mugs, and more.

Rates start at $1,050 per night. Reservations can be made online.

Photo by Stevan Koye

Where to see the most spectacular Christmas lights in Dallas-Fort Worth for 2023

Merry & bright

Dallas-Fort Worth has been decking the halls since before Halloween, and places around town are now flipping the switch on their dazzling holiday displays.

Here's our guide to the biggest, brightest, most spectacular Christmas light displays in the area for 2023, listed by attraction type and start date (yep, some start already the first weekend of November). Bookmark and check back often because the list will grow and grow the holidays approach.

Make plans now to pour some hot chocolate, load the family into the car, turn on festive tunes, and revel in these illuminated wonderlands.

Drive-thru displays

The Light Park, Frisco and Arlington, November 3-January 1
The Light Park is a mile-long, drive-thru spectacular that takes guests through millions of lights – including “the longest light tunnel in the world” - synchronized to a music mis by DJ Polar Ice. For the first time it’s in two DFW locations: the parking lot of Hurricane Harbor waterpark in Arlington and the parking lot of Riders Field in Frisco. 5:30-10 pm (weekdays), and 5:30-11 (weekends and Christmas week). Priced per vehicle starting at $29. More information here.

Sugar Lane Lights, Haslet, November 10-December 31
Returning for its second year, this drive-thru display features 1,200 props, including a 50-foot tall Christmas tree decorated with 90,000 lights, a 25-foot tall gingerbread house, and a 16-foot tall snowflake. Guests can also purchase battery-charged LED bracelets that are synced to the show’s music. 12452 Willow Springs Rd, Haslet. Open 5:30-10 pm Sunday-Thursday and 5:30-11 pm Friday-Saturday. Tickets start at $39 per vehicle, available online.

Santa’s Country Christmas, Seagoville, November 11-January 1
(Cars with veterans get in free on Veterans Day, November 11)
Now in its sixth year, Santa's Country Christmas drive-thru lights experience is located on Hwy. 175 in Seagoville, 20 minutes from downtown Dallas. The two-mile park includes lights, animals, and music, plus a Christmas Village. Admission is $30 per vehicle, purchased at the door. Open 6-10 pm nightly. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Radiance at the Ranch, Weatherford, November 17-December 30
The four-year-old drive-thru event at the Parker County Sheriff's Posse is a "cavalcade" of 2 million sparkling lights and lanterns animated to favorite holiday tunes across a two-mile path. Actual address is 2251 Mineral Wells Hwy., Weatherford. Hours are 6-9 pm Sunday-Thursday, 6-10 pm Friday-Saturday. Tickets: $25.99-$30.99 per vehicle.

Prairie Lights, Grand Prairie, November 23-December 31 (Sneak peek run/walk-through events: November 18-19)
At the famed Prairie Lights at Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie, visitors drive through a dazzling 4 million lights set along two miles of path. Hundreds of displays in shapes of all kinds line and arch over the roads. Concessions and photos with Santa are offered in the Holiday Village at the halfway point. The second half of the drive ends with an always-popular light tunnel. Address is 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy., Grand Prairie. Openly nightly at 6 pm. Admission starts at $50 per car, more information and tickets here.

ChristmasTime in Texas, Joshua, November 23-December 31
(Sneak peek walk-through event: November 18)
This three-year-old drive-thru Christmas light park is filled with hundreds of displays spread out across a winding road a mile-and-a-half long. A tent event includes Santa, vendors, concessions, and more. Open nightly, 6-10 pm. The park's address is 5801 County Road 904 Z, Joshua (near County Road 904 & Chisholm Trail Parkway). Admission starts at $35 per vehicle. For more information, visit the website.

Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, November 23-January 7
Texas Motor Speedway opens its gates to the public for the annual drive-thru holiday lighting spectacular around the track. The experience will include over two miles of light displays, with almost 3 million lights, while visitors stay in their warm cars. Note that there is no Santa’s Village or radio synchronization; guests are encouraged to tune in to their favorite holiday music. 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth. Hours: 6-9 pm Sunday-Thursday, 6-10 pm Friday-Saturday.) Tickets start at $35 per vehicle. Check the website for tickets and special themed nights, such as Pajama Night (November 27) and Pet Night (November 29).

RadianceRadiance at the Ranch is back for a fourth year in Weatherford. Photo courtesy of Radiance

Immersive experiences and attractions

Holiday at the Arboretum, November 9-January 5
In addition to the Dallas Arboretum’s beloved "12 Days of Christmas" Gazebos, one of the highlights of its magical holiday wonderland is the Dazzling Musical Tree, a 50-foot-tall tree animated with more than 42,000 lights and merry tunes. Guests can also visit the twinkling European-style Christmas Village and its 23-foot Marilyn and Ben Weber Family Christmas Pyramid, decorated with lighting and character movement on every level, and more. Special holiday nighttime hours, 6-9 pm daily. Tickets, $13-$35, are here.

Christmas at Gaylord Texan, November 10-December 31
The Gaylord gussies up with a Texas-sized holiday extravaganza that includes a sparkling array of larger- than-life holiday décor and state-of-the-art light element, snow tubing down frozen slides, a Cirque holiday show, and more. The Grapevine resort’s signature ICE! Experience will feature 2 million pounds of ice carved into How the Grinch Stole Christmas-themed sculptures (adults $28.99; kids, $19.99). For a complete rundown of events, scheduling, tickets, and more, visit the website.

Dallas Zoo Lights, November 17-January 2
Highlights of this walk-through experience include more than 2 million lights across most of the zoo; larger-than-life animal lanterns, elaborate displays, and lighted photo opps; visits to Santa’s Workshop; concessions; musical performances, and more. Open on select nights, 5:30-10 pm. Tickets run $15-$22, with discounts for zoo members; more information and tickets here.

Galleria Dallas, November 17-January 7
The Galleria's 95-foot tree in the middle of the ice rink is getting a makeover this year that will include new branches, LED lighting, and the ability to play animated light shows. The Galleria's popular Santaland and Snowday immersive experience arrive November 17. (For the first time this year, it'll actually snow.) As usual, holiday festivities will really rev up on at 12 pm Black Friday (November 24) with the Grand Tree Lighting Celebration on the ice rink, featuring Olympic figure skaters and a fireworks finale starring Missile Toes, the famed ice-skating Santa. (The celebration will repeat at 12 pm November 25.) Hanukkah will be celebrated on its first night, December 7, with a Menorah lighting led by Rabbi Andrew Paley from Temple Shalom.

Lightscape, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, November 17-January 1
Returning for its second year, Lightscape illuminates the Fort Worth Botanic Garden with newly reimagined light displays and installations along an immersive, mile-long walking path. A new Christmas Village will feature s'mores roasting, cocoa, music, and photos with Santa. Open nightly at 5:30, with last entry at 8:30 pm. Timed tickets, $15-$28, $20 on-site parking passes, and new "anytime access" passes ($50) are available here. Read more about what to expect at Lightscape 2023 here.

Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza at The Star, Frisco, November 17-December 16
Christmas at The Star includes Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza powered by Reliant, a must-see 20-minute show that electrifies The Star with light shows synchronized to music and pyrotechnics, and much more, on Tostitos Championship Plaza. Kicking off with the lighting of The Star’s 67-foot Christmas tree by a Dallas Cowboys alumni, Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza then leads into a holiday performance showcasing the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Admission is free. Find the schedule and more here.

Six Flags Holiday in the Park, Arlington, November 19-December 31
Six Flags Over Texas will transform once again into a winter wonderland featuring more than 2 million twinkling lights, festive shows, Santa’s Village, the Holly Jolly parade, a light show area, concessions, and much more. For ticket pricing and schedule, visit the event website.

Daystar Christmas, Daystar Television Network, Bedford, November 23-December 31
Daystar Christmas features over 2 million lights in interactive displays, a life-sized Nativity, kid-friendly Christmas Town, Christmas light maze, and more. Guests are welcome to get out, explore, take photos with Santa, and eat — Daystar’s Scratch Café will be serving holiday treats on certain days throughout the season. The whole event is free and runs 6-11 pm nightly; for schedule and more information, visit the website.

Lights on the Farm at Heritage Farmstead Museum, Plano, November 24-December 30
Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano dazzles with with more than one million twinkling holiday lights and animated yuletide displays. Visitors can walk a quarter-mile trail through the historic property showcasing holiday light creations. There 's also a 20-foot Christmas tree, tastytreats, and visits with Santa. Tickets are $7-$15 and more information is here.

Holiday at the ArboretumHoliday at the Arboretum runs through January 5. Photo courtesy of Dallas Arboretum

Commercial displays and districts

Vitruvian Lights, November 18-January 1
Addison's Vitruvian Park transforms (a week earlier than usual this year) into one of North Texas' most spectacular holiday destinations during Vitruvian Lights, an annual celebration in which 1.5 million sparkling LED lights are wrapped around 555 trees to create a blazing wonderland. A free special kickoff event, with Santa and the Dallas men’s choir Vocal Majority, will take place 6-10 pm November 18. Then the lights will remain on every evening through New Year's Day, 5-11 pm, and it's free to view. The park is at 3966 Vitruvian Way, Addison, west of Midway at Spring Valley.

Christmas in the Square, Frisco, November 18-January 9
Christmas in the Square, one of the largest free choreographed lights and music displays in North Texas, features nightly shows of more than 175,000 lights and festive music nightly, 6-10 pm. The event also features Skate the Square, an outdoor ice-skating rink, as well as a Christmas tree lot. The light show is free to attend.

CityLine Lights, Richardson, November 20-January 5
CityLine Lights at CityLine Plaza in Richardson is aglow with more than half a million lights, including moving icicle-style lights in the trees, overhead lights draped on the plaza lawn, and a lit-up 18-foot Christmas tree. Find it at 1150 State St., Richardson. It's lit up daily and free to take in.

Historic Main Street, Grapevine, November 20-January 7
The Christmas Capital of Texas' historic downtown area will be shining bright with thousands of lights and holiday events. It all kicks off with the 35th annual Carol of Lights and street lighting at 6:30 pm November 20. Then comes the Parade of Lights on December 7. In a little holiday lights twist, there's even a Merry & Bright Christmas Drone Show (December 2, 9, and 16). For a self-guided lights tour, start at Grapevine City Hall, 200 S Main St., Grapevine, park, and go from there. And don't miss the Peace Plaza Ice Rink, opening November 20. Consult a complete schedule on the website.

Fort Worth Stockyards, November 20-January 7
The Fort Worth Stockyards rides in with a whole host of holiday events. The historic district will light up with holiday spirit, beginning with a special tree lighting celebration with Santa at 6 pm November 24. The annual Christmas in the Stockyards Celebration will take place December 3. Returning for its second year: Stockyards Rodeo Rink, a professional ice skating rink, open to the public November 20-January 7.

The Modern Lights, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, November 24-February 4
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth dresses up for the holiday season by illuminating the trees around their campus with twinkling lights. Passersby can experience a stunning display, and guests can also visit the museum galleries for free until 8 pm on Fridays. A special Dinner with the Modern Lights takes place each Friday, and First Friday at the Modern events are held every first Friday of the month.

Omni PGA Resort, Frisco, December 1-January 1
The luxe 660-acre development in Frisco is debuting its holiday wonderland this year. The resort will be decorated with miles of garland and lights, and 35 different lit-up trees across the property and inside the resort. The most magical of these, they say, will be a 35-foot tree in the Monument Realty PGA District, featuring a custom animated light display set to classic holiday music. An event and hotel package called "Home on the Range for the Holidays" includes live reindeer, festive holiday characters, a photo opportunity with a real longhorn, trips on the Fields Ranch Holiday Express train, and more. A tree lighting starring Dude Perfect will kick off the season December 1. For more information, visit the resort website.

Christmas at Campo Verde Mexican Restaurant, Arlington, ongoing through January 2024
It's rare for a restaurant to make a "best Christmas lights" list, but this spectacle deserves a listing. Enter for the Tex-Mex food (don't miss the white queso dip), stay for the 120,000 lights, 3,000 yards of colorful garland, 50 Santa Clause figures, 30 Christmas trees, and two model trains that chug around the restaurant. Just be prepared for a wait of two hours or more at peak times. Find it at 2918 W Pioneer Pkwy. Arlington.

Carol of LightsHistoric Downtown Grapevine presents Carol of Lights on November 20. Photo courtesy of Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau

Parades and special events

GM Financial Parade of Lights, downtown Fort Worth, November 19
The 2023 GM Financial Parade of Lights will bring more than 100 illuminated floats, thousands of sparkling lights, festive performers, holiday decor, and live music - along with Santa and Mrs. Claus - to downtown Fort Worth. The parade kicks off at 6 pm with TCU head football coach Sonny Dykes as grand marshal. Arrive early for the best viewing spots along the 1.59-mile route (transportation tip: take advantage of Trinity Metro's free rides this month). More information is here.

SMU Celebration of Lights, SMU campus, Dallas, November 27
The cherished university event on the Dallas Hall Lawn includes food, live reindeer, musical performances by SMU students, a caricature artist, and the reading of the Christmas story by SMU president R. Gerald Turner from his family Bible. The highlight of the evening, of course, is the lighting of the Christmas tree and other holiday lights that will dazzle on campus through the holiday season. The free event is open to the public, 7-10 pm.

TCU Tree Lighting, TCU campus, Fort Worth, November 28
The lighting of TCU’s 50-foot tall Christmas tree will take place 6:30-8:30 pm in the TCU Commons. The evening will include refreshments, SuperFrog Santa, fireworks, and concert performances. The free event is open to the public (note there's a clear bag policy). For a map, parking information, and more, visit the website.

Reliant Lights Your Holidays, Dallas Arts District, December 2
Reliant Lights Your Holidays 2023 will feature the lighting of hundreds of thousands of dazzling LED lights around the AT&T Performing Arts Center (which will stay on through the holiday season), plus live performances by The Poylphonic Spree, a holiday drone show, the chance to play in real snow, photos with Santa, and more. The free event runs 5:30-8:30 pm at Sammons Park; register here.

Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place, Fort Worth, December 2-3
The gorgeous historic homes in Ryan Place, a grand Fort Worth neighborhood, get illuminated in spectacular fashion all season, as do the long walks that lead up to them. The beloved annual Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place home tour takes place December 2-3, but these stately homes will stay illuminated through the holidays. Tickets to the home tour are $25-$30.

Denton Holiday Lighting Festival, downtown Denton, December 2
The 35th annual event not only lights up the trees of Denton's Courthouse-on-the-Square lawn but makes a full night of it, with live music and dance performances, refreshments, arts & crafts, horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, and a toy drive for deserving families. The free event runs 3-9 pm around the Denton Courthouse; more info here.

Christmas Lights Celebration and Shopping Stroll, Highland Park Village, December 6
The luxury shopping center is famous for its 1.5 million twinkling holiday lights, and even offers carriage rides to take them all in. Their special Shopping Stroll event allows guests to sip, shop, and stroll while enjoying store promotions, shopping offers, and supporting local charities. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there for photos, there'll be live performances, kid-friendly activities, and more, 4-7 pm.

Fort Worth Community Christmas Tree Lighting in Sundance Square, December 6
The lighting of the 77th annual Fort Worth Community Christmas Tree in Sundance Square Plaza will take place at 6:30 pm. Touted as the tallest live Christmas tree in Texas, the 2023 tree will be an 80-foot Norway Spruce from Northern Michigan. The celebration will include a musical concert by singer Marie Osmond, who will be joined by Fort Worth mayor Mattie Parker and other city leaders for a countdown and tree lighting. Free. The lights will stay on through the holidays.

Arlington Holiday Lights Parade, downtown Arlington, December 9
Parade-watchers can gather in the downtown/university district to watch brightly lit floats parade down the street, then stay for the official Christmas tree lighting. Don't miss pics with Santa both before the parade and after the tree lighting. The free, family-friendly event starts with entertainment at 3 pm, and the parade begins at 6 pm. Find the route and more information are here.

Fairmount Festivus Holiday Light Tour, Fort Worth, December 9
Homes in the historic Fairmount neighborhood of Fort Worth show off their holiday creativity in this decade-old tradition. In partnership with One Safe Place, attendees are asked to bring a nominal donation or an unwrapped toy and, in exchange, will get the Festivus map to guide them through a night of merriment. The family-friendly event is free and runs 6-9 pm, beginning 1100 Hemphill St.

Burkman Holiday Home FriscoThe Burkman Holiday Home of Frisco competed on ABC's The Great Christmas Light Fight in 2021. Photo courtesy of Burkman family

Residential homes and neighborhoods

Burkman Holiday Home of Frisco, December 1-25
Two years after their appearance on ABC’s The Great Christmas Family Light Fight, the most famous "Christmas light family" in DFW will be lighting up its over-the-top display of 98,000+ lights. New features for 2023 include more motion/action village pieces, new-and-improved selfie stations, "Sampa's Light Factory," a nightly dance party with a hip-swinging Santa and live dance cam, and more. This year, they're collecting charitable donations for The LiyanaStrong Foundation and for a family friend suffering from a traumatic brain injury. Hours: 5:30-6:30 Superhero Hour (lights will be on at dusk for sensory sensitive individuals) and 6:30-10 for all other visitors, weather permitting. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays until December 18, then open daily until Christmas. The home is at 3809 Hazelhurst Dr., Frisco, on the Frisco/Little Elm border. Follow their Facebook page for updates.

Deerfield Holiday Lights, Plano, December 1-30
The Deerfield neighborhood of northwest Plano hosts a top-rated winter wonderland you can walk or drive through. You can even book carriage rides in advance to see dancing Santas, millions of twinkling lights, and larger-than-life displays. Deerfield subdivision is located between Preston Road and Coit Road. Check the website for maps and important information about traffic flow and parking. The free event runs 7 pm-10 pm on weekdays and 7 pm-11 pm on weekends.

Interlochen Lights, Arlington, dates TBA
The Interlochen neighborhood annually presents Interlochen Lights during the holiday season. Hailed as one of the best neighborhood light shows in Texas, the event allows guests to drive through the neighborhood and pick out favorite displays while they tune into holiday music on radio stations 102.1 FM or 98.7 FM. This is one of the busiest spots in Dallas-Fort Worth during the holiday season, and it's free. The route map is here. As of press time, dates were not yet available. Watch for updates on their website and Facebook page.

Regents Park Luminary Event, McKinney, December 16-17
This Stonebridge Ranch neighborhood takes advantage of its layout to host a magical event every year. Residents hand fold over 2,500 paper bags each year and line the streets and central park area with luminaries for families to enjoy. Grab a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider and drive or walk through streets lined with traditional luminaries and enjoy the Christmas lights that adorn these Craftsman-style homes. Rumor has it that a certain special guest in his red suit even loves this event so much that he makes a special trip just to enjoy it himself. For updates, follow the Facebook page (highly recommended as this is a weather dependent event). Runs December 16-17.

Wisdom Way Lights, Haltom City, through January 1
The Gonzalez family's choreographed light show first went viral for a "Selena" theme; this year it's getting attention for its tribute to the Texas Rangers' World Series win. The choreographed show includes broadcast game highlights and more, and runs nightly until December 1. Then a "Super Mario Bros." show and two traditional Christmas themes will play through January 1. Visitors can view the shows from from their cars and listen on radio channel 89.7 FM. Wisdom Way Lights runs nightly from 6-11 pm. Find it at 4521 Wisdom Way, Haltom City, and follow Wisdom Way Lights on Facebook and YouTube for updates.

Diamond Loch, North Richland Hills, through December 31
This North Richland Hills neighborhood has dressed up for the holidays for decades. Drive through the cul-de-sac slowly to check out adjacent houses that join forces to present a massive computerized show. The rest of the street decorates nicely to make an enchanted "Whoville" Christmas experience known as #NRHGrinchLights. They grow the show every year, and The Grinch himself may actually pop in occasionally; follow their Facebook page to keep up. It's open daily, 5:30-11 pm. To find it, navigate to the address 6217 Windsor Ct., NRH, 76180. (Enter Diamond Loch from Glenview Drive. On busy weekends, traffic must enter going eastbound on Glenview. Turn east off of Hwy 377/Denton Highway onto Glenview Drive, then, in about 1/2 mile, turn right into Diamond Loch.)

The Browne Family Holiday Light Show, Parker, through January 5
This family has a tradition of turning their Dublin Park Estates home into a destination. The Browne Family Holiday Light Show is a full light show synchronized with music taking place throughout the Christmas season. While the show is free, it is an official drop-off point for Toys For Tots; visitors are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate. The show runs from "dark" to 9 pm Sundays through Thursdays, and "dark" to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, at 2701 Dublin Park Dr. (in Dublin Park Estates), Parker.

Glenbrook Christmas, Bedford, through December 31
The Bedford neighborhood lights up nightly to tell the story of “The Night Before Christmas - In Texas That Is” - along with other festive displays. The entrance to Glenbrook is on Brookside Drive located between Cummings and Forest Ridge. The displays will be on daily, 6-10 pm. Follow the Facebook page for updates.

Lights on Oak Bluff, Sachse, through December 31
This fantastic lights display consistently wins awards from the City of Sachse and the neighborhood HOA. Expect 14,000 individually computer-controlled lights, a 13-foot Megatree, Singing Faces, snowflakes, yard decorations, and synchronization to music, on 92.9 FM. The show runs 6-10 pm nightly (weather permitting), at 4310 Oak Bluff Ln., (in the Woodbridge subdivision) Sachse, 75048. Follow their Facebook page for updates.

Miracle on 134th Street, Celina, through December 23
A Celina family has turned their ginormous property into a holiday amusement park, complete with 2 million lights, a train, carousel ride, Santa's workshop, Sugar Plum Fairy Island, and so so so much more. The Christmas adventure park is a ticketed experience, $25.99 for adults; $19.99 for kids 3-12, with season passes available and free on-site parking. It runs 5:30-9 pm through December 23. Find it at 10455 County Road 133, Celina, 75009. Follow their Facebook page for updates on special photo ops and more.

'Movie House,' Allen
This Allen family home has a fun theme: favorite holiday movies. Thousands of lights and props are set to a choreographed show, complete with music and movie quotes from classic characters like Clark, Buddy, Ralphie and more. About 30 films are represented. You'll find it at 1600 Wagon Wheel Dr., Allen. The show runs nightly. Preview it here.

Light Show, Rockwall
This home in The Shores neighborhood of north Rockwall annually puts on a show of twinkling trees and lighted animations that "dance" to music. Visitors can tune their car radios to 87.9 FM to hear the music. Find the home at 1050 Ridge Road West, Rockwall (in The Shores, north of SH66, off SH205). It's up and running nightly, 5:30-10:30 pm, through the holidays.

Curry Christmas Chaos, North Richland Hills
Three houses annually collaborate to present a light show synchronized to music that's anything but "chaos." From start to finish, it's typically over an hour long, and features a mix of pixels and standard LED lights "dancing" to music. Visitors can tune in to 89.9 FM to listen as lots of Christmas trees light up on the lawn. The show runs every night (unless Mother Nature decides differently), 6-11 pm. Find it at 3506 Reeves St., NRH. Follow the Facebook page for more information and updates.

Tell Family Lights, far north Fort Worth, through December 31
The family in this home near Keller Central High School also operates the popular Sugar Lane Lights in Haslet, now it its second year. But their own residential display is still going strong, bigger and better than ever this year, they say. Find the home at 5016 Keating St., Fort Worth, 76244. The choreographed light show is on 6-10 pm daily. From their car, visitors can scan a QR code or visit the website to vote on songs to play. (Make sure to not block anyone’s driveway and be careful driving down the street, they advise.) Follow their website or Facebook page for more information and updates.

Santa House, University Park
Once hailed "the single best Christmas light display in Dallas," this perennial favorite fills the front lawn with hundreds of lighted blow-mold decorations that homeowner Wayne Smith has amassed over the years. But look up — way up to the roof — and you'll find his distinctly "Dallas" touch: the head of the State Fair's very first Big Tex, restored to his original form as St. Nick in 1949 and donning a Santa hat. Find it nightly at 3629 Southwestern Blvd., Dallas.

The Park Cities
The grand homes in the Park Cities neighborhoods of Dallas shine with beautiful light displays, many of which are professionally installed; pick just about any street where you see houses lit top to bottom in twinkling lights, and there are bound to be a dozen more. Be sure to check out Highland Park Village and its 1.5 million lights while you're in the area, and don't pass by SMU without driving down the campus' main drag, Bishop Boulevard, toward the fountain and back.

Kessler Park
Historic Kessler Park goes all out, with lots of holiday lights on homes and trees against a backdrop of the Dallas skyline. The holiday decorations are coordinated on various traffic islands in the neighborhood each year. From downtown Dallas, go west on Interstate 30. Take the Sylvan exit, turn south on Sylvan, drive about a half a mile, and turn west on Colorado. You can't miss some of the most majestic oak trees in Dallas, shining bright for the holidays.

Elderoaks Lights, Oak Cliff
A Dallas tradition over 30 years strong, Elderoaks sees 96 percent of the homes in the neighborhood participate in a dazzling display. Located along three streets just south of the old Oak Cliff Country Club (Elderoaks Lane, Elderleaf Drive, and Elderoaks Place), the neighborhood scenes celebrate Christmas with homemade decorations that span medieval times to present day. Don't miss the streaming show of Christmas carols. There's no fee to watch, and lights go on at dusk each night.

Ryan Place, Fort Worth
The gorgeous historic homes in this grand Fort Worth neighborhood get illuminated in spectacular fashion, as do the long walks that lead up to them. The beloved annual Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place home tour takes place December 2-3, but these stately homes will stay illuminated through the holidays.

Historic Fairmount, Fort Worth
You can pick any night to drive around Fairmount and see historic bungalows lit festively for the season. But the best night of all is Festivus, the annual celebration and holiday lights tour. It takes place 6-9 pm Saturday, December 9. Maps of participating homes will be handed out on arrival. Donations of $10 or a toy for One Safe Place are being requested. Watch the historic district's Facebook page for more information as plans develop.

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Fewer Dallas stores and supermarkets will be open Thanksgiving Day 2023

Holiday News

Last-minute Thanksgiving shoppers will need to plan a day ahead in 2023, as the trend of stores closing on the holiday continues.

The big one is Walmart, who announced their closure on Twitter, with CEO John Furner stating that Thanksgiving is a special day, "and we want our store associates to have the chance to spend it with their families and loved ones."

That means all Walmart stores including neighborhood grocery markets, as well as Sam's Club stores.

Walmart first closed on the holiday in 2020 in response to the pandemic, but has not re-opened for the holiday since.

Target followed suit in 2021.

Other stores that are closed on Thanksgiving Day include Natural Grocers, Market Street, Trader Joe's, Costco, and Aldi.

It's a reversal of a trend in which not only grocery stores but also chains like Sears, Best Buy, and Kohl's were opening on Thanksgiving to kickstart Black Friday shopping. Those are all closed for Thanksgiving Day in 2023.

Workers can thank the pandemic which provided the initial justification - but since then, Target announced in 2021 that they will never re-open for Thanksgiving, and Walmart said the same in 2022.

Stores that will be open include:

  • Albertsons - 6 am-4 pm
  • Big Lots - 7 am-7 pm
  • Central Market - 7 am-2 pm
  • CVS - normal hours including 24-hour stores which will remain open
  • Kroger - 9 am-4 pm
  • H-E-B - 6 am-12 noon
  • Sprouts - 7 am-2 pm
  • Walgreens - 9 am-6 pm
  • Whole Foods - case-by-case basis: "Many of our stores are open for modified hours on Thanksgiving."

Some of these hours will also vary by location.

Those seeking Thanksgiving eats might find what they need on this list of Dallas restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving Day, or this list of Dallas restaurants that are serving Thanksgiving meals to go.

Brooklyn Dumpling

Dallas restaurants serving take-out Thanksgiving 2023 dinner to-go

Holiday Dining

Among the legacies left by the pandemic is the to-go phenomenon. It's not that to-go did not exist before the pandemic. But it's far more pervasive — encroaching even upon traditional meals that were once-sacrosant sit-down affairs such as Thanksgiving dinner. It's not very sustainable, we're despoiling the planet with our crappy takeout containers. But everyone wants the fancy meal, and nobody wants to sit still for it.

To that end, here's our list of where to get Thanksgiving 2023 to-go in Dallas. With few exceptions, most of the restaurants listed below are closed on Thanksgiving Day which this year falls on November 23. Open-on-Thanksgiving-Day hours are noted in italics.

For those willing to still dress up and behave, we have a separate list of restaurants that are open for business on the holiday and ready to serve good old-fashioned civilized sit-down meals. God bless.

Al Biernat's. Takeout meals include whole turkey for $125 or spiral ham for $149, plus mac & cheese, au gratin potatoes, deviled eggs, whipped sweet potatoes, cornbread dressing, and a variety of pies including coconut cream, Key lime, pecan, pumpkin, peanut butter chocolate banana cream, and NY cheesecake. Order by November 20 at 6 pm for pickup November 22. Oak Lawn 214-209-2201, North Dallas 972-239-3400.

Andrew’s American Pizza Kitchen. Thanksgiving to-go options include lasagna, spaghetti bolognese, chicken fettuccine alfredo, Dallas style pizza, Chicago style pizza, Detroit-style pizza, pumpkin pie tarts, pumpkin pie caramel tarts, and pecan pie tart. Order by November 22 for pickup on November 23. 469-825-6500.

Bad Chicken. Takeout bone-in wings, nuggets, salad, sides, and desserts including creme brulee, chocolate mousse, rice krispie treats, and peanut butter chocolate pie. Order by November 19 for pickup November 22. 469-206-0237.

Blue Mesa. Signature brunch family meal to go is $175, serves 6. Order by November 19, pick up November 21-22. Addison 972-934-0165, Fort Worth 817-332-6372, Plano 214-387-4407.

Bone Daddy's House of Smoke. Smoked turkey $85, or full feast with turkey, dressing, sweet potato casserole, pudding, rolls, and gravy for $125, plus a la carte items including mashed potatoes, green beans, and cobbler, $7 to $15. Order by November 21 for pickup November 22. Arlington 817-704-7744, Dallas/Spring Valley 214-575-3050.

Brooklyn Dumpling Shop. Dumplings and potstickers to go in flavors such as buffalo chicken, pepperoni pizza, and kung pao. Order by November 21, pickup by November 22. 214-764-8009.

Big Al's Smokehouse BBQ. Two to-go packages serving 8-10 ($175) or 4-6 ($110) with smoked turkey, ham, cornbread dressing, smashed potatoes, green beans, gravy, cranberry sauce, and rolls. Order online.

Bread Winners Café & Bakery. Dinner-for-one to-go includes turkey or cider-glazed ham with pecan cornbread stuffing, leek mashed potatoes, sage gravy, cranberry orange sauce, and two pull-apart rolls, $28. Whole turkey dinner for 6-8 people with same sides and rolls, $168. A la carte sides include creamed corn, Brussels sprouts, sweet potato casserole, grilled vegetables, green chile mac & cheese, green beans, pies, cheesecake, cookies, and cupcakes. Order online by November 21 for pickup November 22 at all four locations. Holiday hotline is 213-484-6904.

Buca de Beppo. Family-style feast includes turkey, gravy, garlic mashed potatoes, spicy italian sausage stuffing, seasonal vegetable, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Small $105 feeds 3, large $160 feeds 5. Order online for Park Lane Dallas, Frisco, Southlake, pickup November 20–November 23, 10 am–8 pm.

City Works Eatery and Pour House. Frisco restaurant is serving two dinner options: Turkey or prime rib, with mashed potatoes, asparagus, corn casserole, Brussels sprouts, green bean casserole, maple-glazed carrots, au gratin potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and rolls. $40-55, or $20 for 12 and under. 12-6 pm. Family-style to-go meal is $150 and serves 4-6; order by November 19, pickup by November 23, 10 am-12 pm. 469-850-1850.

Crossbuck BBQ and Smokehouse. Smoked turkey for 8-10, $85, plus optional items ham, prime rib, and brisket, scalloped cheesy potatoes, green bean casserole, smoked potatoes, Vermont cheddar mac n’ cheese, rolls, enough to feed 10–12 people. Order by November 19 for pickup November 20-22 from 11 am-3 pm. Order online or call 214-765-4019.

Dive Coastal Cuisine. Thanksgiving dishes for pickup include as mini potato latkes, bruschetta ciabatta crostinis, charcuterie boards, herbed/brined chicken, shrimp cocktail skewers, roasted salmon dip, beef tenderloin, stuffed sweet potatoes, sausage & rosemary ciabatta stuffing, Key lime pie, and pumpkin spice pie. Regular menu also available to-go. Order by November 21 for pickup on November 22. Price varies. 214-891-1700.

Doughregarde’s. Village Dallas has take-out packages including turkey with gravy, whipped potatoes, cornbread-sage stuffing, green beans with toasted almonds, and cranberry chutney. $240, serves 2-4 people, $460 serves 6-8. Order by November 17 for pickup November 22 or November 23. 469-659-6371.

Eatzi's. Classics like cornbread stuffing, cranberry maple Brussels sprouts, mac & cheese, turkey breast, citrus & fennel-crusted ham, pumpkin cheesecake with gingerbread crust, fig-almond baked brie in puff pastry crust, glazed turkey leg. Order by November 21 for pickup from November 16-22.

Fairmont Dallas. Turkey dinner to go includes butternut squash & apple bisque, field greens with hazelnuts, turkey, green bean casserole, garlic mashed potatoes, pecan cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole, cranberry orange compote, gravy, Parker House rolls, pecan pie, maple pumpkin pie, apple cranberry crumble. $145-$380. Order by November 17 for pickup November 22 at 2 pm or November 23 from 8 am-12 pm. 214-720-2020.

Grain. Hilton Dallas Park Cities restaurant has a Thanksgiving meal to-go for six with Cajun fried turkey, confit leg & thigh, gravy, hot honey glazed ham, jalapeno cornbread stuffing, garlic whipped potato, heirloom vegetable medley, cranberry relish, yeast rolls with cinnamon butter, salad, bourbon bread pudding, and pumpkin pie. $350. Order by November 10, pick-up on November 23, Thanksgiving day by noon. 50% deposit required at time of order. 214-368-0400.

Happiest Hour. To-go dinner includes sliced smoked turkey, gravy, jalapeno cranberry relish, cornbread stuffing, olive oil whipped potatoes, cornbread, and choice of apple, pecan, or pumpkin pie. $150, serves 2-4 people. Whole turkeys and sides are also available a la carte. Order by November 21 for pickup on November 22 or November 23 from 10 am-4 pm. 972-528-0067.

Holy Grail Pub. Plano pub has a ready-to-eat feast with 14-pound hickory smoked turkey, truffle mashed potatoes, broccoli cheese casserole, Grand Marnier cranberry confit, brown butter sage gravy, and cheddar jalapeno cornbread. $129, feeds 6. Order by November 20 for pickup November 22-23: mgr@holygrailpub.com or 972-377-6633.

The Island Spot. "Jerk Turkey" with Jamaican sides including rice & peas, fried plantains, and beef patties, $80. Order online by November 21 for pickup November 22. Dallas 972-913-4919, Carrollton 972-447-7000.

Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley. Two smothered turkey legs $45, plus $99 sides of mac & cheese, black eyed peas, and collard greens with smoked turkey. Desserts include whole sweet potato pie for $19, or a pan of peach cobbler for $89. Order online by November 21 for pickup November 22. 469-841-0073.

Lane’s OAK’D BBQ. To-go options include whole smoked turkey ($99), smoked turkey breast by the pound ($32), spiral smoked ham ($79), pork spare ribs ($65), whole prime brisket ($275), six brisket tamales ($42), a sides kit that serves 12-15 guests ($245), and $28 desserts that include pumpkin pie, pecan pie, key lime pie, apple pie, bread pudding and pumpkin cheesecake. Order by November 18 for pickup November 22. Dallas 214-242-8671, Addison 214-242-8671.

Lockhart Smokehouse. Family-style meals to go for 6-8 include ham, turkey, brisket, and prime rib with green bean casserole, creamed corn, cheesy potato casserole, mac& cheese, bread pudding, and peach cobbler ($38-$265). Meals will be served cold and vacuum sealed with instructions for reheating. Side dishes will be in aluminum half pans. Order by November 17 for pickup November 20-22 from 11 am-5 pm.

Loro. Thanksgiving dinner with Asian-inspired twist includes smoked turkey breast, smoked apricot chutney, sage gravy with miso, kale & apple salad, confit marble potatoes with smoked beef fat, brioche stuffing with Thai style sausage, creamed spinach and arugula, yuzu-peach cobbler. $190, feeds 4-6 people. Order by November 17 for pickup November 22. Addison 214-894-5676, Dallas 214-833-4983.

Malai Kitchen. Whole coconut cream pie with tamarind caramel sauce, mango, and coconut gelato, $40. Plus growlers of house brewed beers. Order by November 21 for pickup on November 22. Dallas Preston Center 972-373-4434, Uptown 214-599-7857, Southlake 817-251-9141, Fort Worth 682-707-3959.

Margaret’s. Restaurant at JW Marriott hotel has a Thanksgiving plate lunch on-site or to-go with turkey breast, braised dark meat, potato custard, green bean sauté, cornbread stuffing, gravy, and apple or pecan pie with vanilla ice cream. $44. 11 am-2 pm. 214-736-7760.

The Metropolitan Café. To-go dinner for two includes two meats, three sides, and two desserts with options from Cornish game hen, smoked gouda mac & cheese, brioche stuffing, garlic whipped potatoes, cumin glazed carrots, chocolate pecan pie, and apple pie. Order by November 15 for pickup November 21-22. $65. 214-741-2233.

Norma's Cafe. Dinner to-go includes smoked sliced or roasted turkey breast, whole smoked turkey, spiral cut glazed ham, or Prime roast beef with cornbread dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls, and whole pumpkin pie. $130, serves 6-8 people; roast beef is $190. Order online or in-store by November 18 at five locations: Oak Cliff, Park Lane, Frisco, Plano, North Dallas.

One90 Smoked Meats. Thanksgiving menu includes turkey ($75 to $120), smoked turkey breast ($64.99), spiral sliced half ham ($70), prime whole brisket ($180), prime half brisket ($95), beef tenderloin ($130), prime rib ($250), salmon filet ($135 or $75), potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, green beans ($40 or $75, serves 50), mac ’n’ cheese ($55 or $100, serves 50+). Order by November 21 for pickup November 22. 214-346-3287.

Pecan Lodge. Holiday options include smoked turkey, spiral sliced ham, beef tenderloin, smoked brisket, pulled pork, burnt ends, ribs, sausage, and tamales ($20-$275). Sides include cornbread stuffing, green bean casserole, whipped sweet potatoes, Mamie’s baked beans, braised collard greens, mac & cheese, banana pudding, peach cobbler, plus regular menu sides, desserts and sauces. Small and large family-style portions (serves 6-8 and 12-15) are available ($30-$48). Order online by November 18 at 5 pm, pick-up November 17- 22 from 8 am-1 pm at Pecan Lodge Catering Facility, 1618 W. Commerce St.

Perry’s Steakhouse. Turkey plate with soup or salad, and sides for $49, or a family-style meal for four for $149. Order by November 22 for pickup November 22-23 from 11 am-9 pm. Dallas 214-855-5151, Frisco 214-494-4645, Grapevine 682-477-2261.

Quarter Acre. Take-home package for four with choice of smoked turkey breast with confit turkey leg and gravy ($295), or leg of lamb with mint chimichurri ($325), plus carrots with maple gastrique & yogurt, glazed shallots, pomme dauphinoise, sourdough, and Tajin popcorn. Order by November 15 for pickup November 22 1-5 pm. 214-647-1616.

Roots Southern Table. Thanksgiving Fixins package features side dishes for 4 including ready to bake cornbread, braised greens with smoked ham, sweet potato souffle with brown butter pecan crumble, cranberry orange relish, and banana pudding. Order by November 21 for pickup November 22 from 2-5 pm. 214-346-4441.

Silver Fox. Thanksgiving menu to-go includes turkey with Grandma’s gravy, cornbread dressing, whipped potatoes, candied yams, sugar snap peas, and spiced cranberry sauce. $160, feeds 3-4 people. Order by November 22, pickup by November 23. Richardson, 972-423-8121; Fort Worth, 817-332-9060.

Sloane's Corner. Holiday takeout includes Italian sausage and wild rice stuffing, Brussels sprouts with chili crunch, buttermilk mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, wild mushrooms, cornbread with candied jalapeño, turkey, pork rack, pumpkin cheesecake, apple pie crumble. Order by November 21 at 3 pm at sloanescorner.com for pickup on November 23 from 9 am-2 pm.

SusieCakes. Specialty desserts include pumpkin pie, pecan pie, apple crumble pie, pumpkin cheesecake, turkey sugar cookies, cake with turkey decoration, and cranberry orange cake. Order by November 21 for pickup on November 22. Hillside 945-245-2253, Preston Center 214-983-2253, Fort Worth 817-813-2253.

Tacodeli. Mole to-go for turkey or tamales beginning November 8, 16-ounce container for $13. Pickup by November 22. West Dallas 214-760-1930; The Hill 214-206-8980; Park & Preston (Plano) 972-200-5101; Parkwood (Plano) 214-997-6047.

Target. Department store chain has assembled a Thanksgiving meal package for $25 online and in-store that will feed four, including 10-pound turkey, 5-pound bag of Russet potatoes, 14-ounce can of green beans, 22-ounce Campbell's cream of mushroom soup, 14-ounce can of Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce, 6-ounce Stove Top Stuffing Mix, and 12-ounce Heinz HomeStyle turkey gravy. Pickup by November 22.

Ten50 BBQ. Holiday pitmaster meal features glazed ham, smoked turkey breast, snap’d green beans, mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing, rolls, and fruit cobbler. $450 feeds 15 people. Plus a la carte meats, sides, and desserts. Pre-order by November 20 for pickup November 23. 1-855-QUE-1050 or email catering@ten50bbq.com.

III Forks. Thanksgiving feast to-go includes Spice-Rubbed Turkey, Gravy, cranberry-orange relish, sausage sage cornbread dressing, creamed potatoes, maple-glazed yams, and roasted autumn vegetables. $160, feeds 3-4 people. Order by November 22, pickup by November 23. 972-267-1776.

TJ’s Seafood. Thanksgiving to-go includes shrimp, smoked salmon, oysters, and gumbo. Order by November 21 for pickup on November 22 at www.tjsseafood.com. 214-691-2369.

Uchibā Dallas. Japanese Thanksgiving Omakase for two to-go is an 8-course dinner featuring yellowtail with ponzu, yellowtail with avocado, turkey katzu with Japanese curry, uchibā salad with Romaine, radish, edamame jalapeno, and okashi fried milk ice cream dessert. $175 for 2. Order online by November 20 for pickup November 20-22. 214-855-5454.

Urban Crust. Thanksgiving to-go meal with turkey, gravy, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, cranberry jalapeno relish, and dessert. A la carte butternut squash soup, beef tamales, and apple pie. Order by November 20 for pickup November 22. $249, served 6 to 8 people. 972-509-1400.

Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort and Spa. Thanksgiving dinner to go with whole turkey, glazed ham, Brussels sprouts, green beans, mashed potatoes, candied yams, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, rolls, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie. $250 for 4 people. Order by November 15 at 5 pm, for pickup November 22 from 9 am-6 pm, or November 23, 9 am-12 pm. 972-668-8713.

Whiskey Cake. Thanksgiving kit includes turkey breast, gravy, cranberry relish, milk bun rolls with whipped sorghum butter, yam potato casserole with pecan streusel crust, garlic & parmesan creamed Brussels sprouts, sausage sage stuffing, and maple glazed baby roasted carrots with candied pepitas. $135, serve 4-6 people. Order by November 20 for pickup November 21-22. Plano 972-993-2253 or Las Colinas 469-941-2253.

Whole Foods. Meals for 4 to 12, or a la carte items including turkey, green beans, cranberry sauce, maple mashed sweet potatoes, mac & cheese, stuffing, maple bourbon ham with brown sugar citrus glaze, butternut squash with cranberries & sage, truffle & chive deviled eggs. Order by November 21 for pickup November 17-November 23.

Thanksgiving

Dallas restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day 2023 for dining-in meals

Holiday Dining

The holiday season is upon us, and the first sign is this list of Dallas restaurants and their 2023 Thanksgiving offerings. This list includes everything from fine-dining family meals to glorious brunch spreads to single-plate specials.

What this list does not include is to-go or take-out. That's in a separate list for the uncivilized people who won't sit down for a nice dinner. You can find that list here.

These are the places you can go and visit and eat at on Thanksgiving Day which this year falls on November 23. This list will continue to grow as additions get made, right up until the holiday.

Here's where to get Thanksgiving 2023 in Dallas:

Andreas Steakhouse. 3-course meal includes choices from deviled eggs with caviar, butternut squash soup, Waldorf salad, turkey, prime rib, sea bass, truffle boursin mashed potatoes, green beans Almondine, cheesecake, limoncello-mascarpone cake, bread pudding, apple pie, Key lime pie, pumpkin pie. $45, or $20 for 12 and under. 11 am-9 pm. 469-675-0245.

Andrew’s American Pizza Kitchen. Open with regular menu 11 am-8 pm. 469-825-6500.

Asador. Renaissance Hotel restaurant will serve a buffet with choices from butternut squash salad, pumpkin risotto, cheese plate, turkey, gravy, cranberry chutney, jalapeño sausage cornbread dressing, lobster mac & cheese, Texas pecan tartlet, pumpkin cheesecake. $75, or $38 for 12 and under 10 am-3 pm with final seating at 3 pm. 214-267-4815.

Bar Louie. All five locations in Allen, Arlington, Park Lane, Irving, and DFW Airport Terminal D will be open 4 pm-2 am with regular menu and full bar featuring a limited-edition Fall Spiced Old Fashioned with Maker's Mark bourbon, pumpkin spice, orange bitters, orange peel, and cinnamon stick.

Blue Mesa. Signature brunch with street taco bar, omelet station, waffles, brisket, red chile salmon, mimosas, coffee, tea, orange juice, and soft drinks, plus roast turkey, smoked brisket with chimichurri, red chile glazed ham, grilled salmon, cranberry-jalapeño relish, southwest stuffing, mashed and sweet potatoes, green beans, cinnamon roasted butternut squash, and a variety of pies. 9 am-3 pm. $35, or $10 for 12 and under. Addison 972-934-0165, Fort Worth 817-332-6372, Plano 214-387-4407.

Brio Italian Grille. 3-course meal feast includes turkey, gravy, garlic mashed potatoes, spicy italian sausage stuffing, seasonal vegetable, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, plus limited menu of Italian specialties such as pasta Brio, lobster & shrimp fettuccine, and Gorgonzola beef medallions. $45, or $25 for 12 and under. 11 am-8 pm. Watters Creek 214-884-3920.

Buca de Beppo. Family-style feast includes choice of Caesar or mixed greens choice of spaghetti marinara, fettuccine alfredo, or penne alla vodka. sliced turkey, gravy, garlic mashed potatoes, spicy italian sausage stuffing, seasonal vegetable, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. plus limited menu of Italian specialties. Small $105 feeds 3, large $160 feeds 5. 11 am-8 pm. Park Lane Dallas 214-361-8462, Frisco 972-668-3287, Southlake 817-749-6262.

Capital Grille. Special Thanksgiving plate includes turkey, brioche stuffing, French green beans, cranberry-pear chutney, $55, or $20 for 12 and under. Regular dinner menu also available. 11 am-8 pm. Dallas 214-303-0500, Plano 972-398-2221.

Carbone Dallas. Regular menu with choices from Caesar alla ZZ, spicy rigatoni vodka, carrot cake, and lemon cheesecake. 1–9 pm. 469-290-6009.

Carbone Vino. Regular menu with pastas, pizza, gelato. 1-8 pm. 469-290-6009.

City Works Eatery and Pour House. Frisco restaurant is serving two dinner options: Turkey or prime rib, with mashed potatoes, asparagus, corn casserole, Brussels sprouts, green bean casserole, maple-glazed carrots, au gratin potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and rolls. $40-55, or $20 for 12 and under. 12-6 pm. 469-850-1850.

Cowboy Chicken. Rotisserie chicken chain is serving two Thanksgiving items through Christmas Day: Turkey Plate, a perfectly portioned meal with sliced turkey breast, side, stuffing, and roll for $12; Gobbler sandwich with sliced turkey, cranberry sauce, cranberry aioli, stuffing, and smoked Gouda on a brioche bun for $13. A Rotisserie Turkey Package includes turkey, Twice Baked Potaters, green beans, stuffing, dinner rolls, and peach cobbler and feeds 8-10, for $150. At nine area locations including Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, Irving, Forney, Carrollton, Wylie, and Denton.

The Crescent Club. Buffet brunch includes includes breakfast pastries, carving station with turkey and prime rib, pistachio-crusted salmon, omelet & French toast stations, build-your-own salad, charcuterie, and seafood display. $155 or $65 for 12 and under. 10:30 am-3 pm. 214-871-3200.

Cru. 3-course dinner includes amuse of butternut squash & burrata bruschetta, lobster-saffron risotto, pumpkin ricotta tortelloni, and entree choice of turkey breast with the fixings, braised short rib, or salmon with lump crab, and pumpkin cheesecake or apple streusel pie for dessert. $55, or $28 for 12 and under. 12-9 pm. At all four locations: West Village Dallas, Shops at Legacy Plano, Watters Creek Allen, and Shops at Clearfork Fort Worth.

Cut and Bourbon. Restaurant at Live! by Loews-Arlington hosts brunch buffet with Thanksgiving classics in addition to regular a la carte menu with the addition of a Turkey plate at dinner. $49, or $25 children 12 and under. 7 am-3 pm. 682-277-4900.

Dakota's Steakhouse. 3-course menu with choices from delicata & Asian pear salad, wild mushroom risotto, clam chowder, scallops, filet mignon, turkey, lamb chops, halibut, Brussels sprouts, cornbread stuffing, and honey glazed carrots. Desserts include mini pumpkin pies, caramel pecan tarts, and spiced apple cake. 10:35 am-3:45 pm. $75 or $37 for 12 and under. 214-740-4001.

Del Frisco's Grille. 3-course meal includes choices from butternut squash bisque, Caesar salad, turkey with mashed potatoes, apple-sausage stuffing, green beans, gravy, cranberry sauce, and choice of pumpkin pie or apple berry cobbler, $52; or a Thanksgiving plate, minus the starter and dessert, $30. 11 am-8 pm. Plano 469-661-8012, Fort Worth 817-887-9900, Southlake 817-410-3777.

Dolce Riviera. Thanksgiving buffet with chef attended stations, omelet bar, bruschetta bar, carving station, and dessert station with choices from French toast, pancakes with blistered blueberries, salmon, creamed spinach, sweet potato casserole, mac & cheese with cavatappi pasta and cacio pepe sauce, haricot vert with bechamel and crispy onions, and cornbread stuffing with red peppers and Mia Nonna sausage. 10 am–43 pm. $85, or $39 for 12 and under. Reservations require a $50 deposit, refundable until November 20. 469-458-6623.

Dragonfly. Restaurant at Hotel Zaza has a special menu with onion tart, pumpkin butternut squash bisque, turkey with mashed potato, green beans, cornbread dressing, cranberry, & Parker House rolls, pork chop with sweet potato casserole Brussels sprouts, & Parker House rolls, caramel apple pie, and sticky pudding. Prices a la carte.

Ebb & Flow. Both locations in Deep Ellum and Plano will be open 3 pm-2 am, serving regular full menu. Dallas 972-913-2322, Plano 972-483-2266.

Eddie V’s. Special holiday offering features turkey, gravy, brioche sage stuffing, whipped potatoes, butternut squash, cranberry chutney, and French green beans with sundried tomatoes. $47 or $17 for 12 and under. Full menu also available. 11 am-8 pm. Dallas 214-890-1500, Plano 469-268-3758, Fort Worth 817-336-8000.

Ellie’s Dallas. 3-course meal during brunch and dinner hour features harvest salad with shaved brussel sprouts, persimmons, butternut squash, pomegranate vinaigrette, toasted pepitas, and feta; prosciutto-wrapped turkey breast roulade; stuffing en croque with caramelized brussel sprouts, currants, and sage gravy; and spiced pear cobbler with bourbon whipped cream. $75. Full menu also available. 11 am-7 pm. 972-629-0924.

Elm & Good. Brunch buffet at Kimpton Pittman Hotel features turkey carving station, Parker House rolls, duck confit quiche, maple glazed salmon, sausage-sage stuffing, roasted root vegetables, Brussels sprouts, whipped potatoes, cranberry orange chutney, sweet potato pie, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, pastries, and cookies. $68, or $38 for 12 and under. 11 am-3 pm. 469-498-2525.

Fairmont Dallas. Brunch buffet at downtown Dallas hotel includes Danish, doughnuts, sticky buns, omelet station, bagels, soups, salads, carving station with turkey and brisket, smoked chicken, poblano creamed corn, redfish, pumpkin risotto, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, mac & cheese, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, roasted root vegetables, pecan cornbread dressing, flaming crepe station, and numerous pies and desserts. $125. 10 am-2 pm. 214-720-2020.

Fearing’s. 3-course brunch at Ritz-Carlton Dallas includes starter, main course, and dessert trio with choices from butternut squash soup, poached prawns, scallops, quail, tangerine glazed turkey, lamb, halibut, filet mignon, seasonal sides, and pumpkin, pecan, and chocolate French silk pie trio. $155, or $50 for 12 and under. Two seatings: 11 am and 5 pm. 214-922-4848.

Ferah Tex- Med Kitchen. Special brunch buffet includes breakfast classics and Thanksgiving dishes such as smoked turkey breast with bourbon cranberry glaze, honey-pineapple glazed ham, Southwest cornbread stuffing, whipped potatoes, green bean casserole, salad, rolls, pumpkin, and pecan pie. Standard lunch menu is not available on Thanksgiving Day. $23, or $13 for 12 and under. Garland 972-496-0201.

The Finch. Special plate includes deep-fried turkey breast, bourbon sage gravy, cornbread dressing, bacon fat sautéed green beans, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, and yeast roll. $23. 11 am-10 pm. Dallas 469-893-0990, Grand Prairie 469-480-6603.

Golden Corral. Buffet with 27 items including turkey, fried chicken, pot roast, meatloaf, ham, steak, potatoes, corn, macaroni & cheese, pizza, and spaghetti. $13. 11 am-4 pm.

Gorji. 3- or 4-course meals served Thursday-Saturday include kale-Romaine salad, pan-fried catfish, tomato-cucumber salad, baby greens & strawberries, turkey or pork chop, sea bass & shrimp over cauliflower puree with fava beans, tenderloin with gorgonzola gnocchi, 3-cheese spinach lasagna, kefir butterfly with Medjool date, flourless chocolate cake, or vanilla ice cream with figs & pistachio. $119 for 3 courses, $129 for 4 courses. 6-8:30 pm. November 23-25. 972-503-7080.

Holy Grail Pub. 4-course menu includes choices from smoked corn chowder with jalapeno cornbread waffle, frisee-endive salad with pear & candied walnuts, fried turkey breast, mashed potatoes with sage gravy, and Brussels sprouts, or pork with green pepper sauce, truffle mashed potatoes & Brussels sprouts, and spice cake with brandy glaze. Seatings at 12 pm, 2:30 pm, and 5 pm. Open for regular service at 7 pm. 972-377-6633.

Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley. Regular menu plus Thanksgiving specials including smothered turkey legs ($37), stuffing with cranberry sauce ($15), and sides including candied yams, mac & cheese, and black eyed peas. 11 am-7 pm. 469-841-0073.

Kona Grill. Thanksgiving specials include turkey breast ($35) or macadamia nut crusted turkey breast ($38) with miso mashed potatoes, green beans, ginger-yuzu cranberry sauce; kids' turkey plate is $16. Dallas 214-369-7600, Plano 214-945-2500.

La Parisienne French Bistro. Frisco restaurant offers 4-course menu with choices from lobster bisque, butternut squash, Caesar or wedge salad, turkey breast, Prime rib, apple pecan caramel tart, or sweet potato pie. $45 (or $60 for Prime rib). 11 am-5 pm. 469-200-5411.

Live! by Loews-Arlington. Brunch buffet on second-floor foyer featuring chilled seafood, charcuterie, salads, turkey, cider-brined chicken, maple salmon, pork, rosemary grilled steak, whipped potatoes, sausage apple cornbread stuffing, garlic & shallot green beans, honey lemon carrots, gouda brisket macaroni & cheese, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, 11-layer carrot cake, spiced chocolate pot de cream, lemon meringue, and apple pie tart. $95, or $45 12 and under. 10 am-4 pm. 682-277-4900.

LVI. Restaurant at The Statler in downtown Dallas hosts its first Thanksgiving feast, with butternut squash soup, turkey breast, mashed potatoes with brown gravy, brown butter green beans almondine, focaccia stuffing with walnuts and apple, port cranberry sauce, and pumpkin cake roll with cream cheese filling and white chocolate ganache. $50, or $25 for 12 and under. 4-10 pm. 469- 320-8996.

Luckys. Oak Lawn diner celebrates Thanksgiving all season with a turkey platter featuring turkey, dressing, two sides, and cranberry sauce. $19. Available November 1-December 31. 214-522-3500. However: Closed Thanksgiving Day.

Maggiano's. 3-course meal includes choices from Caesar or house salad; turkey, smoked ham, or branzino Fresca style; choice of pastas from baked ziti, rigatoni D, four-cheese ravioli, spaghetti & meatballs, or butternut squash ravioli; choice of creamed corn, whipped sweet potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli, or sage & sausage stuffing; and choice of apple crostada or pumpkin praline cheesecake. $46 or $18 for 12 and under. 11 am-6:30 pm. Dallas 214-360-9061, Plano 972-781-0776.

Mansion on Turtle Creek. 3-course menu features seasonally inspired offerings including turkey with cornbread stuffing, King salmon atop a buckwheat waffle, roasted acorn squash in bourbon maple syrup, maple bourbon pecan pie, pumpkin pie, and caramel-apple cheesecake in brown butter caramel. $155, or $65 for 12 and under. 11 am-7 pm. 214-559-2100.

Margaret’s. Restaurant at JW Marriott hotel has a five-course dinner featuring hot cider with Grand Marnier whipped cream, pumpkin panna cotta & red watercress petite salad, lobster bisque, turkey with truffle potato casserole pave & green bean-salsify sauté, cornbread stuffing, gravy, and choice of pecan or apple pie with vanilla ice cream. $98. 11 am-2 pm, 5-9 pm. 214-736-7760.

Meddlesome Moth. Open brunch hours with holiday specials including turkey breast, cornbread dressing, butternut squash, smoked gouda mac & cheese, cranberry chutney, and roll for $32; airline chicken breast, butternut squash puree, charred cippolini onions, and green beans for $26. Plus regular brunch dishes including sticky buns, ribeye & frites, mushroom omelet, and chicken & waffles. 11 am-3 pm. 214-628-7900.

Mercat Bistro. 3-course brunch includes choices from butternut squash soup, lentil salad, beet-asapargus salad, onion soup gratinee, salmon with lentils, turkey plate (with cornbread stuffing, whipped sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, cranberry chutney), quiche lorraine, gnocchi with mushrooms & sage, eggs benedict, and dessert choice of pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate tart with cardamon cream and hazelnuts; or crème brûlée. $55, 10 am–3 pm. 3-course dinner features same starter and dessert options, plus entree choices from salmon, turkey plate, gnocchi, short rib with pommes puree, and venison with spaetzle & red cabbage. $65, 4-9 pm. 214-953-0917.

Mesa Mezcal. 3-course dinner at Westin Irving Convention Center hotel features field green salad with cranberries and toasted pepitas, turkey breast with gravy, cornbread stuffing, whipped potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry relish, rolls, and choice of dessert: pumpkin cheesecake, caramel apple pie or chocolate silk pie. $34 or $22 for 12 and under. 4-8 pm. 469-472-0700.

Mexican Bar Co. Plano restaurant will feature Thanksgiving special with a pound of turkey cooked traditional style, a Las Brasas, Rojo, or combination of any two; plus sliced ham, and choices from mashed potatoes, elote esquite, chorizo stuffing, Brussels sprouts, mac & cheese, pumpkin tres leches, churros, or NY cheesecake. $49, or $19 for 12 and under. 11 am-8 pm. Make reservations here. 972-972-4466.

Monarch. Special black truffle turkey, sage gravy, cranberry-orange-moscato sauce, pumpkin gnocchetti, confit turkey leg, green beans, and brioche stuffing with apricot and almonds. Regular menu also available, plus pumpkin tiramisu. $75. 2-9 pm. 214-945-2222.

Nobu Dallas. Signature dishes include Black Cod with Miso, Sashimi, and Yellowtail Jalapeno. 5-9:30 pm. 214-252-7000.

Omni PGA Frisco Resort. Buffet with holiday favorites including pumpkin bisque, “build your own” mac & cheese bar, sage-roasted turkey, bourbon & cherry-glazed ham, smashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing, chai cinnamon rolls, pumpkin pie, chocolate pecan tart, pumpkin pie martini, apple-cranberry mimosa, warm bourbon cider, plus kid menu with chicken fingers, PB&J, veggie & fruit cup. $75, or $25 for 12 and under. 10 am-4 pm. 469-305-4500.

Perry’s Steakhouse. Special turkey entree comes with choices from salad, butternut squash soup, gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean Almondine, sausage-sage dressing, and cranberry relish. $49, or $19 for 12 and under. 11 am-9 pm. Dallas 214-855-5151, Frisco 214-494-4645, Grapevine 682-477-2261.

Princi Italia. 3-course menu with butternut squash bisque, lobster risotto, and choices from turkey breast with all the fixings, beef tenderloin, salmon, or branzino as an entree; and warm apple crostata, chocolate mousse cake, or tiramisu for dessert. $55 or $28 for 12 and under. 11 am-3 pm. From 4-9 pm, a la carte menu and Thanksgiving specials. Preston Royal 214-739-5959, Plano 972-378-9463.

Pyramid Restaurant. 4-course dinner at Fairmont Dallas hotel features dishes such as turkey confit, sweet potato soubise, and pumpkin tortilla soup. $75, or $37.50 for 12 and under. 6-9 pm. 214-720-2020.

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. Three-course menu includes choices from heritage turkey with cornbread stuffing, king salmon atop a buckwheat waffle, roasted acorn squash in bourbon maple syrup, maple bourbon pecan pie, pumpkin pie, and caramel-apple cheesecake in brown butter caramel. 11 am-7 pm. $155, or $65 for 12 and under. 214-559-2100.

Sadelle's. Regular menu with salmon, latke royale, New York porterhouse, and strawberry tall cake. 9 am-6 pm. 469-290-6009.

Saint Ann. Brunch with carving station, tomato strata, brioche stuffing, mac & cheese, maple Brussels sprouts, pumpkin pie, bourbon pecan pie. 10 am-3 pm. $65, or $30 for 12 and under. 214-782-9807.

Seely’s Mill. 3-course menu at the Beeman Hotel includes turkey with honey glaze, bourbon glazed ham, butternut squash soup, field greens, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, maple glazed carrots, cornbread muffins, biscuits, pumpkin pie, peanut butter pie. $35, or $15 for 12 and under. Pick up for $265 feeds 8. 6am-11am, 11:30am-2pm, and 4pm-10pm. 469-587-3739.

SĒR Steak + Spirits. Exclusive one-day-only holiday menu features turkey roulade with jalapeno cornbread stuffing, roasted cranberries, crispy turkey skin, creamed haricot vert, and turkey jus. $75. 5-10 pm. 214-761-7479

Silver Fox. Thanksgiving menu for dine-in or pickup includes turkey with Grandma’s gravy, cornbread dressing, whipped potatoes, candied yams, sugar snap peas, and spiced cranberry sauce. A selection of the regular menu along with whole pies will also be available. $42, or $18 for 12 and younger. 12-6 pm. Richardson, 972-423-8121; Fort Worth, 817-332-9060.

The Statler. Downtown Dallas hotel will host "Thanksgiving for Your Service," presented by Centurion American Development Group and Operation Forever Free, with a complimentary dinner to active first responders, retired veterans, medical professionals, and their immediate families. Menu includes turkey breast with gravy, apricot ginger glazed ham, green bean casserole, whipped potatoes, candied sweet potatoes with pecans & marshmallows, cornbread stuffing, rolls & butter, and pies. 11 am–3 pm. Seats are limited, advance reservations required; free valet included. 214-459-3930.

Stirr. Four-course menu includes choices from poblano corn chowder, salad, fried turkey, Caribbean glazed ham, loaded whipped potatoes, sweet potato hash, sweet & spicy cornbread stuffing, mushroom green bean casserole with tobacco fried onions, pumpkin cheesecake, peach cobbler, or chocolate bourbon pecan pie. $36, or $12 for 12 and under. 11 am-10 pm. Dallas 214-983-1222, Addison 214-903-0543.

Sushi Marquee. Sushi restaurant at the Star in Frisco will be open 3 pm-2 am with regular full menu. 972-833-1608.

III Forks. Thanksgiving feast includes Spice-Rubbed Turkey, Gravy, cranberry-orange relish, sausage sage cornbread dressing, creamed potatoes, maple-glazed yams, and roasted autumn vegetables. Plus select items from the regular menu. Kentucky Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie and Pumpkin Pie Cake also available to purchase. $42, or $18 for 12 and under. 972-267-1776.

Truluck's. Three-course feast with turkey, sides, and dessert. $59, or $29 for 12 and under. 11 am-4 pm. Uptown 214-220-2401, Southlake 817-912-0500.

12 Cuts Brazilian Steakhouse. Special feast includes bacon-wrapped turkey breast, Thanksgiving salad, sweet potato, cranberry relish, and dessert. $60. Plus regular churrascuria experience with 12 fire-roasted meats, vegetable salads, cheese, cured meats, black bean stew, rice, mashed potatoes, fried polenta, and caramelized bananas. 11 am-9 pm. 469-779-7012.

Villa Azur. 3-course feast includes cappuccino of butternut and hazelnut foam with shaved truffle, turkey breast roll with morels and porcini cream, jalapeño parmesan cornbread, cranberry chutney, and pumpkin crème brulée cheesecake with salted caramel ice cream. $75 or $35 for 12 and under. 11:30 am–12 am. 214-389-2602.

Westin Dallas Downtown. Buffet in penthouse-level ballroom by chef Alex Mobsby features oyster and shrimp cocktail bar, carving station, kids' corner, and dessert display. Adults $95, or $45 for 12 and under. Seatings at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm.

Westin Galleria Dallas. Buffet from Second Floor Regionally Inspired Kitchen chef David Smith served in grand ballroom features traditional favorites and Southern-inspired Thanksgiving fare with fried turkey and dessert display. $85 or $45 for 12 and under.

Photo courtesy of Lake Highlands Home Tour

Here's how much Dallas homeowners will spend to boost curb appeal this year

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Sure, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but that doesn't apply to a vast number of million-dollar homes in this city. It's probably safe to say that many locals (or tourists) have been guilty of window shopping Dallas' most gorgeous houses while cruising around town.

Experts from home services website Thumbtack have confirmed Dallas-Fort Worth's incredible curb appeal and ranked the city No. 5 in a recent study that surveyed homeowners around the country.

Thumbtack partnered with Nextdoor to ask more than 1,000 homeowners to set tangible values to curb appeal: both how much they care, and what kind of exterior home improvements have the most influence. It also ranked cities on how much they spend.

The study found that Dallas-Fort Worth residents will spend up to $4,592 on many "small curb appeal investments" – such as replacing the front door, installing outdoor lighting, pressure washing the driveway, or painting their fence.

But if a homeowner really wants their property to stand out, major projects like installing solar panels or maintaining a perfectly manicured front yard are surefire ways to catch people's attention and admiration. So much so, that 82 percent of survey-takers said investing in landscaping is a substantial improvement, and 73 percent believe a well-kept lawn dramatically improves curb appeal.

"At its core, curb appeal is a homeowner’s first presentation of themself to the neighborhood," the report said. "An individual home’s curb appeal impacts the whole neighborhood — and, as a result, can build relationships or even create tensions on the block."

Costs, of course, are driven up with the scale of the projects. Cost estimates for garage door or gutter replacements can ring up at $1,310, with Metroplex homeowners budgeting up to $12,615 for their "medium-sized" home improvement projects.

The study designates some projects as "large curb appeal investments": things like painting the entire exterior of a house, replacing property fencing, or installing a sprinkler system. Estimates for multiple large-scale projects can cost up to $24,000 in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Nextdoor's Head of Revenue, Heidi Andersen, said in the report that a home's curb appeal can show the owner's "deep investment" in their neighborhood, and can improve their fellow neighbors' pride within the local community.

"For many neighbors, the neighborhood is a gathering place, a central hub, and most importantly, a place they come to for genuine connections, support, and shared experiences among its residents," said Andersen. "Every day, neighbors everywhere are transforming houses into homes, and streets into welcoming avenues for their communities."

Austin also made it into the top five by ranking as the U.S. city with the 2nd best curb appeal behind frontrunner Atlanta, Georgia.

The top 10 metros with the best curb appeal are:

  • No. 1 – Atlanta, Georgia
  • No. 2 – Austin, Texas
  • No. 3 – Charlotte, North Carolina
  • No. 4 – Washington, D.C.
  • No. 5 – Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
  • No. 6 – Baltimore, Maryland
  • No. 7 – Seattle, Washington
  • No. 8 – Orlando, Florida
  • No. 9 – Tampa, Florida
  • No. 10 – Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
The full report can be found on thumbtack.com.
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Property Showcase

Universal theme park in Frisco will be a first-of-its-kind Kids Resort

Theme Park News

The big splashy theme park coming to Frisco has a name and identity: Called Universal Kids Resort, it's from Universal Destinations & Experiences, a division of Comcast NBCUniversal, and is the company's first-ever theme park designed specifically for families with young children.

Previously described as a "family-friendly" concept, it's doubling down on the "kids" element, vowing to bring an innovative style of storytelling to a new, younger audience. So, more Disney-ish.

According to a release, Universal Kids Resort will include a theme park featuring immersive themed lands that bring Universal's characters and stories to life in ways that will wow the youngest theme parkgoers.

It will feature family-friendly attractions, interactive and playful shows, unique merchandise, fun food and beverage venues, and character meet & greets.

A resort area will include a 300-room themed hotel, giving families a place to stay and to play.

"Universal Kids Resort will inspire the unbridled creativity of kids through imagination, discovery and most importantly – play," says Universal Creative president Molly Murphy in a statement. "We're designing the resort so kids and families can feel the thrill of being physically immersed in their most beloved stories and characters."

It'll be set in green landscape with a distinctive look, feel, and scale specifically for younger kids. Progress on the new concept is underway, following a groundbreaking in November. With more details about Universal Kids Resort to come.

Crooner Michael Bublé to make appearance in Dallas for his new whiskey

Less burn, more Bublé

Crooner Michael Bublé has made a career using his voice to enchant millions of fans, but he'll be using his voice in a different way when he stops in Dallas on December 6 in support of a new whiskey he's released.

Called Fraser & Thompson, it's a North American whiskey launched in 2023 by Bublé and his partner Paul Cirka, a Master Distiller and Blender with a goal to create an aromatic and approachable new-to-world whiskey.

Bublé will be at Spec’s Wines & Spirits at 9500 N. Central Expwy. on December 6 from 4-5 pm.

According to a release, he’ll be at the brand’s "Easy, Now" lounge experience (IE, the events space at Spec's), where consumers over 21 can try samples.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early in order to ensure they are able to meet Bublé during the allotted time.

Retailing for $29.99 with the catch phrase, "Less burn, more Bublé," the whiskey is so new that its website is still under construction.

The release describes it as having sweet fig and blood orange on the nose, with a subtle finish of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice.

“Michael and I bonded over our shared passion for whisky, and wanted to create a blend that was flavorful but more light-hearted than the category at large can be known for," says Fraser & Thompson co-founder Cirka.

According to Bublé, the name Fraser Thompson references a location in his hometown Canada.

"I spent many summers with my grandfather at the confluence of the Fraser and Thompson rivers in British Columbia," Bublé says. "When I heard Paul’s vision for creating a new kind of whiskey, I knew instantly what I wanted to call it. For the last three years, we worked together to perfect a whiskey blend that is equally elegant and approachable."

Bublé, of course, is doing just fine, even before making the jump into the celebrity liquor game. He's released 11 albums in his 20+ year singing career, selling millions of albums and almost singlehandedly reviving the jazz standards genre.

He's also not new to the beverage world, having partnered with Pepsi on a series of amusing commercials for their Bubly sparkling water.

2 freeway shutdowns this weekend in northeast Dallas of I-635 and US-75

Freeway News

Drivers in northeast Dallas, take note: A portion of I-635 will be closed in all directions and it's happening this weekend.

As part of the continuous I-635E improvement project, there will be major impacts to traffic on the interstate and cross streets throughout this weekend.

All lanes along eastbound and westbound I-635E between Abrams Road and Forest Lane will be closed beginning Saturday evening, December 2 at 8 pm through Sunday morning, December 3 at 12 pm.

Drivers will be detoured to the frontage roads to access the next available entrance ramp onto the mainlanes.

Both directions of Abrams Road and Forest Lane cross street bridges at I-635E will be closed during this time, as well.

Traffic will be detoured through the alternate streets: Abrams Road, Audelia Road, Royal Lane, and Walnut Street.

All lanes along Markville Drive at the eastbound I-635 frontage road will also be closed. Drivers will be detoured to Greenville Avenue and Royal Lane to access the next entrance ramp.

Drivers should expect delays, seek alternate routes or plan for extra travel time. All scheduled work and closures are subject to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

US 75 closure
In the same weekend, all lanes of southbound US 75 will be closed at the I-635 junction on Saturday, December 3 at 9 pm until Monday, December 4 at 5 am, for a sign maintenance project. Traffic can detour onto the southbound US 75 frontage road to go around this closure. There will still be access to I-635 during this time. Plan ahead for extra travel time or seek an alternate route.

For additional information related to the 635 East Project, visit www.635east.com.

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