Along with the wonder and joy of the holidays comes the financial impact of gifts, travel, special meals, parties, and so much more.
With that in mind, The Hub has compiled a list of free things to do and see in and around Dallas this holiday season.
Posada: The Latino Cultural Center showcases a traditional procession celebrating the Christmas story. Participants sing traditional Latin American carols to commemorate the journey Mary and Joseph took on their way to Bethlehem.
Dec. 18 starting at Central Square Park and ending at the Latino Cultural Center, Dallas.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Watch Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas under the stars, in the Food & Fiber Lot at Fair Park, 1233 S. Washington Ave.
Dec. 22 at 7 p.m., Fair Park, Dallas. Free “drive-in” movie.
Deck the City Hall: Deck the City Hall is a free, family-friendly holiday festival at Dallas City Hall Plaza. Enjoy music, food trucks, train and carriage rides and photos with Santa. Kids, be sure to visit Santa’s Letter Writing Workshop and don’t miss your chance to ice skate on the Plaza.
Dec. 19 from 12-5 p.m., City Hall Plaza, downtown Dallas.
Holiday Lights at the Gaylord Texan: Get in the spirit with 1.5 million lights, a 54-foot rotating Christmas tree, 25-foot-tall nutcrackers and a life-size gingerbread house.
Through Jan. 1 at the Gaylord Texan, Grapevine. Free admission for light displays.
Christmas in the Square: More than 100,000 lights blink in a free light show set to holiday music in this Frisco celebration.
Nov. 25-Jan. 7 at Frisco Square. The light show is free.
Macy’s Grand Tree Lighting Celebrations: The holiday show at the Galleria Dallas features Missile Toes, the Galleria’s ice-skating, back-flipping, pyrotechnic Santa Claus, live performances from Olympic, World and National ice skating champions, along with local children performing around the country’s tallest indoor Christmas tree.
Dec. 19 at 6 p.m., Galleria Dallas.
Slappy’s Holiday Circus: Presented by Slappy’s Puppet Playhouse, experience a classic European circus with puppets, magic, clowns, contortionists and jugglers in a fast-paced show that’s fun for the entire family.
Dec. 19 at 1 and 3 p.m., Galleria Dallas, Level 1 near Belk.
Storytime with Santa: Join Santa Claus in front of his charming, snow-capped cottage for a very special story-time each day. Children of all ages listen in wonderment as Santa Claus shares stories from the North Pole about hard-working elves, reindeer adventures, and round-the-world travels on Christmas Eve.
Through Dec. 23, Monday – Saturday at 10:30 a.m., Sunday at noon.
Sights and Sounds of the Season: More than 100 orchestras, choral and dance groups from across North Texas take the stage for memorable holiday performances. From school and church groups to professional touring acts, enjoy a full schedule of special concerts scheduled daily.
Through Dec. 20, at NorthPark Center. Dillard’s Court and at NorthCourt, located between Nordstrom and Macy’s.
Holiday Light Displays: Searching for just some good old-fashioned holiday lights? Click on the link to find the biggest and best places to see the twinkling of the season. Note: some light displays require a small admission fee.
