While we do love having at least one gift to open on Christmas morning, we prefer holiday experiences to gifts. And we like to start early! It makes the holidays last a little bit longer and brings great joy into our daily routine. Here’s a list of fun holiday shows, experiences, and destinations that will brighten your spirit.
Holiday Shows, Experiences, and Destinations
Texas Ballet Theater – The Nutcracker
We’ve made The Nutcracker one of our favorite holiday traditions. We’ve seen it every year, with the exception of 2020 and it took a worldwide pandemic to keep us away, since Athena was born. We delight in visions of sugarplums and snowflakes at the ballet.
Don’t miss the magic of Ben Stevenson’s The Nutcracker live on stage Nov 26 – Dec 26. Performing at Winspear Opera House & Bass Performance Hall.
The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey
Via The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey
The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey is a one-of-a-kind, open-air experience to spread a Texas-sized serving of Christmas cheer!
With Christmas Spirit running low, Santa’s sleigh’s compass goes haywire, and Scout Elf Tiny Tinkerman and the Scout Elves need human help! Where’s the Lone Star State’s best place for finding cheer? Choctaw Stadium’s dazzling star-filled concourse, of course!
Join Scout Elf Tiny Tinkerman and the Scout Elves on a quest to collect the ingredients for Christmas Spirit, as you and your elf-loving crew magically shrink down to elf size and embark on a journey through twinkling wonderlands to set Santa and Christmas back on course!
Disney On Ice – Lets Celebrate
Grab your Mickey ears and get ready for non-stop fun when 50 of your favorite Disney friends come to life through world-class ice skating.
I thought Disney On Ice Lets Celebrate would be more for Athena than Max but both kids sat in complete awe as their favorite Disney characters performed live before their very own eyes.
Cirque du Soleil – ‘Twas the Night Before
Via cirquedusoleil.com
‘Twas the Night Before… is an exhilarating spin on the beloved Christmas classic as only Cirque du Soleil could imagine. This festive show about the wonders of sharing and friendship promises to spark lasting memories in the hearts of families this holiday season.
Catch it in Chicago from November 26, 2021 – December 5, 2021 or New York from Dec 9-27, 2021.
We based our Chicago trip timing on experiencing Cirque du Soleil. There is no production company that we enjoy more. Add in the holiday spirit of Twas the Night Before and you have the perfect holiday experience.
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
If you’re in Texas or planning a magical holiday getaway, Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center is the most amazing winter wonderland. It’s located in Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas!
Christmas at Gaylord Texan Resort sparkles with holiday spirit. Explore acres of lights, activities, shows, and events. Step into the world of Buddy the Elf in their all-new, Gaylord Hotels Original Experience, Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf.
Some of our absolute winter-must experiences at the Gaylord are listed below.
Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf
Christmas is in trouble and Santa needs your help! Journey into Buddy the Elf’s world to help save the holiday in this all-new, multi-sensory experience.
Team-up with Mr. Narwhal and friends in the candy cane forest, stay ahead of the toy quota in the North Pole, prepare for Santa’s arrival at the iconic department store, and take part in an epic virtual snowball fight in Central Park. These are just a few of the fun, interactive challenges you’ll need to complete to muster enough Christmas cheer to power the Kringle 3000 and Santa’s sleigh!
Merry & Light
A Wonder of Holiday Magic & Light at Gaylord Texan conjures cozy feelings of Christmas with a sparkling array of larger- than-life holiday décor and immersive state-of-the-art light elements.
Guests are wowed by an amazing wonderland of one-of-a-kind photo ops and memory making moments melding modern technology with holiday tradition.
Snow Tubing
Nothing gets us in the winter spirit like tubing. At the Gaylord Texan, guests experience eight snow tubing hills covered in two million pounds of real snow! So put on your snow pants and get ready for a winter thrill.
It’s more merry in Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas!
Keystone Resort
Maybe you love a winter wonderland so much that you want to experience the magic of the Gaylord Texan but the outdoor version. Keystone Resort is the place for you!
Keystone Resort is a ski resort located in Keystone, Colorado. It’s where you can let loose and let your inner child run wild. With three peaks, five back bowls, and 3000+ expansive acres of family-fun, excitement is waiting around every turn.
