Even though the Texas state high school football championships are packed to the gills with thrills and excitement, you should still save room on your game plan to try out some of the other fun things to do in Arlington while you’re in town—and as usual, we’ve got a list of great ideas to get you started:
One: Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas
Named the “Best Holiday Theme Park in Texas” by the readers of USA Today, Holiday in Park features the opportunity to enjoy classic roller coasters and thrill rides in the chill of winter, live entertainment, shopping and dining, even a visit with the Big Guy himself—all enjoyed against a backdrop of millions of colorful lights and festive music. Don’t forget to take a ride down the Holiday in Park Snow Hill, a long-time Arlington holiday favorite. Get tips for your Holiday in the Park visit.
Two: Enchant Christmas
A world of wonder awaits you at Arlington’s newest holiday destination, which features stunning displays of holiday lights, tasty holiday fare, marketplace shopping, and the world’s largest Christmas light maze—and there’s even a pond for ice skating! Find out more about Enchant.
Three: Stadium Tours
Arlington is home to not one but two world-class sporting and event venues, AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Park—and you can get an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at both of them when you take a stadium tour. Highlights include the press box, batting cages, playing field, fine art exhibit, and locker rooms, just to name a few of the tour’s more memorable stops (subject to availability). Wear comfy shoes and bring your camera!
Four: Shopping, Skating and Dining
Last minute shopping is a snap in Arlington, where you’ll find hundreds of national retailers, restaurants, movie theatres, ice skating and more available at mega-shopping destinations like The Parks at Arlington, Arlington Highlands, and Lincoln Square. Not a mall lover? Try our guide to out-of-the-ordinary gift shopping in Arlington.
Five: UTA Planetarium
One of Arlington’s coolest destinations is the UTA Planetarium, where you can enjoy stargazing and holiday-themed shows projected on a 60-foot dome, as well as a bit of shopping in the planetarium gift shop. Afterwards, head over to College Park Center to catch double-header college basketball when the Lady Mavs take San Francisco and Cal Poly (on December 21 only).
Six: International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame
5,000 years of history and 18,000 square feet of fun are in store for you at the International Bowling Museum, where you’ll learn fascinating facts about the sport’s all-time greats and delve into the exciting technology that powers bowling’s future—plus, you can order a customized bowling ball and shop for other bowling-related gifts and gear in the museum’s gift shop.
Seven: Salvador Dali Exhibit
This 101-piece exhibit at the Arlington Museum of Art features the entire series of Dali’s depiction of The Divine Comedy, and it’s an absolute must-see (not to mention a rare opportunity) for anyone who loves art. Find out more about the Dali exhibit. After your visit, you can venture further into Downtown Arlington for shopping, dining, or live music, or perhaps picture in front of the City Hall Christmas tree.
