9 Family-Friendly Events For Thanksgiving in Dallas-Fort Worth

Poor Thanksgiving. This year it's being especially overlooked because it falls so late in the month. But we wanted to give Thanksgiving its own place in the spotlight, so here are 9 family-friendly events worth checking out the week of Thanksgiving (listed in chronological order).

Our Village Glows

Where: The Shops at Highland Village, 1701 Shoal Creek, Highland Village TX 75077

When: Saturday, November 23 2019 @ 5:00-9:00pm

Cost: Free

Have you ever wanted to see Santa ride on a fire truck? Then you might want to attend this year's Our Village Glows celebration where they'll light the 60-foot Christmas tree, offer complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides, provide face painting, and have live music from local community and school groups.

2019 GM Financial Parade of Lights

Where: Downtown Fort Worth, 777 Taylor St, Fort Worth TX 76102

When: Sunday, November 24 2019 @ 6:00-8:00pm

Cost: FREE

This might be one of our favorite events that happens every year right around Thanksgiving. Head to Downtown Fort Worth where you can enjoy the Parade of Lights featuring more than 100 spectacular floats with half-a-million lights. It's definitely one you won't want to miss!

Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot

Where: Dallas City Hall, 1500 Marilla St, Dallas TX 75201

When: Thursday, November 28 2019 @ 9:00am

Cost: Register Online for Costs

This may well be one of the most popular and beloved holiday events that happens here in DFW. It is one of the largest multi-event races in the country, with a 1K Junior Trot, 5K and 8-mile races. You can bring your dog with you to participate in the Dog Trot. And after the races, take the family to enjoy food trucks, bounce houses, face painting, a puppet show, and more!

Vitruvian Lights Lighting Ceremony

Where: Vitruvian Park, 3966 Vitruvian Way, Addison TX 75001

When: Friday, November 29 2019 @ 6:00-10:00pm

Cost: FREE

Head to Vitruvian Park the day after Thanksgiving to witness as they "flip the switch" on their dazzling holiday wonderland. In addition to the beautiful light display, there will also be a performance by the Jordan Kahn Orchestra, gourmet food trucks, FREE photos with Santa (that's a big deal!), an elf balloon artist, and sweet treats to enjoy.

Opening Night of Texas Christkindl Market

Where: North Plaza at Globe Life Field, 1650 E Randol Mill Rd, Arlington TX 76011

When: Friday, November 29 2019 @ 4:00-10:00pm

Cost: FREE

Check out Opening Night for the even bigger and better Texas Christkindl Market hosted at Globe Life Field in Arlington. This market, inspired by a cherished German tradition, will feature holiday gifts, decorations, and music the whole family can enjoy. There will also be an outdoor skating rink, photo opportunities with St. Nikolaus at the Santa Haus, and a tree lighting event that opening night at 7:00pm.

Granbury Country Christmas Parade

Where: Granbury Downtown Historic District, 201 E Pearl St, Granbury TX 76048

When: Friday, November 29 2019 @ 6:00-8:00pm

Cost: FREE

This must-see holiday tradition is celebrating its 28th year this year with a theme of "The Christmas Story in Song." The lighted Christmas Parade will begin at 6:30pm with a colorful line-up of beautifully decorated entries making their way through Granbury's Historic District. After the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Santa's House on the square with cookies for the kiddos.

Opening Weekend of Peppermint Park at Hilton Anatole

Where: Hilton Anatole, 2201 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas TX 75207

When: Friday, November 29-Saturday, November 30 2019

Cost:  Adults/$24.95; Children (3-17)/$19.95; or Free with Registered Hilton Reservation

Maybe you should think about a fun family staycation the weekend of Thanksgiving at the Hilton Anatole so you can check out opening weekend of their Peppermint Park. Or you can purchase tickets to just visit the festive park which will have a holiday train, mini golf, games, a s'mores bar, cookie decorating, and a Grinch slime class.

Purchase your tickets here.

The 8th Annual Great Turkey Skate

Where: Allen Community Ice Rink, 200 E Stacy Rd #1350, Allen TX 75002

When: Saturday, November 30 2019 at 1:00-4:00pm

Cost: $5/Entry; $3/Skate Rental

Join the City of Allen for their 8th Annual Great Turkey Skate where you can skate off all that extra food you ate over Thanksgiving. They'll have various Thanksgiving-themed, on-ice games, including Turkey Bowling (which sounds like a blast). If you bring two non-perishable items to donate, you'll receive a free skate rental!

Gingerbread Stroll at Highland Park Village

Where: Highland Park Village, 47 Highland Park Village, Dallas TX 75205

When: Friday, November 30-Sunday, December 1 2019

Cost: FREE

Many events will be kicking off Thanksgiving weekend, but this is one that will be coming to an end. Each year, elaborate gingerbread houses are displayed for silent auction at Highland Park Village for a 2-week period. All of the proceeds from the auction benefit the Community Partners of Dallas. It's a fun way to get in the festive spirit while also giving back to our community.