Things to do around DFW during TCU’s Commencement Ceremonies

From ice skating to helicopter rides, there isn’t a shortage of fun things to do around the Dallas/Fort Worth area. TCU360 has narrowed down the top 10 must-do activities to do around North Texas before or after the commencement.

Panther Island Ice

Panther Island Ice is an outdoor skating rink northeast of downtown Fort Worth. For $12, you can skate in Panther Island Ice’s seasonal rink and dine at the Coyote Canteen. More information can be found on their website.

Casa Mañana

Fort Worth’s own Casa Mañana is staging their Twas the Night Before Christmas production from Nov. 23 to Dec. 23. There will be showings every weekend during the month. The tickets the weekend of TCU’s commencement begin at $21.

The view from an Epic Helicopter ride, photo courtesy of Epic Helicopters.

Helicopter Tours

Every night of December, Epic Helicopters offer a Holiday Lights Tour of Fort Worth beginning at 6 p.m. The tours start and end at the Fort Worth Meacham International Airport. The cost of this holiday adventure is $179 per person.

World’s Largest Light Maze and Market

A previous Enchant Christmas display, photo courtesy of Business Wire.

The Texas Rangers may have finished their season, but that doesn’t mean Globe Life Park will be vacant for the rest of the year. Enchant Christmas is taking residency in the Arlington stadium by hosting the World’s Largest Light Maze and Market. The holiday treat will be operational until Dec. 30. The tickets begin at $20.

A view from Holiday in the Park, photo courtesy of the city of Arlington.

Six Flags Holiday in the Park

While in Arlington, feel free to swing by Six Flags Over Texas for its Holiday in the Park event. The amusement park transforms into a winter wonderland, where visitors can enjoy rides, games, and a meet and greet with Santa’s reindeers. The tickets begin at $50 for a day of Christmas adventure and last until Dec. 30.

Gaylord’s ICE! display

Part of the display of ICE!, photo courtesy of NBC 5 News.

A yearly Christmas tradition in the Dallas/Fort Worth area is Gaylord’s ICE! display located in Grapevine. ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer features over 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures. But don’t worry, they provide the guests with a parka to wear during the exhibit. In addition to the ice sculpture maze, there are also ice slides and a life-sized gingerbread house. The general admission tickets are $18 and conclude on New Year’s Day.

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders performing at The Star, photo courtesy of NBC 5 News and the Dallas Cowboys.

Christmas Spectacular Event

Every Friday until Christmas, The Star in Frisco hosts a Christmas Spectacular Event which includes performances by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blue Dancers, a special appearance by Santa, and more. Admission and parking are free.

One of the gazebos at the Dallas Arboretum’s Christmas display, photo courtesy of the Dallas Arboretum.

“The 12 Days of Christmas”

The Dallas Arboretum has a “The 12 Days of Christmas” event every Wednesday through Sunday through the end of December. The exhibit involves 12 outdoor gazebos filled with costumed characters, music, and animals. Each gazebo will host a part of the song “The 12 Days of Christmas”. The tickets begin at $12 for members and $20 for non-members.

Part of the 2006 decorations of the White House during the Bush administration, photo courtesy of Andrew Kaufmann.

Christmas at the White House

The George W. Bush Library and Museum is hosting an event called Deck the Halls and Welcome All: Christmas at the White House. This event allows visitors a glimpse into the decorations that were displayed in the White House in 2006. The event runs into 2019, so there is plenty of time to see the decorations. The tickets are $16 for adults.

One of the animals that the Dallas Zoo has brought to Reunion Tower, photo courtesy of Visit Dallas.

Dallas Zoo Visits Reunion Tower

GeO-Deck the Halls at Reunion Tower in Dallas is hosting a joint event with the Dallas Zoo this holiday season. There will be an up-close and personal interaction with some of their mammals, birds, and reptiles. Adult tickets are $17. One of the nights is Friday, Dec. 14, the day before TCU’s commencement ceremonies. There will be an up-close and personal interaction with some of their mammals, birds, and reptiles. Adult tickets are $17.

Whether you choose to stay in Fort Worth or venture off into Dallas or the suburbs, there are plenty of things to do during TCU’s commencement.