Gabby Cullen

Gabby Cullen has over 15 years of media experience, starting in public relations before moving to the editorial side in 2009. With a decade of expertise in parenting and lifestyle, she balances her work as an editor and writer while navigating life as a mom of two. An avid reader and true crime podcast fan, Gabby lives in Dallas, TX with her family. Find her on Instagram and Threads @gabbycullen.

Latest posts by Gabby

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in Dallas-Fort Worth: Turkey Trots, Home for the Holidays, and More Things To Do

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Tue, 11/25/2025 - 9:37am

The YMCA Turkey Trot is a Dallas Thanksgiving tradition. Photo courtesy of YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas

Looking for the best things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth on Thanksgiving weekend 2025? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this Thanksgiving weekend.

Whether you're a Turkey Trot kind of family or a "bring on the Christmas lights" kind of family, Thanksgiving Weekend 2025 is full of fun for North Texans. Make your way to downtown Dallas on Thanksgiving morning to participate in the beloved YMCA Turkey Trot, head to the Crescent Club in Uptown for a sumptuous Thanksgiving brunch, or welcome back Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie. As for the rest of the weekend, it's all about Home for the Holidays in McKinney's historic downtown square, Home on the Range at PGA Frisco, Christmas at the Anatole, and Lights on the Farm in Plano.

For a special treat, enjoy North Texas Ballet's annual Christmas performance of The Nutcracker or the Fort Worth Symphony's Home for the Holidays! concert.

Balloon Museum Dallas Soars to New Heights

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Tue, 11/25/2025 - 8:07am

"Mariposa" is an art installation at Balloon Museum Dallas. Photo courtesy Balloon Museum Dallas

Looking for something new and cool to do with the kids during winter break? Five minutes south of downtown, you’ll find the North Texas’ latest art exhibition, Balloon Museum Dallas: “Let’s Fly – Art Has No Limits.” I had a chance to visit this immersive experience last week, and I can honestly say that I was blown away (pun intended). It’s hard to describe what you’ll find when you walk through the doors; a simple explanation doesn’t do it justice. This is something you’ll need to see firsthand, so if you’re looking for something to do with the kids in Dallas over the holiday season, consider scheduling a time to see it yourself.

Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Dallas-Fort Worth

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Sun, 11/23/2025 - 1:07pm

Highland Park has some of the best Christmas light displays in DFW. Photo by Gabby Cullen

Looking for the best free Christmas lights in Dallas-Fort Worth? From the must-see neighborhoods to that one home everyone talks about, we've got the best places to check out holiday lights in the metroplex.

North Texas loves its Christmas lights like it loves its Tex-Mex. Extra everything. That's why it's not hard to blink and find some pretty cool neighborhood light displays just about anywhere in DFW. And, not surprisingly, a few of them have made an appearance on ABC's Great Christmas Light Fight. We've narrowed it down to our absolute favorites, and I can tell you that while my kids might be tweens and teens, they're still always up for hopping in the car and driving the distance to check out some of these displays—with a drive through Starbucks for hot chocolate first, of course.

If you're looking for more holiday and Christmas fun, check out these festive hotels and Christmas towns in Dallas-Fort Worth and our favorite must-do Christmas events in DFW.

Christmas in the Garden, Dallas Children's Theater, and More Things to Do in DFW This Weekend

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Wed, 11/19/2025 - 10:01am

Christmas in the Garden returns to DFW! Photo courtesy of Forth Worth Botanical Garden

Looking for the best things to do in Dallas and Fort Worth this weekend? Here are our picks for the coolest family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

Everywhere we look, there's a holiday festivity opening this weekend in DFW. Christmas in the Garden returns to the Fort Worth Botanical Garden, ice rinks are up in Grapevine and The Stockyards, Santa will be making an appearance at Grandscape and Watters Creek, Mo Willems' "Pigeon" lands at Dallas Children's Theater, and don't forget the Fort Worth Parade of Lights on Sunday!

If you'd rather do something that doesn't include twinkle lights and Christmas carols, pack your bags for The Heard Family Campout or head to South Dallas to check out Balloon Museum Dallas—a multi-sensory creative experience.

Happy Weekend, y'all!

Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Dallas-Fort Worth for Kids

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Sun, 11/09/2025 - 2:44pm

Zoom down frozen slides, creep through icy tunnels, and more at ICE! Photo courtesy of Gaylord Texas at Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center.

When it comes to holiday activities in Dallas-Fort Worth, North Texas starts the party early in November and takes it all the way through the new year.

Of course, not all Christmas events and holiday activities are created equal. That's why we've rounded up the absolute best ways to get into the spirit of the season. Here is our curated list of must-do holiday activities and Christmas events in Dallas and the rest of the metroplex for kids and families in 2025.

Our picks for Dallas-Forth Worth's top holiday activities and Christmas events are a mix of classic favorites like Holidays at the Arboretum, the Dallas Zoo Lights, and the Trains at NorthPark mixed with some unique happenings like the Polyphonic Spree 21st Annual Holiday Extravaganza.

So pull out your calendar and check out the whole list below. Happy holidays, ya'll!

Veterans Day Weekend 2025 in Dallas-Fort Worth: Best Things To Do With Kids

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Wed, 11/05/2025 - 11:13am

The Tianyu Lights Festival opens this weekend in Grand Prairie. Photo courtesy Tianyu Lights Festival

Looking for the best things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth this Veterans Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your weekend list!

The holiday season is officially ON, which means there are a ton of light shows and holiday exhibits opening, including the Tianyu Lights Festival and the Electrify the Night Drive-Thru Holiday Show.

If you want to honor those who have served in the military, head to the Plano Flags of Honor event on Saturday, which includes a Touch-a-Truck, a fire truck pull, a live taps performance, and more. If you're craving delicious bites and cultural delights, head to Panda Fest 2025 in downtown Dallas, the Fort Worth Greek Festival, or the 17th Annual Blues, Bandits, and BBQ in Oak Cliff.

Be sure to get out and enjoy the weather before that cold front blows in on Sunday! Happy weekend, North Texas!

Christmas Towns & Festive Hotels Near Dallas-Fort Worth That Will Blow Your Mind

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Sun, 11/02/2025 - 6:04pm

The Gaylord Texan is one of the most festive hotels in DFW. Photo courtesy the Gaylord Texan

North Texas loves the holiday season. We might not have snow, but we've got a lot of cheer. And since everything is bigger in Texas, our festivals and soirees are as spectacular as Mariah Carey's vocal range. Whether you're excited for your go-to spot or ready to try something new, we've rounded up the most festive hotels and Christmas towns near Dallas-Fort Worth that go all out with everything from ice skating rinks to holiday parades, visits with live reindeer, and much more.

Halloween Weekend 2025 in Dallas-Fort Worth: Trick-or-Treat, Dia de los Muertos, and More Things To Do

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on Wed, 10/29/2025 - 12:41pm

Dia de los Muertos is this weekend, and DFW is celebrating! Photo courtesy Hollywood Forever

Looking for the best things to do this 2025 Halloween Weekend in Dallas-Fort Worth? Here are the top family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend, like trick-or-treat and more Halloween fun!

If you still haven't gotten your fill of all things Halloween, Friday is filled with trick-or-treating events in places like downtown Dallas, Mockingbird Station, and downtown Grand Prairie. For those looking for a way to honor loved ones, Dia de los Muertos celebrations are bountiful, including free events in Northwest Dallas and Garland. For those looking for non-holiday-related events, the iconic Greek Food Festival of Dallas returns, plus, DFW's Dragon Boat Race & Festival is happening in Irving.

Gabby Cullen

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