Spring Greening: North Texas Irish Festival, Feb. 28 - Mar 2 {Giveaway}

The largest celebration of culture in Southwest goes to the dogs as its 32nd year showcases all things Irish, including dogs, dancing, dining and more in Dallas's Fair Park for the North Texas Irish Festival.

From "Erin Go Bragh!", a traditional Irish saying meaning "Ireland Forever," to "Erin Go Bark!", the theme of this year's festival, this phrase reflects one of its most-loved traditions as it celebrates the role of the “Celtic canines” in this beloved dog- and family-friendly festival.

A young visitor is taught the ancient sport of archery in the NTIF Celtic Village. Photo: Bud Mallar

Whether your dog is Irish, Celtic, or just a friendly mutt, he or she is welcome to accompany you and your family to enjoy the music, culture, fun and food. New for this year, the festival now has a bigger paw print – er, footprint – with the addition of a pet pavilion in the Grand Place, dedicated to dogs and other friendly pets -- lots to get your tail wagging. Attendees can search for a new pet in the largest gathering of animal rescue groups in North Texas. Last year alone, almost 100 animals found new homes through the festival.

Thank goodness dogs love music, because the heart of this festival, an all-volunteer effort produced by the Southwest Celtic Music Association (SCMA), is a celebration of music that will have you tapping your toes and paws. The North Texas Irish Festival features top Irish musicians, dancers and storytellers from around the world and a variety of cultural presentations on 13 stages at Fair Park. The festival also hosts activities for the kids, an Irish cooking stage, storytelling, arts/crafts and much more for the family.

The “First Texas ‘Ceili” (pronounced “kay-lee” and meaning “gathering” in Gaelic) was held in 1983 at a local Oak Lawn pub and has grown into the largest celebration of Irish culture in the Southwest as the 32nd Annual North Texas Irish Festival, presented by the Southwest Celtic Music Association, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing music and dance scholarships and supporting other major Celtic cultural events in DFW.

NORTH TEXAS IRISH FESTIVAL
Feb. 28 – Mar. 2, 2014
Gates open on Friday evening, Feb. 28, at 6 p.m.
Hours are 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday; 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 1; and 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 2.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ntif.org.

• Admission is FREE on Friday from 6 to 7 p.m.; $10 after (50% off coupons online at www.ntif.org).
• Children 11 and under are FREE when accompanied by adult family member.
• Seniors over 65 or current military members (with valid military ID) receive $5 off all gate prices.
• Dogs are allowed in on a short leash with a $1 requested donation to animal rescue groups supported by the festival. Leprechauns (in full ceremonial dress and carrying pot of gold) are FREE.
• A one-day ticket is $20 on Saturday and $15 on Sunday at the gate, while a two-day ticket is $25 and a weekend pass is $30. Discount tickets for all three days will be available at area Tom Thumb stores in February.

Parking is available in and around Fair Park, or attendees can take the DART Green Line (take the Green Line and save some green!) to the front entrance of Fair Park and the North Texas Irish Festival. Detailed directions and parking tips are available at www.ntif.org. The public can call 972-943-4616 or visit www.ntif.org for more information or to volunteer to work at the festival.

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7 Places to Go with the Kids Before Jan. 6

* In some cases, I was provided complimentary admission to enjoy some of these attractions with my family for purposes of this review.* 

Oh, Christmas. 

It's been fun. And short. And Mother Nature's little ice fit didn't help us any either. This was a quick holiday season. As quick as a clean baby's diaper, it's time to clean up and get ready for the next year; making it impossible to try to get out there and enjoy all the fun that DFW had to offer. 

And unfortunately, while the gifts area already opened and the new toys have made their home on the living room floor, most parents still have another week to keep the kids happy while they are at home from winter break. 

Lucky us, right? 

While I enjoy seeing their little faces and not rushing to get in the drop-off lane at school, I will admit trying to continue with all the excitement and energy of the holiday hoopla is hard. That's why it's good to schedule a few outings to keep the kiddos happy and mom to keep her sanity. So here are a few events in the Dallas-Fort Worth-area that still have a little holiday cheer that are worth fitting in before the school bell rings for the 2014.

Just make sure to check each website for schedules and pricing before heading out! 

1. Six Flags Over Texas Holiday in the Park
There's nothing like sipping hot chocolate in your official Six Flags refillable mug in front of the campfire before you get on the Shockwave to get turned upside down. While the teens may find that fun, you can find plenty of other fun activities for the little ones like The Frosty the Snowhill (with real snow sledding) or Looney Tunes Land. 

While many of the big holiday activities end Dec. 31 with the big finale, you can still plan to take the fam for a fun time sans water rides until Jan. 5. Just make sure to check the hours and the temperature.  While we bundled up, the kids in layers, mittens and hats, the kids were popsicles in a matter of a few hours so we had to go home. And when you are talking more than $50 a person for admission, you want to make sure you get your fun out of it! 

WEBSITE

2. Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway 
We had a chance to enjoy this light display earlier this holiday and the kids really enjoyed it. While the lights were a nice way to get into the holiday mood while listening to Christmas music, the fun really kicked in after seeing the lights and getting to play in the snow. For my littlest it was her first time to feel snow so she loved walking around, putting it in her hands and throwing that first snow ball. For my five-year-old, he couldn't get enough of the snowtubing! 

WEBSITE

3. DALLAS CITYSCAPE at Galleria Dallas 
Looking to show the kids some Dallas landmarks without getting stuck in Dallas traffic? Then let them LEGO at DALLAS CITYSCAPE! The kids can take a look at some of the best Dallas landmarks scaled to size in the building block attraction that raises money ($5 for ages 2 and older) for the East Dallas Community Schools. While they are there they can also create their own creations at the building block station, which is a great incentive to get the kids to be good while you make a gift return! 

WEBSITE

5. The Trains at NorthPark 
For more than 25 years, The Trains at NorthPark have delighted kids and parents alike with more than 1,600 feet of track while taking a trip across the U.S. to see some of the best of America's landmarks. Make sure to find all the buttons that allow you to create your own bit of magic as parts will move, figurines dance and more. While the White House is impressive, of course the best is the ode to the Texas State Fair and Big Tex. 



WEBSITE

6. ICE! at the Gaylord Texan
While we didn't have a chance to make it to this one this year, we heard we missed some great fun and are already planning our Santa Staycation for 2014. You can still come out and see the Nutcracker-themed ICE exhibit as well as get another opportunity to do a little indoor snowtubing (it's still very cold, so don't think you are getting away that easy!) If you've never been to ICE, I'd suggest you take a look at my tips for the best ICE experience!

WEBSITE

7.  Snowland! at Great Wolf Lodge
Grapevine is known as the "Christmas Capital of the World," so if you are looking for something different than the Gaylord, consider going across the street at Great Wolf Lodge. Besides the fact that you have a HEATED. WATER. PARK. that will keep the kids happy for hours, they have water-less games like MagiQuest and the new ShadowQuest interactive live action adventure game to keep them (and you) on your toes for hours!  

Chicken nuggets and pizza not up your alley for a vacation meal? Don't worry, the LODGE Wood-Fired Grill gives you upscale options that are convenient for the whole family. From steaks, mini-desserts and signature sangria (my favorite), you too can feel you are having a break and not just escorting the kids on their vacation.  

Plus right now you can get 20% off your stay until Jan. 5, so you still have a whole week to enjoy the fun or make a weekend of it even after school starts! 

WEBSITE

Now off to get that tree finally back into it's box - we'll maybe later...

Kick it Up with Santa and his Reinsteer at the 4th Annual Camp Bowie Christmas, Dec. 14

Cowtown becomes the North Pole for one day only on Saturday, Dec. 14 for the Camp Bowie Christmas! The whole family will enjoy a jolly-good time from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. with free, fun activities just for the holidays - especially when Santa and his Reinsteer make a special stop just for the event! 

Santa and his "Reinsteer" come to Camp Bowie Christmas on Dec. 14

Activities Include: 

• Letters to Santa
• Carnival games
• Pony rides
• Face painting
• Holiday music
• Balloon artist
• Cake walk

The public is encouraged to bring a new toy donation for Toys for Tots to help spread holiday cheer. 

4th Annual Camp Bowie Christmas
Dec. 14, 2013, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. 
6323 block of Camp Bowie Blvd. 
Fort Worth, Texas 
Free

See you there!

Chicken Dance or Polka Prance But Don't Get Up on the Table: Addison Oktoberfest Songs

I've been going to the Addison Oktoberfest for several years now...perhaps it's because I help to promote the event, but honestly, I would even if I didn't get paid to (yes, it's that fun.) It's actually considered one of my perks for the year (along with Taste Addison, the Dallas Chocolate Conference & Festival and several other fun & tasty events and organizations I get the pleasure of promoting the good word for throughout DFW.) However, I will admit my first year at Oktoberfest, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. And even seven years later, I still wonder the same thing:)

Since "induction" is part of the job, I do my best to help describe for others what they should expect for their "first time." While I think there's nothing like diving in headfirst into this event - dances, dirndls and all, I figured I would share at least the words to a few of the songs that will probably be heard at least 100 times while you are in the Schloss Addison Tent (aka Main Tent.) If you are having a good time, you'll probably have a stein of Paulaner in hand and then suddenly the crowd will go wild with one of these little numbers:

"No Beer in Heaven" 

No Beer in Heaven
In Heaven, there is no beer
That's why we drink it here.
And when we're gone from here, Our friends will be drinking all the beer!

And let's not forget my personal favorite:

"Ein Pro-sit"

Ein Prosit, Ein Prosit, der gemiitlichkeit
Ein Prosit, Ein Prosit, der gemiitlichkeit
(Cheer!) Eins, zwei, Drei g'suffa!
Zicke, zacke, zicke, zacke, hoi, hoi, hoi,
Zicke, zacke, zicke, zacke, hoi, hoi, hoi,
Prosit

Don't worry you really don't need to learn them. The fun of this event is that after a few minutes you feel like you are just hanging with around 2000 of your best friends in Addison for a good time singing your alma mater. Just do me a favor, please try to overcome the need to jump on the table...

you'll understand once you're there. 

Great Looking, Great Cooking: That's What the MetroCooking Show is Made Of

To-Do Thursdays: 

I have admitted that I'm a little obsessed with food. 

And in the past I have admitted my love for Paula Deen (I found four posts already where I mention her.) However, today I have another admission about the Deen family: it's my little crush obsession on Bobby Deen. 

Yep, that's right. There's something to be said about a man that is as cute as he is, can cook all Southern-style, but knows how to the cut calories to keep your backside from looking like a rump roast. (I think we can all appreciate that, right?) So when my Bobby comes to Dallas for a little intimate cooking session with me this weekend, I thought it might be nice if I shared him with the rest of Dallas (at least for a little while to see what he can do with a skillet.) 

So consider this your personal invitation to join me, Bobby, his mama and a whole lotta great-cooking folks to come out again for the second annual MetroCooking Dallas on Saturday, Sept. 21 & Sunday, Sept. 22 at The Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center (yes, that's the former Dallas Convention Center, but aren't you proud Kay gotten something named after her.) This year’s extravaganza brings renowned television chefs, hundreds of specialty food exhibitors, cooking demonstrations and workshops. 

Graphic from MCESshow.com

If Bobby and Paula aren't enough to whet your whistle, then consider coming out to see The Chew’s Jason Roberts; actress Debi Mazur (most notable on HBO's Entourage) and her husband Gabriele Corcos from the Cooking Channel’s Extra Virgin; the Grill Sergeant Brad Turner and the Food Network’s Extreme Chef Terry French. Bobby's also hosting The Bobby Deen BBQ & Photo Op on Saturday where attendees will enjoy recipes selected by Bobby and have their photo taken with him. Paula will swing by the BBQ for a quick "hey, y'all" as well. (Feel free to come tell me hi.)

While you're there, you'll also have the opportunity to visit more than 150 exhibitors so you can make sure to take something tasty home with you (husbands are much happier when you go gawk at other men if you bring home some sweet stuff for them like some of the pepper jelly you'll find there.) 

MetroCooking Dallas 
Sept. 21 & 22, 2013
Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center

Tickets: $24.50, children ages 4-12 are $12.50 and children ages 4 and younger are free. 
Additional tickets are required for special events such as a VIP meet-and-greets with TV chefs, the one-day theater pass and entry to special lectures by the headliners.
http://www.metrocookingdallas.com/tickets

One more admission: Bobby isn't really coming to Dallas to see me, but I'm sure once he meets me this weekend, he and his new Venezuelan wife would love to come on over for Sunday dinner with my husband and kids once the show is over.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to a Special The Wizard of Oz Anniversary, Sept. 14

If I could name off my top five movies of all time, The Wizard of Oz has made the list since I was a kid. Now I get the chance to share in a little fun with my munchkins with a special event this Saturday at North East Mall. 

The Simon Kidgits Club at North East Mall invites you to click your heels to celebrate at the free The Wizard of Oz's 75th Anniversary event this Saturday, Sept. 14 from 1 – 3 p.m. in Center Court. Families can participate in a variety of The Wizard of Oz inspired activities to revel in the charming tradition of the yellow brick road including craft-making, coloring activities, cut-out character photo opportunities and exclusive movie-focused giveaways. Children will also receive a map which leads to various stations that feature viewings of The Wizard of Oz film clips. 

The event surrounds the anniversary of the beloved film with Warner Bros. relaunch of The Wizard of Oz 3D Sept. 20 in IMAX® 3D format and an exclusive one-week engagement in IMAX® theatres across North America.

North East Mall

The Wizard of Oz Anniversary Event

Sept. 14, 1- 3 p.m. 

Free

Click Your Heels (or your flip flops) for Fun, 

Sneak Peek: Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden

Travel Tuesdays:

On September 27, the Dallas Arborteum will unveil one of the most beautiful destinations for learning, the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden. Overlooking picturesque White Rock Lake, this eight-acre "laboratory" houses 17 outdoor/indoor galleries designed around a key science theme outlined the state and national standards for life and earth science. 



Each of the more than 150 exhibits provide preschool and middle-school aged children to experience how life works on a whole-new level with larger-than-life exhibits and hands-on opportunities to discovery science in nature. While we all wait to bring our children to this amazing attraction later this month, I got a sneak peek at some of the park's coolest features and what you can look forward to you upon your first visit. 

9-foot Ant and Plant Petting Zoo

"Plants are Alive:" Understanding Photosynthesis

"Texas Skywalk"

"Kaliedscope:"
Where Math, Science & Art Come Together (designed specifically for 4-6 graders)

"Pure Energy Gallery"

Areas are built throughout the park to congregate, rest and enjoy the beautiful outdoor scerenery overlooking White Rock Lake

A note before you go: 

Admission for the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden must be purchased online in advance to make your reservation. Also admission to the garden is separate from regular park tickets, so you'll need to budget accordingly if you are visiting both parks. 

Strollers and wheelchairs can be used in the Children’s Garden, but wagons are not permitted. Also, you'll want to bring hats and sunscreen during the warm months and bundle up accordingly in the colder parts of the year. 

Food items are served at the park for purchase so you can make a day of it - especially when the legendary "Autumn in the Arboretum" opens September 21 or any of the special "The Year of the Children" performances and activities. 

Have fun exploring and learning about nature!

Lego! See Dallas in One Day and Win $50 with Dallas Cityscape at Galleria

To-Do Thursdays:

Looking to expose your kids to the Dallas landscape, but don't have enough time, money or patience to handle the traffic or the Texas heat? You're in luck - Galleria Dallas presents DALLAS CITYSCAPE, an engaging and fun view of Dallas created by more than 2.5 million Legos and toy pieces.  (And did I mention it was all in doors, in air-conditioning and  close to a huge ice rink?) 

Photo courtesy from DALLAS CITYSCAPE Facebook.

Dallas landmarks in the exhibit include: 

• American Airlines Center and Victory Plaza
• AT&T Performing Arts District
• Trammell Crow Center Crow Collection of Asian Art
• Hyatt Reunion Hotel
• Reunion Tower
• Union Station
• Klyde Warren Park
• Winspear Opera House
• East Dallas Community School campuses 
• 15’ Galleria Dallas

To celebrate the grand opening on Saturday, June 29, DALLAS CITYSCAPE will be giving away a $50 Galleria Dallas Gift Card EVERY hour from 10 am-9 pm. You will receive your CITYSCAPE loyalty program, punch card and if you fill it up with multiple visits you will be awarded a $10 Galleria Dallas gift card. 

DALLAS CITYSCAPE benefits East Dallas Community Schools, a non-profit organization that operates early childhood learning centers with programs to meet the needs of children from birth to age nine.

DALLAS CITYSCAPE at Galleria Dallas

June 29 – September 2, 2013

Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m./Sunday, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

$5 for adults & children ages 2 and up; children’s ticket includes a special prize.

www.DALLASCITYSCAPE.com 

You can even make a weekend of it by staying at the Westin Galleria, attached to Galleria Dallas. Check out this amazing property with my recent staycation at the Westin.

* I am part of the PR team for Galleria Dallas; therefore I am paid to promote activities happening at Galleria...aren't I lucky?*

This Weekend: Let the Kids Go Wild, Score with Food Trucks and Meet the Girls at the Barre

To-Do Thursdays:

While the weather is still deciding what season it is going to be this April, this weekend we've got a packed schedule full of fun family activities that can fit whatever your palatte and budget. 

Here's a few of my picks for 4/26 - 4/28: 

The Ballpark in Arlington turns into the center of the food truck universe with the North Texas Food Truckin' Fest on Friday and Saturday. Get our your elastic pants and...

Need to finish that crafty project, but still need a few things? Then bring the kiddos with you to Michaels for a $2 "Make-and-Take" project that they can put together while you shop for just $2. This week's craft is...

Let the kids go wild for a little while for the special Re-opening of the New Play Place area at Galleria Dallas for a fun free event on Saturday. The Dallas Zoo, Texas Discovery Gardens, giveaways from...

And just for mama: 

Get this Groupon, call the girls and begin changing your body with your 55-minute Pure Barre class in North Arlington. New to Pure Barre? Then try your first class free, but don't miss this deal...

Tour Dallas with NEW Urban Scavenger Hunt on Your Smartphone

Try-it Tuesdays: 

With spring just around the corner, my list is mounting for all the things I'm looking to do in DFW for Try-It Tuesdays! Here's one I came across I think would be so much fun for a team-building activity or a great way to see the city with visiting friends or just a great way to explore Dallas as a family. And here's a chance for you to try-it with a special discount!

Think you know everything there is to know about Dallas? Think you've seen it all?  Then test your skills with the next level in trivia and tour guide in one with the Urban Scavenger Hunt!

Highlighting downtown Dallas, this smartphone-guided adventure allows you and your family experience the fun like on "The Amazing Race" in 2-3 hours.  You solve clues and complete challenges while learning about Dallas in a fun new way.  This family-friendly adventure is appropriate for ages 7-70 and is perfect to get the family out on a day of doing and learning. Start on your schedule and play at your own pace.

Want to see how it works before you commit? Check out a demo here!

Cost: $39.20 for a team of 2-5 people after Promo Code: USFamily (This is a special discounted code!) 

Time and Dates: Play anytime during daylight hours

For more info visit: http://www.UrbanAdventureQuest.com

DISCLAIMER:

I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

To-Do Thursdays: DFW Fun Runs with Zombies to Zebras

To-Do Thursdays:

Many moms are working on things to do with Spring Break coming up next week, but I know a lot of moms are also revving up for the huge number of runs that are coming up - including this weekend. Just know that running is no longer a race, but a fun activity with everything from zombies to zebras. 

So get on your running gear and check out this rundown of fun runs happening in DFW: 

Zombie Run
March 9, 2013
Forney, Texas 

Logo from DFWZombieRun.com

Are you a Walking Dead fan or obsessed with zombies, but now you've got a run to get primed in case we the world gets taken over by them! 

• Before the race, you will be given a belt with 4 flags attached to it. These flags represent your health. During the race, zombies will be scattered across the course to eat your brains… err get those flags. One zombie can only get one flag from you.
• No hitting, throwing or real biting allowed.
• Upon crossing the finish line, you need at least one health flag intact in order to be eligible for prizes. Should you lose all your health flags, you are still allowed to finish the race and your time will be recorded but you shall be considered “dead” and no longer be eligible for a cash prize. Turn in your belt and get tickets for the non-cash prizes.
• If you find yourself out of health flags, you are not considered a zombie and are not allowed to start pulling at other runner’s flags.

Survive the challenge? You can score money, glow sticks, medals, music and free beer. 

The Color Run
April 6, 2013

SOLD OUT

(Photo credit: from The Color Run 5K)

The Color Run™ event is a unique experience focused less on speed and more on crazy color fun with friends and family. Color runners come from all different ages, shapes, sizes, and speeds; but everyone toeing the start line has a blast. Whether you are a casual morning mall walker or an Olympic athlete, the 3 miles of The Color Run™ course will be the most memorable and colorful run of your life! 

Since you can't register for this one, you're in in luck - there's another fun "color-themed" fun with Color Fun Fest 5K, May 11 and you can sign up now for more than 50% off! 

Fort Worth Zoo Run
April 20, 2013

Early registration guarantees a Zoo admission ticket, a race bag, a T-shirt, as well as a timing chip, if desired. T-shirt sizes based upon availability. Strollers are invited to attend at the back of the line! Then of course, visit the zoo when you get to the end of the line!


The Survival Race
April 27, 2013

(Photo Credit: The Survival Race website)

The Survival Race is designed for fun and although you’re going to be running, jumping, climbing, crawling and working hard, it’s more like exercise in disguise…You’ll be having too much fun to think of the challenge, plus the crowds, which may include your own friends and family, are going to be rooting you on! 

• The Official Survival Race T-Shirt
• The Energetic and Awesome Live Tunes From Our Race Band, The Pulse!
• Free Digital Picture Suite – Our professional photographers will be dispersed throughout the 5k-race course, waiting to capture the essence of you and your awesome adventure…this is our gift to you, for being a Survival Racer.
• Official Survival Race Post-Race Dog Tag – You must finish the race to earn your right of passage.
• Chip Timing: Every participant will be provided with a chip timer. You will be able to check your results online or live at the event. Not everyone wants to compete…no worries, simply have fun, take your time and complete the race!

Right now you can get registration for this event at half off, with this link (for a limited time only.)


Tasty Run 5K & Fun Run
May 18, 2013

Are your taste buds up for a challenge?  If so, get ready for the 1^st Annual Tasty Run located at the food and fun festival, Taste Addison 2013.  The Tasty Run will feature a 5K and Fun Run with Tasting Stations from Addison's restaurants along the route.  Bite size samples will keep runners satisfied and entertained as they race through the streets of Addison.  Individuals, teams and costumes welcome!  Restaurant booths along the course will have a Best Theme competition and the winner will be announced during the Awards Ceremony. Registration includes food, shirts and admission to Taste Addison! 

To-Do: Round Up Your Herd for NYE 2013

To-Do Thursdays: 

I'll be honest and tell you the only thing I feel like doing this Thursday is sitting in my warm bed with a cup of cocoa...however, the to-do list is too long to just waste a perfectly good opportunity to enjoy my kids and the holiday season. 

So here's my picks for a few things you and your kids can do this weekend and of course, the kick-off to the new 2013 year!

Living this close to "The Rodeo Capital of Texas," take the family out to the Mesquite Pro Rodeo Winter Classic, Dec. 28-29 for bull riding, buck riding and best of all mutton competition and calf scramble!

And while there are several different options for NYE in Big D, the biggest one of course is the Big D NYE. It's slated to be a [free] good time for the whole family including the biggest, loudest and best fireworks, entertainment, prizes and more. 

However, while we are still trying to figure out our New Year's plans, consider all your options available with Your Holiday Helper: Celebrate New Year’s with Adventure Kids Playcare!

For those of you planning to be homebound on this special day, I'll be sharing some great recipes for your own NYE party. 

This Week: Holiday Tea, Trees and Toasting

To-Do Thursdays: 

By now the holidays are in full gear with 12 days left until the big day. If you're like most parents I've talked to, there's still lots of Christmas shopping left to do, so your weekend is already full of required holiday parties and holiday shopping. 

However, if you do have any free time to share with your family this holiday (what a thought), consider hot chocolate and some family board game fun! Don't have a board game collection to choose from or looking for something different to play, consider these 6 must-have board games for your collection. 

But if you're looking for something out and about, you still have a little time left to get out there and enjoy what the holidays have to offer with some festive family fun like: 

It's Tea Time: Teddy Bear Tea at the Anatole
Light up the Holidays with: Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie
Light Up Your Holidays: Interlochen Lights in Arlington
Addison's Vitruvian Lights
See the Largest Indoor Christmas Tree in the U.S. at Galleria Dallas
7 Tips for the Perfect Experience at ICE! at the Gaylord Texan

Still love this photo from my son's first Christmas!

And if you're still working on those special gifts for your colleagues at the office or girlfriends, here's a great giftable recipe that makes you look like a pro in just a few minutes or practice Christmas brunch with this recipe from Chef Bob Stephenson for Carrot Cake French Toast.

Or you could just "Go ElfYourself!" 

Have a great one whatever you choose to do celebrate the holidays!