We’ve made it to the end of 2024, and the holiday season is a magical time, so what better way to celebrate than with activities that are both festive and eco-friendly? North Texas offers many opportunities to enjoy the holidays while embracing sustainable practices that align with improving air quality and reducing your environmental footprint. Here are a few activities to inspire your December plans:
Stroll Through Dallas Arboretum’s Holiday in the Arboretum. The Dallas Arboretum transforms into a winter wonderland each December. Its Holiday at the Arboretum event showcases festive displays crafted with natural and reusable materials. Take a leisurely walk through the gardens, enjoy seasonal treats, and learn more about sustainability through their exhibits.
Explore Fort Worth’s Botanic Garden’s Lightscape. For a nature-focused experience, visit Fort Worth’s Botanic Garden’s third annual Lightscape event. The gardens feature light installations that emphasize the use of sustainable materials in their decorations and displays. If you’re in a select Tarrant County area you can request a ride on Trinity Metro On-Demand Southside to reach the Fort Worth Botanic Garden Lightscape.
Join a Holiday Cleanup Event. Spread holiday cheer by giving back to the environment. Organizations like Keep Texas Beautiful, Trinity River Conservancy, and others, host volunteer clean-up events to clean parks, trails, or rivers while spreading holiday cheer. Sign up as a Trinity River Conservancy volunteer here.
Shop at Sustainable Holiday Markets. Support local artisans and find unique gifts at markets. The Dallas Farmer’s Market’s Hooves & Holiday Cheer event features photo opportunities, local vendors, and small businesses from which to shop. Frisco’s Marry Main Street event also features a holiday gift market. Make sure to look for markets near you.
Hit the Trails for a Holiday Hike. Many parks and preserves such as Cedar Ridge Preserve, and the Fort Worth Nature Center offer scenic trails perfect for a festive outdoor adventure. Bring along a thermos of hot cocoa and enjoy the crisp air. Remember to leave no trace for an eco-friendly outing.
Get Crafty with DIY Workshops. Create your own holiday decorations and gifts using recycled or natural materials. Join workshops at local libraries, community centers, or eco-focused businesses that host workshops like wreath-making or ornament crafting. These events are a fun activity and a way to personalize holiday décor while being kind to the planet.
Tour Historic Downtowns. Historic town squares often host holiday festivals and markets, such as McKinney’s Home for the Holidays event or Denton’s Holiday Lighting Festival. Walk through these charming areas, admire energy-efficient holiday lights, and support local vendors and the community. Many of these towns prioritize sustainability in their decorations and events.
Enjoy Sustainable Light-Displays. Many neighborhoods in North Texas are known for their stunning holiday light shows. Opting for community-driven and LED-only light displays makes a great eco-conscious holiday activity. Walking or biking through these areas further reduces your carbon footprint.
Utilize Public Transportation. Before heading out to your holiday events and activities, check for any public transportation available to reach your destination and reduce your emissions. Use resources like DART to plan your trip and to check schedules and maps. The Trinity Railway Express, Trinity Metro, and DCTA are other options to consider.
This holiday season let’s celebrate in ways that honor both the planet and the festive spirit. Whether you’re exploring light displays or crafting sustainable gifts, North Texas offers many ways to make your December magical and green.