Just because the holidays are nearly over doesn’t mean North Texas slows down. The stretch between the holidays and the new year is still packed with things to do, from festive holdovers and family-friendly outings to low-key events that make it easy to get out without overplanning.

This roundup highlights what’s happening now across the region, offering easy, seasonal ways to make the most of those in-between days. Think of it as a relaxed guide to post-Christmas fun — simple, timely and designed to keep the momentum going without adding anything extra to your plate.

your plate.

When: Dec. 26, 7 p.m.

Where: Comerica Center, 2601 Avenue of the Stars, Frisco

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Photo: TCG Entertainment

Cirque Musica returns with a holiday spectacle that blends world-class circus artistry and beloved seasonal music. Expect soaring aerials, breathtaking acrobatics and a festive production that brings the spirit of the season to life in a high-energy, family-friendly show.

When: Dec. 26, 7–10 p.m.

Where: Dark Hour Haunted House, 701 Taylor Dr, Plano

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Dark Hour opens its doors for a rare, fright-free holiday experience. Guests can explore the haunt fully decked out for the season, with lights, sound and scenes running but no actors or jump scares. It’s a relaxed chance to appreciate the detailed sets, snap photos and enjoy a spooky-meets-festive atmosphere that’s welcoming even for the most chicken-hearted.

When: Dec. 27

Where: TUPPS Brewery, 402 E. Louisiana St., McKinney

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That weird mug, unopened popcorn tin or truly baffling gift you’ve been holding onto finally gets its moment. Wrap up your most ridiculous, unwanted item and join TUPPS Brewery for a tongue-in-cheek gift swap built entirely around laughs and low expectations. The fun comes with beer, plus a beer and tamale flight pairing available all day, making it an easy excuse to stop by for lunch or a few drinks and see what “treasure” you walk away with.

When: Dec. 27

Where: ArtCentre of Plano, 902 E. 16th St., Plano

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Photo: ArtCentre of Plano

Artist Benefit the Creator brings his technicolored cowboy persona to Plano with an exhibition of bold, vibrant works that blend simple figures with layered narratives. Known for his playful use of language, symbolism and saturated color, the multidisciplinary artist creates visual stories that feel both childlike and intentional. The result is a body of work that taps into curiosity, joy and nostalgia, inviting viewers to reconnect with the imaginative mindset of youth.

When: Dec. 27, 11 a.m.

Where: Palato Kitchen and Lounge, 3220 Internet Boulevard, Frisco

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This hands-on pasta class at Palato takes you from dough to plate, with a monthly focus on a different Italian region. Guests enjoy a small-group setting, regional snacks, guided instruction, a wine pairing and take-home pasta with a Palato-branded apron.

When: Through Jan. 6, 2026

Where: Perot Museum of Nature and Science, 2201 N. Field Street, Dallas

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Bugs take center stage at the Perot Museum’s newest exhibition, “Bug Lab,” where larger-than-life models and interactive chambers reveal how insects inspire real-world tech, from swarm intelligence to surgical precision. Created in collaboration with New Zealand’s Te Papa and Wētā Workshop, the hands-on experience invites guests of all ages to test their reflexes, explore immersive habitats and rethink everything they thought they knew about creepy crawlies. Go soon, this exhibit will soon be gone.

When: Nov. 21–Dec. 28, 2025

Where: Dallas Midtown, 13331 Preston Rd, Dallas

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Photo: Classic Christmas

Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas is back with an all-new Alpine Adventure theme, complete with ski-lodge vibes and just enough Texas flair to make it perfectly weird. Visitors can expect to hit the rink for alpine ice skating, brave the bigger-than-ever snow slides and meet the jolly old elf in Santa’s Ski Gondola. This isn’t just about lights; it’s a full-blown Texas holiday block party featuring holiday karaoke, ugly sweater contests, live bands and carolers. It’s all the whimsy and nostalgia you can handle, spread across 90,000 square feet of twinkling fun. Who says Christmas fun ends on Dec. 25?

When: Through Feb. 1, 2026

Where: 2712 N. Central Expy, Plano

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Adventurers, sharpen your swords and ready your dice — a new realm is calling. Dungeons & Dragons: The Immersive Quest transforms Plano into a living, breathing fantasy world where guests choose a class, solve puzzles and face mythical creatures before confronting a dragon. The 16,000-square-foot interactive experience blends live action, storytelling and spectacle, inviting both newcomers and veteran players to step inside the legendary game. Costumes are optional, courage is not.

When: Nov. 15-29, 2025

Where: Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas

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Holiday magic takes over as a whimsical winter wonderland returns, complete with immersive sets, sparkling photo ops and a few surprises hidden behind every frosted corner. Families can explore Santa’s village, step aboard a train bound for the North Pole and snap Instagram-worthy shots inside this larger-than-life holiday experience. It’s festive, playful and just the right mix of nostalgia and sparkle to kick off the season. This may be the last chance to get your holiday pics.

When: Until Jan. 31, 2026 | Times vary

Where: Harry Potter: The Exhibition Dallas Location, 14902 Preston Road #1200, Dallas

More info

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Photo: Brian Ashcraft | Local Profile

Wands at the ready — the wizarding world comes to life as fans step inside an immersive Harry Potter experience filled with movie props, costumes and interactive magic. Guests can brew potions, cast spells and earn house points while exploring sets inspired by Hogwarts, Hagrid’s Hut and beyond. Whether practicing Quidditch or spotting a mischievous Boggart, it’s a spellbinding adventure for witches, wizards and Muggles alike.

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