McKinney’s annual 12 Wines of Christmas Wine Walk will be held Dec. 13. Storyblocks photo.
This is the first in a four-part series by Andrea Ridout comprising our 2025 Green Gift Guide. Coming up in our series: Green Gifts from Texas.
The holidays are here, and many of us are looking for gifts that feel thoughtful, sustainable and a little more meaningful.
Hands-on experiences offer a refreshing alternative to mass-produced presents that many of us don’t need or want.
From creative DIY workshops to holiday strolls, these green-minded to-dos make it easy to celebrate the season while supporting local makers and reducing waste.
MELTING POT
One of the most memorable gifts I’ve given myself recently was a cooking class at the Dialogue Institute in Richardson. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be such a rich, mind-opening experience.
The class brought together people from all kinds of backgrounds — Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and several other cultures — all gathered around one big kitchen to learn, talk, laugh and cook. What I especially loved were the vegan options and the way the instructors folded cultural traditions into every recipe. It wasn’t just a cooking class — it was a journey into other people’s stories, spices and histories. I left with new recipes, new friends and a much deeper appreciation for the beautiful diversity in our community.
A class at the Dialogue Institute makes an incredibly meaningful gift, something warm and personal that goes far beyond a wrapped package. It’s an experience full of flavor, culture and connection that stays with you long after the meal is finished. Contact the Institute to purchase a gift certificate for one of their upcoming cooking classes, which are held the last Saturday of the month, except in December. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter for upcoming events.
LIGHT SHOW
For a dazzling twist on holiday fun, Dallas by Chocolate and Dallas Bites & Sights offer one of the most festive experiences in North Texas: their famous Christmas Lights Tour, with an emphasis on LED light installations.
Instead of sitting in long lines of cars, breathing in nasty exhaust, guests climb aboard a cozy, heated private bus to sip hot cocoa, sample delicious holiday treats and take in some of the most spectacular Christmas light displays in Dallas.
The tour winds through neighborhoods known for stunning decorations and immersive displays, with guides sharing fun stories, local history and holiday trivia along the way. Expect plenty of sweet samples from local chocolatiers and bakeries, plus optional adult beverages to keep spirits bright.
It’s a joyful, no-stress way to enjoy Dallas’s most magical lights, perfect for families, date nights, out-of-town guests, or as a memorable “experience gift” for someone who already has everything. Festive attire encouraged, holiday cheer guaranteed. Private tours also available for corporate or church groups. Public tours run at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. and are $35/guest. Visit DallasByChocolate.com for tickets and more info.
CLAY PLAY
For a hands-on experience, give the family a treat that’s meaningful and wonderfully eco-friendly – the gift of creativity at Trade Oak Cliff.
This community-minded maker space offers small-batch pottery classes that empower students to slow down, get their hands a little muddy and reconnect with the joy of making something real. Tucked into the heart of Tyler Station, an historic Oak Cliff building that has become a vibrant community hub, Trade celebrates sustainability through craft, teaching participants to shape their own bowls, mugs and vessels with natural materials and mindful intention.
Founded in 2020 by former high school art teachers Corrie Pocta and Brooke Chaney, their workshops are rooted in the belief that handmade goods foster deeper appreciation for the resources we use and the items we bring into our homes.
They also offer crochet, painting and other classes — and host free community evenings every month.
For the eco-conscious loved one on your list or for anyone craving a creative reset, a gift card to a Trade Oak Cliff is a sustainable, memorable alternative to more “stuff.” Or take the whole gang and have a pottery day as a group. It’s the kind of present that sparks joy long after the holiday lights come down.
Prices start around $50 per class.
MIXING IT UP
On the Fort Worth side, The MixMatch offers a playful, eclectic space that blends mosaic art with quirky “bad charm” workshops and a full DIY craft bar. Described as “part craft studio, part artisan market,” it’s a welcoming hub for makers, friend-dates and DIY enthusiasts, many drawn to its eco-friendly approach.
Visitors can drop into the rotating walk-in craft bar for projects like jewelry-making, fused glass, cyanotypes, mini embroidery, tote decorating and more.
All supplies and guidance are provided and most projects can be completed in under an hour. The studio also hosts structured classes for adults and kids, with pricing ranging from free community nights to $20-$55 workshops.
For a festive outing, consider their “Crafts & Cocktails: Mosaic Coasters @ Adoro” event on Dec. 17 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., a fun chance to create handmade mosaic coasters perfect for gifting or keeping.
The Mix Match, 3462 Bluebonnet Cir #100 in Fort Worth. 817-238-3028
TU-TU COOL!
Make holiday memories with The Nutcracker, where Tchaikovsky’s music, sparkling snowflakes, and Ben Stevenson’s choreography create a magical world for all ages.
Performances end Dec. 7 at Winspear Opera House in Dallas. However, performances at Bass Hall in Fort Worth run Dec. 12-28.
Tickets (starting around $100) go fast each year, so booking early is key.
Families attending matinees can enjoy the Kingdom of Sweets pre-show event from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., with chances to touch a tutu, hold a pointe shoe and meet a ballerina (with 2 p.m. show tickets).
For extra fun, wear your wackiest holiday gear for the Ugly Sweater Contest on Dec. 18 — one winner scores two tickets to Swan Lake in May.
Skip the Dallas to Fort Worth traffic by riding the Trinity Railway Express with round-trip fares running about $6-$8 per person, making it an easy, affordable way to reach Bass Hall and other Cowtown attractions. An adventurous outing for families, friends, and anyone seeking a little holiday magic.
FESTIVUS FARE
If you’re looking for a fun and totally unexpected holiday “treat” to give yourself or someone you love, the return of the Festivus Sandwich at Spiral Diner in Fort Worth is your seasonal signpost.
Available only through Christmas, this beloved DFW favorite brings all the best post-Thanksgiving flavors together in one over-the-top creation that feels like a gift in every bite. The sandwich is piled high with faux turkey, savory cranberry-pecan stuffing, a festive cranberry cream cheese spread, mayo, and crisp lettuce on warm toasted bread. It’s served with creamy mashed potatoes and brown gravy, with extra gravy for dipping, because holiday indulgence is meant to be shared.
Whether you surprise a friend with a lunch date, treat a coworker to something merry and meatless, or simply gift yourself a moment of pure comfort, a visit to Spiral Diner and a Festivus Sandwich delivers big seasonal joy. It’s limited, it’s playful, and deliciously indulgent, making it one of the most delightful edible “gifts” of the season. Around 20 bucks (but well worth it) at Spiral Diner, 1314 W. Magnolia Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76104, (817) 332-8834.
SIPPIN’ WITH SANTA
If you’re looking to add a little local flavor into your holiday festivities, Waxahachie Downtown Merchants Association offers a spirited experience with Santa’s Craft Beer Stroll on Dec. 13 from noon till 4 p.m.
This cheerful afternoon event turns the historic square into a tasting trail, inviting guests to wander, shop, and sample their way through some of North Texas’s best craft beers. Participants can enjoy 12 unique beer stops, featuring pours from hometown favorites, Railport Brewing Co. and Southern Roots Brewing Co, along with a Zero Proof station for those who prefer to sip without the alcohol.
Food lovers will appreciate several snack stops along the route, offering nibbles that pair perfectly with the local brews and keep the stroll feeling fun and relaxed.
Check-in begins at the Ellis County Museum, where attendees pick up wristbands, maps and everything needed to set off on their holiday tasting adventure.
With Waxahachie’s historic charming downtown as the backdrop, complete with boutiques, holiday décor, and small-town Christmas cheer, this event makes for a delightful seasonal outing with friends or family. The stroll starts at noon at 201 S. College Street, Waxahachie. Tickets are $27 and can be purchased at SimpleTix.com.
WINE TIME
If wine is more your thang, celebrate the season at McKinney’s annual 12 Wines of Christmas Wine Walk, a festive gathering where holiday shopping, small-town charm and local wine tasting come together for a joyful afternoon on Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Organizers say Ugly Sweaters are encouraged!
Guests wander through McKinney’s beautifully decorated historic square, sipping their way through a selection of Lone Star Winery’s Texas-grown wines while browsing boutique gift shops, art galleries and cozy storefronts decked out for the holidays.
Upon check-in at the McKinney Performing Arts Center, attendees receive a souvenir wine glass, a hands-free lanyard and a passport that leads them to 12 participating shops offering a variety of Lone Star Winery pours.
After completing the passport, guests return to Santa’s Wine Workshop for a bonus taste and special holiday wine discounts, perfect for gifting or stocking up for holiday entertaining.
VIP ticket holders enjoy even more Texas wine with extra pours, welcome bubbles, and flexible all-day check-in. Tickets start at $35, with VIP admission at $50. And for those who want to keep the celebration going, the dazzling McKinney Holiday Parade of Lights follows afterward, offering the perfect Texas holiday finale.
HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE
Also in McKinney, the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary remains a regional treasure, known not only for teaching generations of North Texans about nature’s wonders but also for rehabilitating injured and unreleasable wildlife.
Holidays at the Heard, held Dec. 12-14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., offers a magical way for young and old alike to celebrate the season outdoors. A softly lit half-mile nature trail winds through the sanctuary, enhancing rather than overshadowing the natural landscape. Families can enjoy a peaceful nighttime hike through the woods, glimpse the Dinosaurs Live! exhibit along the trail, listen to festive music in the outdoor amphitheater, and visit with Santa from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. each evening.
A rotating lineup of local vendors, including artisan makers, bakeries and cozy coffee pop-ups adds to the charm. Tickets are $5 for Heard members and $17 adults / $14 children for non-members (ages 2 and under free), with overflow parking available at Puster Elementary.
Visit the Heard Museum at 1 Nature Pl, McKinney, TX 75069, or learn more at HeardMuseum.org.
HELPING THE HOMELESS
If you have a hard time driving by the homeless tent cities around town and would like to find a way to do something positive, Helping Hands, Open Hearts is hosting its annual Christmas at Tent City event, a heartfelt community gathering dedicated to supporting Dallas’s unhoused neighbors.
Held at 2815 S. Ervay Street on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., this three-hour outreach focuses on generosity, compassion, and meeting essential needs during the holiday season.
Volunteers and donors are invited to help serve at least 200 people by providing items such as hygiene kits, socks, hats, blankets, scarves, individually wrapped flatware, napkins, reading glasses, cupcakes, water, drinks, trash bags and hand wipes.
Food details will be announced soon, and additional needs may be shared as the event approaches.
Christmas at Tent City is an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way, bringing warmth, dignity, and hope to members of the Dallas community who need it most. Those wishing to volunteer can sign up. Monetary donations are also welcome via PayPal.me/HHOH or Cash App: $HHOHDallas.
WATCH THE BIRDIES
Give yourself and your family the gift of time in nature this holiday season by joining the 126th annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count at the Trinity River Audubon Center.
This beloved event, happening Saturday, Dec. 27, from 8 a.m. t o 11 a.m., invites participants of all ages and experience levels to step outside, slow down and take part in one of the longest-running community science projects in the world, and it’s completely free.
Guided by Audubon staff and local birding enthusiasts, guests will explore the center’s peaceful trails while spotting, counting, and identifying winter birds along the Trinity River. Every sighting contributes valuable data to scientists monitoring bird populations and environmental shifts, making this morning adventure both fun and meaningful.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or brand new to birdwatching, the Christmas Bird Count is a wonderful, screen-free way to reconnect with nature, learn something new, and share a memorable outdoor experience with loved ones. It’s the kind of simple, restorative gift that lasts long after the holidays are gone, no wrapping required. Bring your binoculars!
TRAIL TIME
Lately, my son and I have been hiking the quiet trails of Cedar Hill State Park, soaking up big skies, rustling cedars and that peaceful feeling you only get in nature.
We enjoy that it’s a mixed landscape as one treks from woodsy to prairie and even water view. The park sits on the edge of Joe Pool Lake, giving folks access to swimming, boating, kayaking/paddling and other water activities, in addition to trails that go right down to the water.
For hikers and bikers, there are several choices of trails depending on your capabilities from relatively flat for casual strolls or nature walks, to a multi-use 12-mile loop trail by the Dallas Offroad Bicycle Association that’s great for serious biking or longer hikes, plus several choices in between.
Every time we take to the trails, I am reminded that the best holiday gift isn’t something you wrap at all, it’s time spent together.
Over the next month, enjoy seasonal events, including Christmas Ornament Craft (Dec. 6), Campfire Talk (Dec. 12), Christmas on the Farm (Dec. 13) and the First Day Hike (Jan. 1).
A day pass is only $7 per person for ages 13 and older and an annual state park pass is $70, which includes entry fee for the pass holder and anyone in their car. In a year full of busy schedules and full inboxes, sharing an outdoor experience at Cedar Hill State Park, or any of the other amazing Texas parks, is a way to reconnect with each other and with the land we love. See ya’ there!