Family-Friendly Holiday Happenings in Arlington & Mansfield

Local Things to Do Together from Today Through New Year’s

As we roll into the last full stretch of the holiday season, there are plenty of ways to savor these days with your family, whether you’re looking for festive lights, easy outings, good old-fashioned community spirit, or opportunities to make memories before school starts again. One of the things I love most about living in this area is how many simple, family-friendly holiday traditions our communities offer...many of them free or very affordable.

I’ve pulled together a timeline of family-friendly, low-cost community happenings in Arlington and Mansfield from now through December 31.

December 19 – December 25: Leading Up to Christmas

Arlington | Holiday Lights around town
Take a simple evening drive or neighborhood walk to see festive lights and decorations. It’s one of the easiest ways to slow down and enjoy the season together.
More info: https://www.arlington.org/plan/blog/post/arlington-holiday-events/ Arlington, TX

Arlington | Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas
Seasonal lights, holiday entertainment, and festive sights continue through late December (park admission required; check for ticket deals).
Details here: https://www.sixflags.com/overtexas/events/holiday-in-the-park Six Flags

Arlington | Interlochen Lights Neighborhood (through Dec 25)
This long-running light display invites the community to drive or walk through one of Arlington’s most festive neighborhoods.
Info: part of the city holiday calendar Arlington, TX

Mansfield | Candy Cane Hunt (Dec 22)
A seasonal holiday hunt that’s perfect for kids and families looking for simple holiday fun.
https://www.mansfieldtexas.gov/calendar.aspx

Mansfield | Downtown Stroll & Holiday Shopping (Dec 23)
Head to historic downtown for window shopping, festive storefront displays, and a relaxing holiday evening out together.
Event inspiration: https://www.historicdowntownmansfield.com/219/Events

Arlington & Mansfield | Christmas Eve/Day Outdoor Options (Dec 24–25)
City facilities typically close or adjust hours for Christmas, but parks, community trails, and neighborhood winter lights remain open — perfect for fresh air and family time before or after big meals.
Check city holiday schedules: Arlington – https://www.arlingtontx.gov/Community-Calendar | Mansfield – https://www.mansfieldtexas.gov/Calendar.aspx 

December 26 – December 31: Family Fun & Community Rhythms

Arlington | City Community Calendar Items (Dec 26–Dec 27)
Even after Christmas Day, Arlington continues to fill the calendar with seasonal listings — find ideas like Downtown Arlington Farmers Market and neighborhood activities on the city event calendar.
Explore: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/Community-Calendar 

Mansfield | Christmas Tree Drop-Off Begins (Dec 26–Jan 16)
This might sound practical — but for families it’s a chance to turn a quick outing into a post-holiday tradition together. Grab hot cocoa afterward and take a neighborhood stroll.
More on drop-off dates: https://www.mansfieldtexas.gov/calendar.aspx 

Mansfield | Family Pickleball Days (Dec 30)
If you want to get the kids moving, this activity (for ages 8+) at Mansfield parks offers active family time outdoors before the New Year rush.
See details: https://www.mansfieldtexas.gov/calendar.aspx 

Arlington | Holiday in the Park (continues)
Six Flags’ holiday festival runs through the end of December and can be a festive way to fill a winter afternoon or evening.
More here: https://www.sixflags.com/overtexas/events/holiday-in-the-park 

Arlington | Downtown Arlington & City Holiday Pop-Ups
The city calendar often updates with last-minute seasonal happenings, small concerts, and community gatherings that are perfect for families. Bookmark the calendar and check often.
Arlington Events: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/Community-Calendar 

Quick Tips for Making the Most of It

• Neighborhood Light Drives: Even when big events wind down, drives through festive neighborhoods or local parks decorated with lights are free and timeless ways to make memories together.

• Library & Local Community Centers: Both Arlington and Mansfield public libraries offer winter break programs, crafts, reading hours, and storytime options — great for a quiet afternoon.

• Parks & Trails: Outdoor spaces like parks, nature trails, and splash pads stay open year-round and are ideal for fresh air family time — especially on cool, clear winter days.

How to Stay in the Loop

Both cities maintain up-to-date event calendars that often add family activities as they’re confirmed. Here are the links I check every December:

• Arlington Community Calendar (all events): https://www.arlingtontx.gov/Community-Calendar 

• Mansfield City Calendar: https://www.mansfieldtexas.gov/Calendar.aspx

• DFW Family Events Listings: https://dfwchild.com/calendar/ 

Living and working in Arlington and Mansfield isn’t just what I do — it’s home. These are the communities where my family has built roots, where I’ve watched neighborhoods grow, schools evolve, and traditions take shape year after year. I know the streets, the parks, the events, and the little things that make each area feel the way it does — because I live it right alongside you.

The holidays have a way of bringing family together, and often that means conversations about the future. If you have family in town visiting who have ever mentioned a move to Arlington or Mansfield, or if someone around your table is quietly starting to think about buying here, I’m always happy to be a resource.

If you’d like to explore what living here could look like, give me a call or send a message. I’d love to help you or someone you care about take a closer look at making Arlington or Mansfield home.

— Stephanie Deeds
Local Realtor | Arlington & Mansfield