Couples ice skating hand-in-hand, people crowding around a tree being lit, and kids perched on Santa鈥檚 lap are holiday scenes that will be largely forbidden this year thanks to coronavirus. However, there are some events and attractions that will still open their doors with new precautions in place.
Here's a list of a few places in North Texas where you can still find a version of these traditional holiday scenes.
Note: This is not a comprehensive rundown. for more North Texas attractions.
Kids can still see , but they鈥檒l be six feet apart and separated by plexiglass. Reservations must be made in advance, and because parents are asked to submit their child鈥檚 name when they register, St. Nick can shout a very personal 鈥榟ello鈥� from his perch. A microphone in the designated sitting area allows children to talk back.
The Galleria鈥檚 exhibit is a touch-free walk through of very Instagrammable holiday backdrops and setups. Just swipe your wristband and the mounted cameras will flash 鈥� no button-touching required. Your photos will load straight to a virtual gallery and you鈥檒l have a link texted to you before you leave the mall.
NorthPark鈥檚 beloved Santa, who has set up his cozy shop at the mall for more than 30 years, will only be available digitally this year. But for a virtual call and can loop in relatives outside their house too.
Santa will also offer virtual storytelling sessions each Sunday starting Nov. 27.
The Grapevine hotel鈥檚 popular ICE! attraction isn鈥檛 happening this year, in part because COVID-19 travel restrictions have blocked master ice carvers from making the trip. So the Gaylord Texan is offering an alternative called 鈥�.鈥� The walk-through exhibit is billed as featuring iconic backdrops, props and audio from beloved holiday films like "The Polar Express", "A Christmas Story" and "Elf".
This outdoor Fort Worth ice skating rink requires advance registration this year to keep crowds under control. And before you lace up your skates, you鈥檒l need to mask up. All skaters are required to wear a face covering on the ice.
Panther Island put together to the rink.
Got a tip? Email Courtney Collins at Ccollins@kera.org. You can follow Courtney on Twitter .
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