We have been to this festival many times, but this was the first time attending it at the new…read morelocation at Unity Park. The old location by Lewisville Lake was cool, but the current location may be even better. There's live music, arts and crafts, kids playground and fun zone, and 10-15 hot air balloons. The event is free, but parking is $5. A great deal and fun times had by all. Looking forward to next year!

This was a great event. It was my first time attending so I do not know what the previous location…read morewas like. The current location is easy to find and there are multiple parking options, from the park lot ($5 and based on availability), to the school parking lot a good walk away, to the nearby neighborhoods. We parked in the pay lot since it was closest and the proceeds went to a good cause, and the festival was free. There was a good amount of balloons and the lighting of them was the best part. Otherwise, there was a tethered balloon ride, live music and tons of booths selling food and other trinkets. There was also a children's area with inflatables that was a nominal fee to partake in. The best children's activity was the train ride that took you all around the park. The line for this was long. And if that wasn't enough, the park playground was also a good option to entertain.

Crowd control is out the window! I think that this would've…read morebeen super cool if we weren't corralled through like cattle. Way too many people to be able to truly enjoy the experience. As hotel guests, we were supposed to skip lines, but the staff didn't check our status, threw us in a normal line and we didn't realize until waiting in line for nearly 50 minutes that there was a separate line being honored, even though two employees of ICE were told by us that we were hotel guests and we showed our hotel bands. It is lovely and magical, but the amount of people in each 15 minute group was overwhelming.

If you go, be prepared to part with some cash, or um, charges on your card. We planned a Christmas…read moreouting to see ICE! with dear friends from Granbury on 12/9/23. She's going through breast cancer treatment and needed some holiday cheer. Bought tickets online, and even with the senior discount for all four tickets, we paid $212. We planned to see all the hotel's beautiful decor and then enjoy a nice meal in one of the hotel's restaurants after seeing ICE! NOWHERE, absolutely NOWHERE on the ICE! web site or the Gaylord's site does it mention the true blue nightmare that is parking, nor does it mention or suggest buying in advance a parking pass for the garage nearest the ICE! exhibit. One must search for info on parking to find that out. We would have paid another $25 per vehicle, but it would have saved MANY steps and much frustration. We were coming from Plano and found the parking garage was full. Our friends from Granbury were apparently about two minutes behind us pulling onto the Gaylord's grounds. We went to the front of the hotel to valet park. Valet was crazy busy but efficient considering there were long lines four rows deep with a mixture of overnight guests loading and unloading luggage, day visitors coming and going, etc. We were shocked to find out valet was $27 and NO CASH. We didn't see another choice, so we used valet services. Although right behind us, our friends were waved away because "valet was full." They were routed to a remote lot where a shuttle picked them up and dropped them off at the back of the hotel. We, of course, were at the front. It took quite a while to navigate the massive hotel to find each other. We made the fairly long walk to ICE! and proceeded through the maze and many stops along the way of getting inside the exhibit. Once in our (very hot while outside the exhibit) parkas, we inched along a long snaking line for at least 30 minutes while all those in front of us stopped for the professional photographer to take their pictures. We knew we wouldn't purchase any photos and wanted to skip that step. They wouldn't allow that. So we had our picture taken, got the claim ticket and moved into the exhibit. The exhibit itself was cute. The artistry of the ice carvings is quite impressive. The Grinch That Stole Christmas theme wasn't nearly as good as previous years. It seems to be a smaller exhibit than others, but it was still enjoyable. I'm not a fan of the Grinch stuff and would have preferred another theme, but it was well done. As we emerged from the cold, we were asked for our claim ticket for the photos. A nice young lady brought over our already printed photos... one 8x10 in a cute ICE! themed cardboard frame, two 4X6 prints, and a cute little frame that looked like a snow globe to hold one of the 4X6 prints. The cost? A whopping $45! That's the smallest package they offer. No option to buy just the 8X10 or the two 4X6 prints. Not a chance we were going to spend that kind of money on photos even if they were good. We thought they might make a deal rather than discard what they'd already printed, but nope. They'd only accept $45. No pictures for us. Upon leaving the exhibit, patrons are sort of "dumped" into a very large gift shop, much like the Disney and Universal Studios parks do. One must navigate the gift shop to get out of the ICE! area. The gift shop opens into a large open area with an ice skating rink (additional fee), a merri-go-round (additional fee), and a Build-a-Bear station (additional fee). There is NO SEATING in this entire area. There is a place to buy BBQ (as I recall) and drinks, but no seating. My friend wanted a Christmas ornament from the gift shop as a memento, so the rest of us stepped out of the fray and had to stand while she waited behind at least 25 people to pay for her purchase. No seating doesn't make sense except that Gaylord wants people to move around and spend money. Once leaving the ICE! area, we walked the fairly long distance back to the hotel and made our way around to where the restaurants are. That isn't a short walk either and was quite congested with people. Once we reached the restaurant area, we were met with a sign saying the restaurants were ALL reserved for overnight hotel guests only. So we've spent all this money, navigated the expensive parking nightmare, fought ridiculous crowds, and now we're not welcome to have a sit down meal in the hotel. Thankfully Grapevine has many fine offerings, so we left the Gaylord, tired and frustrated, and made our way elsewhere for our meal. There is no doubt the Gaylord Texan is aware of these many issues. They don't care about warning local patrons so plans can be made accordingly because the hotel is making money hand over fist. So incredibly disappointing. We won't bother including ICE! or the Gaylord Texas in future holiday plans as they were inhospitable hosts who clearly don't care about the comfort and convenience of their patrons.

I was super excited to come here based on the description listed on the website. It's listed as the…read morelargest light installation timed to music with miles and miles of lights and horse drawn carriage rides. The website makes it sound so big and magical. Nope, just a small mall light display. It was super underwhelming. It did not even remotely live up to the hype. I couldn't even find the carriage rides but the light display was so disappointing we didn't even really bother to stop and park or look for it. It is pretty if you're shopping there, but not worth going out of your way to see. We drove a distance for this and it was super disappointing.

[Yelp 365 in 2014 Challenge - 355:365]…read more Christmas in the Square (sponsored by the Frisco Square Property Owner Association) is celebrating its 10th year!! Showcases by far one of the biggest and best light and music installations I've ever seen, as well as offers all the Christmas activities and treats a person - be it man, woman, child, or a perpetual female child like myself could ever desire! So. Much. Fun. Certainly very family friendly, but just as amazing for some romantic time for two. Of course the first thing you notice are the lights and music. Tune your radio to 107.3FM and take a slow drive through the "Winter Wonderland" that is Christmas in the Square. A mind-blowing 175,000+ (no, that was not a typo) lights with choreographed tunes (yes, you will probably here Mariah - they change it up a bit each year, but "All I want for Christmas is youoooo" is pretty much a staple)! If that wasn't enough to knock your socks off, park (yup, it can be tricky) and enjoy the rest of the fun. Of course there is a tree farm (yawn), peruse the shops for special seasonal goodies, slide down the "slopes" with a little snow "tubing," enjoy a hourse-drawn sleigh rides for 6 bucks a pop (p/p), check out Good Ole St. Nic and maybe take some pics, take your chances on the outdoor ice skating rink, and frolic in the SNOW. Yes, snow! Blowing throughout and covering the sidewalks - even during the warmest of North Texas winters. About 665,000 attend Christmas in the Square annually...and I'm so happy I've had the chance to be one of them so many times...because it's one of a kind, inexpensive and filled with holiday spirit. If I haven't "sold' you enough already by writing this review then BAH HUMBUG to you! You must be a SCROOGE! Tips: *Events are from 6-10pm nightly; closed on Christmas; this year from Nov 28 through Jan 3. **They have "special" events on some nights, like when Santa skydives in!...so be sure to check their online calendar.

The Cottonwood Arts Festival is a biannual, 2-day event at the Cottonwood Park in southwest…read moreRichardson, TX. This is a juried event, so artists apply and a jury reviews and selects about 200+ artists to display and sell their impressive work. There is always a featured artist whose art is displayed on an event poster and a t-shirt for that spring or fall event. I can't usually afford any of the professional art pieces that sell for thousands of dollars, but I can always get the $20 t-shirt with a replica of one of the pieces of the featured artist. Some artists are aware that not everyone can afford the original on canvas, so they make smaller giclées that are more affordable for the masses. Even if you don't have the money or space in your place to buy, you can come and look for FREE! There is no cost to enter the festival. Plus, there are two stages of live music being performed all day Saturday and Sunday. Even parking is free across the street at the Richardson High School. You can also park in the neighborhood, but it isn't necessarily more convenient. Food often includes a few local places like Tongue and Cheek ice cream as well as a Gyro place. Of course you can also find a Fletcher's corn dog, and you didn't even have to drive to Fair Park for the State Fair. I love this festival and will always make a point of going and supporting artists if I can.

I really enjoy this arts festival. Each year brings both returning artists and new faces as well…read more We have been coming for many years. We always find something new to bring home. This year was the only exception. It looks like all the pricing rose out of our budget. But we still enjoy visiting all the booths especially the talented student artists, and seeing the live music. Park over at the school and take the free shuttle! Enjoy some delicious local beer while you browse!

Another beautiful stroll through the Gardens! And the large Christmas ornaments are out for a photo…read moreshoot (placed by the gate that leads to the playground). We ended our visit by running and playing in the play area, hardly anyone was there. We love the Botanical Gardens :)

Love this quaint garden. Perfect place for a short walk, enjoying a picnic, or peaceful time with…read morenature. There are some tables, a few areas with picnic tables & a couple covered areas. There is a large private parking lot, restrooms, & an indoor event space you can rent. Immediately nextdoor is a nice playground, 4 pavillion with picnic tables, basketball court, & a couple pickle ball courts. We reserved the park pavilion for a toddler bday party and it was perfect. Kids got their wiggles out & we invited a princess who we enjoyed some activities with in the garden.

Who doesn't love a church fundraiser with music and dancing and wisecracking cooks and wonderful…read morehomemade Lebanese food and a market to explore? We certainly love the annual Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church Lebanese Food Festival. It's a pretty good drive out to Lewisville and the church; but well worth it, every time. Honestly it's up to you how much you want to "support" them. There is no admission fee. You buy tickets and exchange them for food. Crispy, perfect falafel. Kibbeh, Spanakopita, Meat Pies and Cheese Pies, Oregano Pizzas, Ribeye Beef Kabab, Garlic Chicken, Kafta, Hummus, Dolmades, Baklava, Cookies and Combo plates! It's all so good. So is the entertainment, even the church tour is enjoyable and educational. We look forward to this particular festival every year. It's well organized by a friendly welcoming church. Check them out in 2020!

This review is also just for the Lebanese Food Festival. Having gone to the Greek Festival a few…read moreweeks back, perhaps my expectations for this were a little too big. The event is held on the church grounds and parking is in the church lot. The lot itself is small, but there is also street parking and overflow lots a few blocks away. Parking and admission are free, which is good. There were a large selection of arts and crafts available and a silent auction full of gift baskets and donations from local businesses. One of the pros was that there was plenty of seating to eat, both outdoors and indoors, and under cover outdoors. There is a small kids area with carnival type games and a bounce house. These cost money to enjoy. Now onto the food. There was a relatively small menu and food coupons were used. They do accept cash or credit. We had a good sampling including the combo plate, angus sandwich, grape leaves, and baklawa. The angus sandwich was really good, but small for $10. I realize this is a fundraiser, so I get it. The hummus was really good too. There is definitely a home cooked touch to all of the food and we were told that on previous day they ran out of food. We were there around lunch time on Sunday. I have a feeling this will get bigger and bigger every year as word gets out!

To the grandmother who made the baklava (which is like $100 a tray, seriously, but worth it):…read moreplease introduce me to one your grand-daughters. I need to marry into your family so I can get more baklava. Hey Dallas! Skip the Dallas version and drive over to Euless for the Mid-Cities event. I've been to both and Euless has you beat. St John's/Euless has better food. Their sampler platter was full of chicken and rice. The dolmathes were minty and warm. But the take-the-cake was the octopus: freshly grilled squid (not fried), a cup and oil and whole lemon?! Awesome. Mid-cities has TREES for shade b/c October is still hot in Texas. Mid-cities has better parking you don't have to pay for. St. John's had more of a family, local feel to it. More tents and less booths selling stuff, kids everywhere, and tables and chairs. It almost felt like a huge family party. Finally, if you've never had it, get the ouzo, just don't yell Oopah! you tourist (unless you are Greek).

Saganaki is the bees knees. I just ate it for the first time today because I was feeling brave. oh…read moremy. Its Greek cheese they fry golden brown on a skillet and then douse with ouzo and light on fire for a few seconds. Then you eat the greatness on pita bread. mmmmmmmmm Gyro top notch. Greek festival is fun. If you're Catholic or Orthodox and need coloring books for kiddoes to learn their sacraments and bible stories, oh yes, they have them. a pop up book of David and Goliath? yep yep, I am the good aunt of a 4 year old and we have a long running family joke nothing says you care like a pop up card *or in this case book* Need an icon on a key chain because your old key chain broke? Might as well. need painted icon Christmas cards? yeah, I bought two packs. and Olive oil soap from Greece. and a tin of dolmathes from Greece that the ladies swear are almost as good as homemade (that goes in Dad's Christmas stocking), homemade Greek salad dressing? yes. Super friendly volunteers, one of whom was horrified to find out my parents go to a monster of a huge catholic church in Houston. She tracked down her daughter's laptop and then found me later with an address written on a napkin for a "Good Byzantine church" for my parents to go visit. HA! they will too. Good for kids. They have a craft tent that costs a dollar to participate and a petting zoo. Did I mention the gyros are great? I got a second one to take home for dinner. It only lasted in the wrapper 30 minutes before I ate it. Church cookbooks of Greek recipes are $15. I love Greek festival but its a good thing its only once a year or I'd never fit in my pants.

We had been to butterfly tents before, and this was no different. I was expecting more of a…read morefestival that revolved around butterflies and not just the tent. That said, it is still a decent event, I just would plan on being there for a hour or so, tops. As stated on the website, there is a 600 sq.ft. tent that houses all of the butterflies. We wanted to be there for the release at 5pm on the last day, Sunday. We got there with a few hours left and the staff was already starting to tear down the tent. They were friendly and assisted with providing the tool for you to get some of the butterflies to come your way. There were a handful of silent auction items as this is a fundraising event. The release itself was uneventful and informal. each person got to take a butterfly outside the tent and release it on their own. Parking is easy, but this is certainly not a "festival."