Your December DFW Guide: Local Eats, Events & More 🍂

Hi there!

December is here and the holiday spirit is officially in full swing! The lights are up, calendars are filling and there’s that extra buzz of excitement in the air, don’t you think? ✨

A quick look at life lately:

Personally, we wrapped up baseball season with a championship win! Both boys had such a great year and are excited to play again in the spring. I also hosted my very first Sip n’ Swap event which was so much more fun than I could have ever imagined. Here’s how it works if you are interested in hosting your own. Everyone brings 10-15 items from their closet (clothes, shoes, accessories) that they no longer where. Each guest gets six tokens. For the first 30 minutes, you can “spend” two tokens, then the next 30 minutes you can “spend” two more, and then the next 30 minutes you can “spend” the remainder. After that, whatever clothing items are left is a free for all. Everyone walked away with new to them items! The remainder of the items were donated to a local women’s shelter. Lastly, the past two weeks have involved so much sickness. Both boys got sick. We had family visiting for Thanksgiving and my in-laws, my niece, my sister in-law, and myself all got sick. We ended their time visiting with a trip to the ER for six stitches for my youngest who crashed into the coffee table and busted his lip. We still enjoyed a lot of family time together!

Professionally, I hosted my 3rd annual holiday photo event. This is a free event for all of my past clients where they get 8-10 edited Christmas photos in time for their Christmas cards. It is so fun to see past clients and catch up with them! I had one seller close on her home. She didn’t want to rush into her next purchase so she is renting until we find the perfect place. I also had two new listings hit the market (see below). If you are planning a move next year, reply to this email or shoot me a call/text so we can get a plan in place!

What’s something you’re looking forward to this month or in the new year? Reach out and let me know! Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday season!

-Hannah

​Holiday at the Arboretum – Dallas

Through January • Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden

One of DFW’s most beloved holiday traditions. Stroll through thousands of lights, explore the whimsical “12 Days of Christmas” displays, and experience this year’s new Night Glow illuminated gardens.
​Great for: Family photos, visiting guests, and anyone who loves classic Christmas charm.

​Classic Christmas – Immersive Holiday Experience (Dallas Midtown)

Season-long • Dallas Midtown​
Step inside a 90,000 sq. ft. wonderland of themed rooms, snow slides, interactive displays, and nonstop holiday photo opportunities.
​Great for: A memorable family day or a festive date night.

​Campo Verde – The Iconic Christmas Tex-Mex Experience

Arlington • Through December 24​
A true DFW holiday classic. Campo Verde is famous for its over-the-top Christmas décor — tens of thousands of lights, ornaments, garlands, and a full indoor wonderland. This year is especially meaningful, as it’s their final season before closing on December 24th.
​Great for: Families, nostalgia lovers, and anyone who wants one last visit to this beloved holiday staple.

​Tipsy Elf – Holiday Pop-Up Bar (Bishop Arts)

Dallas • Nov 21 – Dec 21​
Bright, bold, and full of holiday energy! Expect over-the-top decorations, themed cocktails, music, and a lively atmosphere.
​Great for: Adults looking for a 21+ holiday night out.

​Railyard Park Holiday Lights – Waxahachie

All December long, downtown Waxahachie turns into a festive holiday backdrop filled with lights, displays, and cheerful photo spots. Perfect for an evening stroll, family outing, or a cozy hot-chocolate date night right here in Ellis County.

​Waxahachie Lighted Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting​

December 2 • Downtown Waxahachie​
A hometown favorite! Enjoy a glowing nighttime parade through the square, followed by the annual tree lighting at Railyard Park.
​Great for: Families, kids, and anyone who loves small-town holiday magic.

​Historic Waxahachie Christmas Tour of Homes​

December 13–14 • Various Historic Homes​
Tour beautifully decorated historic homes and soak in Waxahachie’s rich architecture and holiday décor.
​Great for: Home design lovers and anyone who appreciates classic craftsmanship.

​Lights of Ennis Parade & Christmas Market​

December 4 • Downtown Ennis​
Enjoy a festive parade, Christmas market, food vendors, live music, and holiday lights throughout historic downtown Ennis.
​Great for: A fun evening out and exploring more of Ellis County.

​Dallas Holiday Parade​

Saturday, December 6 • 8:30 AM • Downtown Dallas​
Kick off the season at one of Dallas’ biggest holiday traditions. Enjoy giant floats, marching bands, performers, and festive fun as the parade moves through the heart of downtown. It’s free to attend, with optional reserved seating available.
​Great for: Families, festive mornings, and creating holiday memories before brunch downtown.

A Market in Transition

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

For Buyers

The market is continuing to tip in your favor. Median sales price sits at $385K (down 4.5% YOY) and price-per-square-foot slipped to $180 (down 3.2% YOY), creating more opportunity for negotiating and value-shopping. Homes are also taking longer to sell—47 median days on market (up 20.5% YOY)—giving you breathing room to explore options without the rush.

Even though inventory is down nearly 10% YOY, there are still plenty of solid choices hitting the market each month. With fewer buyers competing right now, it becomes less about quantity and more about leverage—you have more room to negotiate and the time to make confident, smart decisions.

For Sellers

Patience and strategy matter more than ever. With homes sitting longer and prices softening slightly, buyers are being cautious and selective. Stand out by focusing on competitive pricing, polished presentation, and intentional marketing.

The upside? Inventory hasn’t surged—meaning you’re not facing overwhelming competition. And with interest rates showing signs of easing, buyer activity may pick up. Positioning your home wisely now means you’ll be ready to capture motivated buyers as they re-enter the market.

Bottom Line

Prices are softening and homes are taking longer to move, but demand is still steady. Buyers: This is your moment to negotiate and take your time. Sellers: Strategic pricing and standout marketing will make the difference.

Curious what your home is worth in today’s shifting market? I’m offering a free, no-strings-attached home value estimate—just hit reply and I’ll send it your way!

​Bourbon & Banter at The Statler​

Downtown Dallas​
Tucked beneath The Statler, this 1950s-style speakeasy is accessed through a vintage phone booth—truly one of Dallas’ coolest hidden entrances. Inside, you’ll find dim lighting, velvet seating, an impressive bourbon library, and handcrafted cocktails served in a swanky mid-century atmosphere.

Why we love it:​
It’s the perfect spot to hide away from the holiday madness for a cozy date night or a quiet end-of-year toast. Whether you need a breather after shopping or want a festive place to unwind with friends, this tucked-away lounge feels like a secret retreat.

📍1914 Commerce St., Dallas — Open nightly

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