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The Colony, TX 75056
VisitTheColony@thecolonytx.gov
972-624-5253
www.VisitTheColonyTX.com
Your Guide to 7 Fun Winter Activities in The Colony
By Alexandra Dedovitch
In the lakeside North Texas town of The Colony, the cooler months are simply brief breaks from hot Texas summers. Located only 30 miles north of downtown Dallas, this unique suburb offers a tranquil getaway complemented by metropolitan luxuries. Visitors find themselves immersed in a two-fold world of familiar traditions accompanied by distinct and memorable experiences.
These top seven winter activities in The Colony, TX, will make you want to venture out for a spontaneous vacation and an easy weekend getaway amidst hectic holiday schedules.
Grandscape, The Colony’s premier indoor-outdoor entertainment, shopping and dining destination is home to entertaining winter events like Story Time with Santa & Mrs. Claus, the SantaCon Drink Walk with signature cocktails from popular restaurants, and several pop-up markets to finish up your holiday shopping. Stop by for photo ops with Santa and characters from the North Pole, as well as illuminated holiday displays and even flutters of snowfall in the evenings.
Bring the Fun Indoors
Take in 360-degree views from the soaring heights of the Grandscape Wheel. See everything from the North Texas skyline to the sweeping shoreline of Lewisville Lake while safely enclosed in one of the 180-foot observation wheel’s climate-controlled gondolas.
Cosm takes sports and entertainment to the next level with an ultra-immersive experience that puts you in the heart of the action. With multiple viewing areas featuring a massive 12K LED dome screen, you’ll feel like you’re a part of the excitement. Pair the larger-than-life visuals with elevated dining options and a full-service bar to keep you refreshed while you watch.
Fuel your need for friendly competition at Andretti Indoor Karting and Games. Their vast selection of indoor activities begins with their famous high-speed karting on a multi-level, illuminated track. After racing, enjoy high-tech arcade games, virtual reality experiences, blacklight battleground laser tag and even duckpin bowling.
Immersive Gamebox is the first of its kind in the U.S., introducing an innovative gaming center with private digital rooms. Choose from an array of exciting, augmented reality games utilizing projection mapping, motion tracking, surround sound and touch screens for the most immersive gaming experience possible. The newest 60-minute adventure features all six challenges from the popular Netflix series “Squid Games.”
Film buffs will appreciate Galaxy Theatres’ refined approach to movie watching. Kick back in their luxury recliners and soak in the experience provided by Sony Digital Cinema sound and the latest projection technology. Not your average movie theater, this upscale cinema includes a full-service bar offering a medley of spirits, such as beer, wine and movie-themed cocktails. For a more personal affair, you can even opt for a private screening to enhance your movie-going experience to its maximum potential.
Discover a complete list of amazing attractions to experience during your stay.
Feast on Fine Cuisine
From upscale dining to more laidback grub, there’s an assortment of delicious eateries throughout The Colony. Connoisseurs can sit down for an indulgent meal at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, or take a culinary expedition at Windmills, a unique combination of restaurant, brewery, library and jazz lounge.
It’s easy to find something for everyone on the menus of The Shacks at Austin Ranch. Inspired by food trucks, this collection of micro restaurants features multiple cuisines and a giant shared deck overlooking a one-acre dog park. The Oasis at Cascades features a similar design, with four tasty restaurants situated around one large patio, offering convenience and variety for everyone.
Dessert lovers are welcome to explore The Colony’s tasty bakeries, featuring French macaron platters, classic holiday pies and beloved Southern cake flavors for the perfect ending to any meal.
Pro Tip: During the holiday season, it is always best to call ahead for reservations and custom orders.
Explore the full list of culinary delights for a more extensive view of their selection.
Perfect Your Swing
Beautiful weather is a year-round affair due to the mild winter temperatures in The Colony making this an ideal golf destination for avid players who love to get out on the course no matter the season.
Golfers with a preference for courses inspired by history and designed by world-renowned architects will be enthralled by the Golf Clubs at the Tribute. This exquisite lakeside golf community offers two incredible courses, Tribute Golf Links, based on the legendary Scottish landscape, and Old American Golf Club, representative of the Golden Age of the sport.
For another Scotland-inspired golf course by Tripp Davis, be sure to swing easy for a round at the Stewart Peninsula Golf Course, the city’s premier nine-hole course featuring breathtaking lake views and a picturesque lighthouse inspired clubhouse.
Whether you are a beginner or pro, you can also test your skills at one of The Colony’s indoor golf venues. Choose your game and allow self-scoring golf balls to keep track of points at Topgolf. Swap the driver for a putter and experience one-of-a-kind, themed courses at Puttery. Here, players ages 21 and older can hang out and enjoy airy background beats, delicious shareable bites and craft cocktails tailored to each course.
Holiday Shopping and Beyond
With winter comes the holidays, and one of the many joys of the holiday season is gift-giving. Even a little self-indulgence fits the bill for this time of year. Whether you plan to shop for yourself or others, The Colony featured some of North Texas’s premier shopping.
“The World’s Largest All Sports Store,” SCHEELS, has it all. This massive sporting goods store features over 85 specialty departments, ranging from the latest athletic accessories to an expansive women’s boutique. Be sure to stop by for one of many photo ops in the store, including the 65-foot indoor Ferris wheel, animatronics and wildlife mountain.
If the sprawling sports store wasn’t enough, The Colony is also home to NFM, “The Nation’s Largest Home Furnishing Store.” Throughout the year, NFM hosts Market Days featuring handmade crafts, one-of-a-kind gifts and food trucks offering up sweet treats as you browse among the local vendors.
For a more intimate shopping experience, explore the carefully curated boutiques known as The Homestead at Grandscape. These shops feature specialized items from handcrafted jewelry and hand-dyed silk fabrics to fashionable apparel and a wine lover’s collection of labels.
Tap Into New Varieties
The Colony is a Brew City, Texas: Craft Beer Destination with a growing reputation for innovative breweries and unique flavors. Relax and unwind with locally made and finely crafted drinks. Windmills provides a full menu of refreshing drinks, including luxurious specialty cocktails, a long list of exclusive beers and rare pairings such as a rice-brewed IPA with hints of guava, stone fruit and pine. On the weekends, enjoy a flight of craft beer during one of Windmills’ live musical performances.
Beard Science is another great local brewery offering one-of-a-kind brews. The sour house has a firm grasp on the true meaning of expert craftsmanship using controlled fermentation of local ingredients for unique flavors. Some of their rare picks include an oak-fermented Munich and pickle juice sour.
Experience Spirited Holiday Events
Make this special time of year unforgettable with a collection of festive events to lighten your spirit in more ways than one. Holiday in the Park is a brilliant orchestration of everything the holiday season has to offer. This cheery Christmas event begins with a dazzling Parade of Lights leading up to a joyful night of live yuletide performances, carnival games, a lighted trail and the Christmas Spectacular Light Show, a tradition beloved by locals. For a playful twist on holiday cheer, don’t miss Truck Yard’s annual onesie holiday party, where festive fun and nightlife collide in an unforgettable pajama party.
Coming Soon
Exciting new experiences are on the horizon in The Colony, bringing first-to-market concepts that you won’t want to miss. TOCA Social, the world’s first interactive soccer and dining experience, will combine delicious food with competitive fun for all ages. The 100,000-square-foot outdoor adventure park, Fritz’s Adventure, will offer vertical thrills for the whole family. See what else is in store and stay up-to-date at VisitTheColonyTX.com/Anticipate.
For festive fun, incredible food, and exciting attractions this winter, Visit The Colony and create lasting memories with friends, family, and loved ones.