Holly Jolly Dallas: Where to find budget-friendly winter festivities this holiday season

While we all love the twinkling lights and festive cheer, the thought of holiday spending (while we’re all keeping an eye on our budgets) can feel less than cheerful. Celebrating the most wonderful time of the year in Dallas doesn't have to break the bank.

The truly magical moments are found in shared experiences. Get ready to trade financial stress for festive joy!

From dazzling light displays you can drive through for free to charming markets with budget-friendly treasures, this is your one-stop guide to an affordable, fun holiday season from Dallas to Forth Worth and beyond.

Also, for the people southwest of Dallas, don't forget to check out these holiday events in Grand Prairie.

• Leela's Wine Bar has a holiday pop-up available at all 3 locations. Each one features a different theme — oh what fun! Trophy Club has transformed into an enchanted forest. Lower Greenville is dressed up as a traditional red and green Christmas. Uptown is pink and whimsical. Some of the drink highlights include the Sleighspresso, Frosted Hugo, Ornamint, and a very merry cocktail tree. Free entry.

• Downtown Grapevine is called the "Christmas Capital" for a reason. Where to begin? They've got it all from walkable little Christmas villages, countless holiday photo opportunities, parade of lights, and a giant outdoor skating rink! Find out more happenings, many of which are free, here.

• Klyde Warren Park Tree Lighting Celebration Join the festivities for this free annual tradition, which includes the lighting of the Mayor's Tree, free photos with Santa, live performances, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. It all goes down Saturday, December 6 from 4-8:30 p.m. Free entry.

• Dallas Farmers Market Holiday Market allows you to stroll through The Shed and surrounding areas to find local gifts, specialty foods,and more. Plus, they're hosting several special events such as Booked for Christmas on December 6 featuring Local authors and bookish vendors; and breakfast with Santa featuring a buffet from Hurtado BBQ December 7. Free entry. More dates and details here.

• Harwood Arms has an Olde Holiday Pub featuring themed holiday drinks and cozy bites. Some of the holiday drinks are Butter Beer Shots, Polar Bear Expresso Martini, Spiked Warm Apple Cider, or even their seasonal beer Shiner Holiday Cheer beer, with a chocolatey, sweet flavor. Open daily from 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

• CocaCola Classic Christmas: This annual Santa Wonderland has returned now at Dallas Midtown into a festive Alpine Adventure! Step inside Santa and Mrs. Claus’s cozy mountain hideaway, complete with twinkling lights, real snow, themed treats, hot cocoa, karaoke, and so much more. Tickets start at about $21.

• Deerfield Holiday Lights Plano is an annual neighborhood lifhts display that runs from the beginning of the month until December 30. Visitors can experience the dazzling lights and decorations by foot or car. Stay tuned for the “Yule Posse” Holiday Band performing live at Deerfield Park on Saturday, December 20th, from 7–10 p.m. Free entry.

• Vitruvian Lights Addison is a magical park transformed into a winter wonderland where over 1.2 million twinkling LED lights are wrapped around 468 trees. Runs until January 1. Free entry ($15 parking on special nights).

• Tipsy Elf typically spends the hotter months as a beach pop-up with sand, grass walls, and a nod to boozy tropical flavors. This winter draws out naughty Texan side in the Bishop Arts strip of 4 bars, complete with silver fringe, saddles, and disco balls. They even have a dance floor and DJs! Some of thee drink highlights include Naughty Navel, Frose Cheeks, and Christmas Nookie (whoa!). When I went with my cousin, I tried the Naughty Navel, and it tasted like a Christmas tree in a cup!

• Dallas Zoo Lights features dazzling lights, themed areas, live music performances on select nights, and Santa. Tickets start at $18 for non-members.

• Victor's DFW in Oak Cliff has a Jingle Mingle Christmas pop-up featuring winter wonderland and Grinch-themed drinks and decor. It's up until December 30.

Let me know if there are any activities or spots you'd like to see on my list! Email ravenwritesdfw1@yahoo.com or message @ravenwrites8 on Instagram with ideas.