Dallas Moms Blog received free admission to Sparkle! and overnight stay at the Anatole in order to provide this review.
I’ve never had a hotel “staycation” so I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Hilton Anatole. Well now I can tell you; checking almost every holiday must-do activity off your list this year can happen with one visit to Sparkle! Christmas at the Anatole. Imagine a place glittering with light during a synchronized musical extravaganza, “snap shacks” for capturing the perfect holiday card shot, arts and crafts and some of the finest food trucks Dallas has to offer–combine that with awesome bouncy houses, ice skating, pie eating contests, furry friends, puppet shows and a session with jolly Mr. Claus–you’ve got yourself one seriously amazing celebration.
Sparkle! Christmas at the Anatole is happening now until January 4th, 2015.
It’s a staycation worthy of Santa and all eight of his reindeer. There is something for every family member. With over 1.2 million lights, the musical light show is a sight to behold. There are two slides on Santa’s hill, meaning double the fun for everyone. Hear a story or two from a certain red-nosed reindeer and don’t forget to line up for some holiday-themed face painting from Plano Party Animals.
Want to play Christmas bingo? Grab a card. Are wild animals your thing? Spend some time with furry friends from the Dallas Zoo. Think your kiddo could be the next Kristi Yamaguchi or Mike Modano? Get em’ laced up and out on the ice rink. Want to dine on some seriously awesome grub? Grab a bite from food trucks like The Butcher’s Son and Gandolfos.
There are several packaged deals available for booking, and they start at just $139. If you and the fam decide to book one the magic starts right away. Each kiddo receives a teddy bear dressed as an Elf and parents will get a welcome packet with the low-down on the day’s events. If you decide to dine with Santa, you’ll get some stationary perfect for writing down all those holiday wishes.
It can be a little overwhelming, so let me take the stress out of your experience.
Here are some helpful hints for enjoying Sparkle! to the fullest:
- Wear layers: With the ice rink in the Trinity Hall, it can get a little chilly but with all the bounce houses, slides and velcro walls, kids will heat up in no time so be sure to bring easy-on-easy-off gear.
- Check the schedule: There are a ton of different things happening every day so you can pick and choose what day you visit based on what your family enjoys best. There have already been visits from the Dallas Stars and killer kiddie cover band The Zappos were rockin’ around the Christmas tree. If you just can’t leave your pet at home, come on Sunday, that’s pet friendly day.
- If you go during the week: bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation and one of your kids will get free admission.
- Be adventurous: The Anatole is ginormous – like, 7 acres big. Go explore the whole space–there are a ton of hidden treasures, from Santa’s workshop complete with animatronic toy-making elves, a gorgeous decorated tree in the main lobby, twinkly lighted trees out in the courtyard and even a snowy mountain scene complete with train tracks and miniature houses. There’s also a mile-long art walk!
And There’s More!!
A really special treat for us was checking out Geppetto’s Marionette Theater & Workshop. Every single puppet is hand-crafted and they are amazing! The current showing is Winter Wonderland and your kiddos will love getting a tour of the North Pole from the Winter Wizard. Meet all his friends including the dancing elves, acrobatic bears, magical toys, twirling snowmen, Santa Claus and even a special performance by the Snow Queen herself (that’s Elsa to you!) Get a backstage tour after the show and take a picture with your favorite puppet.
FYI: Your regular ticket doesn’t include a showing in the actual theatre but the puppets make appearances throughout the day on the Main Stage inside Sparkle!. If you want to reserve a seat for the real performance, buy your tickets here or check out the packaged deal from the Anatole.
If You Go . . .
Sparkle! Christmas at the Anatole is open Monday – Friday: 6pm – 9pm. Saturday: 10am – 9pm. Sunday: 12pm – 9pm until January 4th, 2015.
Ages 13-64, $20. Ages 13 and under: $15. Ages 3 and under: Free. Buy tickets by clicking here. Package hotel stays start at $139, click here to find out more.
Want to know if Santa prefers pancakes or waffles? On Saturday and Sunday, enjoy a breakfast buffet with St. Nick himself. Ages 13-64: $39. Ages 13 and Under: $29. Ages 3 and Under: Free. (this cost includes admission to Sparkle!)
Sparkle! Christmas at the Anatole is located at 2201 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207
**Dallas Moms Blog received free admission and overnight stay in order to provide this review. All opinions are 100% our own and not influenced by the sponsor.**
