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Irving, Texas Celebrates The Spirit Of The Season With A Variety Of Holiday Happenings And Special Hotel Packages

From gutsy gridiron games to cheerful concert celebrations, Irving, Texas, offers something for everyone this holiday season.  With a variety of events and special hotel packages, those looking to celebrate the spirit of the season won’t have to travel any further than Irving to find an enchanting holiday experience.

Irving Holiday Happenings

Nothing is more traditional than football and the holidays, so join the Dallas Cowboys as they take on the New Orleans Saints Dec. 12 and long-time rivals, the Washington Redskins, Dec. 26 at Texas Stadium.  Weekend getaway packages are available with or without game tickets; most include discount hotel rooms, transportation to and from the game, and other amenities.  For more information on Dallas Cowboys Weekend Getaway Packages, visit the “hot deals” section at www.irvingtexas.com, or call the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-2-IRVING.

Festive sights and sounds will fill the Irving Arts Center throughout the holiday season with “The Age of Chivalry: 12th Annual Holiday Exhibition and Tree Decorating Competition,” which runs Nov. 27-Jan. 2, 2005, in the Main Gallery of the Irving Arts Center.  This festive exhibition features a holiday open house, greeting card workshops and “Holiday Saturdays,” which are free, family-friendly events featuring visits with Santa Claus and ICT Children’s Theatre productions on Dec. 4, 11 and 18.  The Irving Arts Center is located at 3333 North MacArthur Blvd.  For more information, call 972-252-ARTS or visit www.irvingartscenter.com

Enjoy an all-time holiday favorite with the Ballet Ensemble of Texas’ performance of “The Nutcracker,” presented Dec. 3-5 at the Carpenter Performance Hall of the Irving Arts Center.  Experience the magic and wonderment of this holiday classic that’s sure to delight audiences of all ages.  The Irving Arts Center is located at 3333 North MacArthur Blvd.  For more information, call 972-252-ARTS or visit www.irvingartscenter.com.

A special holiday treat awaits with Alan Menken and Tim Rice’s biblical oratorio “King David” Dec. 17 and 18 at the Irving Arts Center.  This Lyric Stage production of “Kind David” is the first since its premiere as the inaugural event of Disney’s beautifully renovated New Amsterdam Theater on Broadway.  The Irving Arts Center is located at 3333 North MacArthur Blvd.  For more information, call 972-252-2787 or visit www.irvingartscenter.com.

The City of Irving’s “official” start of the holiday season occurs Dec. 4 with the Holiday Extravaganza Parade and Tree Lighting outside the Irving Civic Center Complex.  Festivities begin at 4 p.m., with a holiday performance by the Calvary Temple Vocal Ensemble.  A variety of area musical and dance groups, refreshments and a fireworks show are featured during the celebration, along with the evening’s guests of honor, Santa and Mrs. Claus.  The Irving Civic Center is located at 825 W. Irving Blvd.  Additional information is available through the City of Irving Parks and Recreation Department at 972-721-3636.

Experience a celebration of “Christmases Past” at the Irving Heritage House on Dec. 5 from 3 to 5 p.m.  A restored pioneer home built in 1912, the Heritage House’s holiday tour features period decorations and festive guides, which add a unique touch of history to the holiday season.  The Irving Heritage House is located at 303 S. O’Connor Road.  For more information, call 972-252-3838 or visit www.irvingheritage.com.

The perfect holiday gift for the entire family is waiting on Dec. 11 with “Home for the Holidays.”  This delightful concert at the Carpenter Performance Hall of the Irving Arts Center invites audiences to be a part of a favorite holiday tradition with the Irving Symphony Orchestra, the Irving Chorale, a sing-along and a visitor from the North Pole.  The Irving Arts Center is located at 3333 North MacArthur Blvd.  For more information, call 972-252-ARTS or visit www.irvingartscenter.com.

Enjoy a ride to your car (with all your shopping packages) by a member of local Irving Law Enforcement groups during Irving Mall’s “Cop-a-Ride” program Dec. 11 and 12.  Drivers include the police chief, assistant police chiefs, captains, lieutenants and sergeants.  Donations will be accepted for the Law Enforcement Torch Run benefiting Special Olympics Texas, and Special Olympics merchandise will be for sale inside Irving Mall.  Irving Mall is located at the intersection of Highway 183 and Belt Line Road North.  For more information, call 972-255-0571 or visit www.simon.com.

Children will enjoy creating their own holiday keepsake plates at Irving Mall’s Kidgits Holiday Celebration, “Milk and Cookies with Santa,” on Dec. 11 at 8 a.m.  Once the treasures are finished, it’s time to write a letters to Santa, tackle holiday coloring, inspect a free goody bag and experience a surprise visit from St. Nick.  Irving Mall is located at the intersection of Highway 183 and Belt Line Road North.  For more information, call 972-255-0571 or visit www.simon.com.

The Bracebridge Dinner on Dec. 14 provides a step back in time, taking a page from “Old Christmas,” authored by Washington Irving, the city’s namesake.  Hosted by the Irving Heritage Society, the evening is an authentic Victorian celebration, featuring costumes and foods popular in the author’s time.  The cost for the event is $75 and is being held at the Harvey Hotel DFW Airport, located at 4545 W. Carpenter Freeway (Highway 114).  For tickets and additional information, call 972-252-3838 or visit www.irvingheritage.com.

Additional information regarding Irving or any of these events is available from the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau at 972-252-7476, 800-2-IRVING or on-line at www.irvingtexas.com.  Please note all events are subject to change. 

New Year's Eve Packages

Celebrate New Year’s in style at the Four Seasons Resort and Club.  Begin with reserving a room for a special holiday rate of $175 per night rate and then add a sumptuous dining experience at Café on the Green.  The Café offers early and late seatings for revelers plus live musical entertainment.  Seatings at 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. are $55 per person and include a three-course menu with a choice of entrée.  Later seatings are offered at 8:30 p.m., 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. for $125 per person and include a five-course set menu with a choice of entrée. 

Continue ringing in the New Year and join the cocktail party at the Terrace Lounge.  New Year’s drinks and desserts along with live music and dancing from 9 p.m. until well after the ball drops in the Big Apple.  The Four Seasons Resort and Club is located at 4150 North MacArthur Boulevard.  For more information, contact Four Seasons room reservations at 972-717-2499 or Café on the Green reservations at 972-717-2420.

Ring in the New Year Mandalay-style at the Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas Dec. 31.  Make plans to dine, dance and spend a night in one of Dallas’ most romantic locations.  New Year’s Eve packages include a luxurious guestroom overlooking Lake Carolyn or the Dallas skyline; a chilled bottle of champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries upon arrival; an elegant five-course dinner for two; dancing, party favors and everyone’s favorite – a midnight balloon drop and champagne toast in Les Jardins; a fabulous breakfast for two in Trevi’s and a late checkout. 

Packages cost $309 per couple (tax and gratuity not included).  For those revelers that are looking for that special touch, the Omni Mandalay offers a “Suite Deal” at a special value of $342 per couple (tax and gratuity not included).  Call 1-800-THE-OMNI to make reservations.  For dinner only, the price is $65 per person (plus tax and gratuity) for seating at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.  Trevi’s is also offering seating at 8:30 p.m., 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. at $80 per person (plus tax and gratuity).  The Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas is located at 221 East Las Colinas Boulevard.  For dinner reservations, call 972-869-5506.

Special Holiday Hotel Rates And Packages

The following Irving hotel packages are based upon availability; applicable taxes apply.  For More information, visit the "hot deals" section at www.irvingtexas.com.

Best Western
972-870-0530
5050 W. John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75063
www.dfwinnsandsuites.com
Weekday rate: $69
Weekend rate: $66
Valid: Nov. 11, 2004 - Jan. 1, 2005
Reference:  2004 Holidays Special.  Please book through the hotel.

Candlewood Suites – Dallas/Las Colinas
972-714-9990
5300 Green Park Drive
Irving, TX 75038
www.candlewoodsuites.com
Studio suite rate:  $59
One-bedroom suite rate:  $79
Valid:  Oct. 30 - Dec. 31, 2004
Reference:  Entertainment Series

Comfort Inn DFW South
972-790-7979
4940 W. Airport Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
www.cidfw.com
Rate: $59.99
Valid:  Nov. 22 - Dec. 31, 2004
Package includes:  Forty-one item deluxe buffet breakfast; happy hour Monday through Thursday; transportation to and from DFW Airport, as well as anywhere within a five-mile radius.
Reference:  Holiday 2004

Comfort Suites Las Colinas
972-518-0606
1223 Greenway Circle
Irving, TX 75038
Weekday rate: $69
Weekend rate: $59
Valid:  Nov. 10 - Dec. 31, 2004
Reference:  Holiday

Courtyard DFW South
972-790-8990
2280 Valley View Lane
Irving, TX 75060
www.marriott.com/daliv
Thanksgiving Day rate: $49
Christmas Day rate: $49
Reference: Holiday 2004

Clarion Hotel DFW Airport South
972-399-1010\
4440 W. Airport Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
www.choicehotels/hotel/tx890
Rate: $44.25
Valid:  Nov. 16, 2004 - Jan. 31, 2005
Package includes:  King or queen-size bed; breakfast for two; dinner for two.
Reference:  Holiday’s at the Clarion

Days Inn DFW North
972-621-8277\
4325 W. Highway 114
Irving, TX 75063
Rate: $44.25
Valid:  Nov. 18, 2004 - Jan. 3, 2005
Package includes:  Complimentary transportation to and from DFW Airport; free hot breakfast buffet; full-service restaurant on site.
Reference:  Holiday’s Days Inn DFW North

DFW Airport Marriott
972-929-6543
8440 Freeport Parkway
Irving, TX 75063
www.marriott.com
Weekday rate: $209
Weekend rate: $99
Valid: Nov. 1, 2004 - Jan. 1, 2005

Fairfield Inn by Marriott Las Colinas
972-550-8800
630 W. John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75039
www.marriott.com/dalfl
Rate: $49
Valid:  Dec. 17 - 30, 2004
Reference:  Holiday Rate

Four Seasons Resort and Club
972-717-0700
4150 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Irving, TX 75038
www.fourseasons.com/dallas
Holiday Value Rates
Rate:  $195
Valid:  Nov. 24 - 28, 2004; Dec. 17, 2004 - Jan. 1, 2005
Package includes:  Luxurious accommodations in a moderate room. 
Reference: Holiday Value Rates
Third Night Free Promotion
Rate:  $195
Valid: Thursday - Sunday and holiday weekends from Nov. 23, 2004 - Jan. 4, 2005
Package includes:  Luxurious accommodations in a moderate room; for every two consecutive paid nights, guest will receive a complimentary third night (no limit on complimentary nights). 
Reference: Third Night Free Promotion
Special Occasion Package
Rate:  $390
Valid: Nov. 23, 2004 - Dec. 31, 2005
Package includes:  Luxurious accommodations in a moderate room; sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries upon arrival; three-course dinner for two at Café on the Green (alcohol excluded), complimentary access to the spa facilities. 
Reference: Special Occasion Package

Hampton Inn Las Colinas
972-753-1232
820 W. Walnut Hill Lane
Irving, TX 75038
www.hampton-inn.com/hi/dal-lascolinas
Weekend rate: $49.00
Valid Friday, Saturday and Sunday:  Nov. 13, 2004 - Jan. 8, 2005
Package includes:  Complimentary deluxe buffet breakfast; complimentary USA Today newspaper; free local and credit card access calls; 100 percent satisfaction guaranteed.
Reference:  Holiday Weekend Package

Harvey Suites
972-929-4499
4550 W. John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, TX 75063
www.dfwairportsuites.harveyhotels.com/
Weekday rate: $69
Weekend rate: $59
Valid:  Nov. 15 - Dec. 31, 2004
Reference:  Holiday Special

Homestead
972-756-0458
5315 Carnaby
Irving, TX 75038
Weekday rate:  $44
Weekend rate:  $34
Valid:  Dec. 20, 2004 - Jan. 02, 2005
Package includes:  One queen bed per room (two people per room).  Weekly rates available.
Reference:  Holiday Special 

Homewood Suites
972-556-0665
4300 Wingren Drive
Irving, TX  75039
www.dallasirving.homewoodsuites.com
Weekday rate: $104
Weekend rate: $79
Valid:  Nov. 24, 2004 through Jan. 31, 2005
Package includes: One bedroom suite; complimentary high-speed Internet; full breakfast buffet; Monday – Thursday evenings social.
Reference: Homewood for the Holidays 2004

Knights Inn
972-579-8911
120 W. Airport Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
www.cendant.netopia.com/irving02310
Weekday rate: $45
Weekend rate: $40
Valid: Nov. 15, 2004 - Jan. 15, 2005
Package includes: Free full breakfast in Rayes Seafood Restaurant; free drinks in the lounge; free three minutes long distance; Mexican dinner for two for $15.99.
Reference: Manager’s Special

Mainstay Suites
972-257-5400
2323 Imperial Drive
Irving, TX 75062
www.mainstaysuites.com/hotel/tx579
Weekday rate: $54.99 + tax
Weekend rate: $49.99 + tax
Valid:  Nov. 10 - Dec. 31, 2004
Reference: Holiday Special 2004.  Based on availability.

Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas
972-556-0800
221 E. Las Colinas Blvd.
Irving, TX 75039
www.omnimandalay.com
Rate:  $139
Valid:  Nov. 26 – Dec. 24, 2004
Package Includes:  Breakfast for two in Trevi’s or in-room dining.
Reference: Holiday Special 2004.  Based on availability.

Studio Plus Las Colinas
972-871-0117
605 Meadow Creek
Irving, TX 75038
www.studiosplus.com
Weekday rate: $44.99
Weekend rate: $41.99
Valid: Nov. 22 - Dec. 30, 2004
Reference: Holiday Rate

Summerfield Suites by Wyndham
972-831-0909
5901 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Irving, TX 75039
http://las-colinas.wyndham-hotels.com
Weekday rate: $99
Weekend rate: $79
Valid: Nov. 1 - Dec. 25, 2004
Reference: Holiday Package

Wingate Inn – DFW
972-929-4600
8220 Esters Blvd.
Irving, TX 75063-2907
www.wingateinndfw.com
Package 1
Rate:  $49.95 + tax
Valid:  Friday – Sunday in 2004; Nov. 21-28, 2004; Dec. 21, 2004 - Jan. 2, 2005
Package includes:  Standard room; expanded continental breakfast for two; complimentary shuttle to and from DFW Airport, Grapevine Mills and Gaylord Texan.
Reference: Holiday and Weekender Package 1
Package 2
Rate:  $79.95 + tax
Valid: Friday – Sunday in 2004; Nov. 21-28, 2004; Dec. 21 - Jan. 2, 2005
Package includes:  Standard room; expanded continental breakfast for two; box of chocolates and a rose; complimentary shuttle to and from DFW Airport, Grapevine Mills and Gaylord Texan.
Reference: Holiday and Weekender Package 2

Wingate Inn Las Colinas
972-751-1031
850 W. Walnut Hill Lane
Irving, TX 75038
www.wingatelascolinas.com
Rate: $55 + tax
Valid: Nov. 24-27, 2004; Dec. 12, 2004 - Jan. 2, 2005
Package includes: Deluxe room with a king bed or two double beds; free breakfast.  Benihana restaurant is located adjacent to the hotel.
Reference:  Thanksgiving and Christmas Package

About Irving

Irving, Texas, is located in the middle of the Dallas/Fort Worth area, immediately adjacent to DFW International Airport.  The city boasts more than 75 hotels and is home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and PGA Tour’s EDS Byron Nelson Championship, as well as the Movie Studios at Las Colinas, National Scouting Museum, Mustangs of Las Colinas Sculpture and Exhibit, Las Colinas Equestrian Center and Polo Club, and Gondola Adventures on the European-styled Mandalay Canal.

 
Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau
222 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 1550
Irving, TX  USA  75039
972-252-7476
www.irvingtexas.com

Edited by Madelyn Miller

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