Easter is one of the biggest religious holidays. On this day, believers traditionally gather with their family and friends, attend church, and share a festive meal. More on i-dallas.
Dallas residents follow traditions instilled by their parents, so they prepare for Easter well in advance. However, the most important thing for them on this day is to do good deeds and share warmth with others.
Why Easter Holds Such Significance for Texans
The modern world moves incredibly fast. Holidays often fly by unnoticed, and we don’t always grasp their true meaning. But in Texas, Easter is something truly special and unique. It’s not just about candy or Easter egg hunts. For many Texans, the Easter weekend is a time for the entire family to come together. They attend church services, enjoy large family dinners, or participate in festive events.
You’ll often hear adults fondly recall how their parents insisted on pastel outfits and early morning church services. While it might not have been their favorite thing back then, these memories often become incredibly precious with time.
In Texas, it’s the small traditions that hold immense meaning. Things like Grandma’s deviled eggs, family photos where someone always blinks, or that cousin who hides the golden Easter egg in the same flowerpot every year. These might seem insignificant, but they’re what truly make the holiday special for residents of the state.
Easter in Texas also signals that spring has truly arrived. Wildflowers, warm breezes, and porch conversations that can last all day are all gentle reminders.
The Easter Vibe at ABC Party Store
Every local knows that ABC Party, a decorations store, is the best place to get ready for Easter. This isn’t just because they stock up on a generous assortment of themed items for Easter, but also due to the life story of its owners, Elvie and Carlos De La Fuente.
Elvie and Carlos De La Fuente own a small shop on West Davis Street. The couple has been together since high school, has three adult children, and has been running their business since 1989. They initially bought a converted gas station, and later, when their business outgrew its first location, they rented a store on Jefferson Boulevard.
In a relatively short period, ABC Party became a must-visit spot before holidays, especially leading up to Easter. At this Dallas store, you can buy piñatas, cascarones, paper decorations, tables and chairs, custom order items, party decorations, balloons, and more.
What particularly catches the eye of shoppers at this store are the cascarones – brightly painted empty eggshells filled with colorful confetti. The tradition of cracking cascarones over someone’s head dates back to 18th-century Italy, where it was a way to express affection. This playful custom later spread to Spain and Latin America. Dallas, Texas, gladly adopted this tradition too. It’s believed that a broken cascaron brings good luck and joy.
For ABC Party, the period leading up to Easter, with its cascarone sales, is their most profitable time.
Easter Egg Hunts and Meeting the Easter Bunny
Easter egg hunts have long been one of the most beloved activities for Dallas kids. Parks and public spaces across the city host large-scale events where children can find hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of brightly colored eggs hidden among trees and bushes.
Traditionally, these events take place in the following city recreation centers: Campbell Green, Cummings, Fireside, Fretz, Harry Stone, K.B. Polk, Marcus, Martin Luther King Jr., Nash-Davis, Reverchon, and many others. These festive events usually last for several days, and due to the huge number of eager participants, advance registration is often required.
It’s worth noting that in Dallas, Easter cheer isn’t just for children; it’s for pets too! Since most families consider their pets full-fledged family members, celebrating one of the biggest religious holidays wouldn’t be complete without them.
At Park Ridge Drive, they even hold special Easter egg hunts for dogs. For example, on April 8, 2023, the park hosted an “Easter B’egg Hunt” where dogs could run freely off-leash in a designated area and search for eggs filled with treats. At the end of the event, each four-legged participant received a bag of eggs for a photo op.
This charming tradition is becoming increasingly popular in Dallas. The organizers of the Easter B’egg Hunt carefully prepare for the holiday, ensuring the safety and comfort of both dogs and their owners. They thoroughly check the egg hunt area in advance to ensure there are no dangerous objects, and the eggs themselves are filled with safe and delicious treats for dogs.
Such events are considered a wonderful opportunity for pet owners to socialize with each other, share experiences, and simply have a fun time with their furry friends.
Must-Visit Dallas Locations for Easter
The Dallas Arboretum is an ideal place to kick off your holiday weekend. During these days, the picturesque botanical garden transforms into a true Easter wonderland. You can enjoy the incredible bloom of spring flowers like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Traditional children’s activities at The Dallas Arboretum, such as Easter egg hunts, meetings with the Easter Bunny, various games, and workshops, are especially popular among city residents.
Overall, a stroll through the blooming pathways of The Dallas Arboretum will leave you in a wonderful mood and provide unforgettable photos.
Another popular spot among city dwellers is the Galleria Dallas shopping center. Every year, the Easter Bunny and a host of other entertainments await Dallasites here.
In addition to this highly anticipated meeting, Galleria Dallas offers other ways to get into the holiday spirit. The Nestle Toll House Café chain, located in the mall, traditionally prepares special Easter cookie cakes. These sweet treats can be a delightful addition to your festive table or a thoughtful gift.
While Easter is traditionally celebrated with family, Dallasites have long shed the stereotype that the meal must be hosted at home. Consequently, in recent years, there’s been a growing demand among residents for establishments where you can book a table for Easter.
This trend is driven by convenience and time-saving. Preparing a festive meal requires significant effort and time, and by reserving a table at a restaurant, Dallasites can avoid the hassle of cooking, cleaning, and washing dishes, allowing them to spend more time socializing with family and relaxing. Furthermore, restaurants offer a wide selection of dishes to satisfy every taste.
Some of the top local spots where Dallasites frequently book tables for Easter include:
- Hôtel Swexan (2575 McKinnon Street)
- Georgie (4514 Travis Street, Suite 132)
- Dakota’s Steakhouse (600 N. Akard Street)
- Knox Bistro (3230 Knox Street, Suite 140) and more.