The region’s largest indoor pre-game party on the water features hundreds of boats, exclusive pre-season deals and fan-friendly experiences

With the Super Bowl right around the corner, fans across North Texas are planning watch parties, tailgates, and game-day gatherings. But this season, the Dallas Winter Boat Show is encouraging Texans to think bigger—and head to the water. Boatgating, the lake-loving cousin of tailgating, is one of the fastest-growing recreation trends, giving fans a way to enjoy the Big Game with sunshine, scenery, and serious style.

Whether you're hosting a viewing party on the dock, pre-gaming aboard your pontoon, tying up a line of center consoles and bowriders, or planning a lakeside watch-and-float afternoon, here are the top Boatgating 101 tips from the Dallas Winter Boat Show, returning to Dallas Market Hall this weekend February 5–8, 2026.

1. Pick the Perfect Boatgating Setup: Comfort, Space & Style

While pontoons and tritoons remain the go-to favorites for hosting larger groups thanks to their wide decks and lounge-style seating, they’re far from the only boatgate-ready options popular on North Texas lakes.

Bowriders and runabouts, staples on lakes like Lewisville, Ray Hubbard, and Grapevine, make excellent game-day cruisers with versatile seating and built-in coolers.

Deck boats offer pontoon-like spaciousness with sportier handling—perfect for fans who want room to spread out without sacrificing speed.

Center console and bay boats, commonly seen on Lake Texoma, provide wide open deck layouts ideal for standing room, mingling, and easy access to coolers and snacks.

Fishing boats aren’t just for anglers—many come equipped with powerful audio systems and elevated casting decks that double as great standing/viewing spots during a floating watch party.

Even personal watercraft (PWCs) like jet skis can get in on the fun when rafted up next to a primary host boat, giving thrill-seekers their own floating “seats” for pre-game hangs.

And of course, for the watersport-loving crowd, wake surf boats bring big energy (and the best audio systems) for an amped-up pre-game playlist.

Pro Tip:
At the Dallas Winter Boat Show, shoppers can compare dozens of pontoons, bowriders, center consoles, wake boats, and fishing boats side-by-side to find the right mix of seating, storage, tech, and entertainment features.

2. Create a Game-Winning Food & Drink Strategy

Boatgating food needs to be delicious but easy to handle. Skip complicated spreads and aim for handheld, no-mess favorites:

• Individual nacho cups
• Sliders or street tacos
• Pre-skewered fruits, veggies, or meats
• Single-serve dips
• Mason-jar salads
• Canned cocktails & mocktails

Keep it simple, organized, and cold using a color-coded “game-day cooler.”

3. Turn Up the Entertainment with a “Float-In Theater”

If you're hosting on the dock or at a marina slip, create a floating watch party with a portable projector and weatherproof screen. Some fans raft multiple boats—pontoons, bowriders, or even center consoles—so everyone gets a great view.

Many newer pontoons, cruisers, and wake boats now come with integrated screens or smart TV hookups, something visitors can explore hands-on at the Boat Show.

Pro Tip:
Use waterproof Bluetooth speakers or the boat’s built-in audio system to broadcast commentary or pump up the energy with pre-game playlists.

4. Show Your Team Spirit—Lake Style

Festive décor makes a boatgating setup come alive. Fans love:

• Team-colored pillows & blankets
• LED rope lights
• Custom boat flags
• Inflatable goalposts
  Floating drink holders
  Branded coolers

You’ll find plenty of lake-friendly accessories in the gear aisles at the Dallas Winter Boat Show.

5. Safety First: Keep It Fun, Keep It Smart

Just like tailgating on land, boatgating comes with responsibilities. The Dallas Winter Boat Show recommends:

• Designating a sober captain
• Checking weather conditions
• Using non-glass containers
• Securing electronics and cords
• Ensuring enough life jackets for all ages
• Anchoring properly when rafting with friends

6. Make It Instagram-Ready

A memorable boatgate doubles as great social content:

• Score-prediction reels
• Pets in team colors for the Puppy Bowl
• Before-and-after boat décor transformations
• A “floating stadium wave” video

7. Plan Your Upgrade for Next Season

The Big Game unofficially marks the start of summer boating prep. If your current boat could use more seating, better sound, updated tech, or improved storage, the Dallas Winter Boat Show is the best place to browse 2026 models with exclusive incentives.

Whether you're considering a pontoon, center console, deck boat, bowrider, surf boat, fishing boat, cruiser, or PWC, the show makes it easy to score a great pre-season price.

Boatgating Starts Here: Join the Dallas Winter Boat Show

From floating tailgates to lakeside watch parties, boatgating is becoming one of Texas’ favorite ways to celebrate game day. With its massive selection of boats, gear, demos, and family activities, the Dallas Winter Boat Show has everything fans need to level up their Super Bowl experience—and their 2026 lake season.

Berkeys Plumbing, A/C & Electrical is proud to announce that it has been awarded “Best Electrical” in Society Life Magazine’s highly competitive TOPS IN TARRANT awards—an annual recognition celebrating the “Best of the Best” businesses across Tarrant County.

Selected entirely by reader votes, this award reflects the outstanding service, community trust, and customer care that Berkeys delivers every day throughout Northeast Tarrant County and beyond. The company also earned a position among the TOP 100 Best in Industry—a distinction reserved for businesses that exemplify excellence, reliability, and leadership in their field.

“We are honored to be recognized by the community we serve,” said Jeff Cox, President of Berkeys. “Earning the title of ‘Best Electrical’ in Tarrant County is a testament to our technicians’ expertise, our commitment to customer satisfaction, and the trust our neighbors place in us. We are truly grateful to everyone who voted.”

The award and full list of winners will be featured in the January 2026 “TOPS IN TARRANT” issue of Society Life Magazine, which reaches more than 125,000 local readers through direct mail and business distribution. As the most widely circulated lifestyle publication in Northeast Tarrant County—with over 40,000+ mailed homes monthly—Society Life’s recognition highlights the businesses that residents trust most.

For more than 50 years, Berkeys Plumbing, A/C & Electrical has built its reputation on exceptional workmanship, transparent service, and a commitment to keeping North Texas homes safe, comfortable, and efficient. This latest recognition further solidifies Berkeys’ position as one of the region’s most trusted home services providers.

Berkeys’ half-century legacy and success is built on the company’s founding principles:

• Exceptional Customer Service – Providing prompt, professional, and courteous service that exceeds expectations
• Quality Craftsmanship – Offering reliable, efficient, and long-lasting solutions
• Community Involvement – Actively supporting local organizations and giving back to the communities it serves

In addition to its latest honors, Berkeys has earned a long list of awards and accolades over the years, including Southlake Journal Best of the Best Angie’s List Super Service Award and an A+ Rating and Accreditation from the Better Business Bureau since 1997.

About Berkeys Plumbing, A/C, & Electrical

Texas-based Berkeys has been providing quality plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, and heating services to homeowners in the Dallas / Fort Worth metroplex since 1975. The company sells America’s top-rated brands of plumbing, AC repair, electrical, and heating equipment known for high efficiency, reliability, and serviceability; and it services all brands and makes of plumbing and air conditioning equipment. All Berkeys plumbers have passed rigorous state plumbing examinations and are licensed by the State of Texas; they understand the complexity of state plumbing codes all the way down to local requirements. Berkeys signature MVP Maintenance Program delivers priority service, seasonal tune-ups, and member-only savings to keep home systems running smoothly year-round.

Berkeys maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has led the field in area newspapers’ readers’ favorite polls.. Berkeys is part of the Wrench Group, a national leader operating in 25 markets across 14 states to provide home repair, replacement and maintenance services specializing in heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

Headquartered in South Lake, TX, Berkeys also services greater DFW with satellite locations at:   4645 Avon Ln Suite 260, Frisco, TX 75033 (214) 216-1727

4311 Belmont Ave Suite 125, Dallas, TX 75204 (214) 612-0133

3001 W 5th St Suite 700, Fort Worth, TX 76107 (817) 799-6090

The region’s largest indoor boating event makes a splash with hundreds of boats, exclusive pre-season deals, fan-friendly experiences and Boatgating 101 at Dallas Market Hall

The Dallas Winter Boat Show is making waves like never before as it returns to Dallas Market Hall for two back-to-back weekends, January 30–February 1 and February 5–8, 2026. Coinciding with the excitement of Super Bowl weekend, this year’s theme — “Boats, Bowls & Big Waves” — transforms Market Hall into Dallas’ biggest indoor pre-game party on the water, complete with immersive activations, exclusive deals, family fun, and high-energy lake-life inspiration.

Known as “The Super Bowl of Boating,” the Dallas Winter Boat Show will feature more than 600 boats from North Texas’ top dealers, plus the latest in motors, watersports gear, technology, and accessories. Attendees will experience the region’s most comprehensive showcase of lake lifestyle recreation ahead of peak Texas boating season.

As one of the country’s most active freshwater recreation regions, North Texas continues to fuel national boating trends:

• Texas ranks Top 10 in the U.S. for boat registrations, with more than 625,000 registered boats statewide.
• The Dallas–Fort Worth region is home to over a dozen major lakes within 90 minutes, driving consistent year-round boat demand.
• According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), 68% of all boat owners are middle-income households, reflecting the Dallas show’s strong family audience.
• Recreational boating participation nationwide has reached 100 million Americans annually, with Texas among the fastest-growing markets.

With booming population growth, rising disposable income, and early-year pre-season buying patterns, Dallas has become a national proving ground for new models, lake trends, and emerging boat categories.

“North Texas is one of the fastest-growing boating regions in the country, and this year’s show brings all the energy of Super Bowl weekend into one massive immersive event,” said Bron Beal, Executive Director of the Dallas Winter Boat Show. “Whether you’re a first-time boat buyer or a lifelong lake lover, there’s no better place to get inspired, learn, and score the best deals of the season.”

Attendees can explore:

• Pontoon boats
• Wake surf and ski boats
• Center consoles
• Jet boats & PWCs
• Electric innovations
• Fishing vessels
• Luxury cruisers
• Outdoor accessories, docks, gear & more

The show kicks off Opening Night with an exclusive “Boats, Beats & Eats” Media & Influencer Preview Party, featuring DJ entertainment, tailgate-inspired bites, signature beverages, and first access to the boats before the crowds.

ABOUT THE DALLAS WINTER BOAT SHOW

For more than 40 years, the Dallas Winter Boat Show has been the region’s largest celebration of boating and the Texas lake lifestyle. Bringing together top dealers, manufacturers, and industry experts, the show offers families and enthusiasts a one-stop experience to shop, learn, and get inspired for the boating season ahead.

DALLAS BOAT SHOW DETAILS:

When: January 30–February 1 and February 5–8, 2026

Where: Dallas Market Hall, 2200 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75207

Show Schedule:

Friday, January 30, 2026 from 12-8pm

Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 10am-8pm

Sunday, February 1, 2026 from 10am-5pm

Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 3-8 pm

Friday, February 6, 2026 from 12-8 pm

Saturday, February 7,2026 from 10 am- 8 pm

Sunday, February 8, 2026 from 10 am -4 pm

Cost & Ticket Information:

Adults:                                 $15

Children (ages 5-13):          $8

Children under 5:               Free

Parking is free of charge

Boating Dealers include:

Action Watersports, Big Water Marine, Boaters World Marine Center, Buxton Marine, Carey & Sons Marine, Eisenhower Yacht Club, Fun N Sun Sports Center, Boardco Boats, Marine Max Dallas, Lakeview Boating Center, NXTLVL Marine, Phil Dill Boats, Lake Kings Boats, H2GO Paddle Co, Ridenow Powersports, Slalom Shop, Texas Malibu, Texoma Boathouse, Nichols Marine

Tianyu Arts & Culture, producer of the dazzling Tianyu Lights Festival at Texas Trust CU Theatre, is proud to launch a special community initiative this holiday season: a food drive benefiting Grand Prairie United Charities (GPUC).

From December 16–18, festival guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to support local families in need. Donation bins will be located at the festival entrance for easy drop-off.

“As we illuminate Grand Prairie with the magic of our festival, we also hope to shine a light on families in need,” said Huiyuan Liu, event manager for Tianyu Lights Festival. “Partnering with Grand Prairie United Charities allows us to support families right here in Grand Prairie during a season when the need is especially great.”

GPUC has served the community since 1955, providing food, emergency aid, and essential resources to neighbors facing hardship. All items collected will directly replenish the organization’s food pantry, which sees increased demand during the winter months.

Suggested donations include canned goods, pasta, rice, peanut butter, cereal, and other shelf-stable staples. Each donation earns guests a complimentary token for the Magic Ride or Construction Digger experience.

Visitors can explore two magical themed worlds inspired by the imagination of 7-year-old Koda: Starlit Farm, reflecting peaceful summer nights in the countryside, and Magic Ocean, a sparkling undersea kingdom filled with reefs and fantastical creatures.

Nightly live performances feature dramatic Face Changing (Bianlian), thrilling acrobatics, and graceful folk dance. Shows take place at 6:45 p.m., 7:50 p.m., and 9:00 p.m., weather permitting.

Guests can shop a vibrant marketplace of handcrafted treasures—including traditional lanterns and inner-bottle paintings—and enjoy hot drinks, sweet treats, and meals from local and visiting food vendors. Families will also love the illuminated playground, interactive photo ops, and the glowing Magic Rides available until 9:00 p.m. (separate fee).

With 19 immersive scenes featuring larger-than-life lanterns crafted from metal, fabric, and LED lights, the Tianyu Lights Festival offers a holiday experience like no other. The festival runs through January 18 at Texas Trust CU Theatre.

Food Drive Dates: December 16–18, 2025

Location: Tianyu Lights Festival, Texas Trust CU Theatre, 1150 Pollock Pl, Grand Prairie, TX 75050

Benefiting:  Grand Prairie United Charities

For tickets, sponsorships, or food vendor inquiries, visit tianyuculture.us/dallas.

North Texas’ coolest holiday host, DJ Polar Ice of The Light Park, delivered festive cheer, high-energy music, and unforgettable family fun during two beloved holiday traditions: the 2025 Dallas Holiday Parade and Little Elm’s Very Merry Christmas celebration and parade.

A fan favorite across Texas, DJ Polar Ice entertained thousands of spectators across both cities, spreading the joy, sparkle, and music synonymous with The Light Park—Texas’ biggest drive-thru holiday lights spectacular.

A Frosty Favorite at the Dallas Holiday Parade

On Saturday morning, DJ Polar Ice joined the iconic Dallas Holiday Parade, appearing alongside The Light Park float featuring dazzling lights, themed décor, and costumed characters. With an estimated 400,000+ spectators lining the streets and thousands more watching the televised broadcast, Polar Ice kept spirits bright with curated holiday mixes, crowd engagement, and signature dance prompts that delighted families of all ages.

The Light Park float appeared in the second half of the televised broadcast, offering viewers a joyful reminder that holiday fun continues all season long at three DFW locations—Frisco, Arlington, and Little Elm.

“This parade has been the heartbeat of Dallas holiday tradition for decades,” said The Light Park’s Matt Johnson. “Bringing DJ Polar Ice to the streets of downtown provided a perfect way to show the community exactly what The Light Park does best—celebrate togetherness, joy, and the magic of the season.”

Holiday Joy Continues in Little Elm

Later that same day, DJ Polar Ice brought the winter wonderland energy to Little Elm’s Very Merry Christmas Parade, walking the route alongside costumed characters and festive floats. Following the parade, the celebration concluded with the annual Tree Lighting, drawing families to Little Elm’s lakeside district for seasonal activities, photo ops, and holiday performances.

Little Elm officials welcomed more than 6,000 attendees, marking one of the community’s most spirited turnouts. DJ Polar Ice’s interaction with children and families throughout the walk and tree lighting added extra excitement, music, and movement to the beloved hometown celebration.

“Little Elm represents the heart of Texas holiday community spirit,” said Johnson. “Polar Ice is more than a DJ—he’s a character who invites people to dance, laugh, and simply feel the magic of being together.”

The Light Park: The Holiday Experience That Keeps Celebrating

Families who met DJ Polar Ice along the parade routes are invited to continue the fun at The Light Park, open nightly through January 4 at all DFW locations.

Guests enjoy:

• Millions of synchronized holiday lights
• Drive-thru formats perfect for families, pets & visiting relatives
• Soundtrack synced to their car radio
• Specialty treats, including Blitzen Bundles and photo collectibles
• Weeknight value pricing and limited-time holiday offerings

Holiday travelers, visiting grandparents, and families looking to keep the celebration going will find the most accessible and stress-free holiday tradition right from the seat of their own car.