Some events canceled as North Texans prepare for chilly, windy weather

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North Texans out and about on Thursday felt the effects of the chilly weather.

Grand Prairie’s nightly Prairie Lights were canceled Thursday due to the weather.

Over four million lights in Grand Prairie will not have an audience due to the extremely gusty winds expected. The city-run Christmas attraction was temporarily shut down for safety reasons.

Workers have been doing what’s necessary to secure the Christmas lights displays. They’ve given extra attention to the displays that are higher and more vulnerable than the typical ones. Those who oversee the high-demand attraction say getting the word out has also been a chore.

Prairie Lights has been open since Thanksgiving weekend. They do recall having to shut down once in recent years due to a storm. But for the most part, they say shutting down during the season is a rare occurrence.

Grand Prairie isn’t alone. Enchant Christmas at Globe Life Park and Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway also decided to close Thursday due to the weather.

But in contrast to the weather, holiday shoppers out at Plano’s Legacy West had a very sunny outlook.

Even though people have been bracing for stronger winds and possibly more rain, it hasn’t slowed anyone down who was out running errands or getting some last-minute work accomplished ahead of Christmas.

“I am actually working out of Starbucks and enjoying this nice weather,” said Tony Tanaydir. “Every rain brings more prosperity and more good luck. So that’s the way I try to look at it. I’m ready to sleep, actually.”

After the sun set and festive lights came on, friends and families cozied up for dinner.

"It's a little insane. Crazy rain today. And then whatever this is coming in now, so I don't know,” said Clara Holden. “I think Texas should just finish it out with some snow and we'll see how it goes."

"I love making snow angels and doing snowball fights,” said little Elizabeth Holden.

There was no snow in DFW, but it was cold.

And with less than two weeks until Christmas, shoppers at Garland’s Firewheel Town Center were also on a mission.

“I’ve got a few stocking stuffers to get and just a couple gift cards,” said Ashley Jakeway. “So for the most part, I’m pretty much done this year. Knock on wood.”

“I have my husband to shop for yet. I have my son and my daughter in law,” said Billinda Shelle.

But along with the challenge of getting everything on their list comes another challenge with the weather.

“In Texas, a lot of times you just never know what it’s going to turn into,” Jakeway said.

“I’m actually from California, so I’m freezing,” said Jaleesa Robbins. “But it is what it is. This is my time of year.”

But time to shop is running out and it’s getting down to the wire, so the forecast didn’t change plans for any shoppers.

“It does feel like Christmas,” said Suzie Albrecht. “It puts me in the mood to shop.”

Some shoppers didn’t want to brave the cold so they cut their trips short and opting to shop online instead.

Stay updated with the forecast at fox4news.com/weather or on the FOX 4 Weather Facebook page. You can also download the WAPP for a live radar, closings, watches & warnings and hourly forecasts.