Last updated on October 12th, 2026 at 05:25 pm
Looking for the best Christmas lights in Dallas Fort Worth? The metroplex has plenty of ways to brighten your holiday season: illuminated gardens, drive-through light shows, decorated neighborhoods, and festive resort displays.
This guide compares 17 Christmas lights destinations across DFW, with practical details to help you choose an outing that fits your interests and budget.
Check the quick-reference table for an overview, then explore each location for dates, admission information, and planning tips.
This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no cost to you when you purchase through the links. Read our complete disclaimer here and Amazon Affiliate Disclosure here.
2026 update: Confirmed 2026 dates are included below. Unannounced schedules and ticket prices are marked TBD.
Christmas Lights in Dallas Fort Worth: Quick Comparison
The destinations below include dedicated light shows, residential displays, and larger holiday attractions.
Each offers a different experience, so consider the format and location when planning your evening.
| Christmas Lights Destination | 2026 Holiday Season Dates | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Zoo Lights (Dallas) | Select nights November 13, 2026–January 3, 2027 | Ticketed walk-through event |
| Holiday at the Arboretum (Dallas) | November 11, 2026 –January 3, 2027 | Ticketed garden experience |
| Highland Park Village (Highland Park) | To be determined (TBD) | Shopping district decorations |
| Gift of Lights (Fort Worth | TBD | Ticketed drive-through show |
| Modern Lights (Fort Worth) | TBD | Museum grounds light display |
| Christmas in the Garden (Fort Worth) | November 20, 2026- January 3, 2027 | Ticketed garden light event |
| Singing Trees at Burnett Park (Fort Worth) | Confirm availability before visiting | Interactive light installation |
| Christmas at Gaylord Texan (Grapevine) | November 13, 2026 –January 3, 2027 | Resort decorations and ticketed activities |
| SEA LIFE Grapevine (Grapevine) | December 5 –19, 2026 | Indoor aquarium holiday experience |
| Vitruvian Lights (Addison) | November return; exact dates TBD | Outdoor park display |
| Christmas in the Branch (Farmers Branch) | November 10 – December 24, 2026 | City holiday programming |
| Deerfield (Plano) | TBD | Decorated residential neighborhood |
| Holiday Lights at Frisco Square (Frisco) | November 20, 2026- January 4, 2027 | Synchronized outdoor light show |
| Grandscape (The Colony) | TBD | Shopping and entertainment district |
| The Colony Christmas Spectacular (The Colony) | December 5, 2026- January 3, 2027 | Synchronized light show |
| Prairie Lights (Grand Prairie) | November 26–December 31, 2026 | Ticketed drive-through attraction |
| Holiday in the Park (Arlington) | Select nights November 22 – December 30, 2026 | Ticketed theme park holiday event |
The Best Christmas Lights in Dallas: Dallas
1. Dallas Zoo Lights
Dallas Zoo Lights is a walk-through holiday event featuring more than two million lights, illuminated lanterns, themed areas, and seasonal photo opportunities.
It is a great option if you want your Christmas outing to focus on an immersive lights experience rather than a drive-through route.
Tip: Plan this as a Christmas lights outing, not an animal-viewing visit. Most animals are asleep during the event.
- Dates: Select nights from November 13, 2026–January 3, 2027.
- Hours: 5:30–9 p.m.
- Admission: 2026 prices TBD; ticket sales begin October 15.
- Experience: Walk-through.
- Best fit: Visitors who want a dedicated light show with themed displays and photo stops.
Planning tip: The show operates on select nights, not every night during the season.
Address: 650 S. R. L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75203
2. Dallas Arboretum
The Dallas Arboretum is a beautiful place to enjoy the magic of Christmas lights during the holiday season.
There are over a million lights that illuminate the gardens, surrounding trees, and pathways.
The Christmas light displays transform the Arboretum into a stunning winter wonderland Christmas Village and serve as an enchanting backdrop for photos.
Additional features include the 12 Days of Christmas events, the musical Christmas tree, and more.
FYI: The 2026 season is the final season for the 12 Days of Christmas gazebos, making this a particularly meaningful year to visit.
- Dates: November 11, 2026–January 3, 2027.
- Holiday at Night hours: 5–10 p.m.
- Admission: Standard nighttime general admission is $35–$40 for ages 2 and older. Member and Night Owl rates are available.
- Experience: Walk-through garden attraction.
- Best fit: Visitors who enjoy elaborate Christmas displays in a landscaped setting.
Planning tip: Book the correct admission category. Daytime admission and Holiday at Night are separate options.
Address: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 7521
3. Highland Park Village
Highland Park Village combines Christmas lights with a shopping district setting.
The surrounding Highland Park neighborhood adds decorated residential streets to the outing, creating an alternative to a large ticketed attraction.
Viewing the holiday lights is free; shopping, dining, and other purchases are separate.
Expect giant illuminated trees, sparkling arches lighting up the night sky, and more. Highland Park Village is sure to get you into the holiday spirit!
Tip: Treat the Village and the nearby residential streets as two distinct stops. You can explore the shopping center on foot, then plan a separate neighborhood route.
- Dates: TBD.
- Admission: Free to view the lights; parking arrangements may vary.
- Experience: Shopping district decorations and neighborhood displays.
- Best fit: A flexible evening with lights, dining, and a neighborhood drive.
Planning tip: Follow posted parking rules and keep residential driveways clear.
Address: 47 Highland Park Village, Dallas, Texas 75205
For a next-level experience, I recommend this guided holiday lights tour on a glass-roof double-decker bus.
The Best Christmas Lights in Dallas: Fort Worth
4. Texas Motor Speedway
The Gift of Lights event at Texas Motor Speedway is a one-of-a-kind drive-thru holiday experience that adds extra sparkle to the Christmas season.
It features three million lights along a two-mile drive-through course. You can enjoy the show inside your vehicle, making it a practical option for a group that prefers a seated experience.
Tip: Admission is sold per vehicle, not per person. Review the ticket category and vehicle restrictions before purchasing.
Along with awe-inspiring displays of twinkling lights and state-of-the-art animations, you can enjoy unique opportunities for photos with friends and loved ones that will last a lifetime!
- Dates: TBD.
- Admission: 2026 prices TBD; one ticket per vehicle.
- Experience: Drive-through.
- Best fit: Groups looking for a vehicle-based Christmas light show.
Planning tip: Compare the total vehicle price with the cost of individual tickets at a walk-through attraction.
Address: 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth, TX 76177
5. Modern Lights at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
Experience the magical beauty of Modern Lights, a holiday stop set in a museum.
The museum’s grounds are beautifully adorned with twinkling lights that add a sparkle to the Fort Worth area skyline.
It is perfect for an evening centered on art, architecture, and seasonal scenery.
- Dates and hours: TBD.
- Admission: 2026 display access details TBD.
- Experience: Museum grounds light display.
- Best fit: Visitors who prefer a smaller holiday stop in an architectural setting.
Planning tip: Check museum admission separately. Access to the galleries and access to the exterior lights may have different requirements.
Address: 3200 Darnell Street, Fort Worth, TX 76107
6. Christmas in the Garden at Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Christmas in the Garden is the Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s holiday light event. It is a self-guided trail of stunning light displays and holiday music.
Keep this destination on your shortlist if you want a garden setting for your Christmas outing.
- Dates and hours: November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027
- Admission: from $13 per person.
- Experience: Garden holiday light event.
- Best fit: Visitors interested in a dedicated garden lights experience.
Planning tip: Parking costs $25 per vehicle.
Address: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76107
Book your Christmas in the Garden experience here.
7. Singing Trees at Burnett Park
Visit Burnett Park in downtown Fort Worth and experience The Singing Trees. See the trees come alive as they change colors and illuminate the park in reaction to nearby sounds.
Don’t miss the chance to experience the awe and wonder of this unique light installation!
Think of it as an extra downtown stop rather than a full holiday event.
- Admission: Free.
- Listed hours: Daily, 3–10 p.m.; confirm availability before visiting.
- Experience: Interactive outdoor light installation.
- Best fit: A brief stop during a downtown evening.
Planning tip: Confirm the installation is operating before making a dedicated trip.
Address: 501 W 7th Street, Fort Worth 76102
The Best Christmas Lights in Dallas- Fort Worth: Grapevine
8. Gaylord Texan
At Gaylord Texan’s Christmas celebration, you will experience the magic of the holidays at a holiday Village.
You’ll find a dazzling display of larger-than-life decorations, state-of-the-art lighting, and festive photo opportunities.
Christmas at Gaylord Texan is a strong option if you want several seasonal experiences in one location.
FYI: Keep the decorations and ticketed attractions separate when planning your budget. ICE! and other paid activities require their own admission, and parking adds to the cost of a visit.
- Dates: November 13, 2026–January 3, 2027.
- Location: Gaylord Texan Resort, Grapevine.
- Admission: Activity prices vary; check parking and public-access requirements.
- Experience: Resort decorations and ticketed holiday attractions.
- Best fit: An activity-filled holiday outing or seasonal resort stay.
Planning tip: Decide which activities you want before purchasing a package. Compare the package cost with individual admission prices.
Address: 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051
9. Scuba Santa at SEA LIFE Grapevine
SEA LIFE Grapevine adds a seasonal twist to an aquarium visit with Scuba Santa and holiday lights.
This indoor experience is a great option if you want an aquarium outing with a Christmas element.
- Dates: December 5–19, 2026.
- Admission: Check current aquarium and event ticket options.
- Experience: Indoor aquarium holiday activity.
- Best fit: Visitors looking for an indoor seasonal outing.
Planning tip: Check the Scuba Santa appearance schedule before booking. Appearance times may differ from aquarium opening hours.
Address: 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine, Texas 76051
The Best Christmas Lights in Dallas Fort Worth: Addison & Farmers Branch
10. Vitruvian Park
Vitruvian Lights, located in Vitruvian Park in Addison, Texas, is an annual Christmas celebration showcasing magnificent holiday lights and decor.
Thousands of LED holiday lights drape the trees, buildings, and sculptures, creating beautiful displays for all to enjoy.
- Dates: November 2026 return; exact dates TBD.
- Admission and parking: 2026 details TBD.
- Experience: Outdoor park display.
- Best fit: Visitors who want to stroll among illuminated trees.
Planning tip: Check parking instructions for your chosen night, particularly if a special event is scheduled.
Address: 16801 Westgrove Drive, Addison, TX 75001
11. Christmas in the Branch
Christmas in the Branch brings together Farmers Branch’s seasonal programming. Individual activities have their own schedules and locations, so plan around the specific event or display you want to visit.
- Dates: November 10 – December 24, 2026
- Location: Farmers Branch; venue varies by activity.
- Admission: Varies by event.
- Experience: Community holiday displays and activities.
- Best fit: Visitors looking for local seasonal programming.
Planning tip: Save the address for your selected activity.
The Best Christmas Lights in Dallas Fort Worth: Plano & Frisco
12. Deerfield Christmas Lights
Deerfield is a neighborhood in the Plano suburbs that goes all out during the festive season.
People travel from across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex (and beyond) to take in the best holiday lights and elaborate displays.
It is definitely an awe-inspiring Christmas lights tour!
- Dates and suggested visiting hours: TBD.
- Admission: Free
- Experience: Residential Christmas decorations.
- Best fit: Visitors who enjoy exploring decorated neighborhoods.
Planning tip: Follow neighborhood visitor guidance, keep noise down, and avoid blocking driveways. Stay on public streets and sidewalks unless a homeowner invites visitors onto the property.
Address: Between Preston Road and Coit Road in Plano
13. Holiday Lights at Frisco Square
Experience some of the most spectacular and breathtaking holiday lights and music displays at Christmas in the Square in Frisco.
This unforgettable, choreographed show features several thousand holiday lights. Don’t miss one of the biggest holiday spectacles in North Texas!
- Dates and hours: November 20, 2026- January 4, 2027
- Admission: Free
- Experience: Synchronized outdoor light show.
- Best fit: Visitors who enjoy lights choreographed to music.
Planning tip: Check the 2026 music schedule and viewing instructions before you arrive.
Address: 8874 Coleman Blvd., Frisco, TX 75034
The Best Christmas Lights in Dallas: The Colony
14. Grandscape
Grandscape pairs seasonal decorations with shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Choose this setting if you want Christmas lights to complement a broader evening out.
Tip: Add a Grandscape Ferris Wheel experience to your outing.
- Dates and event schedule: TBD.
- Admission: Individual activities and attractions may have separate charges.
- Experience: Holiday decorations in a shopping and entertainment district.
- Best fit: An evening combining seasonal scenery with dining or entertainment.
Planning tip: When building your itinerary, distinguish general decorations from scheduled performances and ticketed activities.
Address: 5752 Grandscape Blvd. The Colony, TX 75056
15. The Colony Christmas Spectacular
The Colony’s Christmas Spectacular synchronized holiday light show is choreographed to music streamed via radio on 99.9 FM.
- Dates and hours: December 5, 2026- January 3, 2027
- Location: The Colony.
- Admission and viewing arrangements: Free
- Experience: Synchronized light show.
- Best fit: A dedicated stop for a coordinated Christmas display.
Planning tip: Check the current viewing location and audio instructions before heading out.
Address: Central Fire Station, 4900 Blair Oaks Dr
The Best Christmas Lights in Dallas Fort Worth: Grand Prairie
16. Prairie Lights at Grand Prairie
Prairie Lights is a magical holiday experience at Lynn Creek Park by Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie.
It features more than five million lights along a two-mile drive. The Holiday Village adds rides, treats, and photo opportunities to the experience.
Together, they offer a drive-through show with the option to step out for additional holiday activities.
- Dates: November 26–December 31, 2026.
- Opening time: 6 p.m. nightly.
- Admission: 2026 ticket prices and package details TBD.
- Experience: Drive-through lights and Holiday Village activities.
- Best fit: Groups looking for lights and additional holiday entertainment in one outing.
Planning tip: Check what your ticket includes. Standard admission, premium options, and additional activities may have different costs.
Address: 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
The Best Christmas Lights in Dallas Fort Worth: Grand Prairie & Arlington
17. Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas
Holiday in the Park combines Christmas decorations with a theme park outing at Six Flags Over Texas. Consider this option if the park experience is part of the appeal, not just the lights.
- Dates and operating hours: Select days, November 22 – December 30, 2026
- Admission: 2026 ticket details TBD; check pass benefits and parking charges.
- Experience: Ticketed holiday event at a theme park.
- Best fit: Visitors who want a broader park outing with a seasonal atmosphere.
Planning tip: Review attraction availability and event hours for your chosen date before purchasing tickets.
Address: 2201 E Road to Six Flags St, Arlington, TX 76011
Which DFW Christmas Lights Experience Should You Choose?
For a drive-through outing
Compare Prairie Lights and Gift of Lights. Both feature two-mile vehicle routes.
Prairie Lights also includes a Holiday Village with additional activities. Check ticket inclusions and vehicle restrictions before choosing.
For an illuminated walking experience
Start with Dallas Zoo Lights or Holiday at the Arboretum. The zoo features lanterns and themed displays, while the Arboretum centers its experience on garden surroundings, Christmas Village, and the 12 Days of Christmas gazebos.
For neighborhood decorations
Consider Highland Park and Deerfield. These settings offer decorated streets and homes instead of a single ticketed light trail.
For a holiday outing with extra activities
Compare Gaylord Texan and Prairie Lights. Review individual activities and package inclusions so your budget reflects the experience you actually want.
For an indoor seasonal activity
SEA LIFE Grapevine combines an aquarium visit with Scuba Santa and holiday lights. Check appearance times before booking.
Tips for Visiting Christmas Lights in Dallas–Fort Worth
- Confirm your date. Some attractions operate on select nights.
- Calculate the full cost. Include parking, booking fees, premium options, and extra activities.
- Check the admission basis. Per-person and per-vehicle prices can produce very different totals for a group.
- Save the correct entrance. Large venues may have designated access points for events.
- Review the weather policy. Know how cancellations and rescheduling work before purchasing.
- Check accessibility details. Review walking surfaces, route information, and available accommodations.
- Keep the itinerary realistic. Choose one main attraction and add another stop only if the locations and schedules work together.
- Respect residential neighborhoods. Keep driveways clear, follow parking rules, and stay off private property.
Best Christmas Holiday Lights in Dallas: Final Thoughts
Christmas time in the Lone Star State, with its holiday cheer, makes it an extra special time of year!
The right Christmas lights outing depends on the experience you want. A drive-through show lets you enjoy the displays in your vehicle. An illuminated garden offers a walking experience, while resort celebrations and decorated neighborhoods provide their own holiday atmosphere.
We hope you found our guide to the best Christmas lights in Dallas useful. Start with the comparison table, choose an experience that suits your preferences, and check the official schedule before booking. For more seasonal activities, explore our guide to Christmas Events in Dallas–Fort Worth.
Happy Holidays!
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Lights in Dallas Fort Worth
When do Christmas lights start in Dallas–Fort Worth?
Several confirmed attractions open in November 2026. Holiday at the Arboretum begins November 11, Dallas Zoo Lights starts on select nights beginning November 13, and Prairie Lights opens November 26. Vitruvian Lights also returns in November, with exact dates TBD.
Which Christmas lights in DFW are drive-through?
Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie and Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway are dedicated drive-through attractions. Both feature approximately two-mile routes.
Are there free Christmas lights in Dallas–Fort Worth?
Highland Park Village and the surrounding neighborhood offer free holiday lights viewing. Burnett Park’s Singing Trees installation is also free, though it is not a Christmas-only attraction. Parking, dining, and other activities can add to your outing’s cost.
Can you see Christmas lights after Christmas Day?
Yes. Prairie Lights continues through December 31, 2026. Dallas Zoo Lights, Holiday at the Arboretum, and Christmas at Gaylord Texan continue into January 2027. Check individual operating dates before visiting.
Are all Christmas activities at Gaylord Texan free?
No. Ticketed attractions, parking, and access arrangements require separate consideration. Plan your visit around the specific activities you want and include those costs in your budget.
Is Dallas Zoo Lights an animal-viewing event?
No. Dallas Zoo Lights is a holiday lights experience, and most animals are asleep during the event. Visit during regular zoo hours if animal viewing is your priority.
P.S. If you found this post helpful or want to save it for later, please pin it on Pinterest! Thank you.
Best Christmas Events in Dallas
Check out our Best Christmas Events in Dallas guide for more holiday content.
