It is that time of year when Christmas events in Dallas are all the rage. There are tons of special events and activities going on in the city, from festive tree lightings to winter wonderlands and more. In this guide, we share some of the best places to get into the Christmas spirit in Dallas, Fort Worth.
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Christmas Events in Dallas: Christmas Lights Displays
Holiday events are in full swing in Dallas, with Christmas lights being at the forefront of fun events this season. From Vitruvian Lights to Reliant Lights to the larger-than-life animal lanterns and lighted sculptures at Dallas Zoo Lights. There are all kinds of Christmas light displays to get you in the holiday spirit!
In addition to walk-thru holiday light show experiences, you have the option of drive-thru holiday lights like the light tunnel at Prairie Lights in Lynn Creek Park, Grand Prairie, Radiance! at The Ranch in Weatherford and the Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway.
Also, for a dose of uniqueness, there is the dazzling musical tree with twinkling lights at Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. There is certainly no shortage of millions of twinkling lights-laden holiday cheer for the whole family in Dallas!
Best Christmas Lights in Dallas
Check out our detailed Best Christmas Lights in Dallas, Fort Worth Guide.
Dallas Christmas Events: Winter Wonderlands and Festive Attractions
Dallas Arboretum
At the Dallas Arboretum’s family-friendly holiday village, you will experience the enchanting magic of Christmas like never before!
Capture special photos with Santa Claus and his sleigh, be mesmerized by the beautifully illuminated 50-foot-tall Musical Tree and explore the 12 Days of Christmas gazebos.
Don’t forget to take in the millions of festive lights adorning the historic homes and the majestic spruce tree in the garden’s center. Excitement awaits at the Holiday at the Arboretum!
Grapevine North Pole Express
Grapevine, dubbed the Christmas Capital of Texas, is one of our favorite places to visit during the holidays.
Embark on an unforgettable Christmas adventure with the Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s North Pole Express® train ride. Activities include a special appearance by Mrs. Claus, a Broadway-style show, and plenty of Instagrammable photo moments!
Fun Fact: Grapevine is also home to the largest outdoor ice skating rink in North Texas.
Gaylord Texan Resort
Also at the Christmas Capital of Texas is the Gaylord Texan Resort which is transformed into a mesmerizing Christmas Village!
Expect a magical holiday experience at the Gaylord Texan, complete with spectacular Christmas decorations like the iconic giant 54-foot Christmas tree and over one million lights.
We can’t leave out the fun-filled activities for all ages like live entertainment, gingerbread house decoration, an ice skating rink, and more.
This year, Gaylord Texan presents ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Great Wolf Lodge
Experience the enchantment of Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge this holiday season. From the stunning decorations and light displays to the life-sized gingerbread house and Snowland-themed suites, your visit will certainly be one to remember!
Northpark Center
Christmas at Northpark Center in Dallas is a truly magical experience! Not only does the mall come alive with festive decorations, but there are also plenty of fun events and activities to enjoy. From pictures with Santa Claus to gingerbread house events to holiday promotions for shoppers and more, Northpark Center is the place to be!
Galleria Dallas
Galleria is home to the country’s tallest indoor Christmas tree. The 95-foot-tall tree is hard to miss! The Galleria is equally recognized for its epic Christmas lineup of events. This year is no different!
Celebrations throughout the holiday season include entertaining performances, ice skating events, the interactive installation SNOWDAY, snow flurries indoors, and so much more. It is undoubtedly a magnificent winter wonderland!
Hilton Anatole
Explore the exciting holiday destination of the North Pole Texas winter wonderland at Hilton Anatole. Enjoy holiday-themed activities, hot chocolate and treats, holiday shows, and the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Make this holiday season one to remember at the North Pole!
Six Flags Over Texas
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas is a fun-filled extravaganza not to be missed! Features include a steam train known as Holiday Express, live performances, countless Christmas lights, thrilling rollercoaster rides, and more.
Also, Santa and his pals will be on hand at the new Holiday Market, featuring must-have holiday merchandise and holiday-themed treats.
Legacy West Plano
Legacy West has been transformed into a magical North Pole Christmas Village this Christmas season! Features include festive display activations such as Sleigh All Day, Naughty or Nice, Fa La La Forest, Mistletoe Mall, and the Big Reindeer Energy photo backdrop.
Christmas Events in Dallas: Parades
Dallas Holiday Parade
An annual holiday tradition, the city of Dallas Holiday Parade is a highly anticipated free event. It is an exciting celebration in downtown Dallas featuring floats, marching bands, festive decorations, and more. The Dallas Holiday Parade is wholesome fun for the entire family!
Christmas in the Fort Worth Stockyards
The annual Christmas in the Stockyards is a vibrant Fort Worth parade. Activities include an ice rink, merry holiday tunes, snapshots with Cowboy Santa, tales by Mrs. Claus, reindeer contests, strolling Christmas Carols singers, cowboy poetry, and more.
Dallas Christmas Events: Concerts and Performances
Dallas hosts some of the best Christmas concerts and performances. Whether you’re looking for a festive performance to get you in the holiday spirit or a more traditional show of carols and hymns, you have a wide selection of options to choose from. The following are a few options to consider.
- Christmas Music by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra
- Avant Chamber Ballet performs at Moody Performance Hall in downtown Dallas.
- The Dallas Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza features live entertainment as well as special appearances by Santa and some Dallas Cowboys players.
- The Winspear Opera House at AT&T Performing Arts Center has a variety of holiday musical performances.
- Live music, food trucks, and live performances await you at Klyde Warren Park.
Dallas Christmas Events: Holiday Season Teas and Treats
The holidays are a great time to indulge in all sorts of delicious teas and treats. It can be an enjoyable way to get together in the spirit of the season. The following are a few Christmas event options to consider.
- Holiday tea and hot chocolate at Holiday at the Arboretum, Hotel Crescent Court, and Adolphus.
- Holiday Treats at CocoAndré Chocolatier, Emporium Pies, and Kate Weiser Chocolate.
- A guided tour of dessert spots hosted by Dallas by Chocolate.
Dallas Christmas Events: Santa Claus Photo Ops
The following are a few places to take photos with Santa this holiday season:
- Christmas Village at Dallas Arboretum
- Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge
- North Park Center
- Galleria Dallas
- Hilton Anatole – Photo ops with both Santa and Mrs. Claus
- Six Flags Over Texas– Santa and Mrs. Claus
- Santa’s Workshop at Dallas Zoo Lights
- Santa’s Workshop in Grapevine
- Enchant Dallas at Fair Park
- North Pole at Legacy West
Christmas Events in Dallas: Holiday Markets
Holiday markets offer a great opportunity to purchase gifts for the holidays. From cherished local vendors offering handcrafted gifts and delicious treats to international merchants showcasing wares from around the globe, there’s something for everyone at these festive Dallas area events.
This year, shop from vendors at local holiday markets, such as the Dallas Farmers Market, Texas Christkindl Market, and Holiday Market at Sundance Square in Fort Worth.
Final Thoughts About Dallas Christmas Events
In summary, the holiday season in North Texas is the most wonderful time of the year, with countless exciting holiday events. Everything from family activities, couples experiences, children’s adventures, and fun with friends, there are a host of memorable Christmas events in Dallas, Fort Worth!
To conclude, we hope that this roundup of some of the best places to soak in some holiday cheer has been useful to you. Have an unforgettable Christmas and a happy new year!
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