Last updated on January 2nd, 2026 at 12:28 am
Christmas in Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) is undoubtedly a special time of year. The entire metroplex transforms into a festive wonderland. The holiday spirit is activated by special events, holiday installations, magical light displays, cozy seasonal pop-ups, nostalgic train rides, elevated Christmas dining experiences, and so much more!
As Dallas residents, we have curated this guide for anyone looking for the best things to do in North Texas this holiday season.
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Classic Holiday Activities This Christmas in Dallas Fort Worth
1. Admire the Tallest Indoor Christmas Tree
The iconic 95-foot-tall Christmas tree at the Galleria Dallas is the tallest indoor Christmas tree in the United States.
It is located in the center court of the mall and is a major holiday attraction, featuring over 200,000 programmable LED lights and a grand star at the top.
2. Marvel at the Miniature Trains at Northpark
Visit NorthPark Center and watch the miniature trains travel along more than 1,000 feet of track. The trains set off on a journey across iconic American cityscapes and landmarks.
FYI: Tickets support the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, and proceeds help families with children receiving medical care.
3. Venture Out to Classic Christmas Dallas
Classic Christmas is a massive indoor immersive holiday walkthrough at Dallas Midtown (formerly Valley View Mall).
It is a magical alpine-themed wonderland with stunning light displays, seasonal treats, live music, ice skating, a snow slide, visits with Santa, Christmas karaoke, a self-guided trail, and other festive activities for all ages.
Get your Classic Christmas tickets here. Save $25 when you use promo code BOOK25 at checkout.
4. Spend an Evening at Christmas in the Garden
Christmas in the Garden at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden features a one-mile self-guided trail illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights.
The trail includes themed zones like the Candy Cane Tunnel, Rainbow Path, and a Christmas Tree Show, all set to festive music.
Book your Christmas in the Garden tickets before they sell out.
5. Experience the Christmas Capital of Texas
Head to Grapevine, the official Christmas Capital of Texas, for the ultimate dose of holiday cheer and the magic of the season.
It is a holiday wonderland featuring several fun events and activities spread across 40 days. These include mesmerizing lights, themed parades, classic traditions, and unique, modern festivities.
6. Ascend the Skies at Six Flags Over Texas.
Head out to Six Flags Over Texas for Holiday in the Park. Here you can ride rollercoasters under Christmas lights.
Plus, enjoy the magical holiday experience with shows, holiday traditions, and seasonal treats like hot cocoa around the park.
7. Explore ICE! at Gaylord Texan Resort
ICE! at Gaylord Texan Resort is one of the most spectacular Christmas attractions in Texas.
Artisans hand-carve ice sculptures into elaborate displays of beloved Christmas scenes, creating a stunning, ice-cold winter wonderland.
Tip: We recommend an overnight stay at Gaylord Texan to experience other Christmas events, such as gingerbread decorating, the stunning 54-foot Christmas tree, snow tubing, holiday shows, and more.
8. Discover Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge
The Snowland celebration at Great Wolf Lodge transforms the entire resort into a festive winter wonderland.
The lodge is decked out with holiday decorations, and special activities like a festive scavenger hunt, holiday-themed dance parties, seasonal crafts, games, and visits from Santa Claus on weekends.
9. Get Your Holiday Skate on at Local Rinks
Skating on thin ice takes on a new meaning in Dallas-Fort Worth. The following popular ice skating rinks are worth checking out:
- Galleria Dallas
- Hilton Anatole in Dallas
- Vitruvian Park in Addison
- Skate the Square in Frisco
- Peace Plaza in Grapevine
Holiday Parades This Christmas in Dallas Fort Worth
10. Immerse Yourself in the Dallas Holiday Parade
The Dallas Holiday Parade is the official kickoff to the holiday season in Dallas. It is the largest one-day outdoor holiday parade in Texas.
The parade features colorful floats, marching bands, festive music, and appearances by Santa Claus, Miss America, Miss Texas, and other parade characters.
11. Attend the Grapevine Annual Parade of Lights
The Grapevine Annual Parade of Lights is the largest lighted Christmas parade in North Texas.
It features more than 100 lighted floats and marching bands, all themed around the season’s festivities.
12. Delight in the Fort Worth Parade of Lights
The Fort Worth Parade of Lights is the city’s signature holiday event and an outdoor celebration worth attending.
It features more than 100 illuminated floats, marching bands, antique cars, horse-drawn carriages, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus on a special finale float.
13. Revel in Frisco’s Santa & Friends Parade
Frisco hosts a Christmas parade as part of its annual “Merry Main Street” festival, which is the city’s longest-running holiday event.
The parade, known as the “Santa & Friends Parade,” takes place in downtown Frisco.
The event features Santa Claus, festive floats, live music by school choirs, a holiday gift market, food vendors, and family activities.
The highlight of the celebration is the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree and a holiday drone show.
Christmas Light Displays in Dallas Fort Worth
14. Witness Tree Lighting at Klyde Warren Park
The tree lighting at Klyde Warren Park is an annual holiday event. It features the lighting of the Mayor’s 52-foot Christmas tree, which is adorned with over 37,000 LED lights.
Festivities also include free photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, face painting, crafts, visits from Frosty and Rudolph, live entertainment, food trucks, and holiday shopping.
15. Participate in a Highland Park Christmas Lights Tour
The Highland Park Christmas Lights Tour is a 90-minute guided tour that showcases Highland Park’s spectacular holiday displays.
You will enjoy the scenic holiday sights from heated, premium vehicles with panoramic windows.
The tour visits notable locations, including the elaborate mansion decorations on Armstrong Parkway, the brilliant light displays on Beverly Drive, and the historic Big Pecan Tree.
Tip: We recommend booking your Highland Park Christmas Lights Tour in advance to guarantee your spot for this popular seasonal experience.
16. Bask in the Dallas Arboretum’s 12 Days of Christmas
The Dallas Arboretum becomes one of the most spectacular holiday destinations in Texas during its annual 12 Days of Christmas celebration.
More than 500,000 twinkling lights illuminate the 66-acre botanical garden, creating a magical light park atmosphere.
The display features elaborate light sculptures representing each day of the classic carol and massive Christmas trees throughout the gardens.
Pro tip: Arrive around 4:30 PM to explore the gardens in daylight and stay through sunset to watch the lights come alive. The transformation is breathtaking!
17. Drive Through Prairie Lights
Visit Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie for a drive-through Christmas lights experience featuring tunnels, animated displays, and a festive village.
18. Soak in Sights at Christmas in the Square
Christmas in the Square in Frisco is the largest choreographed holiday lights-and-music display in North Texas.
The event features over 180,000 twinkling lights synchronized to holiday music, available on 107.3 FM or through outdoor speakers as you walk or drive through Frisco Square.
FYI: The Frisco Square light show is designed for both drive-through and walking experiences.
19. Walk Under Vitruvian Lights
Vitruvian Park in Addison features an incredible LED light canopy that spans the park’s main pathway.
The synchronized light show runs nightly and includes millions of LED lights set to holiday music.
20. Wander Through Dallas Zoo Lights
Dallas Zoo Lights is a popular holiday event that transforms the zoo into a festive atmosphere. It features over two million twinkling lights, lanterns, and immersive themed areas.
You can stroll through ZooNorth to enjoy light displays, themed photo ops, live entertainment, festive holiday treats, and nightly visits with Santa.
Tip: Purchase the Dallas Zoo Lights Combo Ticket, so you can see the animals by day and stay for the lights at night, starting at 2:30 p.m. and continuing until the lights event begins.
21. Traverse the Trail of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway
Experience a unique drive-through light display of over a million lights at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.
The Gift of Lights is a 2-mile route of elaborate light displays, animated scenes, and holiday music broadcast through your car radio.
22. Absorb the Festive Spirit at Highland Village
Highland Village hosts “Our Village Glows,” a major holiday celebration featuring the lighting of a 35-foot Christmas tree and a synchronized light show with 150,000 LED lights.
You can also enjoy special Christmas-themed activities like carriage rides, cookie decorating, visits with Santa, and more.
23. Meander Through Neighborhood Light Displays
DFW holiday events light displays extend beyond city-organized festivities.
Local neighborhoods come alive during the Christmas season with award-worthy Christmas lights and holiday decor.
Holiday favorites include neighborhood lights in the following neighborhoods:
- Interlochen (Arlington) features over 200 homes with spectacular displays and a drive-thru light show.
- Ryan Place (Fort Worth) is known for its grand historic homes.
- Fairmount (Fort Worth): This historic neighborhood hosts a self-guided Festivus Holiday Light Tour, where homes showcase creative, festive decorations.
- Tanglewood (Fort Worth) features many homes with elaborate light display setups, especially along Tanglewood Park and Trail.
- Highland Park (Dallas) is renowned for its upscale homes and famous for its festive streets and extravagant residential displays.
- Deloache and Preston Hollow (Dallas) neighborhoods have synchronized light shows, often set to music.
- Deerfield (Plano) lights are a fan favorite for their creativity and festive spirit.
Check out our Best Christmas Lights in Dallas-Fort Worth guide for more details.
Best Places To Eat and Drink This Christmas in Dallas Fort Worth
24. Sample Holiday Specials at Christmas Pop-Up Bars
Multiple bars and local restaurants transform into Christmas pop-ups with over-the-top décor, holiday-themed cocktails, and holiday music.
These pop-ups offer immersive experiences ranging from classic winter wonderlands to quirky, themed zones.
Some favorites include Miracle, Tipsy Elf, Sippin Santa, Holly Jolly Bar, St. Henry’s Winter Wonderland, Tinsel Tavern, Blitzen’s Bar, and Leela’s Holiday House.
25. Indulge in Holiday Afternoon Tea
Several luxury hotels offer special holiday afternoon tea services featuring holiday-themed treats, festive decorations, and elegant settings.
Some afternoon tea venue options to consider include The Adolphus Hotel, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, and Hotel Crescent Court.
Tip: For a unique twist on afternoon tea, check out Tea Around Town Dallas. It is a combination of afternoon tea and a sightseeing tour on a cute, pink double-decker bus.
Musical Performances and Live Entertainment This Christmas in Dallas
26. Attend Dallas Symphony Orchestra Live Performances
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents spectacular holiday concerts each December at the Meyerson Symphony Center.
These performances feature classic Christmas music and favorite holiday tunes.
27. Watch The Nutcracker at Multiple Venues
Experience the magic that has made The Nutcracker a Christmas tradition for generations.
Local ballet companies and theaters across Dallas and Fort Worth perform “The Nutcracker” on multiple weekends.
These include performances by Texas Ballet Theater, Ballet North Texas, Dallas Black Dance Theater, Avant Chamber Ballet, and at Fair Park.
Holiday Markets This Christmas in Dallas Fort Worth
28. Engage in Retail Therapy at Christmas Markets
Dallas-Fort Worth is home to a variety of holiday markets this Christmas, offering festive shopping, local crafts, and seasonal treats.
The following are some top markets to explore:
Grapevine Holiday Market
At the Grapevine Christmas Market, you can browse unique gifts, artisan crafts, holiday snacks, drinks from a variety of local vendors, and festive photo ops.
Texas Christkindl Market
The Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington is held at Globe Life Field.
It is a German-inspired market featuring handcrafted gifts, nutcrackers, holiday decorations, German foods, and live entertainment.
Dallas Farmers Market Holiday Market
Dallas Farmers Market Holiday Market is a great spot for unique gifts, live music, and seasonal treats.
Clearfork Holiday Market
Clearfork Holiday Market is held at The Shops at Clearfork in Fort Worth. Expect shopping, dining, and a chance to meet Santa.
Special Events This Christmas in Dallas Fort Worth
29. Step Back in Time at a Dickens-style Festival Night
The Plano Dickens-style Christmas Festival Night is a beloved, free, family-friendly holiday event held annually.
The historic Downtown Plano Arts District is transformed into a charming, nostalgic atmosphere.
The event features twinkling lights, costumed carolers, street performers, a tree lighting ceremony, a coffee and cocoa walk, a snow slide, painting and crafts, food and drinks from local vendors, and more.
30. Stroll Through Wassail Fest in Denton
Wassail Fest is an annual holiday event held in downtown Denton. It is famous for its wassail tasting, where local downtown merchants serve free samples of their own unique wassail recipes.
FYI: Wassail is a traditional hot, spiced punch made with apple cider, wine, or ale, and flavored with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
You can walk from shop to shop, sampling various wassail versions and voting for your favorite. The event also features live music, holiday shopping, and other family-friendly activities.
31. Celebrate Themed Nights at the Star in Frisco
The Dallas Cowboys host the Christmas Extravaganza. It is an event that features themed evenings at The Star in Frisco with performances, light shows, Santa visits, photo opportunities, live entertainment, strolling carolers, and a holiday night market with local vendors.
32. Go to a Christmas Candlelight Concert
Fever’s Candlelight Christmas concerts create a warm, nostalgic atmosphere.
The concerts feature live performances of holiday classics by string quartets and orchestras, with thousands of candles creating a magical setting.
33. Relax at a Holiday-themed Hotel
Staying at a holiday-themed hotel is the perfect way to relax this holiday season. Several Dallas–Fort Worth hotels go all‑in on Christmas decor and on‑site activities.
For the most immersive, kid‑focused Christmas experience with big decor and daily activities, prioritize Gaylord Texan, Great Wolf Lodge, or Hilton Anatole.
For a more grown‑up, luxury‑leaning holiday staycation with beautiful decor plus spa and dining, look first at Omni Dallas, Adolphus, Joule, Rosewood Mansion, Thompson Dallas, or The Ritz-Carlton Dallas.
Check out our Exciting Christmas Events in Dallas Guide for more details.
Unique Experiences This Christmas in Dallas Fort Worth
34. Have an Unforgettable Experience at Christmas Village
The Dallas Arboretum sets up a European-inspired Christmas village that transforms the gardens into a festive, storybook setting inspired by a quaint European hamlet.
The Christmas Village has 12 charming, handmade shops styled like traditional European buildings. These include a bookstore, bakery, candy shop, floral shop, and even a post office where guests can send letters to Santa.
35. Embark on a Whimsical SNOWDAY Christmas Journey
SNOWDAY is an immersive experience that offers exploration in unique, winter-themed spaces filled with interactive surprises, optical illusions, and numerous festive photo opportunities.
For more interactive activities, check out our Immersive Experiences in Dallas guide.
36. Enjoy Aerial Views at Rooftop Igloos
Igloos are among the most popular holiday pop-ups in the DFW area, and are a unique way to celebrate the season.
They are cozy, private retreats perfect for enjoying festive drinks, snacks, and views of holiday lights.
The following are the top igloo options in Dallas Fort Worth:
- Dallas Zoo Lights Holiday Igloos
- The Adolphus Winter Village Igloos
- Hotel Vin Winter Wonderland Bubbles
- Chicken n Pickle Igloos
37, Activate Holiday Magic at Grandscape Ferris Wheel
The Grandscape Wheel offers festive views of holiday lights. It is part of the larger Grandscape Holiday Magic experience, which includes lights, Santa, giveaways, live music, and themed photo opportunities.
Rides on the Ferris Wheel are a great way to see the sparkling holiday lights from above. The area around the wheel is decorated for the season with photo backdrops and holiday cheer.
Check out our detailed Grandcape Wheel review and travel guide.
38. Embark on a Nautical Christmas Journey
Nautical Christmas experiences in Dallas–Fort Worth offer a unique twist on holiday festivities. They blend festive decor, lights, and holiday cheer with water-based activities.
One of the most popular options is the Christmas Light Cruise at Lynn Creek Marina at Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie.
You will board the Wave Party boat for a 60-minute cruise, enjoying views of the spectacular Prairie Lights holiday display from the water.
The boat is decorated with lights and holiday music, and hot chocolate and cookies are provided, with the option to bring your own drinks (alcohol is permitted).
Santa Experiences This Christmas in Dallas Fort Worth
39. Ride the Train to Santaland
At Santaland, you will hop on a simulated train journey through a moonlit forest to Santa’s North Pole chalet.
Insider Tip: Book the combo SNOWDAY and Santaland ticket for extra savings.
40. Eat Breakfast with Santa at Gaylord Texan
Enjoy breakfast with Santa at the Gaylord Texan Resort.
This breakfast experience includes a buffet meal, photos with Santa, holiday activities, and time with Mrs. Claus.
41. Meet and Greet Santa at NorthPark Center
NorthPark Center in Dallas offers one of the most sophisticated Santa photo experiences in the metroplex. It features a premium set design and professional photography.
42. Hop on the North Pole Express Train Ride
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad operates Santa’s North Pole Express train rides during the holiday season.
This magical journey aboard the vintage train departs from the Grapevine depot and travels to the “North Pole” where Santa Claus makes a special appearance. Hot chocolate and cookies are served on board.
Tip: Tickets sell out pretty fast, so book reservations as early as possible.
43. Grab Breakfast With Santa at the Hilton Anatole
Breakfast with Santa at the Hilton Anatole is hosted at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant. It is set up as a brunch-style buffet with seasonal dishes.
The breakfast experience includes storybook readings, crafts, and interactive moments with Santa and Mrs. Claus, who circulate for meet-and-greets and photos.
44. Join Santa for Brunch With Skyline Views
Enjoy Sunday brunch and Dallas skyline views with Santa at Crown Block. This restaurant is located at the very top (56th floor) of the iconic Reunion Tower.
Santa visits tables throughout the dining room as you feast on a buffet spread, holiday pastries, hot cocoa stations, and bars serving poinsettias and mimosas.
45. Hang Out With Santa at Grapevine’s Main Street
At Main Street Santa, you can enjoy photo sessions and storytime with Santa.
Main Street Santa is open throughout the holiday season and is a favorite for creating lasting memories
Insider Tips for How to Make the Most of Christmas in Dallas Fort Worth
Book Christmas in Dallas Events Early
Popular festive activities sell out weeks in advance; therefore, we recommend purchasing tickets early. It is smart to book several weeks ahead, especially for weekends and school break dates.
Best Times to Visit Dallas Fort Worth Christmas Attractions
The first two weeks of December offer the best balance of holiday atmosphere and manageable crowds. This timing provides excellent opportunities to enjoy Christmas activities before peak crowds arrive.
Weekday evenings typically offer the shortest wait times at popular attractions. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings see the lightest crowds across most attractions.
The week between Christmas and New Year’s brings heavy crowds as schools remain closed. If you’re visiting during this period, expect longer wait times and sold-out events at popular venues.
Christmas in Dallas Fort Worth Weather & What to Wear
The weather in Dallas-Fort Worth changes quickly (and unpredictably). December temperatures typically range from the mid-30s to mid-60s Fahrenheit, though occasional cold fronts bring freezing temperatures.
Wear layers that allow you to adjust as you move between heated indoor spaces and outdoor activities.
A medium-weight jacket or coat handles most December days in DFW. Add a warm layer like a fleece or sweater for evening events and colder days.
Scarves, gloves, and hats become necessary during cold snaps and for extended outdoor activities like light displays.
Rain occurs occasionally in December, so a light rain jacket or umbrella helps prevent the weather from ruining plans.
For ice skating and extended outdoor events, dress warmer than the temperature suggests. Even on mild days, ice rinks stay cold.
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes work best for walking between attractions and navigating parking areas.
Christmas in Dallas Fort Worth: Transportation and Parking Tips
Plan for traffic and parking; consider rideshares or light rail for big parades and central festivals.
Tip: Ride-share services work well for visits to areas with challenging parking, like Highland Park, or crowded events like the Downtown Dallas Holiday Parade.
You can also rent a bike or scooter to see holiday décor.
Final Thoughts About Top Things To Do This Christmas in Dallas-Fort Worth
The Dallas Fort Worth metroplex is the perfect place to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. The beauty of the holiday experience here lies in its extraordinary mix of traditions, entertainment, and festive events.
You might start your morning with a visit to Santa and holiday shopping at a festive market, spend your afternoon catching a spectacular holiday show, and end your evening ice skating under twinkling lights and later sipping hot cocoa. Each experience will add another layer of joy to your holiday memories, creating moments you’ll treasure long after the decorations come down.
Don’t let this season slip away without experiencing the best of what Dallas-Fort Worth has to offer. These attractions won’t last forever, and some of the most popular events sell out quickly.
The magic is waiting, and the memories you create this Christmas will become the stories you share for years to come. So, pick your favorites, and start checking off your holiday bucket list.
Enjoy!
More Fun Things to Do in Winter in Dallas Fort Worth
The excitement does not end at Christmas. Check out our guide to Fun Things to do in Winter in Dallas for details.
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