Anticipating the festive season in Dallas? Our guide will lead you to all the holiday fun! For Dallas natives and holiday travelers, our guide reveals the city's festive treasures.
This season, experience the magic of Gaylord ICE, where towering ice sculptures and intricate designs celebrate the spirit of winter in an enchanting indoor setting. With a dazzling array of twinkling lights and holiday decorations, the Christmas Capital of Texas is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in holiday cheer. And the interactive SNOWDAY experience is something you definitely don’t want to miss, offering snow-filled fun for all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Dallas Discussion!
See the Latest Holiday News for Dallas!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Dallas
- Christmas Capital of Texas (Grapevine)
- Gaylord ICE (Grapevine)
- Dallas Zoo Lights
- Holiday in the Park (Arlington)
- SNOWDAY
- Holiday at the Arboretum
- Trains at Northpark
- The Nutcracker
- North Pole Express (Grapevine)
- Holiday Circus
See these and even more events listed below!
Dallas Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Capital of Texas
What to Expect:
Extensive holiday light displays and festive activities.
Description:
In Grapevine, Texas, the Christmas Capital of Texas offers over 1,400 festive events in 40 days, featuring millions of lights, larger-than-life decorations, animated characters, and photo opportunities.
Where: Grapevine | More Info: Christmas Capital of Texas
Dallas Zoo Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Dallas Zoo Lights is a spectacular holiday event featuring over two million twinkling lights, larger-than-life animal lanterns, and holiday-themed photo opportunities. The event includes musical performances, festive treats, and special activities like meeting Santa. It offers a unique blend of nature and holiday magic.
Where: Dallas | More Info: Dallas Zoo Lights
Holiday at the Arboretum
What to Expect:
Elaborate light displays and themed exhibits.
Description:
The Dallas Arboretum's Holiday at the Arboretum features the 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos, Christmas Village, and a lavishly decorated DeGolyer House. The event includes a 50-foot-tall Dazzling Musical Tree and over a million lights throughout the garden.
Where: Dallas | More Info: Holiday at the Arboretum
Christmas Lights, Chocolate, and Sips Tour
What to Expect:
Adults-only tour with private heated motorcoach and varied dessert samples.
Description:
Embark on a holiday lights tour in Dallas, viewing spectacular displays while savoring treats from premier local dessert venues and enjoying hot beverages.
Where: Dallas | More Info: Christmas Lights, Chocolate, and Sips Tour
Dallas Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Gaylord ICE
What to Expect:
Immersive ice sculptures and thrilling frozen slides.
Description:
The Gaylord ICE exhibit features larger-than-life ice sculptures of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, along with thrilling frozen slides and awe-inspiring tunnels carved from two million pounds of ice.
Where: Grapevine | More Info: Gaylord ICE
Holiday in the Park
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday entertainment with live shows and festive decor.
Description:
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas features musical shows, twinkling lights, holiday treats, and visits with Santa Claus.
Where: Arlington | More Info: Holiday in the Park
North Pole Express
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with festive decorations and special treats.
Description:
Climb aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad's North Pole Express, where passengers are immersed in mesmerizing North Pole lights and surrounded by Classic Christmas decorations. Enjoy Christmas singalongs, special moments with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and their favorite holiday treats. Each ticket includes a Mrs. Claus Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie, Frosty Chocolate Snow Milk in a souvenir memory mug, and a single 4x6 photo with Santa at the General Store.
Where: Grapevine | More Info: North Pole Express
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Elaborate ballet performance with a children's area and festive activities.
Description:
The Nutcracker is a timeless ballet performance choreographed by Ben Stevenson, featuring Tchaikovsky's iconic score. It includes a children's area, Kingdom of Sweets, and Ugly Sweater Nights, offering a delightful holiday experience.
Where: Dallas | More Info: The Nutcracker
Holiday Circus
What to Expect:
Blending circus artistry with beloved holiday melodies.
Description:
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is a spectacular holiday event featuring world-class circus performers and a lively musical mix of timeless seasonal favorites. The show blends spellbinding grace and daredevil athleticism, transporting audiences to a fun-filled holiday-themed experience they will never forget.
Where: Dallas | More Info: Holiday Circus
Santa’s Village
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities in a festive village setting.
Description:
Santa's Village at Huffhines Park offers free parking, photos with Santa, musical performances, and interactive activities within each village dwelling. Explore dwellings like Santa's Post Office and Mrs. Claus's bakery.
Where: Richardson | More Info: Santa’s Village
Dallas Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Largest one-day outdoor holiday event in the city.
Description:
The Dallas Holiday Parade is a large-scale outdoor event featuring giant balloons, marching bands, and festive floats, celebrating the holiday season with thousands of spectators.
Where: Dallas | More Info: Dallas Holiday Parade
Klyde Warren Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Annual lighting of the Mayor's Tree.
Description:
Klyde Warren Park's Tree Lighting Celebration is a signature holiday event featuring photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, face painting, crafts, games, and a special show by the Emerald City Band. The event culminates in the annual lighting of the Mayor's Tree.
Where: Dallas | More Info: Klyde Warren Tree Lighting
Black Nativity
What to Expect:
Inspired by Langston Hughes' iconic 1960 Broadway show.
Description:
Black Nativity is a heartwarming holiday production inspired by Langston Hughes' iconic 1960 Broadway show. It features Gospel music, dramatic dance, and a biblical narrative, showcasing a mesmerizing display of hand-clapping, toe-tapping, and finger-snapping theatrical wonderment.
Where: Dallas | More Info: Black Nativity
Christmas Cartoons & Crafts
What to Expect:
Combines classic cartoons with hands-on holiday crafts.
Description:
Watch classic Christmas cartoons while creating a fun holiday-themed craft at the Palace Arts Center in Grapevine.
Where: Grapevine | More Info: Christmas Cartoons & Crafts
Dallas Other Holiday Activities
SNOWDAY
What to Expect:
High-quality, studio-lit photo opportunities with integrated cameras.
Description:
SNOWDAY at Galleria Dallas offers an immersive holiday experience with endless photo opportunities, interactive set designs, and unique moments captured with integrated cameras and studio lighting.
Where: Dallas | More Info: SNOWDAY
Trains at Northpark
What to Expect:
STEM-inspired miniature train exhibit with sensory-friendly hours.
Description:
The Trains at NorthPark is a premier holiday tradition featuring intricate miniature train displays across 1,600 feet of track, offering a STEM-inspired experience and sensory-friendly hours. It supports the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, providing a home-away-from-home for families seeking medical care.
Where: Dallas | More Info: Trains at Northpark
Christmas at the Anatole
What to Expect:
Holiday activities with a Ferris Wheel and Christmas Tree Maze.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at the Hilton Anatole with exciting new attractions, including a Christmas Tree Maze, Ferris Wheel ride, and exhilarating burlap slide. Enjoy a Holiday Bundle with each guest getting one Ferris Wheel ride, one Tree Maze, two Snowy Summit Slide Rides, and a complimentary Holiday Signature Beverage.
Where: Dallas | More Info: Christmas at the Anatole
Christmas in the Stockyards
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with a mix of traditional and western-themed activities.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at the Fort Worth Stockyards with a variety of festive activities, including a holiday ice rink, sounds of the season, photos with Cowboy Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, reindeer games, strolling Dickens carolers, and two championship rodeos culminating in a spectacular Christmas parade.
Where: Fort Worth | More Info: Christmas in the Stockyards
A Charlie Brown Christmas
What to Expect:
Exclusive Peanuts-themed swag and high-demand registration spots.
Description:
Join the 3rd Annual Charlie Brown Christmas 5K/10K in Dallas, where participants of all ages can rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. The event features a mostly flat, out-and-back course along the Trinity Skyline Trail, with festive finisher medals, participant bibs, and performance tech t-shirts for all participants. The event also includes a Snoopy Kids Dash for children under 12 and post-race refreshments.
Where: Dallas | More Info: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- University Park (5 miles)
- Irving (9 miles)
- Duncanville (11 miles)
- Farmers Branch (11 miles)
- Balch Springs (11 miles)
- Grand Prairie (11 miles)
- Mesquite (12 miles)
- Richardson (12 miles)
- Carrollton (13 miles)
- Garland (13 miles)
- Lancaster (14 miles)
- DeSoto (14 miles)
- Cedar Hill (16 miles)
- Rowlett (16 miles)
- Euless (16 miles)
- Coppell (17 miles)
- Plano (18 miles)
- Arlington (18 miles)
- Sachse (18 miles)
- Grapevine (19 miles)
- Murphy (20 miles)
- Bedford (20 miles)
- Lewisville (21 miles)
- Hurst (21 miles)
- Colleyville (21 miles)
- The Colony (22 miles)
- Southlake (22 miles)
- Wylie (22 miles)
- Rockwall (23 miles)
- Flower Mound (23 miles)
- Midlothian (23 miles)
- Allen (23 miles)
- Mansfield (25 miles)
- North Richland Hills (25 miles)
- Frisco (25 miles)
- Watauga (27 miles)
- Haltom City (27 miles)
- Little Elm (27 miles)
- Waxahachie (28 miles)
- Keller (28 miles)
- Corinth (30 miles)
- Fort Worth (30 miles)
- McKinney (31 miles)
- Saginaw (33 miles)
- Burleson (34 miles)
- Denton (35 miles)
- Benbrook (39 miles)