Find your holiday cheer in Denton with our expert guide. Whether you're a Denton insider or an outsider looking in, this guide reveals the city's holiday soul.
One event to enjoy this season is the Holiday at the Arboretum, where stunning light displays and festive floral arrangements create a magical atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Dallas Zoo Lights dazzles with its vibrant light installations and unique animal encounters, adding a whimsical twist to traditional holiday festivities. And the timeless ballet performance of The Nutcracker is something you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Denton
- Dallas Zoo Lights (Dallas)
- Holiday at the Arboretum (Dallas)
- North Pole Express (Grapevine)
- ICE at the Gaylord Texan Resort (Grapevine)
- The Nutcracker (Fort Worth)
- The Nutcracker (Dallas)
- Christmas at Gaylord Texan (Grapevine)
- Trains at NorthPark (Dallas)
- Lights at Legacy (Plano)
- Holiday in the Park - Six Flags (Arlington)
See these and even more events listed below!
Denton Holiday Light Displays
Holiday at the Arboretum
What to Expect:
50-foot-tall Dazzling Musical Tree with animated lights and holiday tunes.
Description:
The Dallas Arboretum transforms into a holiday spectacle with the 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos, Christmas Village, and over a million lights. Visit the elaborately decorated DeGolyer House and enjoy seasonal performances and activities.
Where: Dallas | More Info: Holiday at the Arboretum
Dallas Zoo Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Dallas Zoo Lights features over two million twinkling lights, larger-than-life animal lanterns, holiday-themed photo ops, musical performances, and festive treats. Meet Santa and enjoy special events like Member-Only nights and Sensory Friendly Nights.
Where: Dallas | More Info: Dallas Zoo Lights
Lights at Legacy
What to Expect:
Annual lighting of the Christmas Tree with live entertainment.
Description:
Lights at Legacy is a grand holiday event featuring the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree at The Shops at Legacy East, attracting over 15,000 people with festive activities and live entertainment.
Where: Plano | More Info: Lights at Legacy
Parade of Lights Grapevine
What to Expect:
Largest lighted Christmas parade in North Texas.
Description:
The 45th Annual Parade of Lights in Grapevine features over 100 lighted floats and marching bands, with this year's theme being "Toys, Trains & Candy Canes." The parade is the largest lighted Christmas parade in North Texas, showcasing festive floats and community spirit.
Where: Grapevine | More Info: Parade of Lights Grapevine
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with festive activities.
Description:
Join the Decatur Chamber of Commerce for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, featuring Santa's Village, hot chocolate, community performances, and the lighting of the Christmas tree in Decatur Town Square.
Where: Decatur | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Night of Lights Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
A lighted Christmas parade with a focus on glorifying Jesus Christ.
Description:
The Night of Lights Christmas Parade is a nighttime lighted Christmas parade sponsored by the Historic Granbury Merchants Association and the Lake Granbury Ministerial Alliance. It features a colorful lineup of decorated entries, including lighted floats and walking groups, all aimed at glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ. The parade takes place in Historic Granbury Square and is a significant part of the community's holiday tradition.
Where: Granbury | More Info: Night of Lights Christmas Parade
Denton Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winter Wonderland and Pancake Breakfast
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday market with handmade items and a pancake breakfast.
Description:
Join Little Elm High School for a holiday market featuring unique handmade items and a pancake breakfast. This event supports the school's choirs and offers a community-driven shopping experience.
Where: Little Elm | More Info: Winter Wonderland and Pancake Breakfast
The Cove Holiday Store
What to Expect:
Cozy holiday shopping experience with a variety of gifts.
Description:
The Cove Holiday Store offers a variety of holiday items and gifts, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for finding unique presents.
Where: Little Elm | More Info: The Cove Holiday Store
Denton Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker is a timeless ballet production choreographed by Ben Stevenson O.B.E., featuring Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's iconic score. The performance includes a children's area where kids can meet ballerinas, see costumes up close, and learn about ballet training. Ugly Sweater Nights are also part of the event, inviting patrons to wear festive holiday attire.
Where: Dallas | More Info: The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker is a timeless holiday classic featuring Ben Stevenson's spectacular production of Tchaikovsky's iconic ballet, with elaborate sets and costumes, at Bass Performance Hall.
Where: Fort Worth | More Info: The Nutcracker
ICE at the Gaylord Texan Resort
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday attraction with intricate ice carvings.
Description:
ICE at the Gaylord Texan Resort features larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels, all carved from over two million pounds of ice by 40 expert artisans from Harbin, China.
Where: Grapevine | More Info: ICE at the Gaylord Texan Resort
North Pole Express
What to Expect:
Immersive North Pole lights and festive holiday treats.
Description:
Climb aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad's North Pole Express for a 45-minute holiday adventure. Passengers are immersed in North Pole lights, greeted by Santa's Elves, and enjoy Christmas singalongs, special moments with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and their favorite Christmas treats. Each ticket includes a single 4x6 photo with Santa at the General Store.
Where: Grapevine | More Info: North Pole Express
Christmas at Gaylord Texan
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with over 2 million pounds of ice sculptures.
Description:
Christmas at Gaylord Texan offers an array of holiday activities, including ICE featuring larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and immersive tunnels. The event also features Cirque: Spirit of Christmas, ice skating, gingerbread decorating, and holiday dining options.
Where: Grapevine | More Info: Christmas at Gaylord Texan
Holiday in the Park - Six Flags
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with live entertainment and festive activities.
Description:
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas features live entertainment, family-friendly activities, specialty food offerings, and visits with Santa Claus.
Where: Arlington | More Info: Holiday in the Park - Six Flags
Breakfast with the Grinch
What to Expect:
Interactive Grinch-themed activities for kids.
Description:
Join children and parents for a Grinch-themed breakfast, featuring crafts, carnival games, and more.
Where: Denton | More Info: Breakfast with the Grinch
Christmas Cartoons and Crafts
What to Expect:
Classic Christmas cartoons paired with holiday crafts.
Description:
Watch classic Christmas cartoons while making fun holiday crafts, including a DIY Jingle Bell necklace.
Where: Grapevine | More Info: Christmas Cartoons and Crafts
Christmas Drone Show
What to Expect:
Synchronized drone show with 400 drones.
Description:
Witness a spectacular display of 400 drones creating intricate patterns in the sky over Historic Main Street, adding a modern twist to the holiday season.
Where: Grapevine | More Info: Christmas Drone Show
Christmas Concert & Cookies w/Santa
What to Expect:
Holiday concert and cookie event with Santa.
Description:
Join Santa for a delightful holiday celebration featuring Christmas cookies and a special concert. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and holiday cheer with family and friends.
Where: Little Elm | More Info: Christmas Concert & Cookies w/Santa
Little Elm Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Synchronized drone show with themed music.
Description:
Little Elm Christmas Tree Lighting features a synchronized drone show with themed music, creating an interactive and dynamic holiday experience.
Where: Little Elm | More Info: Little Elm Christmas Tree Lighting
Denton Other Holiday Activities
Trains at NorthPark
What to Expect:
Elaborate miniature train display with interactive elements.
Description:
The Trains at NorthPark is a premier holiday attraction featuring 24 Lionel miniature train sets running on tracks simultaneously, showcasing iconic American landscapes like Dallas, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. The exhibit benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas and includes interactive elements and hand-painted railcars.
Where: Dallas | More Info: Trains at NorthPark
Prairie Christmas at Nash Farm
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday activities highlighting heritage skills.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Nash Farm with Prairie Christmas, featuring heritage skills and festive activities.
Where: Grapevine | More Info: Prairie Christmas at Nash Farm
Santa Adventureland
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas activities with Santa's real reindeer.
Description:
Santa Adventureland offers interactive Christmas activities for all ages, including games, toy-building with elves, and meeting Santa's real reindeer. The event is located inside Golden Triangle Mall in Denton, TX, and lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Where: Denton | More Info: Santa Adventureland
Frosty 5k
What to Expect:
A festive fun run through Frisco Square and downtown area.
Description:
The Frosty 5K is a fun run through Frisco Square and the downtown area, perfect for all ages and a delightful Frisco tradition.
Where: Frisco | More Info: Frosty 5k
Merry Movie Night
What to Expect:
Free movie night with dinner and refreshments.
Description:
Join us for a family-friendly Merry Movie Night at Midlothian Community Park. Enjoy dinner and a movie with free refreshments while supply lasts. Bring blankets and chairs for lawn seating. This event is free and open to the public, sponsored by Methodist Midlothian Medical Center.
Where: Midlothian | More Info: Merry Movie Night
17th Annual Reindeer Romp 5k & 1 Mile Fun Run
What to Expect:
Benefiting local physical education departments with a fun run/walk event.
Description:
The 17th Annual NISD Reindeer Romp is a fun 5K and 1-mile run/walk benefiting the Physical Education Departments of Northwest ISD. Participants can run, walk, crawl, or skip through the course, and dogs are welcome. The event includes a t-shirt and a race medal for all finishers.
Where: Denton | More Info: 17th Annual Reindeer Romp 5k & 1 Mile Fun Run
Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place
What to Expect:
Historic home tour with diverse architectural styles.
Description:
Explore historic homes in Ryan Place, featuring a mix of mansions and bungalows, showcasing the neighborhood's unique architecture and charm.
Where: Fort Worth | More Info: Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place
Farmstead Christmas Celebration
What to Expect:
Traditional music and ornament-making activities.
Description:
Join the farmhands at Grapevine's historic farmstead for a family celebration of the season, including making ornaments, traditional music, and refreshments.
Where: Grapevine | More Info: Farmstead Christmas Celebration
Cowboy Christmas on the Trail
What to Expect:
Historical reenactments of Christmas on the Chisholm Trail.
Description:
Immerse yourself in the history of the Chisholm Trail as actors recreate Christmas scenes from the 1800s at six different campfire settings. Hear about the struggles and excitement of life on the trail during this festive event.
Where: Cleburne | More Info: Cowboy Christmas on the Trail
Hometown Holidays: Old Fashioned Holiday Night
What to Expect:
Horse-drawn carriage rides and antique fire truck rides.
Description:
Milford's Hometown Holidays is an annual event featuring horse-drawn carriage rides, antique fire truck rides, carolers, and visits with Old Saint Nick, all set in historic downtown Milford.
Where: Denton | More Info: Hometown Holidays: Old Fashioned Holiday Night
Christmas on the Farm
What to Expect:
Traditional farm activities with a festive holiday twist.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Nash Farm with traditional farm activities and festive atmosphere, immersing you in the history and charm of Texas prairie life.
Where: Grapevine | More Info: Christmas on the Farm
Saginaw Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with free activities and competitions.
Description:
Join us for a festive evening in Saginaw featuring free Christmas Concerts, Horse-Drawn wagon rides, open houses at various venues, free pony rides for kids, and food vendors throughout the streets. The event also includes the Annual HAP Cookie House Competition at the Andersen Enrichment Center, where participants will receive sugar compliments from Michigan Sugar.
Where: Saginaw | More Info: Saginaw Parade of Lights
Roanoke’s Hometown Holiday
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with diverse activities.
Description:
Roanoke’s Hometown Holiday is a community event featuring a street festival, tree lighting, and parade. It includes activities like an alpaca petting zoo, balloon twisting, carolers, chain saw wood carving, children’s activities, face painting, gingerbread house competition, live music, parade, photos with Santa, sledding hill, tree lighting, vendors, and wagon rides.
Where: Roanoke | More Info: Roanoke’s Hometown Holiday
Santa’s Open House Roanoke
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with family activities and charitable giving.
Description:
Santa’s Open House Roanoke is a community event featuring family photo ops, Santa visits, live reindeer, hayrides, hot cocoa, s'mores, and a bonfire. It also includes a mega giveaway and a holiday food drive.
Where: Roanoke | More Info: Santa’s Open House Roanoke
First Responder’s Breakfast with Santa
What to Expect:
Breakfast event with Santa and local first responders.
Description:
Join Roanoke's First Responders for a heartwarming breakfast with Santa, fostering community and holiday cheer.
Where: Roanoke | More Info: First Responder’s Breakfast with Santa
Breakfast with Santa at The Cove
What to Expect:
Meet Santa in a cozy lakefront setting.
Description:
Join Santa at The Cove for a delightful morning filled with holiday cheer and special moments with the jolly old man.
Where: Little Elm | More Info: Breakfast with Santa at The Cove
Polar Express Little Elm
What to Expect:
Immersive Halloween experience with drone and fireworks.
Description:
Polar Express Little Elm is a festive event featuring a family-friendly Halloween experience with drone and fireworks displays, costume contests, and trick-or-treating.
Where: Little Elm | More Info: Polar Express Little Elm
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Corinth (6 miles)
- Little Elm (12 miles)
- Flower Mound (14 miles)
- Lewisville (14 miles)
- The Colony (17 miles)
- Frisco (18 miles)
- Southlake (19 miles)
- Coppell (19 miles)
- Grapevine (20 miles)
- Keller (21 miles)
- Carrollton (23 miles)
- Colleyville (23 miles)
- Farmers Branch (24 miles)
- Bedford (26 miles)
- Watauga (26 miles)
- Euless (26 miles)
- North Richland Hills (27 miles)
- Hurst (27 miles)
- Allen (28 miles)
- Saginaw (28 miles)
- Plano (29 miles)
- Irving (30 miles)
- Richardson (30 miles)
- Haltom City (30 miles)
- McKinney (30 miles)
- University Park (32 miles)
- Murphy (33 miles)
- Arlington (33 miles)
- Grand Prairie (33 miles)
- Sachse (35 miles)
- Dallas (35 miles)
- Garland (35 miles)
- Fort Worth (36 miles)
- Wylie (37 miles)
- Rowlett (39 miles)
- Duncanville (41 miles)
- Sherman (42 miles)
- Benbrook (42 miles)
- Rockwall (44 miles)
- Mesquite (44 miles)
- Cedar Hill (44 miles)
- Balch Springs (45 miles)