Get in the holiday spirit, Texas style, with this list of 30 Dallas-area events that promise to be fun for the entire family
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and even if it’s barely sweater weather, Santa Claus is coming to Texas to bring plenty of holly jolly happenings to the DFW area. If all you want for Christmas is to spend some quality time with those you love, there is no shortage of festive fun throughout the greater Dallas region. From ice skating and train rides, and Santa visits to winter wonderlands, theater performances, and light displays, you can make Christmas 2022 one to remember by attending these holiday events.
Related: ‘Tis the Season for a Visit to a U-Cut Tree Farm
The Light Park
The Light Park is a drive-thru light show, so load up the car and dash your sleigh through millions of lights sparkling along to Christmas music.
Dates: Nov. 4-Jan. 1
1800 E Lamar Blvd.
Arlington, TX
Online: thelightpark.com
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s
Get a free picture with Santa and complete some Christmas shopping for your outdoor enthusiasts all in one place. But before heading to your local Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s, make an advanced photo reservation to ensure your visit is magical.
Dates: Nov. 5-Dec. 24
Various locations
Online: basspro.com
Holiday at the Arboretum
On the first day of Christmas, make your way to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden to view their 12 days of Christmas display alongside their beloved Christmas Village and Dazzling Musical Tree.
Dates: Nov. 10-Dec. 31 (closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day)
8525 Garland Rd.
Dallas, TX
Online: dallasarboretum.org
Christmas at Gaylord Texan
The Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine has brought back their signature Gaylord Hotels Original Experience – ICE! It’s an experience unlike any other with two million pounds of colorful ice carved into larger-than-life sculptures. In addition, their Christmas packages include a wide variety of classic holiday activities, such as an eight-lane tubing hill powdered with real snow, a gingerbread decorating corner, and a 6,000-square-foot ice skating rink.
Dates: Nov. 11-Jan. 1
1501 Gaylord Trail
Grapevine, TX
Online: christmasatgaylordtexan.marriott.com
The Trains at NorthPark
Since 1987, the Trains at NorthPark have benefited the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, raising more than $13 million for 40,000+ families. The train exhibit includes a total of 1,600 feet of track, showcasing cities and sites from coast to coast.
Dates: Nov. 12-Jan. 6 (closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day)
8687 N. Central Expressway
Dallas, TX
Online: thetrainsatnorthpark.com
Dallas Zoo Lights
Feel some peace, love, and joy as you view millions of lights spread across the Dallas Zoo as part of this walk-thru event. Also, keep an eye out for lighted photo ops, animal lanterns, musical performances, unique animal experiences, and even Santa’s Workshop.
Dates: Select days, Nov. 17-Jan. 1
650 S. R. L. Thornton Freeway
Dallas, TX
Online: dallaszoo.com
Christmas at the Anatole
Every weekend, the Hilton Anatole transforms into a Texas-style North Pole with more than 40 different activities to keep your kids merry and bright all weekend long. Your little ones can enjoy holiday crafts, a train ride, s’mores, face painting, cookies with Mrs. Claus, and more as part of their North Pole Texas Room Experience. Plus, you can schedule Breakfast with Santa, too!
Dates: Weekends, Nov. 18-Dec. 24
2201 North Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, TX
Online: hilton.com
The Polar Express Train Ride
All aboard The Polar Express! Catch a ride on the Texas State Railroad and take a journey to the North Pole as part of this Christmas train ride adventure. You might even be served hot chocolate and cookies by dancing cocoa chefs.
Dates: Select days, Nov. 18-Dec. 27
789 Park Rd. 70
Palestine, TX
Online: texasstaterailroad.net
Radiance! A Holiday Light Spectacular
Advertised as the largest ice and light spectacular in Texas, Radiance! is a one-of-a-kind Christmas experience. After all, where else can you throw a bucket filled with real snowballs at mischievous elves, tube down an ice mountain, or ride a buckin’ Blitzen reindeer.
Insider Tip: With two different Radiance! experiences available, make sure to verify the location and corresponding activities before purchasing tickets.
Dates: Select days, Nov. 18-Dec. 31
2251 Mineral Wells Highway
Weatherford, TX
7300 Roughriders Trail
Frisco, TX
Online: radiancechristmas.com
Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge
If swimming in an 84-degree indoor water park sounds like the ideal holiday festivity, Great Wolf Lodge will have you believing in the magic of Christmas. Then after a dip in the pool, cool off with a visit to Snowland where you will discover a Frosty Fest Family Dance Party, a Snowland Scavenger Hunt, arts, crafts, competition games, and bingo.
Dates: Nov. 18-Jan. 4
100 Great Wolf Dr.
Grapevine, TX
Online: greatwolf.com
Peace Plaza Ice Rink
Bundle up and visit the Christmas Capital of Texas for an ice-skating adventure in Grapevine, TX.
Dates: Nov. 18-Jan. 8
815 S. Main St.
Grapevine, TX
Online: grapevinetexasusa.com
Galleria Dallas
Kick off the Christmas season with the Grand Tree Lighting Celebration at the Galleria Dallas, then reserve a time to visit SNOWDAY, Santaland, and the Grand Holiday Ice Show as well.
Dates: Nov. 18-Jan. 8
13350 Dallas Parkway
Dallas, TX
Online: galleriadallas.com
Lightscape at Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Take a walk through tunnels of lights, singing trees, sculptures, and a fire garden to welcome in the Christmas spirit.
Dates: Select days, Nov. 18-Jan. 8
3220 Botanic Garden Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX
Online: fwbg.org
Holiday In The Park at Six Flags Over Texas
For those thrill-seekers in your life, send them jingling all the way into the Texas skyline with a roller coaster ride or two. And if you have kiddos that would rather get into the Christmas spirit with both feet on the ground, they can enjoy a visit with Santa, s’mores fire pits, a peppermint path filled with thousands of twinkling lights, and a “Wishing Tree” light show.
Dates: Select days, Nov. 19-Jan. 1
2201 Rd. to Six Flags
Arlington, TX
Online: sixflags.com
Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience
You can visit Randy the Reindeer or Forest Green the Singing Christmas Tree as part of the Colorful Christmas festivities at Crayola Experience. Also, be prepared to smile big for a holiday photo with your loved ones inside a life-sized snow globe.
Dates: Nov. 19-Jan. 3
6121 W Park Blvd., Suite A100
Plano, TX
Online: crayolaexperience.com
Holiday PJ Parties at ShowBiz Cinemas
Catch a Christmas movie or two this holiday season at ShowBiz Cinemas. Don’t forget to check out their specialty hot cocoa menu, too.
Dates: Wednesdays, Nov. 23-Dec. 21
108 Broadhead Rd.
Waxahachie, TX
Online: showbizcinemas.com
Prairie Lights
Prairie Lights is set at Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie. It consists of both a drive-thru light experience and a walk-thru forest filled with Christmas lights. The Holiday Village portion also includes carnival rides, vendors, sweet treats, and photos with Santa (for an additional fee).
Dates: Nov. 24-Dec. 31
5610 Lake Ridge Parkway
Grand Prairie, TX
Online: prairielights.org
Mainstay Farm Park
Known as the Biggest Backyard in Texas, Mainstay Farm Park is bustling with Christmas activities, rides, and farm adventures for youngsters. You can even choose and cut your own Christmas tree.
Dates: Select days, Nov. 25-Dec. 17
1004 W Bethesda Rd.
Cleburne, TX
Online: mainstayfarm.com
YesterLand Farm
With plenty of farm attractions and rides, the Christmas Carnival at YesterLand Farm provides holiday fun for everyone. Your entire family is sure to love the Christmas-decorated wagon ride, Animal Town, WesterLand Village, and new Christmas Light Experience.
Dates: Select days, Nov. 25-Dec. 18
15410 Interstate 20
Canton, TX
Online: yesterlandfarms.com
The Nutcracker presented by Texas Ballet Theater
What is Christmas without a performance of The Nutcracker?! Buy tickets to attend an enchanting performance in either Dallas or Fort Worth.
Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 4; Dec. 9-Dec. 24
2403 Flora St.
Dallas, TX
525 Commerce St.
Fort Worth, TX
Online: texasballettheater.org
Lights on the Lake
Lights on the Lake is more than just a light show, it’s a one-stop shop for holiday fun. This Christmas event also includes live music and dance performances, food trucks, local vendors, a carousel, a ferris wheel, and an ice skating rink.
Dates: Select days between Nov. 25-Dec. 27
701 W Eldorado Parkway
Little Elm, TX
Online: lakefrontlittleelm.com
Enchant Christmas
As part of the Enchant Christmas event, lace up those ice skates, shop around a Christmas Village, walk through a story-themed Christmas Light Maze that leads to a 100-foot Christmas tree, and even have your little ones meet Santa.
Dates: Nov. 25-Jan. 1
3809 Grand Ave.
Dallas, TX
Online: enchantchristmas.com
Vitruvian Lights
Strolling through Vitruvian Park in Addison to view more than 550 trees adorned with millions of sparkling lights is a holiday destination you don’t want to miss.
Dates: Nov. 25-Jan. 1
3966 Vitruvian Way
Addison, TX
Online: udr.com
Epic H2olidays! at Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
For a splashing good time, eat Breakfast with Santa or party it up at a New Year’s Eve party at Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark.
Dates: Select days, Nov. 26-Dec. 31
2970 Epic Place
Grand Prairie, TX
Online: epicwatersgp.com
Dallas Holiday Parade
Downtown Dallas comes to life during the Dallas Holiday Parade. As the City’s largest one-day, outdoor event, be prepared for a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd. Although attending the parade is free, spectators can purchase tickets to reserve bleacher seats.
Date: Dec. 3
Houston St. and Commerce St.
Dallas, TX
Online: dallasholidayparade.com
Tree Lighting Celebration at Klyde Warren Park
Set in the heart of downtown Dallas, Klyde Warren Park’s tree lighting is a popular Christmas event. This annual festivity also includes storytime with Mrs. Claus, photos with Santa, and a live show featuring Frosty and Rudolph.
Date: Dec. 3
2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway
Dallas, TX
Online: klydewarrenpark.org
Las Colinas Holiday in the Plaza
With a ferris wheel, ice skating rink, food trucks, photo op with Santa, and 50+ local vendors, attending the Las Colinas Holiday in the Plaza marketplace is sure to make the season brighter.
Dates: Dec. 3-4
501 E Las Colinas Blvd.
Irving, TX
Online: lascolinas.org
Merry & Bright Christmas Drone Show
Nope, that’s not Santa’s sleigh flying over Grapevine. Rather, it’s a fleet of 160 drones lighting up the night sky as part of the Merry & Bright Drone Show.
Dates: Dec. 3 and Dec. 17
815 S. Main St.
Grapevine, TX
Online: gograpevine.com
The Colony Christmas Spectacular
Have yourself a merry little Christmas and take the family to see a Christmas Spectacular light show choreographed to music.
Dates: Dec. 3-Jan. 1
4900 Blair Oaks Dr.
The Colony, TX
Online: thecolonytx.gov
A Merry Cirque presented by Lone Star Circus
Acrobats, clowns, daredevils, and jugglers are sure to mesmerize your entire family into the Christmas spirit.
Dates: Dec. 15-Dec. 18
505 Travis St.
Coppell, TX
Online: coppellaartscenter.org
