One of the best cities in Texas to celebrate the holidays is in Dallas, with its endless activities lined up for the Christmas season. Many families visit some of these iconic spots for holiday memories. From the Dallas Arboretum to Grapevine, the Christmas capital of Texas, there is a place for everyone looking to add holiday cheer to their life.
The weather in Dallas is mostly mild temperatures but can be chilly at night, which is ideal for the holidays. You will rarely encounter snow in Dallas, however, freezing rain is a common occurrence, so make sure to plan your trip well in advance.
Here's the scoop on Christmas things to do in Dallas!
1. 12 Days of Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum
A tradition for families in North Texas is the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens with a unique depiction of the 12 Days of Christmas. The gardens are brought to life with a stunning Christmas village and a light show.
The most notable displays are the 25-foot-tall victorian-style gazebos that highlight each scene from the verses of the carol. This well-thought-out design can't be found anywhere else during the Christmas season.
2. Grapevine (The Christmas Capitol of Texas)
Spend the holidays enjoying all that the Dallas suburb has to offer with a downtown area that transforms into a winter wonderland during the weekend of Thanksgiving. Grapevine has a unique collection of Christmas lights, live music, parades, and live performances. Just thirty minutes from Downtown Dallas, Grapevine is a gem for all Christmas lovers.
If you want to explore Downtown Dallas, make sure to visit the Majestic Theatre, the main street garden for a beautiful tree, and ride the North Pole Express, which is the Polar Express in real life!
3. Prairie Lights
One of the best things to do for Christmas in Dallas is to drive past and admire the Christmas lights. The Prairie Lights in the Grand Prairie features twinkling lights for 2 miles with the grand finale of the light tunnel. Don't forget to visit Santa Claus and take some photos.
4. Enchant at Fair Park
Enchant is the definition of a Christmas wonderland with a forest that lights up the night. At the Enchant Christmas event, there are tons of fun activities for kids and adults like the Christmas tree maze, and the outdoor ice-skating trail. Before leaving, make sure to visit the Nordic-inspired market and stop by for crafts and live entertainment.
5. Klyde Warren Park
A family holiday tradition in Dallas is visiting Klyde Warren Park for the tree lighting celebration. After witnessing the Christmas tree come to life, it's time to take part in activities that will get you in the holiday spirit.
Some of the most popular activities that the park brings during the holidays are story time with Mrs. Claus, face painting, photos with Santa, and a live show with Rudolph and Frosty. Enjoy the rest of your night by creating crafts and watching the snow flurries.
6. Snowday
If you're looking for an immersive experience during the holidays, visiting the Galleria Dallas will take you on a journey. Snowday and Santaland feature magical installations that offer photo opportunities and ways to make family memories. After traversing through Snowday and Santaland, visit the largest indoor Christmas tree, standing at 95 feet tall.
If you're looking for some extra fun things to do, you can even hop outside of Dallas and visit the Gift of Lights at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.
7. Vitruvian Lights
The Vitruvian Lights in Addison Park are home to colorful illuminated trees during the holidays. Expect to see thousands of lights and a few food trucks for some sweet treats. The best part about visiting this park is you can go at your own pace and soak in the dazzling lights.
This outdoor exhibit is one of the best Christmas activities for the whole family at this time of year. Spend a Saturday evening enjoying this fun holiday village! Or maybe swing by while Santa visits your home to drop off all his presents!
8. Dallas Zoo Lights
Bring your family as you drive through a mile-long path of unique holiday light displays. Seeing the holiday lights at the Dallas Zoo is one of the most popular things to do for Christmas in Dallas. Kids will especially love the light-up sculptures and lanterns of their favorite animals. These decorations never fail to spread holiday cheer.
9. Texas Christkindl Market
This German-themed holiday market is a favorite amongst the locals with one-of-kind gifts imported from the Christmas Village in Germany. Immerse yourself in German culture by trying German beer and polka dancing. Don't forget to grab yourself some potato pancakes.
10. Northpark Center Mall
This mall in Dallas may look like a normal shopping mall, but during the holidays, the mall becomes a festive paradise. The free event at the Northpark Center Mall is lining up for visits with Santa. Just seven miles from the downtown area, this dreamy wonderland host train rides that go towards the Ronald Mcdonald House of Dallas in helping families during the holiday season.
11. Winspear Opera House
This famous opera house is a great way to spend Saturday nights during the holidays. One of the most notable artists is Sarah Brightman performing "A Christmas Symphony."
12. Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center
Located in Grapevine, this luxurious 4-star-hotel transforms into a winter wonderland with various holiday events and activities to last all season. This is the perfect place to spend time with your family by ice skating or snow tubing. Be prepared to be blown away by the intricate details of the holiday displays and lights.
13. The Elf on the Shelf's Magical Holiday Journey
Experience the exhibit of a Christmas classic with light installations and beautifully designed displays as the elf tries to save Christmas. After walking through the exhibit for 45 minutes, stop by the Christmas Village.
14. Historic Homes
There's a list of many houses that go all out for the Holidays in Dallas. The Burkman Holiday Home of Frisco comes to life with thousands of LED lights, an interactive display of a train village, and a gingerbread house that looks and smells like one. People travel from all over to admire the decorations. The best part is you can take free photos.
The historic Degoyler House is another fascinating place to admire Christmas decorations due to the style and architecture of the estate. Many of the rooms often remind people of many New York hotels decorated for the holidays.
15. Christmas Pops Concert
The Christmas pops concert is one of the best things to do for Christmas in Dallas. This musical event is perfect for the entire family to enjoy with holiday favorites and carols to sing along to. The group behind this wonderful event is the Dallas Symphony Orchestra which performs in the Morton Meyerson Symphony Center.
16. Scrooge Puppet Theatre Show
The Scrooge Puppet Theatre show has been going on for several decades at the Northpark Center Mall. A show that brings in humor and magic, it's no surprise that people continue to travel to see the production. The performance is based on Charles Dicken's "A Christmas Carol."
17. Radiance!
The holiday extravaganza begins with an outdoor winter carnival, ice-skating rink, and a snow hill for tubing. Besides the fun events, the stunning illuminations come to life, syncing to holiday music. The general admission starts at $29.99 for adults and $19.99 for children.
18. Scavenger Hunt
Even though this activity is more for kids, this fun event in downtown Garland is a way to support local businesses by gathering a certain amount of holiday pins to win a prize.
19. Holiday in the Park
Six Flags is like any other amusement park with a giant ferris wheel and bumper cars in various locations in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The park in Dallas is especially memorable during the holidays with millions of dazzling lights, live shows, and snacks to put you in the Christmas mood.
20. Dallas by Chocolate Tours
A special way to spend the holidays is to take a chocolate tour with Dallas by Chocolate while indulging in your favorite hot beverage like hot chocolate. The excursions can be conducted on a bus or through self-driving. End the holidays enjoying a Christmas lights tour while tasting sweet treats!
21. Carriage Service in Highland Park Texas
The Christmas Light Tour Carriage Service in Highland Park Texas is the perfect way to experience the holiday season. These horse-drawn carriage rides take visitors through a variety of charming neighborhoods, while they admire the stunning holiday decorations along the way.
The tour begins at Armstrong Park, where guests will be greeted by their friendly driver and horse before embarking on their festive journey. As they meander through the streets, they will get to take in sights of twinkling lights and glittering decorations while enjoying a hot cup of cocoa.
Guests can also purchase souvenirs during their ride, such as t-shirts and mugs emblazoned with the Highland Park logo and festive designs. Whether you're looking for an unforgettable holiday experience or just to relax in the comfort of your carriage and enjoy what nature has to offer, this tour service is sure to provide you with plenty of holiday cheer!
Choose Your Favorite Dallas Holiday Event
Dallas is just one city in the United States that manages to stand out when it comes to celebrating Christmas. However, Fort Worth also stands on its own for the Parade of Lights and a few other fun, holiday events.
Visiting the Historic DeGolyer House and watching the Dallas Holiday Parade are wonderful ways to experience the holiday season in Dallas, while Campo Verde and the Holiday Show offer a delightful backdrop for making memories that will last a lifetime.
From attending Christmas events to singing Christmas carols, Dallas is the perfect place to celebrate the transition from last year into a wonderful new year!
However you decide to spend Christmas and the holidays, make sure you spread joy!
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