Categories > Guides and Tips

downtown-dallas-city-lights

Make Merry Memories With These 16 Things to Do in Dallas for Christmas

| Last Updated: September 2024

A few years ago, I found myself in a bit of a holiday funk. It was one of those December days where the weather was perfect for a stroll, but my usual excitement for the season just wasn’t there.

Determined to shake it off, I decided to embark on an adventure—a quest to discover all the Christmas magic our city has to offer.

My journey started with a simple walk around my neighborhood, where I stumbled upon a house decked out in lights that danced to merry tunes. That small spark of joy set me on a path to uncover every bit of festive fun in town.

From dazzling light displays to ice skating under the stars, I found a treasure trove of activities that reignited my love for the season.

Now, I’m excited to share my discoveries with you. Here are my top things to do in Dallas this Christmas to make sure your experience is as magical and unforgettable as ever!

1. Watch the 12 days of Christmas come to life at the Dallas Arboretum. 

Media credit: amazing_lana1

Website: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/ 

Location: 8525 Garland Rd 

Admission: 

  • General (ages 12+): $20 
  • Seniors (ages 65+): $18
  • Children (ages 3-11): $12
  • Members: Free (reservations required)

Operating hours: Mid November – Early January 

The holiday season at the Dallas Arboretum sounds like a magical experience indeed.

Here, you can stroll through beautifully decorated gardens, each gazebo telling a story from the 12 Days of Christmas. From the Partridge in a Pear Tree to the 12 Drummers Drumming, they really bring the Victorian charm to life.

And it’s not just about the sights either—there’s live music, tasty food to savor, and even Santa himself making appearances to spread holiday cheer. 

But here’s the cherry on top: The pathways are super easy to walk, so everyone can enjoy the magic.

2. Light up the night at Frisco’s Christmas in the Square. 

Media credit: steven_spainhouer

Website: https://livefriscosquare.com/ 

Location: 8843 Coleman Blvd, Frisco

Admission: Free

Operating hours: Mid November – Early January 

Frisco’s Christmas in the Square is just a short 30-minute drive from downtown Dallas, and as soon as you arrive here, you’ll be greeted by the largest choreographed light and music display in all of North Texas. 

Picture over 175,000 lights dancing in perfect harmony to your favorite holiday tunes—it’s like stepping into a Christmas dreamland. 

But the magic doesn’t stop there—it also offers an outdoor skating rink where you can glide under the twinkling lights and a whimsical Christmas tree maze that’s ideal for a fun adventure. 

And even though Texas isn’t known for its snowy winters, Frisco has you covered with snow flurries every 15 minutes on Fridays and Saturdays. 

3. Enjoy festive drinks with a view at Winterproof. 

Media credit: eatindallas 

Website: http://www.waterproofdallas.com/ 

Location: 1914 Commerce St 19th floor 

Admission: Free 

Operating hours: Mid November – End of December 

Normally, Waterproof is this super trendy pool bar and rooftop lounge perched atop the Statler Hotel. 

But when the holiday season rolls around, it undergoes an incredible transformation into Winterproof—a winter paradise perfect for celebrating in style.

You and your friends can relax in an igloo, sipping on spiced cider or a festive candy cane cocktail, all while soaking in some of the best views the city has to offer.

The whole place gets a magical makeover, decked out in all the Christmas decor you could imagine. 

Now, here’s the scoop about the igloos: They cost $100 an hour during non-peak times and $200 an hour during prime times. 

But if you split the cost between six friends, it’s pretty manageable. And trust me, the experience is worth every penny.

4. Hit the city’s biggest party at the Dallas Holiday Parade. 

Media credit: dallasholidayparade 

Website: https://linktr.ee/DallasHolidayParade 

Location: Downtown Dallas (from Commerce and Houston Streets to the City Center)

Admission: Free 

Operating hours: First Saturday of December 

The Dallas Holiday Parade is the city’s biggest party and a tradition we’ve cherished for ages. The streets are packed with massive crowds, floats that are practically works of art, dancers twirling, and marching bands filling the air with festive tunes. 

It’s held in the downtown area and typically kicks off on the first Saturday of December, either in the morning or early afternoon, and stretches on for a delightful two hours. 

The fun doesn’t end when the last float passes by—the whole area buzzes with activities all day. You’ll find food trucks dishing out classic Texas goodies and Christmas treats that’ll make your taste buds sing. 

Plus, there are loads of family-friendly activities before and after the parade, keeping the spirit alive and ensuring no one gets bored.

Here’s the cherry on top: Watching the parade from the route is totally free. But if you really want to up your game, you can snag a reserved bleacher spot for about $20.

This sweet deal comes with a goody bag and a chance to meet Santa himself. 

5. Admire the Galleria Dallas’ famous holiday display.

Media credit: galleriadallas 

Website: https://galleriadallas.com/ 

Location: 13350 Dallas Pkwy 

Admission: Free 

Operating hours: Mid November – End of December

Imagine a place where the Christmas spirit reaches towering heights—literally. At the Galleria Dallas, they take holiday celebrations to a whole new level with their iconic tree-lighting ceremony. 

Picture a gigantic Christmas tree, the tallest indoor one in the country, adorned with 10,000 sparkling ornaments and almost half a million twinkling lights. 

And to top it all off? A dazzling 100-pound star that shines bright enough to rival Texas stars in the sky!

But hey, it’s Dallas—we don’t do anything halfway. 

Ever seen Santa ice skate? Well, here, he doesn’t just skate; he puts on a full show, complete with acrobatic stunts and fireworks shooting from his skates. 

They call him Mr. Missile Toes, and he’s joined by world-class skaters, sometimes even Olympic gold medalists. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can join in the fun for just $15 and skate around that massive tree while shoppers cheer you on from above.

6. Have a wild time at the Dallas Zoo Lights.

Media credit: askfoodbitch 

Website: https://www.dallaszoo.com/ 

Location: 650 S R.L. Thornton Fwy 

Admission: 

  • Adult (ages 12-64): $19 -24 
  • Child (ages 3-11): $15-19  
  • Children under 2: Free
  • Discounts available for Dallas Zoo members 

Operating hours: Mid November – Early January 

Dallas Zoo Lights during Christmas is like a tradition here. The entire zoo turns into this dazzling wonderland, with over a million twinkling lights everywhere you look. 

They’ve got these huge rainbow arches and whimsical light displays of all the zoo animals—it’s mind-blowing, especially for the kids.

And if that’s not enough, there’s a carousel too for the little ones, mini trains chugging around, and ornament crafting stations. Plus, you can groove to live music and treat yourself to all kinds of sweet goodies.

7. Drive through the world’s largest Christmas light tunnel at Prairie Lights. 

Media credit: gisselle_rdz 

Website: http://prairielights.org/ 

Location: 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy, Grand Prairie  

Admission: $30 per car (up to 8 people) 

Operating hours: Late November – End of December

With over 4 million twinkling lights spread across 2 miles of driving paths, Prairie Lights boasts over an hour of in-and-out car fun.

They’ve also crafted a Holiday Village where you can park, stretch your legs, and explore walk-through light displays that dazzle at every turn. 

And when you need to warm up, you can indulge in some delicious hot food that adds an extra touch of comfort to the experience.

Now, here’s the crowning jewel: the world’s largest light tunnel—a sight so breathtakingly beautiful, it’s practically made for your Instagram feed!

8. Enjoy festive decorations at the Hilton Anatole.

Media credit: dallas_discovered

Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dfwanhh-hilton-anatole/ 

Location: 2201 N Stemmons Fwy 

Admission: 

  • Adults: $43 
  • Children (ages 2 – 17): $36

Operating hours: Late November – End of December 

Hilton Anatole goes all out every year, turning their whole place into a winter wonderland. You’ll find everything from marionette shows to mini golf, and even ice fishing—yeah, you heard that right! 

You can do crafts, play adventure games, and decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus herself. 

Oh, and don’t miss out on breakfast with Santa; they’ve got a buffet spread that includes a chocolate fountain. Plus, Mrs. Claus reads a Texas-themed Christmas story, which is pretty neat. 

Just a heads-up: it’s all outdoors in a private gated park, so snagging tickets early is a smart move.

9. Experience a holiday in Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas.

Website: https://gograpevine.com/christmas-in-grapevine/ 

Location: Downtown Grapevine (from Main Street to Town Square Gazebo) 

Admission: Free

Operating hours: Mid November – Early January 

No holiday season in Texas is complete without experiencing Christmas in Grapevine, affectionately dubbed the Christmas Capital of the state. 

The downtown area is adorned with grand decorations, animated characters, and millions of twinkling lights.

What’s special about this place is the constant buzz of activity, such as live street performances adding to the festive cheer, charming wagon rides pulled by tractors, and mesmerizing choreographed light shows that will truly dazzle you.

You can also join in with carolers as you stroll through the magical streets or catch the lively holiday parade—it’s all about creating those cherished memories with loved ones. 

And did I mention the Gaylord Texan Resort? It’s where the holiday spirit reaches new heights with thrilling snow tubing, ice skating on their rink, and the famous ICE! attraction that’s sure to amaze both young and old alike.

10. Visit Santa’s workshop at Miracle on 134th Street. 

Media credit: miracleon134thstreet 

Website: https://www.miracleon134thst.com/ 

Location: 10455 Co Rd 133, Celina 

Admission: 

  • General (ages 3+): $20-30 
  • Children under 2: Free 

Operating hours: Mid November – End of December 

At Miracle on 134th Street, you can visit Santa’s own workshop!

It’s a festive haven where you can dive into the holiday spirit with a guided tour led by one of his elves. You’ll get to peek into Blitzen’s cupcake-eating corner, explore the bustling mailroom, and even attend elf school—it’s quite the merry experience! 

You can also immerse yourself in a magical, lighted forest, enjoy a whimsical train ride, and take a spin on the classic carousel. For the little ones, bounce houses await, while cozy fire pits offer the ideal spot to sip hot cocoa.

And the best part? Meeting Santa himself is completely free! 

11. Enjoy a luxurious holiday tea service at The Adolphus. 

Media credit: theadolphushotel

Website: https://www.adolphus.com/

Location: 1321 Commerce St 

Admission: 

  • Adults (ages 12+): $75 + tax and gratuity 
  • Children (under 12 years old): $35 + tax and gratuity 

Operating hours: Thanksgiving Weekend – Christmas Eve 

If you’re looking for a touch of elegance this Christmas in Dallas, you’ve got to experience the holiday tea service at The Adolphus. It’s a real gem, and it’s a beloved tradition among the locals. 

The luxurious experience takes place inside the acclaimed French Room, decked out in all its festive glory, with a harpist playing your favorite seasonal tunes in the background.

The timeless tea service starts with a glass of bubbly, then comes a three-course spread that’s just as delightful as it sounds. 

We’re talking about scrumptious tea sandwiches, warm, flaky scones, and pastries that are almost too pretty to eat, all paired with some of the finest loose-leaf teas.

But here’s a little insider tip: this event is incredibly popular, so make sure you book your reservation way ahead of time. 

Spots fill up fast, and you don’t want to miss out on this quintessential Dallas treat, right?

12. Dine at the most festive restaurant in DFW — Campo Verde.

Media credit: campoverdedfw

Website: https://www.campoverdedfw.com/ 

Location: 2918 W Pioneer Pkwy Arlington 

Admission: Free 

Operating hours: Any time of the year  

For the ultimate over-the-top Christmas dining experience, go to Campo Verde! 

This amazing Tex-Mex spot in Arlington is not just any ordinary diner—in fact, it’s open any time of the year. Yep, you heard me right!

This restaurant is decked out in decorations, so even if it’s blazing hot in July, you can get your holiday fix. 

But believe me, visiting in November or December is when the magic really happens. Think giant inflatable snowmen, themed rooms, and their famous light tunnel that makes you feel like you’re in a holiday movie.

And let’s not forget the food! As soon as you sit down, you’re greeted with complimentary chips and queso—a winning start to any meal. 

The whole menu is great, but if you’re looking for a recommendation, go for the fajitas. They’re a crowd favorite.

13. Shop at the largest Christmas store in Texas — Decorator’s Warehouse.

Media credit: macy.blackwell 

Website: http://www.decoratorswarehouse.com/ 

Location: 3708 W Pioneer Pkwy, Arlington 

Admission: Free 

Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 – 6 pm 

Decorator’s Warehouse is the largest Christmas store in Texas, and even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth the trip just for the sheer experience. 

Here, you’re surrounded by over 20 different themed areas, each more magical than the last. 

There’s a whimsical Candyland that will make you feel like a kid again, a fun Grinchmas scene that’s ideal for a laugh, and classic red and white Christmas displays that capture the very essence of the holiday spirit. It’s like a photo op around every corner!

But if you’re in the market for decorations, you’re in luck too. They have everything from high-quality ornaments to ribbons, sprays, and every kind of festive accessory you can imagine. 

Seriously, if you haven’t decided on a theme for your home yet, you’ll definitely find inspiration at this warehouse. 

14. Find the perfect gift in Downtown McKinney. 

Media credit: downtownmckinney 

Website: http://www.mckinneytexas.org/Index.aspx?NID=115 

Location: 111 N Tennessee St, McKinney 

Admission: Free 

Operating hours: Late November – End of December 

Downtown McKinney during Christmas is nothing short of enchanting!

Charming streets all decked out in beautiful holiday decorations, and the photo ops? They’re everywhere, just begging to be Instagrammed.

It’s one of the best spots to find unique holiday gifts, with over 120 shops to explore. 

You can easily spend the day wandering in and out of art galleries, antique stores, home décor shops, and cute boutiques, discovering treasures for even the most challenging people on your gift list—or treating yourself to something special.

And the vibe? It’s just so festive and friendly. 

You’ll feel like you’re part of a Hallmark movie, seriously!

15. Let NorthPark Center fill you with holiday cheer. 

Media credit: northparkcenter 

Website: http://www.northparkcenter.com/ 

Location: 8687 N Central Expy

Admission: Free

Operating hours: Mid November – End of December

Every year, this place becomes a jolly Christmas paradise, with plenty of entertaining activities to take part in!

As soon as you walk in here, you’re instantly greeted by the delightful sight of Santa, ready for those heartwarming festive photos. 

Not far from Santa, you can catch a show at the Scrooge Puppet Theatre or get lost in the enchanting world of the train exhibit and whimsical Gingertown.

NorthPark is one of my all-time favorite spots during the holiday season—it brings back so many wonderful childhood memories for me. Some of their seasonal traditions have been cherished for over 20 years, which makes them all the more special.

The whole shopping center is decked out with fresh poinsettias, beautiful Christmas trees, and even a flying Santa Claus. 

And you absolutely can’t miss two of their most iconic decorations: the vintage Candy Santa soaring with his Pecan Reindeers and the Bavarian-style animated Christmas clock. 

This clock is a real treat—it plays the 12 Days of Christmas every 15 minutes, and both of these decorations have been delighting visitors since the 1960s. 

16. Be dazzled at Enchant Christmas in Fair Park. 

Media credit: https://www.instagram.com/fairparkdallas 

Website: https://www.fairparkdallas.com/ 

Location: 3809 Grand Ave 

Admission: 

  • Adults (ages 18-64): $34+
  • Seniors (ages 65+) and Military (with ID): $29+
  • Children (ages 3-17): $20+
  • Children 2 and under: Free

Operating hours: Late November – Early January 

Enchant Christmas is a pretty popular holiday event in Fair Park that features a massive magical Christmas light maze, an ice skating trail, and a Christmas market.

The light maze there is phenomenal—it’s made up of over two million lights and winds through the most festive displays you can imagine.

And if skating is your thing, they’ve got an ice skating trail that’s perfect for all skill levels (believe me, I’ve done more wobbling than gliding there!).

The market is also ideal for picking up some unique gifts and enjoying delicious treats.

After you’ve soaked in all the lights, engage in an outdoor winter carnival. There are food trucks serving tasty bites, snow games for the kids, carolers spreading holiday cheer, and pop-up bars for the adults to enjoy a warm drink.

Related topics