30+ Best Christmas Events in Dallas-Fort Worth in 2024
The holiday season in Dallas-Fort Worth is a magical time filled with sparkling lights, festive events, and fun traditions for the whole family. From dazzling light displays and holiday markets to ice skating and Christmas-themed train rides, DFW has something for everyone looking to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, this guide to the best Christmas activities in 2024 will help you make the season merry, bright, and full of unforgettable memories!
1. Holiday at the Arboretum
- Features: Holiday at the Dallas Arboretum is a winter wonderland that features stunning displays and activities for all ages. The highlight is the 12 Days of Christmas exhibit, where each day is brought to life with 25-foot-tall Victorian-style gazebos decorated with intricate scenes, music, and festive lighting. Kids will love the Christmas Village featuring a European-inspired holiday market with charming shops, live music, a scavenger hunt, and seasonal treats. Visitors can also enjoy nighttime illuminated displays, photo ops with Santa on select dates, and plenty of cozy spots to sip hot chocolate.
- Age restrictions: All ages allowed. Strollers and wagons are encouraged for little ones!
- Address: Dallas Arboretum Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218
- Dates & Hours: November 13, 2024 – January 5, 2025. Daytime and nighttime reservations are available.
- Cost: General admission ranges from $13 – $27, with discounts for senior citizens and children. Ages 2 and under are free. Parking is an additional $12 per vehicle.
- Forms of payment accepted: Credit cards accepted. Tickets can be purchased online in advance.
2. Prairie Lights
- Features: Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie is one of the largest holiday light displays in Texas, featuring a dazzling two-mile drive-through experience with over four million lights. Highlights include the iconic Holiday Village, where visitors can step out to explore walk-through light displays, shop for holiday treats, and snap photos with Santa.
- Age restrictions: All ages
- Address: Lynn Creek Park5610 Lake Ridge Parkway, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
- Dates & Hours: November 28 – December 31, 2024. Opens every day at 6pm.
- Cost: $50 per car
- Forms of payment accepted: Visa, Mastercard, and cash accepted.
3. Dallas Zoo Lights
- Features: Dallas Zoo Lights transforms the zoo into a holiday wonderland with over two million lights, including themed lanterns, animal-shaped displays, and an illuminated forest walk. Guests can enjoy holiday-themed photo ops, seasonal treats, and Santa visits.
- Age restrictions: All ages allowed. Strollers and wagons are encouraged for little ones!
- Address: 650 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75203
- Dates & Hours: November 22 – January 4. Open select nights from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Cost: $16 per person for walk-through admission (ages 3 and up). Free for children under 3.
- Forms of payment accepted: Dallas Zoo accepts major credit and debit cards, as well as mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Cash may be accepted for select on-site purchases, but buying tickets online in advance is recommended.
4. Tree Lighting Celebration at Klyde Warren Park
- Features: This annual event at Klyde Warren Park kicks off the holiday season with the lighting of a spectacular Christmas tree. Guests can enjoy holiday performances, live music, festive food and drink vendors, live entertainment, photos with Santa, and activities for kids. The park is beautifully decorated for the holidays, and the tree lighting culminates with a special visit from Santa’s friends Frosty and Rudolph and a special show at the Nancy Best Fountain!
- Age restrictions: All ages allowed.
- Address: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas, TX 75201
- Dates & Hours: December 7, 2024, 4-7pm
- Cost: Free
- Forms of payment accepted: Major credit and debit cards are accepted at vendor booths. Some vendors may also accept cash, and mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay may be available.
5. Highland Park Village Christmas lights
- Features: Highland Park Village becomes a holiday wonderland each year with 1.5 million holiday lights adorning the buildings and trees throughout the shopping center. The elegant lights create a magical atmosphere, perfect for a festive evening stroll. While the event is primarily about the lights, visitors can also enjoy upscale holiday shopping and dining as well.
- Age restrictions: All ages allowed.
- Address: 4200 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
- Dates & Hours: The Christmas lights typically begin illuminating the village in late November and remain on nightly through early January. Lights are usually on from 5:00 p.m. to midnight.
- Cost: Free
- Forms of payment accepted: While the lights are free to view, payments at the shopping center’s boutiques and restaurants can be made with credit and debit cards, as well as mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
6. Snowday and Santaland
- Features: Snowday and Santaland are immersive experiences taking place at Galleria Dallas! Snowday allows you to experience multiple rooms decked out with over-the-top Christmas decorations. Enjoy photo opps and fun surprises around each corner! Santaland takes your family on a magical journey to meet Santa Claus. When you reach his chalet at the North Pole, your child will be amazed that Santa already knows their name and what they want for Christmas!
- Age restrictions: All ages allowed and they do accommodate strollers.
- Address: Located at Galleria Dallas on the south end of Level 1 (Ground Level) right next door to Banana Republic. 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75001
- Dates & Hours: Open from November 22nd – Christmas Eve, with the exception of Thanksgiving. Hours generally follow Galleria Dallas opening hours.
- Cost: Tickets start at $29.97 for a family of 2 or $49.95 for a family of 4 during value days (Mondays & Tuesdays except the week before Christmas). Ticket prices vary by day and are a combination of the guests in your family/group and the photo package you choose. For pricing, click here.
- Forms of payment accepted: This location accept cash (in-person) and all major credit cards.
7. Santa’s North Pole Express in Grapevine
- Features: Santa’s North Pole Express is already sold out for 2024! However, it’s never too early to start planning for next year—be sure to mark it on your family’s radar for a fun and magical holiday tradition in 2025! Santa’s North Pole Express offers a magical train ride for families, taking them on a journey to the North Pole. The ride is filled with holiday cheer, featuring friendly elves, frozen drinking chocolate, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Passengers can enjoy a storybook journey, complete with a train ride through festive scenery, before arriving at the North Pole to meet Santa himself. The event also includes the chance to take a memorable family photo with Santa.
- Age restrictions: All ages allowed.
- Address: Grapevine Vintage Railroad, 705 S. Main St., Grapevine, TX 76051
- Dates & Hours: Santa’s North Pole Express operates on select dates in November and December. The train departs at scheduled times, usually in the late afternoon and evening. Exact times and dates can be found here.
- Cost: Prices typically range from $20 to $40 per person, depending on age and seating. Tickets for infants may be discounted or free if they are seated on a parent’s lap.
- Forms of payment accepted: Major credit and debit cards are accepted when purchasing tickets.
8. Christmas at Gaylord Texan
- Features: Gaylord Texan’s annual holiday event, Ice! features over 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures depicting a festive winter wonderland. The indoor ice exhibit is kept at a chilly 9 degrees, providing a unique experience in the Texas warmth. Other attractions include the Glacier Glide ice tubing hill, Reindeer Games scavenger hunt, snowball fights, gingerbread house decorating, and opportunities to meet Santa Claus. The resort is beautifully decorated with sparkling lights and holiday displays throughout.
- Age restrictions: All ages are welcome to Gaylord Texan, but individual activities may have age restrictions.
- Address: Gaylord Texan Resort, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051
- Dates & Hours: November 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025. Hours vary by activity.
- Cost: Ticket prices vary by event. Click here for more information.
- Forms of payment accepted: Credit and debit cards are accepted.
9. Vitruvian Lights
- Features: Vitruvian Lights transforms Vitruvian Park in Addison into a stunning winter wonderland with over 1.5 million lights adorning the park’s trees and walkways. In addition to the lights, the event often features live entertainment, food trucks, and a chance to meet Santa. The event is free to attend, making it a wonderful and accessible holiday tradition for locals and visitors alike.
- Age restrictions: All ages allowed.
- Address: Vitruvian Park, 3966 Vitruvian Way, Addison, TX 75001
- Dates & Hours: Saturday, November 23, 2024 – Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Lights will be on from 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. every evening. Be sure to check the Vitruvian Lights website or social media for exact dates and special event hours.
- Cost: Free
- Forms of payment accepted: This is a free event, but onsite vendors generally accepts credit cards.
10. Annual Dallas Holiday Parade
- Features: The Annual Dallas Holiday Parade is a beloved tradition in the city, featuring colorful floats, marching bands, dance performances, and appearances by Santa Claus. The parade winds through the heart of downtown Dallas. It’s one of the largest holiday parades in Texas, offering an exciting mix of music, entertainment, and beautiful floats. The event is family-friendly and a great way to get in the holiday spirit.
- Age restrictions: All ages are welcome. Be advised that there is quite a bit of standing and waiting for floats.
- Address: The parade route begins at Commerce and Houston streets and runs through downtown Dallas.
- Dates & Hours: December 7, 2024 at 9am
- Cost: The parade is free. However, if you want a guaranteed seat, tickets for bleacher seats are available for purchase.
- Forms of payment accepted: Event is free! Seats can be reserved online in advance with credit card.
11. Holiday Events at Galleria Dallas
- Features: Galleria Dallas offers a variety of Christmas activities for the whole family. The centerpiece is the stunning 95-foot indoor Christmas tree, one of the tallest in the nation, beautifully decorated with thousands of lights and ornaments. Visitors can enjoy ice skating around the tree, holiday-themed performances, and the famous Ice Skating Santa shows. Galleria Dallas also hosts Snowday and Santaland.
- Age restrictions: All ages
- Address: 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75240
- Dates & Hours: Click here for a full list of holiday events and activities at Galleria Dallas.
- Cost: Varies by activity
- Forms of payment accepted: Varies by activity
12. Christmas on Historic Main Street in Grapevine
- Features: Known as the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” Grapevine’s Historic Main Street comes alive each holiday season with stunning decorations, and festive activities. Visitors can stroll down Main Street to enjoy beautiful holiday displays, shop for unique gifts at charming boutiques, and savor seasonal treats at local cafes and restaurants. Highlights include the Parade of Lights, Peace Plaza Ice Rink, and Merry & Bright Drone Shows. Families can also enjoy stories and photos with Santa.
- Age restrictions: All ages
- Address: 636 S. Main Street, Grapevine, TX 76051
- Dates & Hours: View the full calendar of events here
- Cost: Varies by activity
- Forms of payment accepted: Varies by activity
13. Christmas at NorthPark Center
- Features: NorthPark Center celebrates the season with an array of holiday activities and displays. Highlights include the Scrooge Puppet Theatre, a beloved tradition featuring holiday puppet shows; the Trains at NorthPark, an elaborate miniature train exhibit that delights children and adults alike; and Santa’s Workshop, where families can meet Santa Claus for photos. Families can also enjoy live performances by local dance companies. The center is decked out with festive decorations and art installations, creating a magical atmosphere for holiday shopping and family outings.
- Age restrictions: All ages. Many activities are specifically geared toward preschool aged children.
- Address: NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75225
- Dates & Hours: Find a full calendar of holiday events at this link.
- Cost: Varies by activity
- Forms of payment accepted: Varies by activity
14. Trans-Siberian Orchestra
- Features: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) brings an electrifying mix of rock and classical music to their holiday concert series. Enjoy a thrilling experience with epic music, dazzling lights, pyrotechnics, and elaborate stage effects. Their holiday show is a unique way to celebrate the season, blending storytelling and stunning visuals with high-energy performances.
- Age restrictions: All ages are welcome, though the concert’s loud music and intense visual effects may be best suited for older children, teens, and adults.
- Address: American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
- Dates & Hours: December 28, 2024 at 3pm & 7:30pm
- Cost: Tickets start at $59.99
- Forms of payment accepted: Credit cards accepted for online transactions.
15. Dallas Symphony Orchestra
- Features: The Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) offers a festive lineup of holiday performances. Holiday concerts include traditional favorites like Christmas Pops and family-friendly shows featuring classic holiday music. The concerts are beautifully orchestrated with talented musicians, guest vocalists, and choirs, creating a magical holiday atmosphere.
- Age restrictions: All ages are welcome, though some concerts may be best suited for older children and adults due to their length. Family-themed concerts and matinees are especially kid-friendly.
- Address: Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201
- Dates: Christmas performances are held on select dates in November. Click here for a full calendar.
- Cost: Varies by performance
- Forms of payment accepted: Credit cards accepted for online transactions.
16. Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas
- Features: Six Flags Over Texas transforms into a winter wonderland during Holiday in the Park. The park features two million twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday-themed entertainment. Guests can enjoy thrilling rides in a beautifully decorated setting, seasonal treats like hot cocoa and s’mores, and fun activities such as Santa’s Village and stories with Mrs. Claus.
- Age restrictions: All ages are welcome! Holiday in the Park offers activities suitable for children, teens, and adults alike, though some rides may have height and age requirements.
- Address: Six Flags Over Texas, 2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington, TX 76011
- Dates: Select dates November 24 – December 31, 2024
- Cost: Daily tickets start at $49 each. Children 2 and under are free.
- Forms of payment accepted: Credit cards accepted for online transactions.
17. Christmas in the Stockyards
- Features: The historic Fort Worth Stockyards come alive during the holiday season with festive Western charm. Christmas at the Stockyards includes special events like the Stockyards Rodeo Rink, holiday parades, live music, and cattle drives down Exchange Avenue. Families can take photos with Cowboy Santa, enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, and explore the Stockyards’ seasonal decorations.
- Age restrictions: Varies by activity
- Address: Fort Worth Stockyards, 131 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164
- Dates: Varies by activity
- Cost: Varies by activity
- Forms of payment accepted: Varies by activity
18. Ice, Lights, and City Nights at Omni Dallas
- Features: The Omni is bringing the only outdoor ice rink to Downtown Dallas this year! They will also offer outdoor train rides, a hot cocoa bar, LED Light Shows, and event the opportunity to stay in a special holiday-themed suite!
- Age restrictions: Varies by activity
- Address: 555 S Lamar, Dallas, Texas 75202
- Dates: Holiday events occur on select dates starting late November through early January
- Cost: Varies by activity
- Forms of payment accepted: Varies by activity
19. Christmas in Downtown McKinney
- Features: Downtown McKinney looks like a Hallmark movie during the holidays! Highlights include the annual Home for the Holidays: A McKinney Christmas celebration, which features a Christmas tree lighting, holiday parade, carousel rides, petting zoo, and live entertainment. Visitors can shop at local boutiques for unique holiday gifts, enjoy festive treats, and take photos with Santa. The cozy, small-town ambiance of Downtown McKinney makes it a picturesque spot the entire family will enjoy.
- Age restrictions: All ages
- Address: Downtown McKinney, 111 N Tennessee St, McKinney, TX 75069
- Dates & Hours: Home for the Holidays is November 29 – December 1, but this charming town is fun to visit all season long.
- Cost: Admission is free
- Forms of payment accepted: Varies by vendor
20. Christmas in the Square at Frisco Main Street
- Features: Christmas in the Square is a family-friendly celebration held in Frisco’s Main Street area. It features Texas’s largest choreographed holiday lights and music show. Visitors can enjoy the incredible lights synchronized to holiday music broadcast on local radio. The event also offers an outdoor ice-skating rink, carriage rides, holiday treats, and visits with Santa.
- Age restrictions: All ages are welcome.
- Address: Frisco Square, 8874 Coleman Blvd, Frisco, TX 75034
- Dates & Hours: Nov 22nd, 2024 – Jan 6th, 2025
- Cost: The light show is free to experience. Cost varies for other activities.
- Forms of payment accepted: Varies by activity.
21. Lightscape at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden
- Features: Lightscape at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a spectacular holiday lights event featuring immersive light displays along a beautifully designed walking path. Guests can stroll through themed installations, including the Cathedral of Light, shimmering Bluebonnet Field, and festive treetop lanterns. The pathways are lined with thousands of lights synchronized to holiday music. Santa visits are available on select dates.
- Age restrictions: All ages are welcome.
- Address: Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107
- Dates & Hours: November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
- Cost: Tickets range from $12 – $30. Children under 3 are free.
- Forms of payment accepted: Credit and debit cards are accepted for ticket purchases and at food and beverage stations.
22. Christmas at Hilton Anatole
- Features: The Hilton Anatole will be transformed into a festive Bavarian Village this year! This magical Christmas village will have a Christmas Tree Maze, Ferris Wheel, 40-foot slide, and a European Christmas market. Families can also enjoy crafts and seasonal treats.
- Age restrictions: All ages are welcome. This event is family-friendly, with activities and experiences suitable for children, teens, and adults.
- Address: Hilton Anatole, 2201 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207
- Dates & Hours: November 29 – December 24, 2024
- Cost: Tickets start at $20. There is an additional cost for parking and other activities.
- Forms of payment accepted: Major credit and debit cards are accepted for event tickets, food, and activity fees.
23. Texas Christkindl Market
- Features: Christkindl Market in Arlington offers a charming European-style holiday market with unique gifts, seasonal treats, and festive activities. Visitors can shop for handmade crafts, enjoy traditional German foods like bratwurst and strudel, and sip on hot cocoa or mulled wine. The market also features live entertainment, a visit from Santa, and other family-friendly attractions.
- Age restrictions: All ages are welcome.
- Address: 1650 E Randol Mill Road, Arlington, TX 76011
- Dates & Hours: November 22 – 24 & November 29 – December 23, 2024
- Cost: Admission is free.
- Forms of payment accepted: Varies by vendor
24. Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway
- Features: Texas Motor Speedway features the Gift of Lights, a drive-through holiday light display with millions of twinkling lights arranged in festive scenes. Visitors can enjoy themed light tunnels, animated displays, and a giant Christmas tree.
- Age restrictions: All ages are welcome! This event is perfect for families, with plenty of activities for kids and adults alike.
- Address: Texas Motor Speedway, 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth, TX 76177
- Dates & Hours: November 28, 2024 – January 5, 2025
- Cost: $35 per car
- Forms of payment accepted: Credit cards accepted for online transactions.
25. Reliant Lights Your Holidays 2024
- Features: This Christmas festival in Downtown Dallas is sure to get the entire family in the holiday spirit! Enjoy live musical performances, photos with Santa, fireworks, and a holiday drone show!
- Age restrictions: All ages will enjoy this event.
- Address: Sammons Park, 2403 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75021
- Dates & Hours: December 7, 2024
- Cost: Free
- Forms of payment accepted: Event is free
26. Santa’s Village at Huffhines Park in Richardson
- Features: Santa’s Village in Richardson is a festive holiday attraction that includes themed light displays, photo opportunities with Santa, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy exploring the enchanting village, participate in crafts and games, and experience holiday music and entertainment.
- Age restrictions: All ages are welcome.
- Address: Huffhines Park, 1500 Apollo Rd., Richardson, Texas 75081
- Dates: December 7 – 8, 13 – 15 and 20 – 22, 2024
- Cost: Free
- Forms of payment accepted: Event is free
27. Polyphonic Spree Holiday Extravaganza
- Features: The Polyphonic Spree Holiday Extravaganza is a festive concert event that brings together the energetic sounds of the Polyphonic Spree with holiday music and cheer. The concert is very family friendly, with face painting, confetti cannons, balloon animals, and classic Christmas songs!
- Age restrictions: All ages are welcome! The concert is family-friendly and offers something for everyone, from kids to adults.
- Address: Majestic Theater, 1925 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75201
- Dates: December 21, 2024
- Cost: Tickets start at $45
- Forms of payment accepted: Credit cards accepted for online transactions.
28. The Nutcracker
- Features: This classic Christmas ballet is a must-do activity each year! Texas Ballet Theater’s The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition that brings the classic ballet to life with stunning choreography, beautiful costumes, and enchanting music. The performance follows Clara’s magical journey through the Land of Sweets, with dazzling sets and a live orchestra. Children and families are invited to visit the Kingdom of Sweets children’s area before every matinee show! Beginning one hour before showtime, children can meet and take a photo with a real ballerina, write a letter to the dancers, see costumes up close, and learn about ballet training.
- Age restrictions: All ages are welcome, though older children might find this more enjoyable than younger children.
- Address: Performing at Winspear Opera House in Dallas & Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth
- Dates: November 29 – December 8 & December 13 – 29, 2024
- Cost: Tickets start at $25
- Forms of payment accepted: Credit cards accepted for online transactions.
29. Southlake Home for the Holidays Christmas Tree Lighting
- Features: Southlake Home for the Holidays is an annual celebration filled with festive activities, including a spectacular tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment, holiday shopping, and visits with Santa. The event also features a massive 3-lane snowhill, delicious seasonal treats, and even a fireworks show!
- Age restrictions: All ages are welcome.
- Address: Southlake Town Square, 1400 Main St, Southlake, TX 76092
- Dates: November 23, 2024
- Cost: Admission is free.
- Forms of payment accepted: Event is free
30. Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza
- Features: This family friendly Christmas event features a thrilling, 20-minute Christmas show with LED lights! There are also performance by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blue Dancers and Rookie Squad, Dallas Cowboys Drumline, mascot Rowdy, Santa, and special Dallas Cowboys guest appearances.
- Age restrictions:
- Address: The Star in Frisco, 9 Cowboys Way, Frisco, TX 75034
- Dates: Every Friday & Saturday, November 19 – December 18, 2024
- Cost: Free
- Forms of payment accepted: Event is free
31. Christmas Festival at Mainstay Farm
- Features: Mainstay Farm is a family owned farm that goes big for Christmas! During the holidays, visitors can enjoy a festive atmosphere with activities like train rides, hayrides, Christmas tree picking, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a roller coaster, a 100 ft. Super Chute Slide, and so much more! The farm also has a winery for adults to enjoy.
- Age restrictions: All ages will enjoy this location.
- Address: 1004 W. Bethesda Rd, Cleburne, TX 76031
- Dates: Open select dates November 29 – December 22, 2024
- Cost: Tickets range from $17.95 – $31.95
- Forms of payment accepted: Debit and credit cards are accepted on the farm.
With so many festive activities to choose from, Dallas-Fort Worth is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas in 2024. From twinkling lights to holiday performances and interactive experiences, there’s something for every family to enjoy and cherish. Whether you’re building new traditions or reliving old favorites, these DFW holiday events are sure to bring joy, laughter, and the magic of the season. So bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and make this Christmas unforgettable with your loved ones!
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