There’s something magical and spectacular happening at many of the Dallas Christmas events this year that you won’t want to miss. Everything from free events to shows that will sell out quickly, you’ll learn quickly that Christmas is done big in Texas, especially in Dallas and cities nearby.

Plan to see displays that have over a million lights, carolers and traditional Christmas events like lighting of the tree. There are so many ways to create special memories with your loved ones during the holiday season. Whether you’re local or visiting, you’ll find plenty of Christmas events to get you into the holiday spirit. Get ready for parades, tree lighting ceremonies, winter markets and much more.

Free Dallas Christmas Events

See the guide below to explore the many free Dallas Christmas events that allows you to celebrate the holidays without spending a dime. Christmas in Dallas is a season filled with light displays, parades, Christmas tree lighting ceremonies and more.

Dallas Holiday Parade

Address: 600 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75208	Date: December 7th, 204	Prices: Free Tickets for Bleacher Seats

One of the most highly anticipated events in Dallas during Christmas every year is without a doubt the Dallas Holiday Parade. This cherished and traditional Dallas Christmas event brings holiday magic and excitement to the city streets.

Held on the first Saturday in December every year, the parade starts around 9 a.m. at Commerce and Houston Street, lasting approximately two hours. Come and see decorated floats, marching bands, singing and Santa to bring in the holiday cheer. Consider taking the DART railway instead of parking downtown and arrive early to secure a spot if you don’t want to pay for bleacher seats. Join thousands of families who make this Christmas, Dallas parade a treasured annual tradition.

Decorators Warehouse: Largest Christmas Store in Texas

Address: 3708 West Pioneer Pkway, Arlington, TX 76013	Hours: Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm Sun: 11am-6pm	Prices: Free to Enter

Although this is not an event, the tradition of decorating your home and Christmas shopping for your loved ones is much easier after a visit to the largest Christmas store in Texas: Decorators Warehouse.

Seeing an overload of all of the Christmas decorations like an incredible selection of ornaments, trees, and festive décor in one place will surely bring out the holiday spirit in anyone that visits. Do some retail therapy or simply just walk around to see what they have during this holiday season.

Deck the Plaza

Address: 1500 Marilla St, Dallas, TX 75201	Date: December 6, 2024 Hours: 4:30 pm- 7:30pm	Prices: Free

The tree lighting ceremony at City Hall Plaza is a free, festive celebration that truly captures the spirit of Christmas in Dallas. Alongside the lighting of a towering Christmas tree, guests can enjoy live music, delicious treats like cookies, hot chocolate, and cider, and all kinds of family-friendly activities.

From sledding down a snow hill to horse-drawn carriage rides, train rides, and photos with Santa, this event is packed with fun for the family and is one of the best things to do in Dallas for Christmas.

Tree Lighting at Klyde Warren Park

Address: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas, TX	Date: December 7, 2024	Prices: Free

The tree lighting ceremony at Klyde Warren Park is a highlight while spending Christmas in Dallas. This celebration with neighbors, family and friends is one of the best things to do in Dallas for Christmas and the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Before and after the tree lighting, the park will feature many performances that make it a must-see holiday event.

Enjoy a magical rendition of The Nutcracker by the Dallas Conservatory and music provided by the Emerald City Band. The free and festive entertainment is perfect to enjoy while sipping on a warm drink while exploring the park.

Vitruvian Park in Addison

Address: 3875 Ponte Ave, Addison, TX 75001	Date: Nov. 23- Jan. 1 Hours: 5am-11pm	Prices: Free

Seeing the trees covered in lights at Vitruvian Park is a must during the holiday season. The park is free to explore and transforms into a vibrant display of sparkling trees and festive decorations. The colorful and bright trees light up the walking paths, making it one of the most magical spots to experience Christmas in Dallas.

The park is pet-friendly, so take advantage of the display and capture some photos while enjoying the holiday atmosphere. Pack a thermos of hot chocolate and snacks for an evening picnic or treat yourself to food and beverages from nearby vendors. Add this to the list of memorable things to do in Dallas for Christmas.

Carol of Lights

Address: 1175 Municipal Way, Grapevine, TX 76051	Date: November 25, 2024 Hours: 4pm- 8:30pm	Prices: Free

The Carol of Lights event kicks off the holiday season with a magical evening of lighting up downtown Grapevine with thousands of lights. Explore Grapevine as it transforms into a beautiful display of decorations and dazzling Christmas lights in the DFW area. The big finale will be at 5:30pm with the annual street lighting.

Stay for the live performances, activity zones, Santa and food trucks. Start off the holiday season with the most enchanting Dallas Christmas events to get you in the holiday spirit.

Burkman Holiday Home

Address: 3809 Hazelhurst Dr, Frisco, TX 75036	Date: December 1st- TBD Closed Mondays 12/2 & 12/9	Prices: Free

When it comes to driving around neighborhoods in search of homes that have decorated for Christmas, there are none that compare to the display seen at the Burkman Holiday Home. This family home has already been featured on one TV show, “The Great Christmas Light Fight,” and will now be featured once again! Look for their home on the TV show “Ready, Set, Glow” on Hallmark.

Every weekend of December, there will be different special event themes, such as Bluey, Anna and Elsa, Santa and the Grinch. Look on their Facebook page for details on which weekend will have these special guests. They will also be accepting new and unwrapped toys to donate to the Liyana Strong Foundation from December 1st-23rd.

There is no official parking. You may drive by or arrive early for street parking. Be sure to be respectful towards the other homeowners and do not block driveways. Make the trip to Frisco to see the amazing Christmas display at the Burkman family home.

Holiday Lighting Festival in Denton

Address: 110 W. Oak St., Denton, TX 76201	Date: December 7, 2024 Hours: 3pm-9pm	Prices: Free

Denton’s Holiday Lighting Festival is one of the best holiday traditions to enjoy where the trees surrounding the historic downtown square near the courthouse are illuminated in a dazzling display.

This family-friendly event features all kinds of holiday activities, making it a memorable way to enjoy Christmas lights in DFW. With its charming small-town atmosphere and festive spirit, it’s the perfect kickoff to the holiday season for visitors of all ages.

Merry and Bright Christmas Drone Show

Address: 815 S. Main St., Grapevine, TX 76051	Date: December 2 & 9, 2024 Hours: 7pm	Prices: Free

Grapevine is known as the Christmas Capital of Texas for all their amazing events during the holiday season. Drone shows are a new trendy event that is not only free, but it’s happening two different nights for people to enjoy. Head over to Main Street and watch as 400 drones’ sync together to create holiday displays in the air.

Christmas Events in Gardens

Don’t miss out on an evening filled with millions of lights, holiday displays, and even a Christmas Village displayed at one of the most cherished Dallas Christmas events.

Fort Worth Botanical Gardens

Address: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76107	Date: Nov. 22– Jan 5 2025	Prices: Adult: $18-$30 Child: $12-$20 Member (Adult): $18-$22 Member (Child) $12-$16

If you’re looking for something spectacular to do for Christmas in Fort Worth, then you should absolutely visit the Botanical Gardens. The Fort Worth Botanical Gardens will have an amazing display and shine brighter than ever during this holiday season. With more millions of colorful lights and festive displays that are custom built, they turn the gardens into a charming Christmas fairytale.

There are many Christmas events in Fort Worth, but at the Botanical Gardens, guest can walk on sparkling pathways, see breathtaking and artistic installations all while savoring treats and warm drinks from vendors. They have even expanded with over 80% of the trail being new designs this year. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Christmas lights in DFW while creating holiday memories.

Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum

Address: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218	Date: Nov. 13- Jan. 5 2025	Prices: Adult: $22 Seniors: $18 Child (2-12): $13 Children 2 & Younger: Free

Holiday at the Arboretum has been described as Texas’ best Christmas event! The beautiful gardens transform at night into a spectacular display with over 1 million lights. Guests from all over come to see its biggest highlight: the Christmas Village and the iconic 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos.

Each gazebo is beautifully decorated to reflect the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” The Arboretum also pays tribute to the strong German heritage in Texas with a Christmas Pyramid that you can’t miss. Spending Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum is perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to find the spirt of Christmas. Before planning your visit, check their calendar to see when Santa will make an appearance, and live performances will happen at the Christmas Village.

Holiday Village at City Park

Address: 1515 S. Harwood St., Dallas, TX 75215	Date: December 7th, 2024 Hours: 5pm-9pm	Prices: Adult: $5 Child (12 & younger): $3

Holiday Village at City Park is a charming event hosted at Dallas’ first ever park that opened in 1876. Surrounded by historical buildings that will be traditionally decorated for Christmas, this quaint event will feature holiday lights, carolers, games, crafts, and festive food vendors. You’ll also see Santa and real-life reindeers! It’s the perfect opportunity to bring the family together for a special Dallas Christmas event.

Festive Restaurants & Bars near Dallas

Start making plans, and reservations, to visit some of the most festive bars in Dallas during the holiday season. Plan a date or get together with friends and enjoy seasonal cocktails and Christmas décor while celebrating all of the over the top and dazzling Dallas Christmas events.

Yellow Rosa Cocktaileria

Address: 2901 Commerce St., Dallas, TX, 75226	Hours: Thurs 4:30pm-11pm Fri 4:30pm-2am Sat 11am-2am Sun 11am-5pm	Menu

Step into a Mexican oasis at Yellow Rosa in Dallas, where this Mexican cuisine restaurant transforms into a festive haven during Christmas. Enjoy delicious meals and handcrafted cocktails that are holiday themed while surrounded by festive Christmas lights and decorations. I’m a big fan of their brunch options and love their chicken and waffles.

Along with the good food and decorations, add live music to your list of what to expect. Make reservations to experience an authentic Mexican environment with a mariachi band in the courtyard every Sunday morning. Be sure to schedule a date night or family dinner at Yellow Rosa this holiday season.

Campo Verde

Address: 2918 W PIONEER PKWY Arlington, TX 76013	Hours: Monday Closed Tues-Thurs 11AM-8PM Fri & Sat 11AM-9PM Sun 11AM-8PM	Website

While you’re enjoying a delicious Tex-Mex meal, Campo Verde in Dallas transforms their space during the holidays into a dazzling Christmas wonderland. While most spaces take down their lights and Christmas decorations in January, Campo Verde leaves theirs up till as late as March!

The restaurant is covered in over 120,000 twinkling lights and festive decorations. Enjoy a casual meal with the family or friends inside one of the most unique restaurants in Dallas during Christmas.

Tipsy Elf Dallas

Address: 250 N. Bishop Avenue Dallas, TX 75208	Date: Nov. 21-Dec. 18, 2024 Daily Event Hours	Website

The Tipsy Elf in Dallas is a festive holiday pop-up bar that anyone 21 years old and up should not miss! With an over-the-top Christmas atmosphere and décor, seasonal cocktails, and plenty of opportunities for Instagram-worthy photos, it’s a great way to spend the holiday with friends.

Being one of the most unique popup bars, they offer many different Dallas Christmas events like Drag Bingo, kid friendly nights with Santa, Grinch themed weekends and more. Add this to the many fun things to do in Dallas for Christmas, especially for groups or date nights.

Memorable Dallas Christmas Events

Start planning the holiday season with some of the most memorable Dallas Christmas events you won’t find anywhere else.

Christmas at the Gaylord Texan

Address: 1501 Gaylord Trail Grapevine, TX 76051	Date: Nov. 15- Jan 5, 2025	Book to see ICE!: $19.99-$43.99 Cirque, Spirit of Christmas: $35.99-$52.99 More Activities

Christmas at the Gaylord Texan in Dallas is an unforgettable holiday destination packed with festive activities for all ages. One of the top Dallas Christmas events at the Gaylord Texan is the ICE! exhibit: a stunning ice sculpture display with two million pounds of ice. Guests can also enjoy snow tubing, gingerbread decorating, holiday-themed escape rooms, and Cirque performances that are Christmas themed that spread the seasonal cheer.

Stay on property or just visit to see their events and holiday décor, including the iconic towering Christmas tree. To make the most of your visit, plan ahead and book tickets early, as these popular things to do in Dallas for Christmas often sell out quickly!

Snowday Pop and Santaland at Galleria Texas

Address: 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75240	Date: Nov. 22- Dec. 24, 2024 Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-8pm Sun 12pm-6pm	Santaland Prices: Adult: $14.99 Seniors, Military, Child (12 & younger): $9.99 Snowday Pop: Adults: $34.99 Seniors, Military, Child (12 & younger): $31.99

Santaland and SNOWDAY at Galleria Dallas are both over the top immersive holiday experiences that bring the magic of the season to life. While Santaland takes visitors on a journey to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus, SNOWDAY offers a whimsical winter wonderland. Both events offer unique photo opportunities for adorable holiday photos.

Before going, purchase tickets online in advance and purchase the combo ticket to save. These popular attractions often sell out, especially on weekends and closer to Christmas. This entertaining and must-visit Dallas Christmas event brings together the magic of Christmas and is the perfect place for children to visit and for adults to feel like a kid again.

Dallas Zoo Lights

Address: 650 S.R.L Thorton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75203	Date: Nov. 22- Jan. 4, 2025 Hours: 5:30pm-9pm	Prices: Adult: $16.50-$21 Child, Senior: $14-$17.75

Dallas Zoo Lights is a spectacular holiday experience and one of the top Dallas Christmas events for families and couples. With over 2 million lights, glowing lanterns, illuminated animal sculptures, and festive musical performances, it’s a magical outing for all ages.

More highlights include holiday snacks, photos with Santa, and the immersive DinoLand projection that brings dinosaurs to life. While you won’t see the zoo’s animals during the event, the stunning light displays and festive atmosphere definitely makes up for it. When looking for unforgettable things to do in Dallas for Christmas, Dallas Zoo Lights offers a perfect mix of holiday cheer and entertainment.

Trains at North Park

Address: 8687 North Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas 75225	Date: Nov 16–Jan 5, 2025 Hours: Mon–Sat 10am-8pm Sun 12pm-6 pm	Prices: Adult: $12 Child (2-12 yrs): $7 Senior: $5

The 2024 Trains at NorthPark is a holiday exhibition featuring intricate miniature trains traveling across 1,600 feet of track through Dallas and iconic American cityscapes. This cherished event, benefiting Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, combines festive fun with a meaningful cause.

If you’re looking for Dallas Christmas events for kids and adults, this is a heartwarming tradition perfect for families. The detailed displays are captivating, and knowing your visit helps others adds even more joy. As one of the most memorable things to do in Dallas for Christmas, Trains at NorthPark creates magical moments that keep families coming back year after year.

Prairie Lights

Address: 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX 75052	Date: Nov. 28-Dec. 31 Hours: 6pm- last entry at 10pm	General Admission Prices: $50/car (up to 8 people) $150/ shuttle, limo, bus

Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie is a must-see attraction when experiencing Christmas in Dallas. This 2-mile drive-through park is illuminated by 4 million lights and hundreds of all-new displays. Fill up the car with at most 8 family and friends and drive through arches and creative designs. Give yourself 45 minutes to an hour to enjoy this festive park that is definitely one of the best things to do in Dallas for Christmas.

Pets are allowed in the park but must stay in the car. If you leave the pets at home, stop to enjoy free carnival rides, festive concessions, photos with Santa, a magical walk-through forest, and some shopping.

Tianyu Lights Festival

Address: 1001 Texas Trust Way, Grand Prairie, TX 75050	Date: Nov. 8- Jan. 19, 2025 Closed: Mondays 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 1/6, 1/13 Hours: Tues–Sun 5:30PM–10PM	Prices: $16-$26

One of the most memorable places to visit for festive and Dallas Christmas events is a visit to see the Chinese lanterns at Tianyu Arts & Culture. The Tianyu Lights Festival presents the story of Koda’s Adventure to the Magical Forest with live performances and light art installations.

Walk through a larger than life, dreamlike wonderland and surrealistic illumination to bring Koda’s enchanting journey to life. A perfect way to enjoy Christmas lights in DFW. Enjoy food and drinks from the Food Court, and the fun interactive playground for kids. Watch live cultural music, dance, and traditional Chinese acrobatics on stage every evening.