Every year, Dallas steps gracefully into the holiday season and transforms into something cinematic — a swirl of twinkling lights, sparkling gardens, festive markets, and winter experiences that feel worlds away from the Texas heat. It’s a season filled with nostalgia, indulgence, and that unmistakable December magic that turns ordinary moments into memories.
From iconic attractions like ICE! at the Gaylord Texan to beloved neighborhood traditions, from boutique markets to glittering parades, the city offers a whole constellation of holiday experiences for families, couples, friends, and anyone chasing a little wonder. Whether you love grand, immersive productions or intimate cozy outings, Dallas might just be one of the most enchanting places in Texas to celebrate Christmas.
This guide brings together the very best of Christmas Dallas events 2025 — the classics, the new arrivals, the once-a-season shows, and the hidden gems. Consider it your beautifully curated roadmap to savoring every moment of holiday magic across Dallas and its surrounding cities.
Let’s step into the season.
Most Popular Christmas Events in Dallas 2025
Dallas doesn’t simply celebrate Christmas — it stages it on a glittering, larger-than-life scale. These cornerstone events set the tone for the entire holiday season and remain crowd favorites year after year.
ICE! at the Gaylord Texan
November–January · Grapevine
If there is one holiday experience to go see one time it’s ICE! Stepping inside feels like entering a frozen fairy tale — two million pounds of sculpted, colored ice carved into grand scenes by international artisans. For 2025, the “Elf” theme brings Buddy the Elf’s world to life in towering ice vignettes, complete with whimsical details and chilly surprises around every bend.
Guests wander through magical frozen halls, slide down giant ice slides, and warm up afterward with festive drinks inside the resort’s beautifully decorated atrium. It’s part spectacle, part tradition, and entirely magical.
Tickets: $35–$47 for adults; discounted rates for children and seniors.
TSDL Tip: Parking at ICE! at the Gaylord Texan is seriously a trek. Give yourself plenty of time for the parking lot, shuttle wait, drop-off, and the walk to the entrance — it’s longer than you might expect. Bonus tip: the glittering holiday décor is dazzling… and a little overwhelming. Consider scheduling some downtime afterward to savor the magic without the overwhelm.
Classic Christmas at Dallas Midtown
Daily · Dallas
The former Valley View Mall has been reimagined into Classic Christmas, a nostalgic, immersive holiday destination filled with modern touches. New this year is Memory Lane, an interactive trail of lights paired with a playful scavenger-hunt app that leads families through illuminated displays.
Expect real-snow slides, live entertainment, a festive marketplace, and Santa’s North Pole Nook — all wrapped in Coca-Cola’s signature holiday sparkle.
Holiday at the Dallas Arboretum
November–December · White Rock Lake
Perhaps the most elegant holiday attraction in Dallas, the Dallas Arboretum transforms its 66 acres into a glowing Christmas garden. Stroll through the celebrated “12 Days of Christmas” gazebos with animatronic scenes, wander a European-inspired Christmas village, and return after sunset for the brand-new Night Glow Experience — curated light installations that turn the gardens into a luminous winter dream.
With over 500,000 lights and endless picture-perfect corners, it’s one of the most romantic holiday experiences in the city (and an annual favorite for families too).
Dallas Zoo Lights
Select Nights · Dallas Zoo
When the sun goes down, the zoo comes alive with two million lights, glowing animal sculptures, and dazzling themed pathways. Hot cocoa in hand, you can wander through displays, enjoy seasonal treats, listen to holiday music, and explore the zoo in a whole new way. It’s relaxed, charming, and especially magical for little ones.
Holiday Light Displays & Drive-Through Experiences
Dallas knows how to turn on the sparkle. Across the metroplex, you’ll find light installations ranging from elegantly artistic to cheerfully over-the-top — some made for strolling, others perfect for cozy drive-through nights.
The Light Park
Frisco · Arlington · Little Elm
Three locations. Millions of lights. One unforgettable soundtrack.
Visitors drive through synchronized tunnels and glowing displays that pulse in time with upbeat holiday music broadcast straight to your car. It’s a festive, high-energy option perfect for families or friend groups who want something easy, colorful, and weather-proof.
Tickets: $25–$40 per vehicle.
Prairie Lights at Lynn Creek Park
Grand Prairie
One of the region’s largest and longest-running light experiences, Prairie Lights combines a miles-long drive-through route with a charming walk-through village. Expect animated light shows, a holiday market feel, and tens of thousands of twinkles around every corner.
Lights on the Farm
Plano
At the Heritage Farmstead Museum, classic holiday lights meet old-fashioned farm charm. More than a million lights adorn historic buildings and outdoor spaces. Enjoy hot cocoa, strolls through the crisp night air, and sweet encounters with farm animals for an experience that feels homey, warm, and timeless.
Vitruvian Lights
Addison · Free
One of Dallas’ most beloved free light displays, Vitruvian Lights turns the park into a glowing gallery of LED-wrapped trees. The effect is breathtaking: glowing jewel tones reflected across the lake. Food trucks and live entertainment round out the festive atmosphere.
Ice Skating & Winter Activities
Whether you prefer classic outdoor skating or immersive winter villages, Dallas offers multiple ways to pretend we actually get snow.
Christmas at the Anatole
Dallas
Home to the city’s largest outdoor ice rink, Christmas at the Anatole transforms hotel grounds into a winter village set beneath the Texas sky. Cozy Winter Glass Chalets offer private dining, and the atmosphere feels indulgent and festive — a perfect date night or family outing.
ICE! Winter Activities at Gaylord Texan
In addition to its famous ice sculptures, Gaylord’s expansive winter playground includes snow tubing lanes, themed photo ops, and interactive exhibits — all kept at a frosty 9 degrees. Dress warm and enjoy the novelty.
Peace Plaza Ice Rink
Grapevine
Located in the heart of the Christmas Capital of Texas, this outdoor rink brings classic holiday charm. Enjoy public skating, lessons, and the cozy small-town energy that Grapevine does so well.
Typical Pricing:
Skate rentals: $8–$12
Admission: $15–$25
Group discounts available at most venues.
Holiday Markets & Festive Shopping Events
If you love the romance of a European holiday market — warm drinks, artisan gifts, cottages lined with garland — Dallas offers several festive options.
Texas Christkindl Market
Arlington · Globe Life Field
One of the largest German-style Christmas markets in the U.S., Christkindl brings wooden stalls, imported goods, authentic foods, handcrafted décor, and festive entertainment. Think: mulled wine, gingerbread, wooden toys, and charming gifts you won’t find in big-box stores.
Grapevine Christmas Market
Historic Downtown Grapevine
Imagine strolling down a beautifully decorated Main Street, warm drink in hand, stepping in and out of boutiques and antique shops. Add carolers, lights, and local vendors, and you have one of the most charming holiday market experiences in North Texas.
The Christmas Village at the Dallas Arboretum
European-inspired chalets line the Arboretum’s garden pathways, offering botanical gifts, gourmet treats, and seasonal treasures. It’s refined, scenic, and beautifully curated.
Family-Friendly Christmas Attractions
Dallas shines when it comes to kid-friendly holiday magic — places where little ones can meet Santa, ride trains, and step into festive storybook scenes.
Snowday & Santaland at Galleria Dallas
An Instagram-ready wonderland of themed rooms, interactive displays, and the most enchanting Santa meet-and-greet in Dallas. Expect charming photos, holiday characters, and the beloved North Pole Express ride.
Holiday at the Arboretum (Kids’ Programming)
Beyond the glowing gardens, the Arboretum hosts children’s story times, craft stations, puppet shows, and festive encounters with Santa — all at family-friendly price points.
Bethlehem Revisited — Waxahachie, TX
Step inside a living nativity that feels truly transported in time.
Just 40 minutes south of Dallas, Bethlehem Revisited offers one of the most atmospheric, immersive Christmas experiences in North Texas. Rather than a traditional lights display, this is a walk-through re-creation of the ancient city, complete with costumed townspeople, the hum of the market, roaming animals, candlelit pathways, and the quiet awe of the nativity scene at the end of the journey. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you — simple, reverent, beautifully crafted — and perfect for families who want something meaningful beyond the usual holiday sparkle.
TSDL Tip: Arrive early, dress warmly (and in something you don’t mind getting dirty), and take your time wandering. The details are what make this one unforgettable.
Read my full guide to Bethlehem Revisited →
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas
Think roller coasters + lights + shows + festive treats. Kids can meet holiday characters, enjoy parades, and wander through the park’s winter transformation. A high-energy holiday crowd-pleaser.
Santa Photo Packages: $20–$50 with digital options available.
Holiday Parades & Community Celebrations
Dallas loves a parade — especially in December. Bundle up, bring cocoa, and arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot.
Dallas Holiday Parade
December 6 · Downtown Dallas · Free
This is the parade — one of the largest in the state, drawing nearly half a million spectators. Expect elaborate floats, marching bands, dancers, balloons, and special guests. Free curbside viewing is abundant; bleacher seats are available for purchase.
Fort Worth Parade of Lights
November 23 · Downtown Fort Worth
A dazzling nighttime parade with over 100 illuminated entries, glowing floats, and live performances. It’s equal parts festive and artistic.
Grapevine Carol of Lights & Parade of Lights
Multiple seasonal parades and community celebrations fill Grapevine with music, cocoa stands, and wholesome, memory-making fun — all free to attend.
TSDL Tip: Arrive 2–3 hours early with blankets and chairs.
Must-See Christmas Shows & Holiday Performances in Dallas
Dallas has a thriving performing arts scene, and December is one of the most exciting times of year to take it in.
The Nutcracker — Texas Ballet Theater
Winspear Opera House · Nov 28–Dec 7
A timeless classic performed with elegance and grandeur, accompanied by a full symphony orchestra. The production is lavish, magical, and perfect for a holiday night out.
A Christmas Carol — Dallas Theater Center
Wyly Theatre · All December
Innovative staging, lavish costumes, and a heartwarming adaptation make this a beloved annual tradition for Dallas families.
The Gift of Christmas — Prestonwood Baptist Church, Plano
Dec 5-15 · Prestonwood Baptist Church
For those who love a show-stopping Christmas production, The Gift of Christmas at Prestonwood is one of the most talked-about performances in North Texas. Think Broadway-level staging meets classic Christmas storytelling: live orchestra, elaborate sets, a full-scale cast, flying angels, sweeping musical numbers, and a finale that fills the entire auditorium with color and energy.
It’s joyful, high-production, and guaranteed to wow — the kind of experience families return to year after year. Tickets typically sell out quickly (especially weekend performances), so snag yours as early as you can if it’s on your list.
Home Alone in Concert — Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dec 5–7 · Meyerson Symphony Center
Watch the classic film while a live orchestra performs the score. A nostalgic, joyful event that sells out quickly.
Polyphonic Spree Holiday Extravaganza
Majestic Theatre · Dec 20
Part concert, part theatrical spectacle, part joyful chaos — this Dallas-born ensemble delivers one of the most spirited holiday shows in Texas.
Holiday Pop-Ups & Themed Experiences
For those who want something a bit more modern, cheeky, or immersive, Dallas has no shortage of limited-time pop-ups.
Miracle Christmas Pop-Ups
HIDE Bar · Texas Live!
A festive cocktail wonderland: floor-to-ceiling décor, themed drinks, whimsical glassware, and a delightfully over-the-top vibe. Perfect for date nights or holiday girls’ nights.
Classic Christmas Dallas at Dallas Midtown
A reimagined, high-production holiday village with technology-driven features and corporate partnership moments (hello, Coca-Cola) that elevate the experience.
Holiday Dining, Brunches & Culinary Experiences
December is full of indulgent moments — and Dallas restaurants and hotels love to lean into the season.
Breakfast with Santa — Neiman Marcus NorthPark
Dec 6 & 20
An elevated spin on a classic moment with Santa, complete with gourmet brunch and the elegant NorthPark backdrop.
Teddy Bear Christmas Brunch — Hotel Swexan
Dec 14
Children receive complimentary teddy bears, adults enjoy an elevated holiday menu, and the setting is beautifully intimate.
Richardson Hot Cocoa Crawl
Dec 12–13
A sweet little adventure through local shops and cafés, each serving their own creative twist on hot chocolate.
Gingerbread House Decorating — Central Market Cooking School
Hands-on, festive, and fun for all ages — with expert guidance so your gingerbread doesn’t collapse mid-decoration.
Grapevine: The Christmas Capital of Texas
If you love classic holiday charm, Grapevine absolutely deserves a day (or weekend) in your December plans.
North Pole Express — Grapevine Vintage Railroad
A beloved tradition where families board a vintage train, sip cocoa, enjoy theatrical storytelling, and journey to meet Santa. Tickets sell out the moment they release.
Historic Main Street Christmas Village
Storefronts dressed in Victorian finery, twinkling lights, live entertainment, and beautifully curated boutique shopping fill downtown Grapevine with old-world charm.
Holiday Hotel Packages
Many Grapevine hotels offer themed rooms, bundled tickets, dining credits, and special holiday programming — often a better value than booking everything separately.
Planning Your Dallas Christmas Experience
A little strategy makes December in Dallas feel luxurious instead of hectic. Here’s what to know.
Best Timing
- Dec 15–23 has the fullest event schedule.
- Late November & Early December offer lighter crowds and easier parking.
- Weekdays are always calmer than weekends.
Where to Stay
- Gaylord Texan for an immersive, all-in experience.
- Downtown Dallas hotels for parades, theater, and urban holiday energy.
- Suburban hotels for free parking, larger rooms, and family-friendly perks.
Transportation Tips
- Rideshare is ideal for downtown events.
- Suburban events offer plenty of parking.
- Major parades often have extended public transit hours.
Weather Prep
Dallas December weather swings from 40° to 70°.
Dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes, and check forecasts before heading out.
Ticketing Tips & Ways to Save
Holiday magic is even sweeter with smart planning.
- Book early: Many major events offer 15–25% early-bird discounts.
- Look for group rates: Parties of 10+ often receive reduced pricing.
- Mix free + premium events: Vitruvian Lights, parades, and markets balance pricier attractions.
- Consider hotel packages: Often bundle tickets at a lower combined cost.
- Buy online: Most events require it and save time on arrival.
- Watch refund policies: Weather cancellations vary.
Final Thoughts: A Season of Sparkle
Dallas offers one of the most magical, memory-filled holiday seasons in Texas — from shimmering gardens and nostalgic trains to world-class performances and indulgent seasonal dining. Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend, a family adventure, or a full calendar of celebrations, the city is ready to wrap your December in warmth, beauty, and joy.
Here’s to a holiday season filled with glowing lights, good company, and moments that feel simply delightful.
🎄 See My Top Picks for Christmas in Dallas!
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