A cosmopolitan metropolis, Dallas is known as a major cultural center in Texas. With its happening Arts District teeming with iconic structures such as Winspear Opera House and Dallas Museum of Art, the city attracts a large number of tourists. Even with so much to see throughout the year, the Christmas season in Dallas is a thing to remember. It may not top the list when it comes to snow-capped streets and frosty winters, but this Lone Star State city’s grand Christmas festivities and light-filled neighborhoods more than make up for it.
Soak up the holiday spirit of the city from mid-November through the first of January. The celebration continues throughout winter with exciting treasure hunts and merry holiday melodies. Wondering what to do in Dallas during the winter? Continue reading and keep tabs on the top things to do at Christmas in Dallas, Texas.
1. 12 Days of Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum
Stroll along the 1.21-kilometer (0.75-mile), landscaped garden of The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and get stunned by the 12 Christmas-themed displays enclosed in the Victorian-style gazebos. Each gazebo contains costumed characters and animals inspired by the Christmas carols. This seasonal exhibit opens daily from November 9 to December 31.
The dazzling musical tree enhances the magical setting, which also features animated characters.
12 Days of Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum
Address: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218
Website: 12 Days of Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daytime) / 6pm - 9pm (nighttime)
Price: from 10 USD
2. Watch the phenomenal Dallas Holiday Parade
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Dallas Holiday Parade is something you must include in your holiday itinerary. It is always held on the first Saturday of December. This holiday tradition prides itself as the city’s largest one-day outdoor event, drawing a flock of locals and tourists together on the streets of downtown Dallas.
If you want to fully immerse yourself in this festive annual event, you can join the crowd of people lined on the streets. Alternatively, if you prefer watching the parade from a distance, the sidewalks are the best spots for you. The event is free for the public to enjoy but if you want a good view, be sure to avail of the tickets for a guaranteed bleacher seat.
Dallas Holiday Parade
Address: PO Box 632178, Irving, Texas 75063
Website: Dallas Holiday Parade
Opening hours: Doors open at 8am. Show starts at 10am.
Price: From 25 USD
3. Immerse in the imaginative spaces at SNOWDAY
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
SNOWDAY offers limitless possibilities for a fun-filled day. This theme park features a number of enchanted rooms, interactive exhibits, and endless photo opportunities. Invite your family to fully immerse in the imaginative spaces and let your kids have the time of their lives. Integrated camera and lighting setup ensure you can take quality snapshots as a memorable keepsake for the years to come.
During the Christmas season, the place transforms into the mythical city of Elves to transport you to your childhood while you spend quality time with your kids. While you’re here, don’t miss their thematic pub for elves, Tipsy Elf, and the magnificent White Christmas room.
The place is open for guests from November 18 to January 8.
Snowday Dallas
Address: Galleria Dallas 13350, Dallas Pkwy # 1020, Dallas, TX 75240
Website: SNOWDAY
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 7:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 6:30pm
Price: from 9.99 USD
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Marvel at Dallas Zoo Lights
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Every year in winter, this glorious spectacle of lights fills the vast expanse of Dallas Zoo, allowing no room for darkness. Dallas Zoo Lights feature more than a million sparkling lamps and life-size, animal-patterned silk lanterns. Holiday-themed displays are put up in ZooNorth AND Wilds of Africa sections. With millions of light installations to marvel at, you will surely have a splendid time with your kids here.
Guests can also try other activities such as visiting Santa’s workshop and clicking pictures at the photo booths. You can also enjoy live music and toasted marshmallows while here. The event is open to the public from November 17 to January 1.
Dallas Zoo Lights
Address: 650 S. R. L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75203
Website: Dallas Zoo Lights
Opening hours: 5:30pm - 10pm
Price: from 10 USD
5. Glide on ice in Galleria Ice Skating Center
Indulge in the classic winter tradition of gliding gracefully on the ice at Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center to complete your Christmas holiday trip. Let loose as you step into the ice and feel the gentle winter breeze on your face. Spending time on the rink with your family is an excellent way to work out while having fun.
If you’re new to skating, you can also take ice skating classes to maximize your holiday trip and learn something new. For added convenience, skate rentals are available.
Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center
Address: 13350 Dallas Pkwy #200, Dallas, TX, 75240
Website: Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center
Opening hours: Mon and Wed: 10am - 5:30pm and 7:30pm - 9:30pm; Tue and Fri: 10am - 9pm; Thu: 10am - 5pm and 7:45pm - 9:30pm; Sat: 12pm - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
Price: from 12 USD
6. Catch Christmas Pops Concert at Meyerson Symphony Center
If you have a penchant for concerts, catch Christmas Pops, a family-friendly concert any day between December 2 and December 11! Performed annually by Dallas Symphony Chorus under the guidance of distinguished conductor Lawrence Loh, the orchestra will render holiday favorites as well as Christmas Carols.
The special appearance of Santa Clause is a great add-on that will delight children even more.
Christmas Pops by Dallas Symphony Chorus
Address: Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201
Website: Christmas Pops by Dallas Symphony
Opening hours: Tue, Thu, Fri: 7:30pm; Sat: 3pm and 7:30pm; Sun: 3pm
Price: from 39 USD
7. Walk through a glowing labyrinth at Enchant Dallas
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Enchant Dallas on Sunday, December 29, 2019
Enchant Dallas will mesmerize you in many ways. This attraction with an active quest opens on November 25 and runs until January 1. Their Mischievous Elf Maze, a walk-through passage, greets you with over a million sparkling lights dotting the tunnel. The setting is stellar and makes a great spot for Instagrammable shots. The complimentary treasure hunt activity with amazing prizes upgrades the maze experience.
Once you walk past the labyrinth, you will find a 100-foot (30.48-meter) tall Christmas tree. Explore the charming boutique shops in the small village or enjoy ice skating through an enchanting forest of holiday lights for more Christmas adventures.
Enchant Dallas at Fair Park
Address: 1438 Coliseum, Dallas, TX 75210
Website: Enchant Dallas at Fair Park
Opening hours: Operating hours vary depending on the dates
Price: from 20 USD
8. Visit The Trains at NorthPark
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Check out these recently-painted railcars that just arrived back at the House Order yours by next Tuesday, October 4 to have it on the track on opening day! http://ow.ly/qwsM50KUHBt
Posted by The Trains at NorthPark on Tuesday, September 27, 2022
The Trains at NorthPark is an annual exhibition held during wintertime in Dallas. This year, this event is expected to happen from November 12 to January 6. With over 700 railcars on display, this is the largest miniature train exhibit in Texas. Thanks to the no-time-limit policy, ticket holders can stay as long as they want until the closing time.
Treat your kids and your inner child to a fun-filled day here, and feast your eyes on the small trains hitting the rails and journeying across America. If you have extra cash, you might want to purchase a railcar and help support families at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.
The Trains at NorthPark
Address: NorthPark Center, 8687 N US 75-Central Expy 1000, Dallas, TX 75225
Website: The Trains at NorthPark
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
Price: from 5 USD
9. Take part in Christmas Lights, Chocolate & Sips Tours
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Do you fancy losing yourself in a beautiful sea of holiday lights while satiating your taste buds? This motorcoach tour organized by Chocolate Tours might pique your interest. Discover Dallas’ prime local dessert shops, sample sweet delights, get amazed by the holiday spectacles - this tour can make you experience a sensory extravaganza in its truest sense.
While on wheels, you can catch sight of the wondrous light displays spread across the city. Flavorful drinks, including a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of wine, are also served onboard to warm you up as you brave the cold temperature.
Christmas Lights, Chocolate & Sips Tours
Website: Christmas Lights, Chocolate & Sips Tours
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 5:30pm - 9pm; Mon - Fri: 6:30pm - 10pm
Price: from 49 USD
10. Experience Klyde Warren Park's annual tree-lighting celebration
Christmas in Dallas is fortunately not freezing, so you can conveniently get cozy on the sprawling lawns of Klyde Warren Park. Meet Santa, enjoy the live shows, and participate in the annual merry-making on December 3. Watching the festive tree-lighting event at the end is the perfect way to kickstart the holiday season.
Klyde Warren Park's Tree-lighting Celebration
Address: Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas, TX 75201
Website: Klyde Warren Park’s Tree-lighting Celebration
Opening hours: 3pm - 6pm
Manifest miracles in December at Dallas
Dallas is the way to go if you are looking for a destination filled with delightful Christmas celebrations for every member of your family. From magical light displays to jubilant holiday parades, this vibrant city will never disappoint you. Manifest miracles in December as you take a leaf out of our curated list of things to do in Dallas during the Christmas season. Have a merry one!
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
8 Best Treehouse Cabins In Dallas, Texas - Updated 2024Elah Angelica -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Create an account to