The holiday season is in full swing, and there’s no shortage of events to attend and light displays to marvel at here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Here are some of the events and activities we’re most looking forward to this holiday season.
The Best Holiday Light Displays in Dallas-Fort Worth
Lightscape at Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Now-January 5
Fort Worth Botanic Garden: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76107
The stars at night shine big and bright, and so does the Fort Worth Botanic Garden during its annual Lightscape celebration. Grab a favorite treat or hot cocoa from a local vendor and then stroll the garden, enjoying millions of twinkling lights and dazzling displays set to music. On select nights, you can even meet Santa—and if you ask him for a light display, your wish has already come true! Ticket prices vary by date, so you can save some money (up to 40% off) by going at value times instead of peak hours.
Radiance! at the Ranch
Now-December 28
Parker County Sheriff’s Posse: 2251 Mineral Wells Hwy, Weatherford, TX 76088
If you don’t like the thought of braving the cold weather, Radiance! at the Ranch is for you. You’ll head to the Parker County Sheriff Posse’s ranch and stay in your car as you enjoy a spectacular display of over two million lights. Larger groups should definitely splurge for the VIP package, which includes hot cocoa and popcorn for everyone, plus magic glasses for the kids, which reveal hidden festive images among the displays.
The Best Christmas Events in Dallas-Fort Worth
Grapevine’s Christmas Capital of Texas
Various dates now through early January
Various locations around downtown Grapevine
Grapevine is the Christmas Capital of Texas, and for good reason: The city transforms into a winter wonderland of more than 40 activities across December and even into the New Year. The Palace Theater regularly shows Christmas classics like “Miracle on 34th Street” and “Home Alone,” the Drone Shows and Parade of Lights are stunning visual displays, Santa’s North Pole Express Neighborhood is a choo-choo-choose your own adventure of delight, and the Great Wolf Lodge offers scavenger hunts, bingo, and a holiday dance party
Holiday at the Arboretum
Now-January 5
8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
Holiday at the Arboretum is celebrating ten years of its 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos exhibit, and they’re honoring the occasion with complementary activities. Walk around the Winter Wonderland to see more than a million festive lights. Get into the holiday spirit at the DeGolyer House or say hello to Santa. Listen to Christmas choirs and other entertainers, then sample the most exquisite seasonal treats as part of Chef Sharon’s Favorite Things.
The Trains at NorthPark
Now-January 5
8687 North Central Expy Dallas, TX 75225
The Trains at NorthPark is the greatest train display across the DFW community. The event has raised millions for Ronald McDonald House Dallas over 37 years. This season includes 1,600 feet of tracks traversing through models of Dallas neighborhoods, a S.T.E.A.M.-inspired experience, a LEGO feature, and a ton of other attractions. Fellow train enthusiasts can also purchase railcars for home, including engines, boxcars, cabooses, and a ruby red observation cart.
Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas
Now-December 29
Choctaw Stadium: 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX 76011
Even the coldest of hearts can be warmed by the Coca-Cola polar bears, and Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas brings that magic to several Texas cities during the holidays. No matter when you visit, you’ll get to enjoy a 55,000-square-foot custom and interactive light display, a market square, ice skating, and an inner tube snow slide. Make your experience even more memorable with a themed night. Our picks are Paws n’ Claus on December 1—a dog-friendly opportunity to snap a photo with Santa and sniff so many things—and Ugly Sweater Christmas Night (December 15), because we all have at least one and need to wear it sometime.
Dallas Symphony Holiday Concert Series
Select dates now-December 31
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center: 2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is full of talented players, and they bring the seasonal flavor throughout December. Christmas Pops features Broadway, TV, and movie star Capathia Jenkins and three-time Grammy-nominated artist Ryan Shaw leading a chorus of adults and children in Christmas classics. Elf in Concert is a showing of the Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel film, complete with a live orchestra soundtrack.
Downtown Stocking Stroll & Family Festival
December 21
Main Street Garden Park: 1902 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201
Need to do a little last-minute Christmas shopping? The 6th annual Downtown Stocking Stroll is a free walk through the streets of downtown Dallas before wrapping up in Main Street Garden Park. It’s packed with over 30 merchants selling stocking stuffers and other treats. Perhaps you’ve done your shopping well in advance, so you might just be browsing until you hit the Family Festival portion of the event. In that case, indulge in a hot cocoa station, a Ferris wheel, train rides, Christmas carolers, a jazz trio, and storytime with Santa.
READ MORE: 23 holiday events happening in Dallas-Fort Worth
The Best Hanukkah Events in Dallas
Chanukah at Klyde Warren Park
December 26
Klyde Warren Park: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201
Head to Klyde Warren Park to celebrate the Miracle of Light with the whole family. You’ll find donuts, latkes, swag, and much more. The free event also includes a guest concert from reggae musician Matisyahu, who will be rocking a special acoustic performance.
Galleria Dallas Menorah Lighting
December 29
Galleria Dallas: 13350 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75240
During Hanukkah, Galleria Dallas guests can celebrate the festival of lights with remarks by Temple Shalom and a large-scale Menorah that stands proudly.
Drinks & Dreidels Chanukah Party
December 26
Granada Theater: 3524 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206
The Intown Chabad hosts Drinks & Dreidels, one of the largest Hanukkah parties across Dallas-Fort Worth. Matisyahu kicks off the jams with a live concert, and DJ Avi keeps the festivities going throughout the after party. All the while, you’re celebrating with drinks, dancing, and plenty of merriment.
The Best New Year’s Eve Events in Dallas-Fort Worth
New Year’s Eve Champagne Life: Royalty Masquerade
December 31
Aloft Dallas Love Field: 2333 West Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75235
Some people like to spend New Year’s Eve at a lavish party with friends, music, and fancy outfits. Others like to spend New Year’s Eve at home, pouring some festive Martinelli’s sparkling apple cider and doing their best to make it to 10 pm, let alone midnight. The Royalty Masquerade is for the former group. Black tie attire means everyone is looking glam, and you’ll arrive in style with a red carpet. Multiple DJs and a live jazz trio provide tunes, an open bar offers libations, and you can add some luck to your new year with a run at the casino tables.
New Year’s Eve Party at Billy Bob’s
December 31
Billy Bob’s Texas: 2520 Rodeo Plz, Fort Worth, TX 76164
Alongside its Christmas festivities, the Fort Worth Stockyards is hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration at Billy Bob’s with country star Gary Allan rocking out on the main stage. The Honky Tonk Kitchen serves up tasty food before you get buck wild with live bull riding. The party has a champagne toast at midnight and four different balloon drops, so don’t worry if you miss one because your attention is elsewhere.
Reunion Tower New Year’s Celebration
December 31
300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX 75207
Dallas may not have the Times Square ball, but Reunion Tower is pretty tough competition. The tower illuminates the Dallas skyline on New Year’s Eve with a 259 LED light display and a drone show. You’ll witness over 5,000 fireworks get launched from the tower. If you’re staying at the Hyatt Regency Dallas or Crown Block Dallas, you can watch from the hotel lawn; otherwise, the show is quite visible around areas of the city.
New Year’s Eve Dallas Pub Crawl
December 31
Starts at Dot’s Hop House: 2645 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226
Can’t decide where to spend your New Year’s Eve? Join this Deep Ellum pub crawl, and you’ll get access to ten different spots across the city. Beyond free entry, you’ll find discounted drinks and will even receive welcome shot tickets at some locations. Dress up to the nines and wow everyone else in the room, no matter the places you go.
New Year’s Eve Candelit Sound Journey Experience
December 31
Entelechea: 1201 International Pkwy #200, Richardson, TX 75081
The New Year is a time when we say goodbye to the past and look ahead with excitement to the future. The best way to do that is by getting in touch with yourself—and the Entelechea Candlelit Sound Journey Experience can help. Step into a guided meditation with crystal bowls providing sound vibrations to embrace healing properties like lower blood pressure, less anxiety, and better sleep. You’ll also be done by 9 p.m., so you’ll have plenty of time to shower and head out to another adventure.
