After the two years we have all lived through, this holiday season is the perfect time to get out and celebrate. Celebrate our lives, our health and the ability to start doing things again. One thing Dallas does not lack is Christmas Events throughout the city. No matter what type of holiday event you are looking for, you can find it in our great city and surrounding areas. 

Our favorite places are doing everything they can to make sure these Christmas events in Dallas do not disappoint. Many of these are returning from previous years but it’s exciting to add a few new ones to the list. While events do you attend every year?

2021 Dallas Christmas Events

Christmas at the Gaylord Texan // November 12 – January 2

Holiday at the Dallas Arboretum // November 10 – December 31

Holiday at the Arboretum, presented by Reliant, has a new treasure that’s sure to get visitors in the holiday spirit: the Dazzling Musical Tree, a 50-foot-tall tree animated with more 42,000 lights and merry holiday tunes. The Holiday Festival also features The Christmas Village, DeGolyer House with The Artistry of the Nativity and The 12 Days of Christmas. Holiday at the Arboretum features more than a million lights throughout the garden, trimming the historic homes and the 30-foot-tall spruce tree in the center of the garden. It’s the perfect place for getting into the holiday spirit.  

Inspired by European Christmas Markets, or Christkindlmarket, The Christmas Village is comprised of charming shops and façades representing a quaint European hamlet. The Christmas Village is wonderful during the day, but it’s magical at night with lighted trees, shop owners passing out samples and live entertainment. Each house is individually designed for the Dallas Arboretum, with the Christmas Village as an attraction for everyone. Santa Claus even has his own house and a sleigh for photo opportunities! Santa is in his house select nights in November, and then after Thanksgiving, he is present every night and Saturday and Sunday afternoons.   

Each day, and every Monday-Wednesday evening, beginning November 10, the community is invited to visit the historic DeGolyer House, elaborately decorated by renowned designer Michael Hamilton, with the return of the beloved theme, The Artistry of the Nativity. This collection features hundreds of crèches representing a variety of cultures from around the world.   After a visit to The Christmas Village, visitors are invited to stroll the garden, and continue to enjoy the 25-foot-tall Victorian-style gazebos that represent each of The 12 Days of Christmas with some updated characters. These glass gazebos resemble an oversize music box with mannequins and animals that move along with music and lighting.  

Timed tickets, which range from $10-$25, are required for entry for the garden, so guests are encouraged to reserve preferred dates early. For more information, visit https://www.dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/holiday-at-the-arboretum/  

The Dallas Arboretum is located at 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218

The Trains at NorthPark // November 13 – January 2

The Trains at NorthPark is the largest miniature train exhibit in Texas with more than 750 railcars featuring the organizations, families and individuals who make this beloved event possible.  Since inception, the Trains at NorthPark has raised over $14 million for Ronald McDonald House Dallas (RMHD) and helped provide a home away from home for 40,000 families with sick and injured children.  

With 1,600 feet of tracks rolling from coast to coast on a whimsical journey across the United States, the Trains travel from the Fall foliage of New England to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge with stops along the way in New York, Arizona and Colorado.

In its 40^th Anniversary year, RMHD is inviting everyone to participate in the celebration by purchasing tickets at www.thetrainsatnorthpark.com, or even purchasing a one-of-a-kind railcar now available for sale. Tickets for The Trains at NorthPark are $5 for children ages 2-12 and seniors over 65. Adults are $10, while children under two years of age are admitted for free. 

NorthPark is located at 8687 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75225.  The Trains at NorthPark are located on the 2^nd level of NorthPark mall between Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. 

Christmas at the Anatole // November 26 – December 24

North Pole Texas is a guided 90-minute interactive event. Families board the Peppermint Park Train for a ride through the light display in the Anatole Sculpture Park. The train will deliver guests to the North Pole Texas Welcome station for their elf check-in. Children of all ages will participate in holiday activities including writing letters to Santa at the North Pole Mailroom, decorating cookies in Mrs. Claus’s kitchen, attend Elf Academy, create a take-home teddy bear at the Toy Workshop, take in Santa’s Magical
Marionette Theater, boogie at the Reindeer Dance Party, tour the North Pole Mission Control Station, and capture the memorable family moments with photo ops on Santa’s Sleigh and a giant snow globe.

Overnight guests receive discounted admission to Christmas events. Purchase tickets and get more info on the Hilton Anatole Website.  We love spending our holidays at the Anatole and try to make it every year. Here’s a glimpse into one of their past Dallas Christmas Events. 

Hilton Anatole is located at 2201 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207

Enchant Christmas at Fair Park // November 26 – January 2

Enchant Christmas — The World’s Most Magical Christmas Light Maze & Village — transforms Fair Park this holiday season. Guests embark on an unforgettable journey of awe and wonder at Enchant — a world where Christmas comes to life… and to light. Enchant Christmas is whimsical and wonderful down to the very last snowflake. Glide down the breathtaking Ice Skating Trail, sample gourmet holiday treats from around the world, visit the artisan Christmas market on your way to meet the Big Man himself… and take the reins of an all-new holiday adventure in the most magical Christmas light maze the world has ever seen. ‘The Great Search’, Enchant’s original adventure, takes guests on a quest to find Santa’s nine missing reindeer lost in a storm to save Christmas.

Tickets for this Christmas Event in Dallas start at $20. Tickets can be purchase ahead of time on the Enchant Christmas website. *Please note – Enchant Christmas will be closed November 29 – December 1, December 6-8, 13-15

Enchant Christmas is located in the Esplanade at Fair Park located at 3809 Grand Ave, Dallas, TX 75210.

Dallas Zoo Lights // November 19 – January 2

Cruise the mile-long route through the Dallas Zoo and enjoy many magical holiday moments along the way! Featuring one million twinkling lights, elaborate holiday-themed displays, dazzling 3-D lighted sculptures, larger-than-life animal lanterns, and more, all from the comfort of your vehicle. NEW THIS YEAR— immersive video projection mapping will transform select areas along the path, and the route ends with a bigger, brighter Reliant Holiday Village!

Marvel at mesmerizing animal-themed vignettes, from a lush rainforest to an Antarctic adventure; stunning, 360-degree light-covered tunnels; hanging lighted décor; and silk-covered, illuminated animal lanterns. Park and stroll through Reliant Holiday Village at the end of the drive-thru route to partake in photos with Santa, photo ops in front of the 30-foot lighted Christmas tree, musical performances, and more.

Timed entry tickets must be purchased online in advance of your visit to Dallas Zoo Lights. Member price is $50 per car, Non Member price is $65.

The Dallas Zoo is located at 650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203

Christmas at the Dallas Galleria // November 19 – December 24

From the country’s TALLEST indoor Christmas Tree to Missile Toes, the backflipping Santa to the region’s most innovative and beloved photos with Santa experience, Galleria Dallas is where Texas comes to celebrate the season. The Galleria offers a lot of different Dallas Christmas Events that you don’t want to miss. 

• The Grand Tree Lighting Celebration is something you want to witness – Every show features Missile Toes, Galleria’s ice-skating, back-flipping, pyrotechnic Santa Claus, live performances by some of the region’s top figure skaters and ice dancers, as well as students from the Galleria Dallas Skate School, who introduce the lighting of the country’s tallest indoor tree. This only takes places twice – Friday, Nov. 26 at noon & Saturday, Nov. 27 at 6 p.m.
• Gather your little ones for Storytime with Mrs. Claus located at Level 3, near the Children’s Play Place on Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11 and 18 at 10 a.m.
• Can’t make the Tree lighting celebration? No problem. The nation’s tallest indoor Christmas tree illuminates in grand fashion choreographed to magical sounds of the season on Nov. 26-Dec. 24 daily at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. (no 8 p.m. shows on Sundays)
• Slappy’s Holiday Circus is back. Presented by Slappy’s Playhouse, experience a classic European Circus with puppets, magic, clowns, contortionists and jugglers in a fast-paced show that’s fun for the entire family. Visit on these dates – Friday, Nov. 26, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. & Saturdays, Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11 & 18 at 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.

The Dallas Galleria is located at 13350 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75240.

Snowday Dallas // November 19 – January 17

SNOWDAY takes guests on an explorable adventure through 20+ imaginative rooms and hundreds of surprises for all ages over the course of about an hour. Created to be a fully immersive and truly amazing journey, SNOWDAY features unique photo opportunities for guests to have fun, strike a pose, and snap a picture – including 5 extra-special photo moments with integrated cameras and lighting.

Timed tickets can be purchased online through their website.  

SNOWDAY is located in the Dallas Galleria at 13350 Dallas Parkway Suite 1020, Dallas Tx 75240

Santaland Galleria // November 19 – December 24

Sit back and relax and enjoy one of our luxury trains leaving every fifteen minutes. You’ll arrive in a magical moonlit forest and journey through an enchanted path filled with starry lights, polar bears, and endless photo ops leading to Santa’s majestic cabin hideaway. There you will find Santa who already knows every child’s name and what they want most for Christmas! Of course he does, he’s Santa! 

Timed tickets can be purchased online.

Santaland is at the Dallas Galleria on Level 1, near Banana Republic. The Dallas Galleria is located at 13350 Dallas Parkway Suite 1020, Dallas Tx 75240

Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge // November 19 – January 3

Enjoy daily indoor snow showers, Snowland Bingo, seasonally-themed crafts, holiday stories and songs as well as “Twas the Night Before Snowland” Yoga Tails and the evening Frost Fest Family Dance Party. Transport to a private oasis in a candy cane chalet within the Snowland Cabanas in the water park. Each Cabana features elaborate holiday-themed décor, inviting guests to cozy up on a lounge chair next to a glowing Christmas tree for a respite from the chilly winter weather inside the 84-degree water park. Each Cabana also includes a wreath-shaped tube to use on the Crooked Creek lazy river.

Snowland is included with your overnight stay at Great Wolf Lodge.  

Great Wolf Lodge is located 100 Great Wolf Dr, Grapevine, TX 76051

Elf on the Shelf Magical Journey // November 18 – January 2

It’s Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Journey’s first time in Dallas! The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey in Arlington is a brand-new walk-thru immersive theater experience where you will be shrunken down to Elf size and go on a magical journey with Santa’s Scout Elves. Created and designed specifically for the Choctaw Stadium in Arlington (formerly called the Globe Life Park), the experience will be staged along the open-air concourse of the ballpark.

Meet the Scout Elves as you embark on a quest to save Christmas, experience larger-than-life scenic and light installations and are immersed in an original story and soundscape brought to you by the creators of The Elf on the Shelf. This event should take about an hour and great for all ages. 

Ticket prices vary by day and time. You can purchase tickets online at Elf on the Shelf Magical Journey’s site. 

The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Journey is located at Choctaw Stadium. Choctaw Stadium is located at 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX 76011

TubaChristmas // December 24th @ 12pm

Listen to the beautiful sounds of hundreds of tuba and euphonium players play Christmas music.

Tuba and euphonium players are again invited to participate in one or more of the TUBACHRISTMAS concerts/events presented throughout the world. Your efforts will be appreciated by tuba and euphonium players everywhere. 

More info about TubaChristmas. TubaChristmas takes place every year at Thanksgiving Square – underground area. Thanksgiving Square is located at 1627 Pacific Ave, Dallas, TX 75201

North Pole Express // November 26 – December 23

Experience the magic of Christmas on board Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s North Pole Express^®. Join Mrs. Claus on a 40- to 45-minute holiday adventure as she takes her guests to bring Santa to the Christmas Capital of Texas^®. Guests will receive a cookie baked in Mrs. Claus’s North Pole kitchens, a beautiful “We Believe” bell, and a taste of Santa’s Frosty Chocolate Snow Milk (served in a keepsake Memory Mug).

Tickets sell out quickly so don’t wait to get yours! Tickets can be purchased online. 

North Pole Express is located at 705 S. Main St., Grapevine, TX  76051

Prairie Lights // November 25 – December 31

Be dazzled by Prairie Lights as you drive through 4 million lights set along 2 miles of path. Hundreds of all new displays in shapes of all kinds line and arch over the roads. Half way through the drive get out of your car for a stop at Holiday Village where you will find food, gifts, Santa, Lighted Walk-Through Forest and a holiday theater spectacular. The finale of the show is the world’s largest light tunnel. Open Thanksgiving Day to New Years Eve.

General Admission is $40 per car. Tickets can be purchased online. 

Prairie Lights is located at Lynn Creek Park, 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy, Grand Prairie TX 75052.

Radiance! Frozen in Frisco! // November 18 – January 1

One ticket is all you need to experience BOTH parks! In addition to the Radiance! Light Show, at the ALL-NEW Frozen in Frisco, you’ll experience an outdoor Winter Carnival full of thrills, fun and magical memory-making moments unlike anything in North Texas! 

Soar down 2- story Ice Tubing Hills, Ice skate under the stars, Throw snowballs made of REAL snow at Santa’s Snowball Toss, Ride the giant 108ft Ferris wheel, Christmas Carousel and Train, Spin out on Holiday Bumper Cars, Ride Blitzen the Bucking Reindeer and much more!

Tickets start at $20 and be purchased on their site. I highly suggest to purchase now before any potential sale outs. 

Radiance is located at Riders Field (formerly Dr. Pepper Ballpark), 7300 Roughriders Trail, Frisco TX 75034

Vitruvian Lights // November 26 – January 2

The most dazzling and spectacular time of the year, Vitruvian Park transforms into a magical holiday wonderland. Stroll through the park, enjoy the view, and grab dinner at local restaurants. Admission is free. 

Texas Christkindl Market // November 18 – January 2

The almost 70-year relationship between Arlington and its sister city, Bad Königshofen, inspired the Texas Christkindl Market to commemorate its first magical season in 2011. With several markets all over Europe for the holidays, the Texas Christkindl Market also works with its partner Christmas city, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, to bring the same wonderful magic and feeling to Texas. Visitors will discover handcrafted gifts and collectibles, including exclusive Käthe Wohlfahrt  merchandise and designs from the iconic Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village.

The market is open from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm during November 18, 2021 thru January 2, 2022. The market will be closed every Monday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission to the Market is free but parking may be a small fee.

The Texas Christkindl Market is held at Choctaw Stadium, at 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX 76011. The entrance to the market is through the third base entrance, directly across from Texas Live!

Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza // November 19 – December 18

Home for the Holidays Mckinney // November 26 – November 28

Experience a small-town feel with a big holiday spirit.  Thanksgiving weekend marks the 41st year for this hometown Christmas celebration founded in 1980. Visit the 14-block area of McKinney’s 165-year-old commercial historic downtown for family activities, food, and entertainment.

Dates and times:

• Friday, Nov. 26, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 27, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 28, noon to 5 p.m.

Kick off the holiday season at the Tree Lighting Ceremony happening Friday, Nov. 26, 6:15 p.m. on the west side of the Downtown McKinney square. 

Santa will be on the square to hear what the little ones want for Christmas. Capture the moment with a photo you will cherish for years to come. No reservation required. Photos taken on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Guests can enjoy a ride on a Ferris wheel, carousel, snow hill, Frosty’s train and more. The petting zoo, a rock climbing wall and a Candyland area are other popular ‘Home for the Holidays’ attractions. Purchase your ride tickets at one of the ticket booths located on the corners of Tennessee Street/Louisiana Street and Kentucky Street/Virginia Street before waiting in line.

Home for the Holidays takes place in Downtown Mckinney. Downtown Mckinney Square is located around 111 N. Tennessee St. McKinney, TX 75069.

Grapevine Main Street 

Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas®! Be amazed by a massive live Christmas tree on Peace Plaza at Grapevine Main Station, walk among millions of twinkling lights and enormous decorations, and enjoy seasonal events to create lifelong memories.

Unwrap a classic Christmas on Main Street this season and enjoy the beautiful backdrop of the Victorian-style buildings dressed up with ribbons, bows and wreaths, all set aglow with twinkling lights. Enjoy larger-than-life decorations galore up and down Historic Main Street. After a merry walk down Main Street, enjoy mulled wine at winery tasting rooms along the Urban Wine Trail and the flavors and aromas of Christmas at Grapevine’s more than 200 restaurants, bistros and cafes. 

Enjoy a plethora of photo ops along Historic Main Street. Surround yourself with peppermints in Candy Cane Lane, strike a pose in Toy Land at the Gazebo or keep it classic with vintage sleighs and life-size Christmas cards. Larger-than-life gnomes, Santas, and a 40-foot community animated Singing Christmas Tree will be sure to bring giggles of delight.

Carol of Lights // November 22 

Rediscover the magic of Christmas as we illuminate Historic Downtown Grapevine with our annual Carol of Lights show and street lighting on Monday, November 22 in the Christmas Capital of Texas! Celebrate the Christmas spirit with live performances, a spectacle of lights and breathtaking fireworks at City Hall beginning at 7 p.m. Show up early for family-friendly fun and savory food vendors starting at 4 p.m. Show starts at 7pm. Free seating and standing room will also be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Carol of Lights takes place at Grapevine City Hall. City Hall is located at 200 S. Main St. Grapevine, TX

Parade of Lights // December 2

The Parade of Lights features more than 100 lighted floats and marching bands. Look for Santa Claus on the last float! Come early to claim your spot along Historic Main Street to watch this exciting holiday event. The Parade takes place from 7-9pm.

Route: Northwest Highway at Main Street, Heading South on Main Street, to Dallas Road or Highway 114.

Twinkle Light Boat Parade // December 4

Enjoy a floating festival of lights with the Twinkle Light Boat Parade on Lake Grapevine  This lighted boat parade, filled with boats decorated for the holidays, starts at Twin Coves Marina and picks up entries at each marina, Scott’s Landing and Silver Lake, as it circles the lake. The parade is visible from the shores of Lake Grapevine. December 4, begins at 5:30 p.m.