Parades and Lights
Lights
Appreciate the homegrown efforts of North Texans all over Dallas and the suburbs. Head to the Park Cities and drive down Beverly and Lakeside drives. Or point your car to Lake Highlands and the Timberhollow Circle neighborhood. Lakewood Boulevard and Swiss Avenue in East Dallas also offer great sightseeing. South of the Trinity? Check out Oak Cliff’s Kessler Park neighborhood. In North Dallas, Strait Lane, Hockaday Drive, and the Walnut Hill neighborhood are your best bets. Ready to go beyond Dallas? Check out the Interlochen neighborhood in Arlington or the Deerfield neighborhood in Plano. Want some music to accompany your North Texas light tour? We’ve curated a list of Texas-connected holiday tunes below.
Vitruvian Park once again lights up for the holidays, and the more than 500 trees on its 12 acres will sparkle with 1.5 million lights. Through January 1. 3966 Vitruvian Way, Addison. Get details here.
Dallas Zoo Lights displays more than 2 million lights, 60 animal-shaped lanterns, and a light show programmed to holiday music. The Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo will offer Santa’s Village, and the Grove hosts nightly concerts. A sensory-friendly night is scheduled for December 16 and an adults-only night, Dallas Zoo After Dark, is set for December 12. Select nights through Jan. 4. 650 S. R.L. Thornton Fwy. Details here.
Grand Prairie Premium Outlets will kick off the holidays on November 30 with its Light the Night tree lighting ceremony. The event will include balloons, snacks, a visit from Santa, and more. November 30, 6–9 p.m. Grand Prairie Premium Outlets, 2950 I-20, Grand Prairie. Learn more here.
University Park will hold its tree lighting ceremony at Centennial Park (formerly Goar Park) on December 1. Expect plenty of festive entertainment, including live holiday carols and dances, before the tree is lit. December 1, 3-7 p.m. Learn more here.
Spend the afternoon at Klyde Warren Park for its annual Tree Lighting Celebration. The three-hour event will feature visits from Santa, storytime with Mrs. Claus, games, an appearance from Emerald City Band, and of course, the tree lighting. December 7, 4-7 p.m., 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy. Learn more here.
It may be a rarity to have a white Christmas in Dallas, but Reliant Lights Your Holidays will offer real snow at the Winspear Opera House, which is almost the same thing. The annual event will feature music from Jackopierce, NRG Party Band, Whitney James’ Cool Yule Duo, and Pretty Boy Aaron, plus fireworks, a drone show, and plenty of lights. December 7, 5:30 p.m., 2403 Flora St. Get details here.
The city of Irving’s Centennial Lights is a walk-through display that includes 60,000 lights and is adjacent to lights at Whistlestop Plaza, the clock tower, Heritage Park, and Main Street. December 7-21. 444 W. Second St., Irving. Details here.
On the shores of Joe Pool Lake, Prairie Lights is a two-mile drive-through display of more than 4 million lights. Around 30,000 cars came through the park last year, making it one of the area’s more popular holiday destinations. Prairie Lights also offers a Holiday Village with shopping, carnival rides, photos with Santa, and a lighted walk-through forest. Through December 31. 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy., Grand Prairie. Purchase tickets here.
Also check out:
Trinity Falls Tour of Trees, through December 15. Learn more.
Lights on the Farm, through December 27. Heritage Farmstead Museum, Plano. Get tickets.
Light Park, through January 5, Arlington and Frisco. Get tickets.
Gift of Lights, through January 7, Texas Motor Speedway, 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth. Get tickets.
Parades
Cowtown’s parade is lit—literally. The 42-year-old Fort Worth Parade of Lights boasts more than 100 floats, marching bands, cars, horses, and plenty of Christmas lights, too. Stand along the streets for free or purchase reserved seating. Texas Rangers outfielder Evan Carter will be the grand marshal. December 24, 6 p.m., downtown Fort Worth. Learn more here.
Macy’s might have its annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, but here in North Texas, thousands flock downtown for the annual Dallas Holiday Parade. It’s the biggest one-day outdoor event in the city, and finding the perfect spot to watch the parade has become a holiday tradition for North Texas families. December 7, 9 a.m., Downtown Dallas. Learn more here.
Also check out:
Cowboy Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade, November 29, 7 p.m., Fort Worth Stockyards. Learn more.
Grapevine’s 45th Annual Parade of Lights, December 5, 7 p.m., 636 Main St., Grapevine. Learn more.
Richardson Christmas Parade, December 7, 9 a.m., 501 S. Plano Rd. Learn more.
Parade of Lights, December 7, 6:30 p.m., West Midway Drive, Euless. Learn more.
Arlington Holiday Lights Parade, December 14, 6 p.m., Downtown Arlington. Learn more.
Nutcracker Performances and Live Shows
Live shows
The kids at Dallas Children’s Theater will reenact beloved TV special A Charlie Brown Christmas. The cast will retell the adventures of the Peanuts crew and the meaning of Christrmas. November 23–December 22. 5938 Skillman St. Get tickets here.
The Dallas Theater Center is recounting the life of Ebenezer Scrooge just about every day this December. There are even stagings of A Christmas Carol after Christmas, if you need to entertain the in-laws. November 29–December 28. Wyly Theatre, 2400 Flora St. Get tickets here.
Almost every day this December, NorthPark will host free concerts and shows in the north court as part of its Sights and Sounds of the Season. There will be performances from local middle and high schools, as well as professional companies such as Verdigris Ensemble, Chamberlain Ballet, and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. December 2-22. 8687 N. Central Expy. Learn more here.
If you feel like celebrating Christmas with Shaboozey on a Tuesday, Fort Worth has you covered. 106.1 KISS FM’s Jingle Ball, presented by Capital One, features artists like Kane Brown, Meghan Trainor, Jason Derulo, Dasha, Saweetie, and more. December 3. Dickies Arena, 1911 Montgomery St., Fort Worth. Get tickets here.
The Turtle Creek Chorale will take its Wonder:TCC Holiday Tour show on the road this season, staging performances at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, the Meyerson Symphony Center, Broadway Baptist Church, and First United Methodist Church Richardson over a two week period. December 5, 10, 13, and 17. Various locations. Get tickets here.
If you can’t make it to New York City this December, you can still get a Rockettes-style show, courtesy of the Dallas Conservatory’s Rockefeller Christmas. The production will feature jazz, contemporary, and even some scenes from the Nutcracker Suite. December 7-8. Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm St. Get tickets here.
The Dallas Opera Orchestra will return to the Cathedral Guadalupe downtown for its annual free holiday concert, which will include favorites like “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Ave Maria,” “O, Holy Night,” and more, sung by bass Keron Jackson and soprano Kathleen O’Mara. Families can register for up to four tickets. December 13, 7 p.m., Cathedral Guadalupe. Learn more here.
North Texas Performing Arts is bringing back its 130-plus person annual production of Scrooge! The Musical. Don’t miss the “Gift to the Community” shows on Dec. 11 and 18, or the ASL interpreted performance on Dec. 14. December 11-15 and 18-22. Multiple locations. Get tickets here.
If it’s not Christmas in your house until Robert Earl Keen’s “Merry Christmas From the Family” plays at least twice, it’s probably high time you purchased tickets to his Lights, Camera, Christmas show in Dallas. December 15, 7 p.m., House of Blues. Get tickets here.
One of the hottest tickets for the entire holiday season is the Polyphonic Spree’s annual Holiday Extravaganza. This year marks the 21st edition of the event, and will include plenty of music from the Spree and friends, face painting, balloon animals, Santa visits, and more. December 21, 7 p.m., Majestic Theatre. Get tickets here.
Arlington’s own Pentatonix will bring their Hallelujah! It’s a Christmas Tour to American Airlines Center this holiday season—and just two days before Christmas Eve, too. December 22, 7 p.m., American Airlines Center. Get tickets.
In 1996, the Trans Siberian Orchestra changed holiday music forever by turning your favorite Christmas tunes into headbangers. This year the band is bringing its Lost Christmas Eve tour to Dallas for a Saturday afternoon show. December 28, 3 p.m., American Airlines Center. Get tickets here.
As always, the Dallas Symphony has its bows stringed, music laid out, and trumpets at the ready for a holiday season full of cheer and some of your favorite music. The DSO will have something for everyone, from its popular Christmas Pops and Family Christmas Pops performances, to KINGS ReJOYCE! and Elf in Concert. December 6-22, Meyerson Symphony Center. Learn more here.
Shop local businesses and learn more about Dallas at the African American Museum’s annual Christmas Music Under the Dome and Christmas Marketplace. The event will feature music from local school choral and band groups. December 7, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.. 3536 Grand Ave. Learn more here.
Also check out:
Snow Fest with Jeezy and Friends, November 29, 7 p.m., Comerica Center, Frisco. Get tickets.
Scrooge Puppet Theatre, November 29-December 24, NorthPark Center. Learn more.
The Cliburn Family Concerts: The Polar Express, December 1, 2:30 p.m., Fort Worth Stockyards Station. Get tickets.
Theatre Arlington: Holiday Inn, December 6-22, 316 W. Main St., Arlington. Get tickets.
Lauren Daigle, December 7, 7:30 p.m., Texas Trust Credit Union Theatre, Grand Prairie. Get tickets.
Dickens, December 7, 4-9 p.m., Downtown Plano Arts District. Learn more.
Jingle Jam with Boosie and Friends, December 21, 7:30 p.m., Comerica Center, Frisco. Get tickets.
Orchestra of New Spain: Pastorela at the Cathedral, December 14, 7:30 p.m., Guadalupe Cathedral. Get tickets.
Michael W. Smith, December 15, 7 p.m., Majestic Theatre. Get tickets.
Gregory Porter, December 16, 7:30 p.m., Winspear Opera House. Get tickets.
Merry-Achi Christmas, December 18, 7 p.m., Majestic Theatre. Get tickets.
Blind Boys of Alabama, December 23, 7 p.m., Winspear Opera House. Get tickets.
Nutcracker performances
Dance and theater troupes across North Texas will perform the holiday classic The Nutcracker. There will be performances to Tchaikovsky’s beloved music, along modern reimaginings and more all season long. Here are a few options.
Thanksgiving weekend, Plano’s Chamberlain Ballet is performing the Nutcracker, featuring guest dancers Hee Seo from the American Ballet Theater and Tyler Angle from the New York City Ballet. November 29-December 1. Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Dr., Richardson. Get tickets here.
Avant Chamber Ballet will stage the full Nutcracker production in Dallas, but will offer family-friendly, shorter versions in Dallas and Southlake, too. December 1, and 6-8, Moody Performance Hall. Get tickets here.
Texas Ballet Theater is kicking its month-long Nutcracker season off the day after Thanksgiving with shows at the Winspear. The company will head to Fort Worth’s Bass Performance Hall Dec. 13. Multiple dates, November 29-December 29. Get tickets here.
Students from the Dallas Black Dance Academy will put on their own rendition of the classic with Espresso Nutcracker. December 14, 7 p.m., Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm St. Get tickets here.
Students at Nicolina Lawson’s Ballet North Texas will put on the Nutcracker in Dallas this December. There is a sensory-friendly performance on Dec. 21. December 20-22, Moody Performance Hall. Get tickets here.
Santa Sightings
Whether you want a quick photo or a whole experience, we found more than 60 places you can meet up with Santa. Use our handy map below.
Christmas Experiences
Sometimes you just want to spend a few hours appreciating the holiday spirit. Here are some great Christmas experiences you can find in North Texas.
The Dallas Cowboys’ seventh annual Christmas Extravaganza at The Star in Frisco happens every Friday and Saturday night through December 21. It’s the perfect stop after a quick dinner in The Star. The show includes performances by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blue, Cowboys Rookie Squad, Rowdy, and Santa Claus. Each evening, a different Cowboys legend and their family will be in attendance to help light The Star’s 67-foot LED Christmas tree. Through December 21, 6 p.m. The Star in Frisco. Get details here.
The Hilton Anatole is debuting Christmas at the Anatole, a new family-friendly indoor Christmas experience that includes a Grand Ferris Wheel, Christmas tree maze, a Snow Summit Slide, a Bavarian village, and a ski lodge. November 29 through December 31 on select days. 2201 N. Stemmons Fwy. Get tickets here.
Every December, Grapevine transforms itself into the Christmas Capital of Texas, and offers everything from ice skating to Broadway-style shows to train rides and more. Walk through the interactive Hometown Christmas display, then stay for the drone show. Throughout December. Downtown Grapevine. Get details here.
Snowday and its companion experience, Santaland, return to the Galleria Dallas. Both offer immersive experiences full of whimsy and energy. Santaland offers daily “rides” to the North Pole to visit Santa, while Snowday takes visitors through a series of winter wonderland vignettes. Prices vary. Through December 24 for Santaland, and through January 5 for Snowday. 13350 Dallas Pkwy. Get details here.
The Dallas Arboretum’s Holiday at the Arboretum highlight is the “12 Days of Christmas” holiday exhibit, which has been a local favorite for years. But there is plenty more to entertain, including the 50-foot Musical Tree that plays holiday music, the Christmas Village, and the Christmas Gazebo. Go during the day or after dark, when the gardens light up. Through Jan. 5. 8525 Garland Road. Get details and tickets here.
The Trains at NorthPark have been a Christmas tradition for 25 years. Benefitting the Ronald McDonald House Dallas, the event features elaborate train displays boasting more than 600 trains along 1,600 feet of track. See scenes from all over the country, including Dallas. Through Jan. 5. NorthPark, level one between Starbucks and Tesla. Get tickets here.
One of Dallas’ most popular holiday traditions is Holiday Tea at the French Room in the Adolphus Hotel. Expect elaborate decor, music, and Christmas-inspired menus that offer tea sandwiches, scones with house-made preserves and English double cream, dessert pastries, and sparkling cider or champagne. Through January 5. 1321 Commerce St. Make reservations here.
It takes more 2 million pounds of ice to create the ICE! exhibit at the Gaylord Texan, and a team of 40 artisans have been working since last month to re-create the holiday classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with frozen water. Grab a complimentary parka and walk through the story, complete with Mrs. Claus, Santa Claus, Hermey, and the rest of the gang from the Island of Misfit Toys. Through January 5. 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine. Get tickets here.
Need to entertain your kiddos, out-of-town guests, or grandparents during the day? Head to the library! The Dallas Public Library System has tons of festive events this December across its various branches. You can decorate cookies, make holiday wreaths and ornaments, meet Santa’s reindeer, and more. Through December 29. Various locations. Learn more here.
Great Wolf Lodge’s Snowland celebration will offer daily snow showers, visits from Santa, crafts, holiday stories and songs, and a variety of other festive activities for families. From November 25-January 6. 100 Great Wolf Drive, Grapevine. Make reservations here.
Every Christmas season, Six Flags Over Texas’ Holiday in the Park combines Christmas with amusement park, and the result is a memorable evening full of sparkly lights, plenty of entertainment, visits with Santa, storytime with Mrs. Claus, and more. Some activities require an additional fee and reservations. From November 28-January 5. 2201 Road to Six Flags East, Arlington. Get tickets here.
Camp Christmas takes over Strauss Square in December, offering a “wacky, wonderful world” of holiday cheer. There are a variety of experiences to pick from: self-guided, guided, ASL-interpreted, and sensory-friendly, which means there is something for everyone. Through December 29. 2389 Flora St. Get tickets here.
Meow Wolf Grapevine will transform The Real Unreal into Unreal Winter, giving everyone a “frosty fusion of art, adventure, and seasonal wonder” right before the holidays. Expect an unreal—get it?—winter quest, participate in winter workshops, and (assuming you’re a grown up) join adult theme nights such as Ugly Sweaters and Winter Ball. December 1-21, various times. Grapevine Mills Mall. Get tickets here.
Also check out:
Christmas on the Square, December 5, 5-10 p.m., Downtown Garland. Learn more.
Deck the Plaza, December 6, 4:30-7:30 p.m. City Hall Plaza, 1500 Marilla St. Learn more.
Highland Park Christmas Lights Celebration and Shopping Stroll, December 11, 4-7 p.m., Highland Park Village. Learn more.
Kiest Park Holiday Festival, December 14, 4-8 p.m., Kiest Park. Learn more.
Hooves & Holiday Cheer, December 15, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Dallas Farmers Market. Learn more.
Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas, through December 29. Choctaw Stadium, Arlington. Get tickets.
A Very Merry Village, through December 31. The Village Dallas. Learn more.
Stockyards Rodeo Rink, through January 5. Fort Worth Stockyards. Get tickets.
Winter Village at the Adolphus, through January 5. 1321 Commerce Street. Make reservations.
Find some Christmas spirits
Mercat Bistro’s Polar Bear Room, open from November 26 to December 31, offers a two-hour dining spectacle surrounded by festive polar bears. (We aren’t sure what this means, but it must be good.) Guests can make reservations with the option to secure the coveted “Polar Bear Table” for a $50 refundable booking fee and get an up-close view of the whimsical bears. 2501 N. Harwood St., Ste. 225. Make reservations here.
Harwood Arms will transform into a holiday pub from November 27 through December 31. The menu includes mini curried chicken hand pies, baked brie, and gingerbread creme brulee. The drink menu has a polar bear espresso martini, a butter beer shot, and a spiked apple cider. Reservations can be made here. 2823 McKinnon St.
The pop-up Holiday House at Leela’s Wine Bar has made a comeback, and it’ll be hanging around until January 1 at its three locations: Lower Greenville, Uptown, and Trophy Club. Sip on themed cocktails and small bites, enjoy festive decor, and celebrate the holidays with friends. Learn more.
Also check out:
Harwood Arms Santa Bar Crawl, December 14, 3-8 p.m., Harwood District. Get tickets.
Tipsy Elf, November 24-December 23, 308 N. Bishop Ave. Learn more.
Make the holidays better for someone else
Wander through Highland Park Village and bid on the most elaborate gingerbread house you can find during the shopping center’s Gingerbread Stroll. Proceeds benefit Community Partners of Dallas, which works with abused and neglected children. Through Nov. 30. 47 Highland Park Village. Learn more here.
On the heels of last year’s successful holiday pop-up, Dwell With Dignity is hosting Thrift the Halls once again. Open Wednesdays through Saturdays, the event will carry decor you’ve been searching for, and all for a good cause. December 4-21. 1833 E. Levee St. Learn more here.
The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree brings Christmas to families who wouldn’t otherwise get to celebrate. You can adopt online and drop your gifts off at several locations around North Texas. The last day to adopt an Angel and drop off gifts is December 7. Learn more here.
Bid on architect-designed dog houses and cat condos, or adopt a pet during the SPCA’s 33rd-annual Home for the Holidays event at NorthPark Center. Through Dec. 23. 8687 N. Central Expy. Learn more here.
Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support is asking for donations this holiday season. You can buy gift cards, sponsor an angel (a child), or “adopt a family,” and shop for presents for them. Learn more here.
Servicing Oak Cliff and West Dallas, Brother Bill’s Helping Hand needs help restocking and sorting gifts for its Christmas event. November 25-December 2. 3906 N. Westmoreland Rd. Learn more here.
Help Mercy Street wrap presents for its program families with The Joy Project. December 2, various times. 3801 Holystone St. Learn more here.
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas is looking for volunteers to help with its We Care Santa Work Shop. Volunteers can help lead club members through various activities and arts and crafts. December 3, various times. 4440 Brown St. Learn more here.
The Dallas Holiday Parade has plenty of volunteer opportunities ahead of the December 7 event. You can be a bleacher captain, bus wrangler, balloon handler, pooper scooper clown and more. Downtown, December 7. Learn more here.
Even if your gingerbread mansion always falls apart, head to NorthPark to decorate cookies during Camp Gingerbread. All proceeds go to Shared Housing Center, which helps provide affordable housing. The event is on level one between Macy’s and Dillard’s. December 7 and 14. 8687 N. Central Expy. Learn more here.
Operation Care needs volunteers and donations for its annual Christmas Gift event that aids local homeless. Requested donations include new coats, athletic shoes, sleeping bags, children’s toys, and more. December 21. Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, 650 S. Griffin St. Learn more here.
Looking for some place to volunteer this holiday season? Vomo is an online portal that can connect you with local organizations and events seeking helpers.
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