Dallas and the DFW metroplex shine bright with spectacular holiday light displays across the region. Experience drive-through attractions like The Light Park featuring the world's longest light tunnel, Texas Motor Speedway's Gift of Lights, and Dallas Zoo Lights with two million twinkling lights. From Sundance Square's tree lighting in Fort Worth to neighborhood displays, the area offers festive illuminations for everyone.
Christmas in the Square
Location: Frisco
Dates: November 21st, 2025 - January 5th, 2026
Cost: FREE
Christmas in the Square at Frisco Square celebrates its 20th anniversary with North Texas' largest choreographed holiday lights and music show, featuring over 180,000 lights. The nightly show includes stunning displays such as 200 dancing snowflakes and an immersive light tunnel, along with family-friendly attractions like ice skating and carriage rides.
Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in the spectacular 20th anniversary edition of Christmas in the Square.
- Enjoy the free, choreographed light and music show running nightly.
- Experience the magic of the holiday season with family-friendly attractions.
CityLine Lights
Location: Richardson
Dates: November 1 - January 4
Cost: FREE
CityLine Lights at CityLine Plaza showcases over half a million holiday lights, including moving icicle-styled lights and overhead decorations draped across the plaza lawn. The centerpiece is an impressive 18-foot Christmas tree, creating an ideal backdrop for holiday photos.
Highlights:
- A dazzling display of over half a million holiday lights.
- A prominent 18-foot Christmas tree perfect for photos.
- Festive atmosphere ideal for creating holiday memories.
Holiday in the Park / Parade of Lights
Location: The Colony
Dates: Saturday, December 6th
Cost: FREE
Holiday in the Park at Perryman Park features festive activities, live music, and rides, highlighted by the annual Parade of Lights. Visitors can stroll through a beautifully illuminated holiday lighted trail, experiencing the magic of the season.
Highlights:
- The annual Holiday in the Park event featuring music, activities, and rides.
- The Parade of Lights, a highlight of the festive celebrations.
- A special holiday lighted trail for a magical experience.
ICE! featuring Elf™ at Gaylord Texan
Location: Grapevine
Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Cost: $$
The ICE! attraction at Gaylord Texan Resort features over 2 million pounds of ice sculpted into stunning displays depicting scenes from the movie Elf™, including exhilarating two-story ice slides. Guests can also enjoy a 6,000-square-foot ice skating rink and participate in a Gingerbread Decorating Corner.
Highlights:
- Explore ICE!, a signature attraction featuring colossal ice sculptures carved from over 2 million pounds of ice.
- Discover a winter wonderland with over 10 magical Christmas events and dazzling displays.
- Experience exhilarating two-story ice slides, recreating the famous Central Park snowball fight scene.
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Holiday Lights Trolley Ride
Location: Dallas
Cost: $25
The Holiday Lights Trolley Ride from Mockingbird Station offers a charming, heated tour through Highland Park's dazzling holiday lights. This one-hour trolley ride provides a unique vantage point to enjoy the festive displays throughout the neighborhood.
Highlights:
- A charming, heated trolley tour specifically designed to showcase the best holiday lights.
- Convenient departure from Mockingbird Station, with free parking available.
- Enjoy a festive 1-hour trolley ride through Highland Park to view dazzling holiday lights.
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The Christmas Capital of Texas
Location: Grapevine
Dates: November 1st - January 31st (Events vary)
Cost: $$
Grapevine, Texas, transforms into the 'Christmas Capital of Texas®' with over 1,400 Christmas events held over 40 days. Visitors can enjoy a variety of parades, light displays, concerts, and family-friendly activities throughout the holiday season.
Highlights:
- Grapevine, Texas, transforms into the 'Christmas Capital of Texas®' with an extensive holiday celebration.
- Experience a wide array of events, from parades and light displays to concerts and markets.
- Enjoy family-friendly activities and create lasting Christmas memories.
Trains at NorthPark
Location: Dallas
Dates: November 15, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Cost: $$
Trains at NorthPark showcases an iconic miniature train exhibition that benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. Featuring over 1,600 feet of intricate track layouts, this beloved holiday tradition is updated each season with new scenes and features for repeat visitors.
Address: 8687 North Central Expressway, On Level 1, across from Kona Grill, Dallas, TX 75225
Phone: (214) 631.7354
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A beloved holiday tradition featuring a visually stunning exhibition of miniature trains.
- A fundraising event benefiting Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, supporting families in need.
- An updated display each season with new scenes and features for repeat visitors.
Grapevine Carol of Lights
Location: Grapevine
Dates: Annual event, typically late November through December.
Cost: $
The Grapevine Carol of Lights transforms Historic Main Street into a festive holiday spectacle, featuring dazzling light displays and community traditions. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment and the vibrant atmosphere of the historic district during this beloved event.
Highlights:
- Celebrate the holiday season with a beloved community tradition.
- Immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Grapevine's Christmas Capital of Texas.
- Experience the festive atmosphere of Historic Main Street.
Dallas Zoo Lights
Location: Dallas
Dates: Dates for our 2025 holiday season coming this fall
Cost: $$
Dallas Zoo Lights features a spectacular display of over two million lights and dazzling lanterns throughout the zoo. Visitors can enjoy themed photo opportunities and festive decorations while exploring the illuminated pathways.
Highlights:
- Experience a spectacular display of over two million lights.
- Enjoy dazzling lanterns and festive holiday decorations throughout the zoo.
- Meet Santa Claus and capture memorable holiday photos.
Holiday at the Arboretum
Location: Dallas
Dates: November 13 – January 5
Cost: $$
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the 12 Days of Christmas exhibit at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, featuring a stunning Christmas Village and the iconic gazebos. Visitors can enjoy seasonal performances and explore the beautifully decorated gardens.
Highlights:
- Experience the beloved Christmas Village, a highlight of the holiday season.
- Discover the iconic 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos, a cherished tradition.
- Enjoy a festive atmosphere with dazzling decorations and seasonal entertainment.
Our Village Glows
Location: Highland Village
Dates: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Cost: FREE
Visit The Shops at Highland Village to see a spectacular display of 150,000 LED lights synchronized to holiday music. The highlight of this event is the grand lighting of a 35-foot Christmas tree, accompanied by a dazzling light show. Visitors can also partake in activities such as decorating cookies and making ornaments.
Address: 1701 Shoal Creek, Highland Village, TX 75077
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Experience the grand lighting of a 35-foot Christmas tree.
- Be mesmerized by a dazzling light show with 150,000 synchronized LED lights set to holiday music.
- Decorate festive cookies to take home.
ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Location: Grapevine
Dates: November 15 - December 31 (estimated for 2025)
Cost: $$
At the Gaylord Texan Resort, experience a unique holiday event featuring immersive ice sculptures depicting scenes from 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!'. This temperature-controlled attraction allows visitors to explore a winter wonderland crafted entirely from ice, including thrilling ice slides.
Highlights:
- Step into a magical world of ice, meticulously sculpted to recreate the beloved Dr. Seuss tale.
- Enjoy a unique, temperature-controlled attraction that offers a cool escape and a memorable holiday experience.
- Experience the classic Dr. Seuss story, 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!', brought to life through immersive ice sculptures and vibrant colors.
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Prairie Lights Holiday Lights Experience
Location: Grand Prairie
Dates: November 27 - December 31
Cost: $$
Lynn Creek Park transforms into a holiday wonderland, featuring over 4 million lights in a spectacular drive-through display. Visitors can enjoy a magical walk-through forest and take advantage of special 'Fast Pass' options to skip admission lines.
Highlights:
- Drive through a spectacular holiday light park featuring millions of lights.
- Enjoy a reimagined magical walk-through forest experience.
- Take advantage of special 'Fast Pass' options to skip general admission lines.
Christmas in the Park
Location: Mesquite
Dates: December 6 & 7, 2025
Cost: $
Westlake Park hosts a two-day family-friendly Christmas celebration featuring character meet-and-greets with beloved characters like Bluey and Santa Claus. The event culminates with a spectacular fireworks finale as Santa makes his send-off.
Highlights:
- Meet beloved characters like Bluey, the Grinch, Sponge-Bob, Olaf, and Woody for free.
- Capture memorable moments with free photos alongside Santa Claus.
- Witness a spectacular fireworks finale as Santa makes his send-off.
Carol of Lights
Location: Grapevine
Dates: November 24, 2025
Cost: FREE
The official kickoff to the Christmas Capital of Texas takes place at Grapevine City Hall, featuring a spectacular tree lighting ceremony at Peace Plaza, along with live music and entertainment across multiple stages.
Highlights:
- The official kickoff to the Christmas Capital of Texas celebrations.
- A spectacular tree lighting ceremony at Peace Plaza.
- Live music and entertainment across multiple stages.
Holidays at the Heard
Location: McKinney
Dates: December 10-14, 2024 (Light the Night); December 6-7, 2024 (Holidays at the Heard)
Cost: $$
Set in the Heard Natural Science Museum, the Holidays at the Heard features a family-friendly holiday event with a half-mile nature trail adorned with holiday lights and decorations. Live musical performances by local bands enhance the experience.
Highlights:
- A family-friendly holiday event set in a natural sanctuary, offering a unique blend of nature and festive cheer.
- Two distinct event experiences: 'Holidays at the Heard' with its own schedule and pricing, and 'Light the Night' for an extended, peaceful walk.
- Enjoy a festive nighttime hike along a half-mile nature trail adorned with holiday lights and decorations.
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Winter Wonder Lights
Location: Trophy Club
Dates: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Cost: FREE
Independence Park East hosts a free holiday light display, inviting visitors to enjoy a dazzling array of holiday lights and festive decorations that transform the park into a winter wonderland.
Highlights:
- Enjoy a free, enchanting evening of holiday lights and festive cheer.
- A community gathering perfect for families to celebrate the season.
- Experience a dazzling display of holiday lights illuminating Independence Park East.
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El Paso WinterFest
Location: El Paso
Dates: November 22 - January 4
Cost: $
Downtown El Paso shines with over 1 million lights during WinterFest, featuring dazzling displays across multiple parks. The event includes a holiday market, an outdoor ice-skating rink, and a festive tree lighting ceremony.
Address: Downtown El Paso, El Paso, TX
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland with dazzling light displays across multiple downtown parks.
- Discover unique gifts and seasonal treats at the holiday market.
- Participate in the festive holiday tree lighting ceremony and the WinterFest Lights Parade.
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Lights at Legacy 2025
Location: Plano
Dates: Sunday, November 23, 2025
Cost: FREE
The Shops at Legacy East presents a free holiday celebration featuring dazzling light displays, Santa visits, and live music throughout the evening.
Highlights:
- A free community event celebrating the holiday season.
- Features Santa visits and live music.
- Offers a festive shopping experience.
Sachse Christmas Extravaganza
Location: Sachse
Dates: December 3, 2025
Cost: FREE
The Sachse City Complex hosts the vibrant Sachse Christmas Extravaganza, featuring a community Christmas parade, tree lighting ceremony, and various family activities. Local bands and decorated floats add to the festive atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Experience the vibrant Sachse Christmas Extravaganza, a beloved community celebration.
- Join the festive atmosphere with a parade, tree lighting, and family activities.
- Support local businesses and community organizations through sponsorships and vendor participation.
Vitruvian Lights
Location: Addison
Dates: Late November through the end of the year
Cost: FREE
At Vitruvian Park, visitors can experience a stunning holiday light display featuring thousands of twinkling lights that transform the park into a festive spectacle. The display spans the entire park, providing ample opportunities for guests to stroll through the illuminated pathways, making it a perfect photo opportunity for families and friends alike.
Address: 3966 Vitruvian Way, Addison, TX 75001
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in a magical holiday wonderland.
- Enjoy a spectacular and dazzling light display.
- Witness Vitruvian Park transform into a magical holiday wonderland.
Great Wolf Lodge Snowland
Location: Grapevine
Dates: November 24 – January 4
Cost: $$$
Great Wolf Lodge transforms into a winter wonderland during its annual Snowland celebration, featuring festive decorations and special seasonal events. Visitors can engage in family-friendly activities such as arts and crafts, games, and dance parties, all while enjoying themed drinks available at the lodge.
Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in Snowland, an annual holiday celebration at Great Wolf Lodge.
- Enjoy special seasonal events, winter activities, and festive decorations.
- Create lasting family memories with a unique holiday getaway.
Klyde Warren Park Tree Lighting Celebration
Location: Dallas
Dates: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Cost: FREE
The Klyde Warren Park Tree Lighting Celebration features the annual lighting of the Mayor's Tree, accompanied by live music from DJ Richy Smart and a special show at the Nancy Best Fountain. The event includes various activities for all ages, including crafts and games, making it a family-friendly outing.
Address: 1909 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Ste 403, Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: 214.716.4500
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Annual Tree Lighting Celebration at Klyde Warren Park.
- Live music from DJ Richy Smart.
- A special show at the Nancy Best Fountain.
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Holly Jolly Celebration & Christmas Tree Lighting
Location: Allen
Dates: December 6, 2025, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Cost: $
The Downtown Allen Holly Jolly Celebration includes the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony as its highlight, featuring a mesmerizing drone show and vibrant light displays. Attendees can participate in the Holly Jolly 5K race, enjoy live performances, and take photos with Santa.
Highlights:
- The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony is the centerpiece of the celebration.
- A thrilling drone show and dazzling light displays create a festive atmosphere.
- The Holly Jolly 5K and Fun Run offers a chance for active participation.
The Colony Christmas Spectacular
Location: The Colony
Dates: December 6, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Cost: FREE
The Colony Christmas Spectacular features a breathtaking holiday light display that is synchronized with music, providing a stunning visual experience for visitors. The show runs nightly, allowing guests to enjoy the festive light show from the comfort of their vehicles or on foot.
Highlights:
- Enjoy a spectacular holiday light display synchronized with music, visible nightly.
- Experience a dazzling light show choreographed to music, creating a festive atmosphere.
Tianyu Lights Festival: Koda's Adventure to the Magical Ocean
Location: Grand Prairie
Dates: November 7, 2025 to January 18, 2026: Tuesday - Sunday, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Open on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.
Cost: $$
The Tianyu Lights Festival at Texas Trust CU Theatre Festival Grounds invites visitors on an immersive journey through Koda's dreams, featuring over 50 handcrafted lanterns and themed illuminated realms. Attendees can also enjoy live cultural performances and a marketplace showcasing unique handcrafted treasures.
Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in 'Koda's Adventure to the Magical Ocean,' a captivating lantern festival.
- Journey through a whimsical wonderland where light tells stories of imagination and dreams.
- Savor diverse culinary delights at the on-site food court.
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Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in Dallas.