Beyond lights and markets, Dallas provides unique winter experiences and seasonal attractions. Skate at the Galleria Dallas around a 95-foot Christmas tree, visit the Hilton Anatole's outdoor rink (Dallas' largest), or experience ICE at the Gaylord Texan featuring massive themed ice sculptures. From ice skating to zoo events, Dallas offers memorable holiday activities.
Dallas Holiday Parade
Location: Dallas
Dates: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Cost: $$
The Dallas Holiday Parade is Texas' largest one-day outdoor holiday event, taking place in Downtown Dallas. This annual tradition features a vibrant procession of marching bands, elaborate floats, and festive entertainment, drawing thousands of spectators. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as community spirit shines through the impressive displays and performances throughout the day.
Highlights:
- The Dallas Holiday Parade is the city's largest one-day, outdoor event, a cherished tradition for thousands.
- Enjoy a spectacular procession of marching bands, floats, and festive entertainment.
- Experience the vibrant spectacle of marching bands filling the streets with music.
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Festival of Lights Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Location: Wylie
Dates: Sunday, December 7, 2025
Cost: FREE
The Festival of Lights Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in Historic Downtown Wylie is a beloved annual tradition featuring a festive parade along Ballard Avenue and a community tree lighting ceremony. The event includes seasonal performances by Wylie High School's Tempo choir, creating a lively holiday atmosphere. Participants can register a float to join in the festivities and enjoy the decorations around the historic district.
Venue: Historic Downtown Wylie
Address: 311 N Ballard Ave, #103, Wylie, TX 75098
Phone: 972-516-6000
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Experience the annual Festival of Lights Christmas Parade.
- Gather for the community Tree Lighting Ceremony.
- Enjoy seasonal songs performed by Wylie High School's Tempo choir.
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Rockwall Kiwanis Christmas Parade
Location: Rockwall
Dates: December 6, 2025
Cost: FREE
The Rockwall Kiwanis Christmas Parade showcases a unique 'Christmas In Toyland' theme, featuring an array of floats that compete in a float judging competition. Participants can register to join the parade, passing out candy to spectators as they march through Downtown Rockwall. This event highlights the creativity and holiday spirit of the community with vibrant decorations and engaging performances.
Highlights:
- Annual Christmas parade with a unique 'Christmas In Toyland' theme.
- Float judging competition for participants showcasing holiday creativity.
- Register a float to participate in the parade and compete for judging.
Christmas at the Ranch
Location: Highland Village
Dates: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Cost: FREE
Christmas at the Ranch is a family holiday festival held at Doubletree Ranch Park, offering a variety of activities including snow hill sledding and live reindeer encounters. Families can enjoy inflatable bounce houses, festive trackless train rides, and delicious treats from on-site food vendors. This event transforms the park into a winter wonderland with Christmas lights and decorations throughout.
Highlights:
- Meet live reindeer and interact with these magical holiday creatures.
- Bounce to your heart's content in multiple inflatable bounce houses.
- Enjoy a variety of delicious treats from on-site food vendors.
SMU Celebration of Lights
Location: Dallas
Dates: December 1, 2025
Cost: FREE
The SMU Celebration of Lights marks its 47th year at Dallas Hall Lawn, featuring the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree and a reading of the Christmas Story by former President R. Gerald Turner. Attendees can take photos with live reindeer and enjoy student music performances alongside complimentary festive treats. This longstanding tradition brings the community together to celebrate the holiday season in a beautifully decorated setting.
Highlights:
- Join SMU's longest-standing tradition, the Celebration of Lights, for its 47th year.
- Hear the Christmas Story read by SMU's former President R. Gerald Turner.
- Take photos with live reindeer in a festive holiday setting.
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Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
Location: Coppell
Dates: Saturday, December 6
Cost: FREE
The Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting at Andrew Brown Park East is an annual event that features a festive parade winding through the streets, followed by a community tree lighting ceremony. Participants can enjoy vibrant floats and community spirit as the holiday season officially begins with this beloved event.
Venue: Andrew Brown Park East
Address: 260 Parkway Blvd, Coppell, TX 75019
Phone: 972-462-5100
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Experience the beloved annual Holiday Parade.
- Participate in the joyous Tree Lighting ceremony.
- Witness the festive holiday parade as it winds through the streets.
Santa's Village at Huffhines Park
Location: Richardson
Dates: December 6-7, 12-14 and 19-21, 2025, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. The Village will be open to stroll through and view December 8-11 and 15-18, 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. each day.
Cost: FREE
Santa's Village at Huffhines Park is a free family-friendly holiday village featuring themed dwellings and interactive activities. Visitors can enjoy live musical performances, photo opportunities with Santa, and explore attractions like Santa's Post Office and Mrs. Claus' Bakery. The event includes a sensory-sensitive Adaptive Night designed to accommodate all ages.
Venue: Huffhines Park
Address: 1500 Apollo Rd, Richardson, TX 75081
Phone: 972-744-4580
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Experience a beloved holiday tradition with over 25 years of history.
- Enjoy free admission, free parking, and free photos with Santa.
- Participate in a sensory-sensitive Adaptive Night designed for all ages.
Gingerbread House Decorating 2025
Location: The Colony
Dates: Multiple Dates and Times
The Gingerbread House Decorating event at The Colony Public Library offers a hands-on crafting experience for all ages. Participants can decorate their own gingerbread houses with a variety of festive toppings and candies, making it a fun and creative holiday activity.
Highlights:
- Engage in a fun, hands-on holiday craft activity perfect for all ages.
- Decorate your own gingerbread house with a variety of festive toppings and candies.
A Charlie Brown Christmas 5K/10K
Location: Dallas
Dates: Saturday, December 20th
Cost: $$
The A Charlie Brown Christmas 5K/10K at Trinity Groves Gateway Plaza celebrates 60 years of the beloved holiday special with a themed race. Participants will receive officially licensed Peanuts® race swag, including a tech t-shirt and a unique snow globe finisher medal, while supporting charitable causes with a portion of the proceeds.
Venue: Trinity Groves Gateway Plaza
Address: 3011 Gulden Ln, Dallas, TX 75212
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Celebrate 60 years of the iconic 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' with a holiday-themed race.
- Receive officially licensed Peanuts® race swag, including a tech t-shirt and a unique snow globe finisher medal.
- Support charitable causes like 'Be An Angel' and Make-A-Wish with a portion of proceeds.
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Christmas in the Park
Location: Murphy
Dates: December 6, 2025
Cost: FREE
Christmas in the Park at Murphy City Hall Complex is a community holiday celebration featuring a toy drive and various festive activities. The event fosters community spirit and provides a joyful atmosphere for attendees to enjoy seasonal cheer and engage with their neighbors.
Venue: Murphy City Hall Complex
Address: Murphy, TX 75094
Phone: 972-468-4495
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Enjoy a community gathering with holiday cheer and activities.
- Experience a festive holiday atmosphere with community spirit.
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Light the Night at Watters Creek
Location: Allen
Dates: November 22nd: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Cost: FREE
Light the Night at Watters Creek is a community gathering that marks the start of the holiday season with a ceremony to illuminate the village. Attendees can witness the transformation of Watters Creek Village as festive lights are turned on, creating a magical atmosphere for the holiday season.
Venue: Watters Creek Village
Address: 970 Garden Park Dr, Allen, TX 75013
Phone: (972) 747-8000
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Kick off the holiday season with a festive community gathering to illuminate the village.
- Experience the magical illumination of Watters Creek Village as it lights up for the holiday season.
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Santa on the Square
Location: Carrollton
Dates: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Cost: FREE
Santa on the Square takes place at Historic Downtown Carrollton Square and features a tree lighting ceremony along with a spectacular drone light show synchronized to music. Families can meet Santa Claus and his reindeer, enjoy live entertainment, and participate in holiday crafts and activities.
Venue: Historic Downtown Carrollton Square
Address: Carrollton, TX
Phone: 972-466-3000
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Meet Santa Claus and his reindeer for holiday cheer.
- Experience a spectacular drone light show synchronized to music.
- Enjoy a vibrant community celebration with live entertainment.
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Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza
Location: Frisco
Dates: November - December
Cost: FREE
The Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza at The Star in Frisco is a highly anticipated free holiday event presented by the Dallas Cowboys, featuring various seasonal activities throughout November and December. Attendees can enjoy a lively atmosphere with festive displays and community gatherings.
Highlights:
- The Dallas Cowboys present the electrifying Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza, a highly anticipated free holiday event.
- Discover a variety of seasonal events throughout November and December at The Star.
- Experience the magic of the ninth annual Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza, a free holiday event presented by the Dallas Cowboys.
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Bedford Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade
Location: Bedford
Dates: Friday, December 5
Cost: FREE
The Bedford Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade is an annual event held at Old Bedford School, featuring a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, a holiday market with local vendors, and opportunities for photos with Santa and live reindeer. Activities include live music performances and children's games.
Venue: Old Bedford School
Address: 2400 School Ln, Bedford, TX 76021
Phone: 817-952-2100
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- The annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.
- A festive holiday market with local vendors.
- Photos with Santa and live reindeer.
Elf Adventure Passport
Location: Grapevine
Cost: $
The Elf Adventure Passport offers an interactive holiday craft experience across the Grapevine Settlement to City Museums, allowing participants to engage in various holiday-themed crafts. The passport also includes admission to the Hometown Christmas exhibit.
Venue: Grapevine Settlement to City Museums
Address: 206 W. Hudgins St., Grapevine, TX 76051
Phone: +1.800.457.6338
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Participate in a festive Elf Adventure Passport, offering a variety of holiday-themed crafts.
- Receive admission to the Hometown Christmas exhibit with the purchase of the adventure passport.
- Print and decorate a vintage Christmas card to mail to Santa.
Grapevine Parade of Lights
Location: Grapevine
Dates: First Thursday in December annually
Cost: FREE
The Grapevine Parade of Lights is North Texas's largest lighted Christmas parade, showcasing a tradition that celebrates the start of the holiday season. Participants can witness illuminated floats and festive displays as they line Main Street for the event.
Highlights:
- Experience the tradition of the Grapevine Parade of Lights, a beloved community event marking the start of the holiday season.
- Witness the spectacle of the largest lighted Christmas parade in North Texas, featuring illuminated floats and festive displays.
- Admire the creativity and craftsmanship of floats competing for awards in the annual parade.
Frosty 5K
Location: Frisco
Dates: December 6, 2025
Cost: $
The Frosty 5K is a fun and festive race held at Simpson Plaza, perfect for participants of all ages and marking the start of the Merry Main Street event. Runners will traverse through Frisco Square and enjoy a lively community atmosphere.
Highlights:
- A fun and festive 5K race perfect for all ages.
- A signature Frisco holiday tradition that marks the start of Merry Main Street.
- Participate in a festive 5K fun run through Frisco Square and the downtown area.
Hillside Village Santa Visits and Photos
Dates: November 22 - December 24, 2025. Specific hours vary by date. Closed November 23-27.
Cost: $
Hillside Village offers professional Santa photo sessions with special themed nights, including 'Santa Paws' for pet photos and 'Sensitive Santa' sessions designed for children needing a calmer environment. Families can enjoy capturing memorable moments with Santa alongside festive activities.
Venue: Hillside Village
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Professional Santa photo sessions available.
- Dedicated 'Santa Paws' events for pet photos.
- Special 'Sensitive Santa' sessions for a calmer experience.
Classic Christmas Cartoons & Crafts
Location: Grapevine
Dates: Specific dates not provided, but part of the Christmas Capital of Texas season.
Cost: FREE
The Classic Christmas Cartoons & Crafts event at the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau combines holiday entertainment with hands-on craft activities, part of the larger 'Christmas Capital of Texas' celebration. Attendees can enjoy classic Christmas cartoons while engaging in festive crafts.
Venue: Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau
Address: 636 S. Main Street, Grapevine, TX 76051
Phone: +1.800.457.6338
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A delightful blend of holiday entertainment featuring beloved Christmas cartoons and hands-on craft activities.
- Part of Grapevine's larger 'Christmas Capital of Texas' celebration, offering a festive seasonal experience.
- Engage in festive holiday crafts, perfect for all ages to create their own seasonal keepsakes.
Holiday on the Hill
Location: Cedar Hill
Dates: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Cost: FREE
Holiday on the Hill is a free family event held in Historic Downtown, featuring a tree lighting and a visit from Santa. Attendees can enjoy a variety of holiday-themed kids' activities and live performances throughout the evening.
Highlights:
- Join friends and family for a magical evening celebrating the holiday season.
- Experience a festive atmosphere filled with joy and wonder.
- Enjoy a free family event with a tree lighting and Santa visit.
Skate the Square
Location: Frisco
Dates: November 21st, 2025 - January 5th, 2026
Cost: $$
Located in the heart of Frisco Square, Skate the Square features the area's only real ice outdoor rink. It offers an hour of ice skating, with options for private skate time available for groups on select weekdays and weekends.
Venue: Frisco Square
Address: 8843 Coleman Blvd, Frisco, TX 75034
Phone: 214-872-1054
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- The area's only real ice outdoor ice rink, located in the heart of Frisco Square.
- Part of the larger 'Christmas in the Square' event, offering a festive holiday experience.
- Enjoy an hour of ice skating on a real ice outdoor rink.
Vetro Glassblowing Studio: Help Create Events
Location: Grapevine
Dates: New dates will open later this year. Specific event dates vary and are listed with each event.
Cost: $$
At Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Fine Art Gallery, participants can engage in interactive glassblowing workshops where they create custom pieces. Special themed events like 'Hot Date Night' and 'Hot Glass, Cold Brew' are available, along with gift certificates for a unique experience.
Venue: Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Fine Art Gallery
Address: 701 South Main Street, #103, Grapevine, TX 76051
Phone: 817.251.1668
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Engage in interactive glassblowing workshops where you help create your own custom piece.
- Experience unique themed events like 'Hot Date Night' and 'Hot Glass, Cold Brew' for a memorable outing.
- Purchase gift certificates for an unforgettable glassblowing experience, perfect for any occasion.
Hometown Christmas Exhibit
Location: Grapevine
Cost: FREE
The Hometown Christmas Exhibit at the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau Headquarters features an interactive display that showcases a classic American town during the holidays. Visitors can explore vintage vignettes that evoke the charm of a bygone era.
Venue: Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau Headquarters
Address: 636 S. Main St., Grapevine, TX 76051
Phone: +1.817.410.3185
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- An interactive Christmas exhibition that transports visitors to a classic American town during the holidays.
- A walk down memory lane filled with picture-perfect moments and holiday cheer.
- Step back in time by exploring vintage vignettes that capture the essence of a classic American town preparing for Christmas.
Santa's North Pole Express
Location: Grapevine
Dates: Tickets on sale Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 10 a.m.
Santa's North Pole Express, hosted by the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, offers a magical train ride through beautifully decorated vintage coaches, accompanied by friendly elves. This enchanting journey brings the spirit of Christmas to life.
Venue: Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Address: 705 S. Main Street, Grapevine, TX 76051
Phone: +1.800.457.6338
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Enjoy a cozy journey through classic Christmas decorations and vintage coaches, accompanied by friendly elves.
- Embark on a magical train ride aboard Santa's North Pole Express, where Christmas dreams come to life.
- Experience the festive atmosphere of Santa's North Pole Express Neighborhood, transformed into a winter wonderland.
Arlington Holiday Lights Parade
Location: Arlington
Dates: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Cost: FREE
The Arlington Holiday Lights Parade is an annual event that features a stunning 65-foot Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a parade filled with vibrant light displays. Attendees can enjoy various festive activities, including indoor and outdoor Reindeer Games.
Highlights:
- Experience the magic of the Holiday Lights Parade, a beloved annual tradition that brings the community together.
- Join the festive tree lighting ceremony, a highlight of the evening, immediately following the parade.
- Capture memorable moments with Santa Claus, available for photos before the parade, after the tree lighting, and at various activity stations.
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Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in Dallas.