When it comes to Christmas, Dallas knows how to do things in a big way. The city comes alive with holiday cheer in winter and becomes one of Texas’s most popular Christmas destinations.
There are a variety of Dallas Christmas events for all ages to enjoy and explore including festive parades to markets packed with holiday spirit.
And of course, just a short distance away you will find Grapevine – the self-proclaimed “Christmas Capital of Texas”. Here are the best things to do for Christmas in Dallas:
Best Things to do in Dallas for Christmas
Christmas in Dallas is a magical time of year.
The city comes alive with festive events and activities, making it the perfect place to celebrate Christmas in the Lone Star State.
There are plenty of things to do in Dallas during the Christmas season; here are our top favorites!
Also Read: 32 Best Things to do in Dallas
Attend the annual Dallas Holiday Parade
The most popular parade in Big-D is the annual Dallas Christmas Parade, which takes place on Commerce Street near the Adolphus Hotel in downtown Dallas.
The parade features marching bands, dancers, floats, and Santa Claus himself.
The parade has been happening since 1988 and it’s a must-see event for the whole family.
This year’s parade will take place on December 3rd and we highly recommend getting tickets early on since it is one of top Dallas Christmas things to do!
See the holiday lights at Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
If you’re looking for a more romantic Christmas event in Dallas, head over to the Holiday at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
From the moment you enter the gardens, you are immersed in the festive atmosphere.
The grounds are decorated with twinkling lights, and holiday music fills the air.
As you stroll through the gardens, you can admire the beautifully decorated Christmas trees and take in the scent of fresh pine.
The highlight of the event is the 12 Days of Christmas display, which features 12 massive Victorian-style gazebos adorned with more than a million lights.
Admire the traditions at the Dallas Christmas Village
The Pauline and Austin Neuhoff Christmas Village at the Dallas Arboretum deserves a special mention.
This European-themed Holiday Village is very charming.
You can stroll through the themed shops and areas while you listen to merry holiday tunes.
Take a stroll through Klyde Warren Park
One of our free favorite Christmas activities in Dallas, Texas.
Klyde Warren Park is one of the best places to visit in Dallas, and it’s even more special during the holidays.
The park is transformed into a winter wonderland with an ice skating rink, a holiday market, and the famed Christmas tree.
You can also time your visit to attend the Klyde Warren park tree lighting ceremony.
There is also a special Santa’s Village for kids to enjoy.
Check out the Boho Market at the Dallas Farmers Market
Another popular event is the Holiday Market at the Dallas Farmers Market.
This event features local artisans selling their wares, as well as a variety of food vendors and craft beer.
This is the perfect place to get whimsy, bohemian-inspired holiday gifts for your loved ones and one of the most visited Christmas markets in Dallas.
Venture out with the kids to see Dallas Zoo Lights
If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, be sure to check out the Dallas Zoo Lights.
The event features more than two million lights, as well as holiday-themed entertainment and Santa meet-and-greets.
Enjoy ice skating at the Galleria to celebrate Christmas in Dallas
The Galleria Dallas is a popular shopping destination, and it gets even more festive during the holidays.
The mall features an ice skating rink which is very popular during the holidays.
Afterward, you can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or enjoy some holiday shopping.
Enjoy Victorian Christmas at Old City Park
Old City Park is a living history museum that transports visitors back in time to the Victorian era.
During the holiday season event of Candlelight, the park is decked out in its finest Christmas decor.
You can enjoy traditional Victorian Christmas carols, decorated historic buildings, and food trucks!
See a performance by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra puts on a special holiday performance each year that is not to be missed.
The orchestra performs a variety of holiday classics, as well as a few surprises.
Tickets for the performance typically go on sale in October and they make for a perfect Christmas gift.
View the trains at Northpark
Last but not least, one of the most popular things to do during Christmas in Dallas is to view the miniature trains at Northpark Center.
The center features an impressive model train display with more than 100 locomotives – in fact, it’s the largest miniature train display in Texas!
In this large display, kids can see the trains run from West Coast to East Coast through tunnels, canyons, and more!
The exhibit is open for six weeks during the holiday season every year from mid-November to early January.
This is a must-see for any train enthusiast or anyone who loves marveling at festive displays.
Be dazzled at Enchant Christmas, Fair Park
Enchant Christmas is a popular holiday event in Fair Park, Dallas that features a massive magical Christmas light maze, an ice skating trail, as well as a Christmas market.
The light maze is made up of more than two million lights and it winds its way through a variety of festive displays.
This is amongst the best places to see lights in Dallas, Texas.
Families can also enjoy food trucks, snow games, caroling, and pop-up bars at the outdoor winter carnival after seeing Fair Park Christmas lights.
Festive Things to do for Christmas near the Dallas area
The many suburbs near Dallas also offer a variety of festive activities to get you into the Christmas spirit.
From the train ride in Grapevine to ice skating at the outdoor rink in Frisco, here are some of the best things to do near Dallas for Christmas.
Visit Grapevine, the Christmas Capital!
No visit to Dallas for Christmas would be complete without a side trip to Grapevine – famously called the ‘Christmas Capital of Texas.’
Grapevine is located just 30 minutes north of downtown Dallas and it is home to a variety of Christmas events and activities.
From the famous Christmas lights display at Grapevine Mills Mall to the festive Main Street Celebration, the small town comes alive with holiday activities.
Locals and visitors alike can enjoy a trip on the North Pole Express, a magical train ride that takes passengers on a journey to meet Santa Claus himself.
The Town Square Gazebo is the perfect place to take a family photo or just enjoy the lights and decorations.
Christmas in Grapevine is a truly amazing and spectacular experience.
Have fun at Santa’s Village in Richardson
Santa’s Village in Plano is a must-visit for families with small children.
This holiday-themed park features a variety of attractions, including a workshop where children can help elves make toys, a Rudolph-themed merry-go-round, and even a chance to meet Santa himself.
Kids can also stop at Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen to enjoy freshly baked cookies and other holiday treats.
Enjoy Christmas in the Forth Worth Stockyards
The Forth Worth Stockyards is a historic district that comes alive during the holidays.
The area is decorated with twinkling lights and there are a variety of holiday events and activities to enjoy.
Visitors can take a ride on the Holly Trolley, see a live nativity scene, or watch a cowboy Santa Claus rope a steer.
The Forth Worth Stockyards is the perfect place to get a taste of Texas Christmas.
Shop at the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington
The Texas Christkindl Market is a German-style Christmas market that takes place in Arlington.
The market features more than 80 vendors selling a variety of holiday gifts and decorations, as well as traditional German food and drinks.
Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment at the largest Christmas Market in DFW area.
Spend Holiday in the Park at Six Flags
Six Flags Over Texas transforms into a winter wonderland during the Holiday in the Park event – one of the most looked forward Christmas events in Dallas TX.
The park is decorated with millions of lights during the holiday season and there are a variety of holiday-themed rides and attractions.
Families can also enjoy holiday shows, Santa meet-and-greets, Christmas cheer, and festive foods throughout the park.
Splurge on Christmas at the Gaylord Texan
The Gaylord Texan Resort is a popular Christmas destination in the Dallas area.
The resort features a massive indoor atrium that is decorated with two million lights and a 65-foot tall Christmas tree.
Families can enjoy a variety of holiday activities at the resort, including gingerbread decorating, ice carving demonstrations, and visits with Santa.
The resort also has an outdoor ice skating rink, a 12-lane snow tubing hill, and a festive light show Save Christmas featuring elf, reindeer, and more.
Explore the Christmas lights at Prairie Lights
Prairie Lights, Grand Prairie is one of the most popular Christmas light displays in the North Texas area.
The two-mile drive-through light display features several magical holiday moments.
Kids love the over one million lights, as well as a Christmas village with Santa visits, carnival rides, festive food trucks, and more.
Prairie Lights is the perfect place to see some of the best Christmas lights in Dallas.
With the several million twinkling lights displays, the famed North Pole Express, Christmas markets, and the ice rinks, Dallas is one of the best places to spend Christmas for families.
What are your favorite things to do for Christmas in Dallas? Let us know in the comments!