Christmas in Dallas: Lights & Events (2025)

Everything is bigger and better in Texas. Even Christmas.

Christmas in Dallas is packed with festive lights, events, and attractions. The city swaps cowboy hats for Santa hats, transforms its skyline with twinkling lights, and fills every corner with that big-hearted Southern holiday spirit.

So pack your favorite sweater, grab your camera, and start planning your own Dallas Christmas adventure with us.

Dallas absolutely dazzles when December rolls around. This guide covers the city’s top activities and highlights you can’t miss, from light displays to holiday markets. 

What Christmas is Like in Dallas

Dallas becomes a winter wonderland during the Christmas season, with downtown lights and decorated neighborhoods creating a festive atmosphere. The city strikes the perfect balance between traditional Christmas charm and modern Texas flair, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to soak up some holiday spirit.

Instead of bundling up against the snow, you’ll be wandering through twinkling light displays in just a cozy sweater. The air smells like roasted pecans and barbecue, carolers mix with country tunes, and the skyline glows in holiday colors.

Downtown turns into a winter playground with skating rinks and tree lightings, while neighborhoods like Highland Park, home of luxury shopping destination Highland Park Village, go all out with over-the-top displays that would make Santa proud.

Expect mild days, cool nights, and a whole lot of holiday spirit on your Christmas visit to Dallas.

Christmas Weather in Dallas and What to Pack

The weather in Dallas during the holiday season is generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F. This makes it perfect for enjoying outdoor events without the need for heavy winter gear. 

Evenings can get a bit chilly, so it’s wise to pack light layers. Think sweaters, jeans, and a warm jacket for those nighttime festivities. Don’t forget to bring an umbrella or a light waterproof layer, as occasional rain showers are possible.

Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the city’s many attractions and events. With the right attire, you’ll be ready to fully immerse yourself in the holiday cheer that Dallas has to offer.

Top Christmas Events in Dallas in 2025

Dallas has lots of fun things to do all year round, but it truly transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season. From parades to immersive light displays, there’s no shortage of festive events taking place at locations across the city. Here are the top Christmas events in Dallas that you won’t want to miss.

Dallas Holiday Parade

• Website: dallasholidayparade.com

• Date: December 6, 2025, 9 AM

The Dallas Holiday Parade is the biggest one-day outdoor event in the city, attracting over 450,000 spectators.

The parade features colorful floats, marching bands, and performances from local groups, as well as special guest appearances. It’s a vibrant display of holiday cheer that fills downtown Dallas with joy and excitement.

This is a time-honored holiday tradition in Dallas that brings together friends and families, creating memories that last a lifetime. Don’t miss this festive event that truly kicks off the holiday season. It’s free to attend, but for the best view, consider purchasing bleacher seat tickets.

Dallas Zoo Lights

• Website: www.dallaszoo.com/zoo-lights

• Date: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Dallas Zoo Lights is another highlight of the holiday season, featuring over two million dazzling lights and intricately themed areas. Guests can visit the zoo in the afternoon to enjoy animal encounters and daytime activities before the magical lights are illuminated in the evening.

Visitors can enjoy special experiences such as meeting Santa, eating festive treats, or sipping on hot cocoa with the Cocoa & Glow package. For a cozy retreat, holiday igloos are available for up to six guests, offering a 90-minute experience during the event.

Families can also reserve spots on select sensory-friendly nights, which are designed for those who are sensitive to loud noises and big crowds.

Beyond the dazzling Dallas Zoo Lights, the zoo hosts several special Christmas events, including animal encounters, holiday crafts, and visits with Santa—guaranteed fun for children and adults alike.

Twelve Days of Christmas at the Arboretum

• Website: www.dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/holiday-at-the-arboretum

• Date: Nov 12, 2025 – January 4, 2026

The 12 days of Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum is a festive event perfect for those seeking holiday spirit. It features 12 elaborate gazebos, each beautifully decorated in a unique theme. 

The gazebos are finished with themed music and stunning light displays, creating a classic Christmas atmosphere. It’s an ideal outing for families and friends to enjoy the festive season amidst the beautiful gardens of the Dallas Arboretum.

The attraction has been recognized as one of Texas’s top Christmas events by Southern Living Magazine. A holiday visit to Dallas wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the 12 Days of Christmas at the Arboretum.

Christmas at the Anatole Hilton

• Website: www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dfwanhh-hilton-anatole/things-to-do/christmas

• Date: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Imagine stepping into a holiday wonderland right in the heart of Dallas; that’s exactly what happens at Christmas at the Anatole. Located inside the iconic Hilton Anatole, this event turns the resort into one of the most festive destinations in town.

Expect sparkling outdoor ice-skating under twinkling lights, a holiday train ride, bounce houses for kids, and access to the craft station in Santa’s workshop. There’s also the option to upgrade tickets for access to cozy rinkside Winter Chalets, where you can enjoy seasonal bites, sweet treats, and bubbles.

Klyde Warren Park Tree Lighting Ceremony

• Website: www.klydewarrenpark.org/tree-lighting-celebration

• Date: December 6, 2025, 4 PM – 7 PM

Get ready for some holiday sparkle with the Tree Lighting Celebration at Klyde Warren Park in downtown Dallas. This free, family‑friendly event includes photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, a performance of The Nutcracker, face painting, crafts, and games scattered across the park’s lawns.

As the sky darkens, the show moves to the Nancy Best Fountain, where a dazzling water‑and‑light performance sets the mood before the big moment: the lighting of the towering tree.

Expect festive touches at every turn, such as a live DJ, appearances from Frosty and Rudolph, and the buzz of holiday excitement. When the massive 52-foot Christmas tree is lit, the park comes alive with twinkling lights and cheer.

Classic Christmas In Midtown

• Website: classicchristmas.com/dallas

• Date: November 21 – December 28, 2025

If you’ve ever dreamed of skiing or tubing down snowy slopes without leaving Texas, the Classic Christmas at Dallas Midtown is the holiday escape you didn’t know you needed.

This massive winter playground transforms the former Valley View Mall into Santa’s alpine wonderland, complete with real ice, twinkling lights, and festive holiday magic.

Guests can glide across the outdoor ice-skating rink under the stars, tackle thrilling tubing hills ranging from gentle slopes to “Black Diamond” lanes, and explore immersive light displays that dazzle at every turn.

The experience is made even sweeter with live music, karaoke, themed food, hot cocoa, and festive cocktails for an evening of holiday fun.

Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour

• Website: viennalightorchestra.com

• Date: December 6, 2025, 7 PM

The Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour will grace the Music Hall at Fair Park with a blend of symphonic music and holiday classics.

Imagine walking into a grand concert hall lit by more than 2,000 flickering candles, the air humming with anticipation, and some of the world’s finest musicians and vocalists poised to perform your favorite holiday classics, from “White Christmas” to “Carol of the Bells.”

This concert offers a refined holiday evening, perfect for those who appreciate the magic of live orchestral music. Dress in smart‑casual attire, arrive early to soak in the candlelit ambiance, and bring your sense of wonder, because Christmas in Dallas just got a major dose of musical sparkle.

Be sure to book in advance because this event is very popular.

North Pole Express in Grapevine

• Website: www.grapevinetexasusa.com/christmas-capital-of-texas/north-pole-express

• Date: November 28 – December 30, 2025

All aboard for one of the most magical holiday traditions near Dallas: Santa’s North Pole Express. This magical train ride takes place in Grapevine, which is proudly known as the Christmas Capital of Texas.

Board a beautifully restored 1920s‑era coach on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad and settle into a festive boarding area where elves greet you and the holiday mood envelops you before the train even departs.

During the approximately 45‑minute ride, expect classic Christmas sing‑alongs, a warm visit with Santa, and treats that include Mrs. Claus’ famous chocolate chip cookie and a souvenir “Frosty Chocolate Snow Milk” mug.

Holiday Shopping and Christmas Markets in Dallas

Holiday shopping in Dallas is an experience like no other. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, or yourself, Dallas has a variety of markets and boutiques that cater to every need.

Local neighborhoods like Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts District are known for their unique boutiques and handcrafted goods, making them perfect for finding one-of-a-kind gifts.

Many holiday markets and local organizations also host gift donation drives, allowing visitors to contribute to charitable causes and support families in need during the season.

For those looking for a luxury shop, the Dallas Galleria and Highland Park Village are premier destinations during the holiday season. Additionally, the Grapevine Christmas Market offers unique handmade treasures, providing plenty of options for holiday gifts.

Holiday Vibe Market (November 15 & 16, 2025)

Get ready to shop, sip, and celebrate the season at the Holiday Vibe Market in Dallas, arriving for two full days in November at Gilley’s Dallas.

Imagine an indoor market filled with artisans and creatives, each booth showcasing handmade treasures. Add in live DJ sets, a coffee bar, and a cocktail zone, and you’ve got a holiday shopping experience that’s as much fun as it is festive.

This market is free to attend with free parking, and it’s family‑ and pet‑friendly.

Texas Christkindl Market (November 21 – 23 & November  28 – December 23, 2025)

Step into holiday magic just a short drive from Dallas at the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington, where the charm of a European‑style Christmas market meets Texan flair.

Browse artisan huts filled with handcrafted jewelry, wooden toys, and German‑imported ornaments, all under sparkling holiday lights.

You can also savor yummy treats and seasonal beverages like bratwurst, gingerbread, mulled wine, and hot cocoa, while live choirs and Bavarian bands fill the air with festive tunes.

Travel Tips for Visiting Dallas at Christmas

You can expect large crowds when visiting Dallas during the holiday season, so plan ahead and keep these tips in mind to make the most of the city's holiday magic.

• Book your hotel early, as popular areas like Downtown and Uptown fill up quickly. Our luxurious vacation rentalsare a great alternative to a hotel for a home-from-home experience.

• Use public transit or rideshare services to avoid the hassle of finding parking at popular events.

• Keep some flexibility in your plans for Christmas light-viewing nights to accommodate for unpleasant weather.

• Allow plenty of time to get through security at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport when it comes to departure, as this is one of the busiest times of year.

Celebrate the Magic of Christmas in Dallas

Christmas in Dallas sparkles like nowhere else. The city comes alive with twinkling lights, festive melodies drifting through the streets, and holiday magic tucked around every corner.