A Season of Celebration: Best Holiday Events in Dallas 2025
- Scott
- Nov 1, 2025
- 7 min read
Every year, there’s a moment when Dallas starts to sparkle again. The air turns cooler, lights go up, and suddenly the city feels alive with holiday spirit. For us, that moment always begins at the Dallas Arboretum, when the twinkling gardens remind us that the season is officially here. From there, it’s one magical stop after another—whether it’s watching the boys marvel at The Trains at NorthPark, sipping cocoa under the lights at the Zoo, or catching the Cowboys’ tree lighting at The Star. Dallas doesn’t just celebrate the holidays; it transforms into a city-wide winter wonderland, each event adding its own little spark to the season. Here are our favorite ways to make the most of it this year.
Holiday at the Arboretum
Holiday at the Arboretum is always our unofficial kickoff to the season. The gardens shine with more than a million lights, the 12 Days of Christmas displays return, and the Christmas Village brings the feeling of a European market to Dallas. New for 2025 is Night Glow, powered by AURORA, an immersive light experience that adds even more magic to the evenings. Every visit feels like stepping into a holiday postcard and is the moment we know the season has truly begun.
Location: The Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
Dates: November 11, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Price: $20-35 pp (Night Owl rate of $15pp after 8:30PM)
Dallas Zoo Lights
Dallas Zoo Lights transforms the zoo into a glowing wonderland filled with larger-than-life lanterns, twinkling tunnels, and festive music around every corner. Families stroll through millions of lights, sip hot chocolate, and enjoy holiday treats while spotting a few favorite animals along the way. Last year was our first time experiencing it, and we were instantly hooked. It is playful, beautifully done, and one of those events that feels just as magical for adults as it does for kids. We will definitely be back this year.
Location: Dallas Zoo, 650 S R.L. Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203
Dates: November 14, 2025 to January 4, 2026 - 5:30PM to 10:00PM (open select nights)
Price: From $18 pp
Website: https://www.dallaszoo.com/zoolights
ICE! featuring Elf at The Gaylord Texan
Each holiday season, the Gaylord Texan Resort transforms into a spectacular winter wonderland, and this year’s theme is Elf, bringing the beloved Christmas movie to life through over two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures and immersive scenes. Along with the show-stopping ice exhibit, there is snow tubing, ice skating, gingerbread decorating, and a brilliant light display that fills the resort with holiday spirit. It is one of those experiences that makes you feel like a kid again and a must-see tradition we always look forward to.
Location: The Gaylord Texan, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051
Dates: November 14, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Price: Free to walk around but attractions start $26pp for kids at $36pp for adults
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza
Christmas at The Star in Frisco captures the spirit of the season with lights, music, and plenty of Cowboys pride. The Dallas Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza features performances by the world-famous Cowboys Cheerleaders, festive music, and a special appearance by an honorary tree lighter, usually a beloved Cowboys alum. Families gather around Tostitos Championship Plaza as the massive tree comes to life in a dazzling display of color and sound. Make it a full evening by dining at one of the many restaurants in The Star District before or after the show. We love Cane Rosso for a family-friendly dinner that always hits the spot.
Location: The Star in Frisco, 1 Cowboys Way in Frisco, Texas 75034
Dates: November 19, 2025 to December 18, 2025 at 6:00PM (Fridays and Saturdays)
Price: Free!
Home on The Range for The Holidays at PGA Frisco
PGA Frisco turns into a holiday retreat filled with lights, live music, and festive fun across The Monument Realty PGA District. Families can enjoy photos with Santa, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and seasonal treats while exploring the open greens under twinkling lights. If you want to make a weekend of it, stay at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort to experience the full lineup of holiday happenings, from cozy fireside s’mores to festive dining and family events throughout the hotel. It is the perfect mix of luxury and laid-back Texas holiday charm.
Location: The PGA District, 3255 PGA Parkway, Frisco, TX 75033
Date: November 29 to December 20, 2025 - 5:00PM to 8:00PM (Saturday evenings)
Price: Free but activities such as roasting s’mores around the firepits are extra
Website: https://pgafrisco.com/
“Christmas Pops” Concerts
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas Pops is one of the city’s most timeless holiday traditions. The Meyerson Symphony Center fills with the sounds of classic carols, festive favorites, and soaring orchestral arrangements that capture the spirit of the season. The stage comes alive with the full symphony, a choir, and a touch of theatrical sparkle that makes it feel like Christmas in every note. Whether it is a date night or a family outing, this concert is a beautiful way to slow down and savor the magic of the holidays.
Location: Morton F Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201
Date: December 12 to 21, 2025
Price: From $67pp
Website: https://www.dallassymphony.org
Snowday / Santaland at the Galleria
Now in its sixth year, Snowday Dallas has become one of the most fun and photo-worthy holiday experiences in the city. Step into a world of interactive rooms, imaginative sets, and whimsical backdrops designed for exploring, snapping photos, and feeling like a kid again. From twinkling tunnels to snowy scenes and larger-than-life displays, every corner is built for creativity and pure holiday joy. It’s the perfect outing for families, friends, or anyone who loves a little Christmas magic with a modern twist.
Location: The Galleria, 13155 Noel Rd, Dallas, TX 75240
Dates: November 14, 2025 to December 24, 2025
Price: $24.99 to $34.99 pp
Website: https://www.snowdaydallas.com
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas
Six Flags Over Texas turns into a festive wonderland every holiday season, blending the thrill of roller coasters with the charm of twinkling lights, holiday shows, and seasonal treats. The park transforms with millions of lights, oversized ornaments, and themed areas like Merry Marketplace and SantaLand. Families can roast s’mores over open fire pits, take photos with Santa, and enjoy live performances filled with cheer. It’s one of those rare experiences where you can go from a high-speed coaster to a cozy cup of cocoa without missing a beat, making it a must for anyone who loves both excitement and holiday spirit.
Location: Six Flags Over Texas, 2201 E Road to Six Flags St, Arlington, TX 76011
Dates: November 23, 2025 to December 31, 2025
Price: From $39.99 pp
The Trains at NorthPark
A Dallas favorite for more than 35 years, The Trains at NorthPark fills the season with nostalgia and wonder. With more than 1,600 feet of track, the display winds through miniature versions of New York, the Grand Canyon, and Dallas landmarks, bringing joy to kids and adults alike. We first went when the boys were about four, and seeing their faces light up as the trains passed by made it one of those holiday experiences that stays with you. The exhibit also supports the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, adding a meaningful touch to the magic.
Location: NorthPark Center, 8687 North Central Expressway Dallas, Texas 75225
Dates: November 15, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Price: $7pp for kids; $12pp for adults
Website: https://trainsatnorthpark.org/
Holidays at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas Las Colinas
This is a new one for us this year, and we’re so excited to experience it firsthand. The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas Las Colinas brings the holidays to life with an elegant lineup of festive events that blend tradition and luxury. From the refined Holiday Tea with Santa featuring fine teas and seasonal pastries to the RITZ Alpine Escape, where cabanas transform into cozy alpine chalets with Moët, s’mores, and holiday movies, everything feels designed to enchant. Families can join the Gingerbread Decorating Experience or unwind with a Winter Wreath Workshop & Champagne Tea, both filled with creativity and festive sophistication. For a grand finale, the Christmas Day Brunch dazzles with chef stations, live entertainment, and Champagne toasts inspired by New York’s iconic Rainbow Room. It’s set to be one of Dallas’s most luxurious new holiday traditions.
Location: The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas, 4150 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving, TX 75038
Dates: Select dates November through December 2025
Price: Varies by event
Website: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/dalil-the-ritz-carlton-dallas-las-colinas/experiences/holidays
Dallas Holiday Parade
The Dallas Holiday Parade fills downtown with marching bands, giant balloons, and colorful floats that bring the city to life. Last year was our first time attending, and we even joined the pre-event at The Adolphus before heading out to watch the parade roll by. It now draws more than half a million spectators and is broadcast on over 350 television stations across the country. Since its start in 1988, it has grown into one of the largest one-day events in Dallas and a holiday tradition we look forward to each year. Hopefully the weather cooperates this time because it is an experience best enjoyed with coffee in hand and a front-row spot along the route.
Location: Downtown Dallas
Date: December 6, 2025 - Parade starts at 9:00AM, doors open at 7:00AM
Price: Free! (Can buy bleacher seats from $35pp)
Website: https://dallasholidayparade.com
Tree Lighting Celebration at Klyde Warren Park
Klyde Warren Park turns into a holiday playground filled with music, laughter, and festive fun. Families can enjoy photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, crafts, face painting, and a special show at the Nancy Best Fountain. The day features The Nutcracker, music by DJ Richy Smart, and visits from Frosty and Rudolph before the Mayor’s Tree lights up the night. We love this park year-round, especially for Mi Cocina, but seeing it transform for the holidays is something we cannot wait to experience.
Location: Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201
Date: December 6, 2025 - 4:00PM to 7:00PM
Price: Free
BONUS event: Winter Village at the Adolphus Hotel
Perched on the rooftop of The Adolphus, Winter Village is a cozy holiday escape that feels worlds away from downtown Dallas. Guests can reserve private alpine-inspired chalets, enjoy seasonal bites, sip handcrafted cocktails, and take in twinkling views of the city skyline. From the warm glow of the firepits to the festive décor, every detail brings the magic of the season to life.
Location: Adolphus Hotel, 1321 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75202
Date: November 14, 2025 - January 31, 2025
Price: Cabanas starting at $275 ( inclusive of a bottle of Moët & Chandon Champagne Brut Imperial and valet parking)