10 Holiday Events and Fun Things to Do In Dallas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, especially in our area, where there is something special planned in nearly every corner of the Metroplex. If you’re looking to fill your calendar with memorable activities and events for you and your family, here are a few can’t-miss ideas:

Vitruvian Lights in Addison                                                                         November 25 – January 1

Come take a stroll through millions of dazzling LED lights wrapped around more than 550 trees in Addison’s well-known holiday event. There will be live music and other fun activities on special nights. Be sure to check out those special nights for the full Vitruvian Lights experience!

Santa’s Village in Richardson                                                                           December 3 – Dec 15

Kick off the holiday season with this fun-filled tradition on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights at the Richardson Public Library. Visit Santa’s Village, a tiny town that is home to a variety of fun activities, including a petting zoo, miniature TV station, and even a visit with Santa Claus! Come enjoy the live performances, holiday photo ops, and a toasty cup of cocoa.

Dallas Arboretum: 12 Days of Christmas                                               November 6 – January 8

Named one of “The South’s Best Holiday Experiences” by Southern Living Magazine, this winter wonderland should be at the top of your list. Celebrate the holidays like never before with this centerpiece exhibit featuring an elaborate collection of 25-foot Victorian style gazebos filled with the charming costumed characters, whimsical animals and music made famous by the beloved Christmas carol. Each gazebo will be encased in glass and extravagantly decorated on all sides to provide a dramatic, three-dimensional experience, and will feature mechanical parts and festive music that will assist in bringing the characters to an even more life-like state.

Frisco: Christmas in the Square                                                             November 25 – January 1

Christmas in the Square draws over than 665,000 visitors annually. Families, friends and holiday guests from through-out north Texas, the D/FW Metroplex and southern Oklahoma came and enjoyed the spectacular show. Lights! Music! Snow! Holiday lights and music (available on 95.7 FM) choreographed by Frisco’s own Jeff Trykoski (Illumimax LLC). With over 175,000 lights, 11.5 miles of wiring and 8 miles of extension cords. Christmas in the Square is unlike anything you have ever seen.

Hilton Anatole Dallas                                                                             November 25 – December 23

Experience holiday magic at Christmas At The Anatole! This event features breakfast with Santa, face painting, Christmas-themed scavenger hunts, Rudolph’s Reindeer Barn, face painting, and Geppetto’s Marionette Theater Holiday Shows.

George Bush Library: Christmas at the White House                         November 17 – January 8

The George W. Bush Presidential Center announces Holidays at the Bush Center 2016; an all-new spectacular calendar of events, activities, and programs combining the magic of the season with heartwarming songs that have brought joy to Americans for generations. Mrs. Laura Bush selected A Season of Merriment and Melody as the White House holiday theme in 2004, weaving a theme of holiday music and traditional Christmas carols throughout the White House decor.

Gaylord Texan: Lone Star Christmas                                                        November 10 – January 1

Families will marvel at lavish holiday displays with more than two million twinkling lights and larger-than-life decorations during Lone Star Christmas. Enjoy ICE! Featuring Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town, Cookies & Milk with Mrs. Claus, The Elf on the Shelf® Scavenger Hunt and other Grapevine holiday events to get you in the spirit of the season!

Texas Motor Speedway: Gift of Lights                                                November 24 – December 30

This is the only Texas-sized drive-through light park at the largest speedway in Texas! It’s visually spectacular, with more than 2 million LED lights. At the completion of the drive-through, bring your family and friends to Santa’s Village for photos and fun!

Arlington: Texas Christkindl Market                                                   November 25 – December 23

Inspired by a cherished German tradition, the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington, Texas is one of the largest open-air holiday markets in the Southwest. Nestled next to Globe Life Park this family-friendly market features a unique shopping experience for gifts and holiday decorations along with authentic German cuisine, holiday beverages, live entertainment, children’s activities, and much more!