Holiday at the Arboretum

No Dallas holiday is complete without a stroll through the Dallas Arboretum’s annual Holiday at the Arboretum display. This nationally acclaimed experience turns the lush gardens into a nighttime wonderland with over a million twinkling lights, lining every branch, garden, and gazebo. You’ll wander past the iconic 30-foot-tall Pauline and Lila Vinther Holiday Displays, which showcase the Twelve Days of Christmas in topiary form. Along with these larger-than-life displays, you’ll find a magnificent 50-foot Christmas tree, historical exhibits like the Nativity Scene, and a weekly concert series in the outdoor amphitheater. And if you want to do more than just look, head to the Reliant Holiday Village to craft ornaments, go ice skating, or take a spin around the Miracles of Life maze. With so many glittering photo ops, be sure to capture the memories with a group pic in front of the DeGolyer House facade. This stately Spanish Colonial-style mansion is Dallas’ answer to the White House, and its 39 dazzling trees surrounding the property will offer endless Instagram inspo. Trust us—your holiday card will be postcard-worthy!

Address: 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218

Phone: (214) 515-6500

Holiday at the Park

While Holiday at the Arboretum offers an enchanting evening experience, Holiday at the Park has all your Dallas daytime fun covered! Returning to Six Flags Over Texas, this magical winter wonderland brings festive flair to one of the area’s top destinations. Holiday at the Park goes all out with glittering light displays, meet-and-greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus, seasonal shows like “It’s Christmas Time in the Park,” and holiday-themed treats galore. You won’t want to miss the choreographed lights display across the Main Street Confectionery or the captivating deer sculptures that frolic across Boomtown Playground. Oh, and be sure to go all-in on merry merch, like Santa Looney Tunes plush and park-exclusive ornaments. To fully embrace the faux snowfall in the Lone Star State, glide across the park’s outdoor ice-skating rink (or just pose for pics on the sidelines). Park-goers can also pop into the Holiday Shopping Village for Christmas crafts, writing letters to Santa, and getting their faces painted like a friendly snowman. At the end of the night, wind down with a steaming cup of hot chocolate before gazing up at the spectacular holiday fireworks display!

Address: 2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington, TX 76011

Phone: (817) 640-8900

Dallas Holiday Parade

Ready to experience a Dallas holiday tradition over 30 years strong? Make your way to downtown for the annual Dallas Holiday Parade, where you’ll find oversized balloons, dazzling floats, and energetic performers from around the world! This spirited celebration begins with the Children’s Parade at Dallas City Hall Plaza before the main event parades through the streets. The route starts at Ervay and ends up at Elm St, but you’ll want to snag your spot early to catch the best views. As the floats cruise past City Hall, you’ll bear witness to incredible feats of athleticism, dance, and pageantry from companies like Pitch Catch Air Force Shows, Irish Dancing Artists, the Kilgore Rangerettes, and more. The highlight, of course, is the appearance of Santa himself! Once the parade concludes on Elm Street, St. Nick and his elves will greet the crowd in an interactive post-parade show. So bring the kiddos for a holly, jolly hootenanny! But even for those without little ones, the Dallas Holiday Parade promises an entertaining day out with its grand marshals, special guests, and holiday cheer galore!

Vitruvian Lights

If you only take one holiday day trip from Dallas, make it to Vitruvian Park in nearby Addison for their otherworldly Vitruvian Lights show! This award-winning 3D light and video experience spans over 550 feet across the park’s tree canopy, taking you on an immersive journey through various whimsical worlds. Vitruvian Lights is essentially a massive, walk-through animated storybook that transforms before your eyes, combining vibrant projection mapping with cheerful soundtracks and photo-worthy light sculptures. One moment you’ll be swaying between fluttering leaves, the next you’re trekking through a winter wonderland filled with dancing penguins! The show is a delight for all ages and sure to spark joy with its detailed, imaginative artistry. The magic runs from late November through the New Year, with shows running every 20 minutes from 5pm to 10pm. While admission is free, you’ll want to arrive early to snag a good viewing spot. Or for a premium experience, reserve your VIP Igloo for an up-close, front-row view of the fantasyland! Flanked by fire pits, these heated, transparent igloos seat up to 8 guests—the perfect setting for a cozy holiday gathering with loved ones.

Address: 3875 Marquis Dr, Addison, TX 75001

Prairie Lights

What began as a neighborhood tradition has blossomed into one of Dallas-Fort Worth’s most dazzling holiday light parks. At Prairie Lights, you’ll wander through a kaleidoscopic dreamscape filled with over 4 million lights, countless Insta-worthy displays, and even a few dancing companions! Each year, the masterminds behind Prairie Lights craft all-new themed areas inspired by festive fables, like Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” Playful sculptures and walk-through installations bring these stories to life at every twist and turn of the 2-mile driving trail. Kids can also visit with Santa, roast s’mores over a beach bonfire, feed reindeer, or write wish lists at Santa’s workshop as they stroll through the park. And no visit to Prairie Lights is complete without swinging by the Holiday Cafe for sweet treats like hot chocolate bombs and gingerbread donuts! As for adult-friendly beverages, you can spike your cocoa or cider at the beer trailer or cozy up at the Prairie Light Ice House. Just be sure to snap a pic in front of the iconic Prairie Lights sign before calling it a night!

Address: 3370 Destination Way, Grand Prairie, TX 75054

Dashing Through the Crowds

If crowds aren’t your thing, slip away for an old-fashioned carriage ride through the twinkling streets of the Dallas Arts District. Reminiscent of a Victorian holiday card come to life, the horse-drawn carriages make for a charming and tranquil experience amid the city bustle. During the holiday season, Dallas Carriage Works offers special Christmas-themed tours, complete with Victorian-dressed hosts, holiday music, and an array of breathtaking light displays. As you gently “dash through the snow” (well, gently roll over Dallas streets), you’ll trot past sparkling trees, vibrant projections, and other city landmarks donned in their yuletide best. Rides are available Thursday through Sunday evenings, with private carriage options that can accommodate up to 4 adults or 6 passengers total. Each carriage is outfitted with cozy blankets, so you can snuggle up with your special someone as you sip provided cider or hot cocoa. It’s a quintessentially romantic rendition of a winter wonderland date night! Or consider a fun family outing to experience the magic through young eyes.

Address: 700 N Pearl St, Dallas, TX 75201

Christmas-Con Holiday Market

Every year, über-geeks unite for a holly jolly pop culture celebration known as Christmas-Con! This eccentric convention brings a unique yuletide experience to the Dallas Market Hall as the perfect way for fans to fuel their nostalgic love of the holidays. Christmas-Con is an epic, indoor holiday market meets comic convention, showcasing over 200 vendors and artists offering geeky goods of all kinds. Shop for unique finds like custom-made elf ears, seasonal screen-printed apparel, festive figurines, and enough niche holiday decor to put Clark Griswold to shame. You’ll also find plenty of fandom-fueled treats and seasonal sips at the vendor stalls. But the real magic lies in the vibrant, curated atmosphere that embraces Dallas’s thriving nerd niche in all its glory. Wander amongst cos-playing Christmas characters and holiday heroes as you take in live music acts, festive performances, and interactive exhibits. Or simply mingle with thousands of likeminded pop culture fans who are all there to bask in the season’s eccentric spirit!

Address:2200 Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207

Legacy West Holiday Spectacular

For upscale holiday happenings, make your way to Legacy West for this open-air shopping center’s luxe Holiday Spectacular! Modeled after European Christmas markets, this lavish seasonal spectacular immerses guests in an extravagant winter dreamscape unlike anything else in Dallas. Every corner of Legacy West’s pristine promenades is decked with twinkling lights, towering trees, and grandiose installations that evoke scenes from the North Pole. But the crown jewel is The Village, an immersive walk-through festivale that transports you to the arctic tundra. Here, you’ll stroll beneath dazzling archways, past Santa’s toy factory, into a shimmering ice cave, and even encounter a majestic polar bear sculpture standing 16-feet tall! Along the way, enjoy a variety of holiday performances, visit with Santa, roast s’mores by the fire pits, or indulge in seasonal treats from Legacy Hall’s restaurant stalls. And if you want to gift yourself, pop into the Christmas Village for upscale shopping among high-end boutiques and artisan markets. No matter where you wander in this winter extravaganza, prepare to have your breath taken away!

Address: 7800 Windrose Ave, Plano, TX 75024

Rent With Dallas Party Bus To Hit Every Attraction

No matter which festive feats strike your fancy, leave the driving to Dallas Party Bus this season! Don’t stress about navigating crowded roads or tracking down parking as you gallivant across the metroplex. Our team of holiday travel experts will put together the perfect private bus rental to cover all your yuletide adventures with ease. Imagine skipping the shuttle lines and heading straight to each attraction’s entrance, where your professional team awaits to whisk your group away in comfort and style. With spacious interiors, plush seating, and unbeatable amenities, you can travel between destinations while enjoying all the seasonal delights. Belt out carols with a bumping speaker system, sip hot toddies with built-in cup holders, watch Elf on the TVs – the jollities are endless aboard these sleighs! So gather your family, rally your friends, and book with Dallas Party Bus to experience a Dallas holiday you’ll never forget. Our 24/7 reservation staff is standing by at (214) 396-1133 to make all your merry transportation dreams come true. Let’s turn this Christmas up to SLEIGH!