There's something truly magical about the holiday season in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. As temperatures cool down and the festive spirit heats up, our metroplex transforms into a dazzling wonderland of twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and unforgettable family memories. Whether you're a longtime resident or new to North Texas, this guide will help you navigate the best Christmas light displays and holiday experiences across DFW.
From drive-through light shows to enchanting walking trails, festive amusement park adventures to unique helicopter tours, there's something for everyone this season. Let's explore the most spectacular holiday light experiences waiting for you this year!
Drive-Through Light Experiences
The Light Park-Dallas Area Locations
Looking for a convenient way to enjoy the holiday season? The Light Park offers an exciting drive-through experience featuring millions of Christmas lights synchronized to festive music. You can stay warm in your car while eating, drinking, and soaking in the spectacular displays. This year, they've expanded to three convenient locations across the metroplex.
Locations: Arlington (Hurricane Harbor), Frisco (Riders Field), and Little Elm (Little Elm Park)
Price: $29.99 to $60 per vehicle (purchase online for best prices)
Dates: November 7th through January 4th
Hours: 5:30pm to 10pm (11pm on weekends)
Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway
Rev up your holiday spirit with a two-mile drive through Texas Motor Speedway! This impressive display features more than three million lights with a pre-made holiday music playlist to enhance your experience. It's the perfect way to combine Texas' love of motorsports with Christmas magic.
Location: Fort Worth
Price: $35 per car
Dates: November 27th to January 4th
Hours: 6pm to 9pm weekdays, 10pm weekends and holidays
Prairie Lights at Lynn Creek Park
Head to this charming display at Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake for a complete holiday experience. Beyond the drive-through lights, you'll find a holiday village, magical walk-through forest, carnival rides, Santa photos, and holiday shopping opportunities.
Location: Grand Prairie
Price: $50 per car
Dates: November 27th through December 31st
Hours: Opens at 6pm nightly
The Colony Christmas Spectacular
Enjoy this free, music-synchronized light show that brings the community together every weekend. Simply tune your radio to 99.9FM and let the festive tunes accompany the dazzling display.
Location: The Colony
Price: Free
Dates: December 6th through January 4th (weekends only)
Walking & Strolling Experiences
Tianyu Lights Festival
Step into "Koda's Adventure to the Magical Forest" at this immersive cultural celebration on the Texas Trust CU Theatre Festival Grounds. Experience 19 stunning lantern scenes, an illuminated playground, magic rides, live performances including acrobatics and folk dancing, international cuisine, and a handicraft marketplace. It's a feast for the senses!
Location: Grand Prairie
Price: $16 to $35
Dates: November 7th through January 18th
Holiday at the Dallas Arboretum
A true Dallas classic! The Arboretum's holiday display features one million lights, including a breathtaking 50-foot tree animated with over 42,000 lights. Explore the Christmas village, enjoy holiday tea, and wander through beautifully landscaped gardens transformed for the season.
Location: White Rock
Price: Included with general admission ($12 to $20)
Dates: November 11th through January 4th (hours vary)
Dallas Zoo Lights
One of DFW's most beloved holiday traditions returns bigger and brighter than ever! Dallas Zoo Lights, presented by Reliant, transforms the zoo into a magical wonderland with over 2 million holiday lights. Enjoy spiked cocoa, Santa's village, live music, light shows, and more while supporting our local zoo.
Location: South Dallas
Price: $18 per person
Dates: Select nights November 14th through January 4th
Hours: 5:30pm to 10pm
Christmas in the Square
Frisco's spectacular display is the largest choreographed holiday lights and music show in North Texas, featuring over 180,000 lights and 200 dancing snowflakes! The best part? It's completely free. You can also enjoy an outdoor ice skating rink, Santa visits, and horse carriage rides.
Location: Frisco
Price: Free
Dates: November 21st through January 6th
Hours: 6pm to 9pm weekdays, until 10pm weekends
Vitruvian Lights
Stroll through the stunning 19-acre Vitruvian Park where millions of lights illuminate more than 500 trees. This free event features performances, food trucks, vendors, complimentary photos with Santa, holiday characters, an elf balloon artist, and live reindeer for memorable photos.
Location: Addison
Price: Free
Dates: November 22nd through January 1st
Hours: 5pm to 11pm
Lights on the Farm
Walk a quarter-mile trail through the historic Heritage Farmstead Museum, featuring over 1.5 million lights and animated displays. This family-friendly event includes photo opportunities, hot chocolate, Santa visits, s'mores, and more nostalgic holiday fun.
Location: Plano
Price: $15 per person
Dates: Select nights November 28th through December 28th
Hours: 6pm to 9pm
Theme Park & Entertainment Venues
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas
Experience the thrill of Six Flags combined with holiday magic! Ride all your favorite attractions decorated for the season, watch musical shows, snap photos among twinkling lights, indulge in holiday treats, and meet Santa Claus himself.
Location: Arlington
Price: Standard park admission ($35 to $90)
Dates: November 23rd to January 4th (park hours vary)
Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza
Show your team spirit this holiday season with a 20-minute light show at The Star's impressive 67-foot LED tree! Enjoy appearances by Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, performances, mascots, and of course, Santa Claus. This free event is perfect for Cowboys fans of all ages.
Location: Frisco
Price: Free
Dates: Every Friday and Saturday evening at 6pm from November 21st through December 20th
Coca-Cola's Classic Christmas
From the creators of Enchant comes this celebration of holiday nostalgia at Dallas Midtown (formerly Valley View Mall). Wander through 15 different activities including ice skating, sledding, carolers, and more family-friendly fun.
Location: Arlington
Price: Varies
Dates: Wednesday through Sunday, November 21st through December 28th (times vary)
Unique Holiday Experiences
Dallas by Chocolate - A Christmas Light Bus Tour
Celebrate the holidays with Dallas’ most magical lights tour. Guests can view the Park Cities lights in heated comfort via bus on Dallas by Chocolate's Christmas Lights Tours. The 1.5-hour tour takes guests through the heart of holiday displays in Highland Park and University Park. Midway through the tour, the buss will stop at a local establishment where guests can purchase holiday treats and beverages.
Downtown Holiday Lights Food Tour
Combine your love of festive lights with culinary delights on this guided food tour through downtown Dallas. Santa's helper will lead you through the city's most decorated spots while you sample dishes from some of Dallas' best restaurants. It's the perfect way to taste the flavor of a Texas holiday season!
Helicopter Christmas Light Tour
For the ultimate aerial adventure, board the Turbine Polar Express helicopter tour! See DFW's holiday displays from Santa's perspective as you fly over miles of wonderful lights, decorations, massive Christmas trees, and exciting sights. This thrilling experience offers a truly unique way to celebrate the season.
Planning Your Holiday Light Adventures
With so many incredible options across the metroplex, you might be wondering where to start. Here are a few tips to help you plan your holiday light tour:
Start Early: Many of these events begin in early November, giving you plenty of time to experience multiple displays before the season ends.
Mix and Match: Combine free events like Vitruvian Lights and Christmas in the Square with ticketed experiences for a well-rounded holiday schedule that fits your budget.
Book Ahead: Popular events like The Light Park and Dallas Zoo Lights can sell out, especially on weekends. Purchase tickets online in advance for the best prices and guaranteed entry.
Check the Weather: While many events are drive-through or covered, walking displays are more enjoyable when dressed appropriately for Texas winter evenings.
Make It a Tradition: Pick your favorites and make them annual traditions your family looks forward to each year.
The Magic of the Season in North Texas
The holiday season in DFW is truly special. From the smallest neighborhood displays to grand productions featuring millions of lights, our community comes together to celebrate the joy and wonder of the season. Whether you're creating new memories with your family, enjoying a romantic evening with your partner, or simply taking in the beauty of the season, these light displays offer something magical for everyone.
As you explore these festive attractions, you'll discover what makes the Dallas-Fort Worth area such a wonderful place to call home during the holidays. The combination of Texas hospitality, impressive creativity, and community spirit shines as brightly as the millions of lights illuminating our metroplex.
So bundle up, grab your hot cocoa, and get ready to experience the most wonderful time of the year in North Texas. From all of us here in the DFW community, we wish you a joyful, bright, and memorable holiday season!
Have you visited any of these amazing light displays? Share your favorite holiday traditions and light show recommendations with your neighbors and friends. Happy holidays, DFW!
