Safe and Sound ways to spend a wonderful Christmas Season in 2020

Social distancing-approved Christmas events in Dallas and surroundings and inspiring activities to try at-home.
Create your own Christmas Bucket List 2020 and enjoy Holiday season to the fullest!

Social Distancing-Approved
Christmas Events in DFW

15 outdoor and drive-thru events to get into the Holiday spirits in Dallas and surroundings.

At-Home
Christmas Activities

10 delightful Christmas activities to try at home and bring Christmas joy every day in December.

Fun and safe ways to enjoy Holiday season? Check our Christmas Bucket List 2020!

Dallas Holiday season has just started and Christmas events are popping up everywhere!

Time to enjoy the best time of the year – but with safety in mind.

Discover in our Christmas Bucket List 2020 all safe and sound Holiday-themed things to do in Dallas and surroundings, and amazing activities to try at home to bring some much-needed Christmas cheer.

Ready to jump on the Christmas train?

Check our posts, select your favorite activities and events, and create your very own Christmas Bucket List 2020.

More things to do in Dallas on Holiday season?

Check our ‘Things to do in Dallas’ page.

There you will find tons of ideas, including social-distancing approved outdoor things to do.

Discover 60 outdoor things to do in Dallas and surroundings. 14 State Parks less than 1h30 from the city. 52 fun things to do in Dallas to keep you entertained all year long. DFW must-sees and hidden gems. And more.

All you need to know to make the most of your Christmas staycation in Dallas and have a blast through the end of the year!

Time to have fun!

Here you will find tons of fun ideas on how to enjoy Holiday season in Dallas and surroundings.

Now it is your turn: use them to guide you through the season and take Holiday fun to a whole new level!

And don’t forget to come back here and share your experiences.

Do you know of any other social distancing-approved Christmas events or at-home fun Holiday activities not mentioned in these posts? What are your favorite Christmas traditions?

Leave a comment below and help to spread Christmas joy!

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10 At-Home Christmas Activities for the Best Season Ever!

Fun and cozy Christmas activities to bring Holiday cheer home

From the most beloved Christmas traditions to winter-themed cozy activities, here are some delightful ideas to enjoy Holiday season safely at home.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.”
– Clark More

10 Christmas Activities to Try at Home this Holiday Season

‘Tis the season to build everlasting memories. And 2020 calls for an especially good one!

Opportunities to celebrate Christmas at home are endless, really. But here I share with you some of my favorite Holiday-themed activities to try this year.

From America’s most beloved Christmas traditions to winter-inspired inviting activities to enjoy with friends and family, discover 10 fun ideas to celebrate Holiday season at home.

Dig into this post, make your own Christmas bucket list and dive into the Christmas spirit from the comfort of your own living room!

Looking for safe and sound things to do outside as well? Check this post for social distancing approved Christmas things to do in Dallas and surroundings.

1. Start an Advent Calendar

Advent calendars are a great Christmas tradition and a sure way to make the Christmas joy present every day throughout December. You can make your own, or choose a beautiful reusable one to be added to your annual Christmas decor.

Here are some of my favorite options. You can personalize them all, adding daily Christmas-themed small gifts, actions and activities, and bring Holiday joy to every single day of the month!

2. Decorate Gingerbread Houses and Cookies

Kids go crazy with this one! (me too, I confess)

This is a fun way to spend a cold December afternoon doing something different and that screams Christmas to me.

If you are (really) talented in the kitchen, you can dive head first into this one and make your own gingerbread houses and cookies.

As cooking skills are not exactly one of my strengths, I usually (ok, always) go for the pre-made kits. These are my favorites:

3. Light a fire on the backyard and make s'mores under the stars listening to Christmas songs...

Making s’mores under the stars wintertime is a must. Pair it with Christmas songs (and a good glass of wine, I won’t tell anyone) and you have the best Holiday activity ever!

No firepit? No problem? This inexpensive portable firepit will do the trick. I’ve had it for about a year know and it more than does the job – great memories are being made around it!

I also recommend you getting extendable marshmallow sticks. I didn’t even know they existed until recently (shame on me) and they were a game changer in my s’mores skills .

4. ...or take the fun indoors and do the same in front of the fireplace!

If all you want for Christmas is to stay cozy and warm INSIDE the house, lit your firepit and make some s’mores in the comfort of your living room.

Go mess free with this electric s’mores maker from Nostalgia.

I also prefer to use ceramic logs indoors. They give you the look and the heat without the toxic fumes and are my newest Holiday season inversion – I would say it is a pretty good one!

5. Have the best Christmas decor ever

Because IMHO 2020 simply asks for that!

But no need to go bankrupt to do so. Being creative and doing a lot of research, you can find inexpensive ways to give your home a Holiday facelift on a budget.

You can find a lot of cool basic stuff on discount stores. For more elaborated – and usually expensive – items, Amazon offers some excellent Christmas decor deals.

Here are some of my favorite findings for this season:

6. Have a small fondue and wine gathering.

This is another winter favorite: fondue. If you have never tried it, it is time to fix this huge anomaly lol.

Here you can find some simple recipes (WARNING: don’t click on them if you are hungry . Just did. Big big mistake):

Classic Swiss Cheese Fondue Recipe
Coq Au Vin Meat Fondue Recipe
Chocolate Fondue Recipe

You can go mess-free and try an electric fondue set. What is a great option specially if you have little ones around. You cannot go wrong with this one from Cuisinart, I’ve actually worked with this brand eaons ago and it is super high quality:

But I really LOVE the traditional fondue sets. I love the cast iron look and there is something mesmerizing about the flame under the pan, it brings me some very good old memories:

Tip: we are in the era of small gatherings. But if you have more people coming, you can always buy inexpensive extra fondue forks to increase the capacity of your fondue set:

Invest in good wine tumblers for the perfect fondue and wine gathering. If you know a little about wine, Riedel is a brand that needs no introduction:

7. Welcome the Elf on the Shelf home.

This is one of my favorite American Christmas traditions. And one that I really make a point in doing every single year for my kiddos.

Because well, you are only a kid once, and the look in their faces when they wake up and see something silly “the Elf” did the night before truly pays off EVERY effort (yes, I eventually always run out of creative ideas and get sick of the poor little Elf by the end of the season lol).

You find the original Elf on the Self in many retail stores, and it comes with a book telling his whole story, prefect to read to the kids and get them into the fairytale vibe.

It usually sells out virtually every year before Christmas. So, if you cannot find it around, you mind consider this kit from Amazon that comes with some cute extras and, at least in the day I wrote this post, was the only one still available for next day delivery:

If the Elf on the Shelf tradition is something new to you, here is the whole story and how it works.

8. Write a letter to Santa and hang Christmas stockings

Here is the deal: Santa will need to know WHAT you want for Christmas to decide wether you deserve it or not according to the Elf reports…

And then he will need a PLACE to leave these presents on Christmas night!

Keep the magic going by writing Christmas letters with the little ones and leaving them by the Elf – without touching him or he will loose his magic – to be delivered to Santa.

Then get yourself some beautiful stockings and stocking holders to complete your already awesome Christmas decor.

9. Have a Christmas Movie Marathon in your xmas jammies

Watching Rudolph in your jammies, eating popcorn and drinking hot cocoa, is a must during Holiday season. And probably one of the easiest ways around to get into the Christmas spirits.

For all-time classics, make sure to include Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964), A Christmas Carol (1938), It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), and Miracle on 34th Street (1947) in your list.

For the “new-classics”, A Christmas Story (1983), Home Alone (1990), The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), and Elf (2003) are musts.

I also absolutely love the much more recent Klaus (2019) and The Christmas Chronicles 1(2018) and 2 (2020).

And new titles abound and will be available in every stream platform starting right now!

10. Read Christmas stories to your kids every night in December

Have little ones who love to hear a story before going to bed? Transform it into a Christmas activity reading Holiday-inspired tales, sure to bring Christmas joy every night in December.

This is an easy yet meaningful Christmas activity, and a great way of assuring sweet dreams and keeping the spirits high from sunrise to dawn.

You can get one book with several short stories like this one:

Or invest in a small Christmas library. Here are some of the recommended Holiday-themed books to consider:

Summing Up

The Grinch will NOT steal Christmas!

This year things are a little different. But it doesn’t mean we cannot have fun and a heartwarming Holiday Season. It is actually quite the opposite: we need that now more than ever!

Being creative it is still absolutely possible to have the time of your life while keeping safe, by engaging in fun Christmas activities at home or in outdoor social-distancing approved activities.

Here you found 10 cheerful ideas on how to enjoy Christmas Season in your house and have a blast in the upcoming weeks.

Choose your favorites and go create memories with your loved ones to be cherished forever!

Do you have a favorite Christmas tradition not mentioned here? Share your fun ideas in the comments section below.

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Christmas in Dallas 2020: Social Distancing Approved Things to Do

Dive headfirst into the Holiday spirit and light up the year!

Discover 18 social distance approved Christmas things to do in Dallas Fort Worth in 2020 and warm up to the season.

“Peace on earth will come to stay,
When we live Christmas every day.”
― Helen Steiner Rice

Top things to do this Christmas in Dallas Fort Worth

The best time of the year is just around the corner. Time to put our Santa’s hats on and do some serious work to build everlasting and forever cherished memories!

This year has been a little “different” – to say the least – and the new normal requires a lot of creativity to enjoy Christmas season safely.

Luckily, Dallas offers super cool Holiday-themed outdoor attractions and social distance-friendly events. And knowing where to go you can still have the time of your life while keeping safe.

18 safe and sound Christmas events and activities in Dallas and surroundings

Ready for some – much-needed – Holiday cheer?

In this post you will find 18 ideas on how to safely enjoy Christmas in Dallas.

Superb drive-thru experiences to admire the best Christmas Lights Displays in Dallas Fort Worth. Cozy and heartwarming outdoor events. The best neighborhoods to drive around and see the Christmas lights for free. Drive-in theaters featuring Christmas movies. And even Christmas tree farms to choose and cut your own pine tree.

Chose below your favorites and have a holly jolly Christmas!

Christmas Lights Drive-Thru Displays in DFW

Dallas traditional drive-thru Christmas Lights Displays are trendier than ever. Guaranteed to wow you and 100% social distancing-approved, they are a sure way of getting into the Christmas vibe while keeping safe.

Dallas Zoo Lights, Gift of Lights, Radiance Christmas Lights, Prairie Lights and Magic of Lights are this year top pics.

Check their website below for detailed info to plan your visit and buy tickets online in advance (most places require that as part of the safety measures implemented to avoid the spread of COVID-19).

Take with you some inexpensive Magic Christmas Glasses for cool 3D effects while seeing the Christmas lights. I discovered those in a Thanksgiving trip to Arizona last year and fell in love with them!

Here are details on the 5 most amazing drive-thru Christmas Lights Displays to experience this Holiday season in Dallas Fort Worth:

1. Dallas Zoo Lights

When
Nov. 20th – Jan 3rd, 2021 │36 select nights: 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Where
Dallas Zoo – 650 S. R. L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75203

Prices
USD 65.00 per car (members USD 50.00 per car)

More Info and Tickets

2. Gift of Lights @ Texas Motor Speedway

When
Nov 26th – Jan 3rd, 2021 │ Friday & Saturday: 6pm-10pm / Sunday – Thursday 6pm-9pm

Where
Texas Motor Speedway – 3545 Lone Star Cir, Fort Worth, TX 76177

Prices
USD 30.00 to USD 60.00 per vehicle

More info and tickets

3. Radiance Christmas Lights @ Dr. Pepper Ballpark

When
Nov 11th – Jan 3rd, 2021 │ Every night from 5:30 pm (closes at 10pm or 11pm depending on the day, check their calendar)

Where
Dr. Pepper Ballpark – 7300 Roughriders Trail, Frisco, TX 75034
Locations also in Decatur and Weatherford, about one hour away from Dallas.

Prices
Regular Admission: USD 30.00 per vehicle/ VIP Admission: USD 50 per vehicle (includes hot chocolate, dedicated VIP line and magic glasses for kids).

More Info and Tickets

4. Prairie Lights

When
Thanksgiving Night through New Year’s Eve 2020 │ Every night: 6pm-10pm

Where
Lynn Creek Park – 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX 75052

Prices
USD 30.00 and up per vehicle/ Fast Pass: USD 99 and up per vehicle

More Info and Tickets

5. Magic of Lights

When
Nov 20th – Jan 2nd, 2021 │ 6pm – 10pm (closed on Dec. 31st)

Where
Little Elm Park – 701 West Eldorado Parkway, Little Elm, TX

Prices
USD 26.00 to USD 100.00 per vehicle

More Info and Tickets

Christmas Lights Walkthrough Outdoor Events in Dallas

Looking for something more active but still safe? Put your fancy winter coat on, grab a hot chocolate and walk-through Dallas most beautiful outdoor light displays!

Considered one of the best Christmas events in Texas, the Holiday at the Arboretum is a must-visit in Dallas. Beautiful Holiday-themed gazebos, an adorable Christmas Village and tons of lights transform the already gorgeous botanical garden into a Holiday wonderland and one of the most popular Christmas attractions in DFW.

The traditional Lone Star Christmas at Gaylord Texan features for the first time a 100% outdoor attraction, especially designed with social distance in mind. The Yuletide Bright is a light and lantern walkthrough event, that will take you through 50,000 square feet of pure Christmas magic!

And finally, for an outstanding free and pet-friendly alternative, try the famous Vitruvian Lights, a beautiful Christmas Lights display at Vitruvian Park, perfect for a winter leisure walk.

Be prepared for awesome photo-ops and create instant memories with family and friends.
👇👇👇

Here you find detailed information on the best outdoor Christmas events in Dallas to check on this Holiday season:

6. Holiday at the Arboretum

When
Daytime:
Nov. 7th – Dec. 31th, 2020 (Christmas Village opens on Nov. 27th) │ 9am – 5pm
12 Days of Christmas at Night:
Nov 11-25: Wed–Sun 6–9pm │ Nov 27-Dec 30: Sun–Wed 6–9pm; Thu–Sat 6–10pm

Where
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens – 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218

Prices
Daytime admission: USD 12.00 to USD 17.00 per person (members free)
Night admission: USD 10.00 to USD 25.00 per person

More Info and Tickets

7. Yuletide Bright @ Gaylord Texan

When
Nov. 13th – Jan. 3rd, 2021

Where
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center – 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, Texas 76051

Prices
$15.00 per Adult/ $10.00 per Child (4-11)

More Info and Tickets

8. Vitruvian Lights

When
Nov. 27th – Jan. 3rd, 2021│ At night

Where
Vitruvian Park in Addison – 3875 Ponte Ave, Addison, TX 75001

FREE EVENT

More Info

Best Dallas Neighborhoods for Holiday Light Displays

Most neighborhoods and home owners in Texas do an outstanding job decorating their houses and great Christmas lights displays can be found in virtually any neighborhood in Dallas and surroundings.

But if you want to go big, choose traditional Dallas locations, known for presenting jaw-dropping Christmas light displays year after year.

The best part? These are totally free Christmas lights displays! Simply choose the closest to you, grab your hot cocoa and go enjoy.
👇👇👇

Here are some of the best Dallas neighborhoods to drive during Holiday season for Christmas lights:

9. Highland Park Christmas Lights, Dallas

The most traditional and impressive neighborhood Christmas lights displays in Dallas.

Drive the area within Armstrong Pkwy, Preston Rd, Mockingbird Ln and surroundings to admire the awe-inspiring Christmas decor. Or go fancy and take a carriage ride.

10. Interlochen Christmas Lights Displays, Arlington

Beautiful lights, among the best in the Dallas area. Interlochen neighborhood homeowners do an outstanding job decorating their homes and keeping alive the Christmas magic.

Start your driving tour at 2001 Westwood Drive, in Arlington and just follow the flow. Prepare for some traffic, especially on weekends.

11. Deerfield Neighborhood Holiday Lights Display, Plano

In Northwest Plano between Preston Rd. and Coit Rd, Deerfield is another neighborhood offering a gorgeous Christmas light display.

A popular destination during the Holidays and free Christmas attraction in the Dallas surroundings, Deerfield can also be experienced through carriage tours. For more info check the Deerfield Homeowners Association page.

Outdoor Christmas Movies at Drive-in Theaters in DFW

If you’ve never watched a movie from the trunk of your car, ’tis the season’ to finally fix it!

Enjoying a movie outdoors under the stars in a local drive-in theater is an amazing experience year-round. But Christmas makes it even more special.

Head to the nearest drive-in movie theater to enjoy a Christmas movie. Use blankets and some pillows to turn your trunk into the coziest movie theater ever.
👇👇👇

Order popcorn and some treats and voila: you have the most amazing Christmas activity and a memory to treasure forever.

Here are some of the coolest drive-in theaters in DFW to try this Holiday season.

12. Drive-In at the Central

Where
2999 N Carroll Ave, Dallas, TX 75204

Prices
USD 28.00 to USD 35.00 per car

Movies Schedule and Tickets

13. Coyote Drive-In

Where
223 NE 4th Street, Fort Worth, TX 76164

Prices
$8 Adults (age 12+)/ $5 Kids (5 – 11)/ Ages 4 & under are Free

Movies Schedule and Tickets

"Choose and cut your own Christmas tree" pine tree farms near Dallas

It doesn’t matter if you are creating a new Holiday tradition or keeping one alive: cutting your own Christmas tree as a family is a neat experience and a sure way to bring Christmas bliss to you and your loved ones life.

Several Christmas tree farms in Dallas Fort Worth and surroundings offers this opportunity. Here you find some recommendations to try right after Thanksgiving.

Handsaw, assistance, hayrides to and from the field and tree wrap are usually provided without extra cost. Some of these places offer fun activities for the family besides the Christmas tree experience itself, click on the links for more information. And bring money! – some places will only take cash and check.

Plan ahead and make it a family Christmas day: have your ornaments ready for when you get back home carrying your beautiful pine tree, and spent the rest of the day decorating, it listening to Christmas carols and drinking hot cocoa.

This are the recommended Christmas tree farms in the Dallas surroundings to go cut your own pine tree:

14. Lone Star Pines

Where
10706 CR-350, Terrell, Texas 75161

When
Saturdays and Sundays – from Friday, Nov 27 through Dec 13th, 2020

Prices
$7.75 per foot

More Info

15. Elves Christmas Tree Farm

Where
601 Harvey Ln., Denison, Texas – 75020

When
From Nov 27, 2020
Weekdays 3pm-5pm (except the first day, open from 10 am-5pm)/ Sat 10am-5pm/ Sun 1pm-5pm

Prices
$8.00 per foot according to size and shape

More Info

16. Walls Family Farm

Where
11051 Co Rd 2312, Terrell, TX 75160

When
Open from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday after Thanksgiving and before Christmas

Prices
$8.00 per foot

More Info

17. 4D Farm

Where
3900 Upper Denton Rd, Weatherford, TX 76085

When
Open from November 28th, 9-4 on Saturdays and 1-4 on Sundays

Prices
Varies per type of tree. Check their website for more info.

More Info

18. Kadee Christmas Tree Farm

Where
5054 US-69, Greenville, TX 75402

When
Closed Thanksgiving Day
Open Saturday and Sunday, November 21-22, 2020 10AM – 7PM
Open Mon – Fri 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM/ Sat – Sun 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Prices
From $ 44.00 for a 6ft Scotch Pine Tree. Check their website for other varieties and sizes prices.

More Info

Summing Up

Holiday vibes in Dallas and surroundings

In this post I shared with you 18 places to enjoy Christmas season in Dallas and surroundings while keeping safe.

Holiday-themed things to do in DFW and its suburbs, including the best Christmas Lights Displays – paid and free, Christmas tree farms, and open-air drive-in theaters to watch Christmas movies without leaving your car.

I hope it helps you to have the time of your life in the upcoming weeks and create some much-needed good memories for 2020.

Merry Christmas and may 2021 bring us renewed hope and faith!

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2019 Christmas Bucket List in Dallas

Best things do do in Dallas this Christmas

16 Must-Try Holiday Season Activities in Dallas

(including 6 FREE things to do this Christmas)

Mark your calendars: these are the Holiday themed attractions you simply cannot miss in the upcoming months!

‘Tis the season of magic and fun!

Christmas in Dallas is something truly special. Holiday events and activities pop up everywhere. Streets and houses light up with the most beautiful and inspiring Christmas decor – Texas folks definitively know how to do it right!

While to get into the Holiday spirit in the DFW area you really just need to step out of the door, some Christmas happenings are once in a lifetime experiences worth of being added to your Holiday Season bucket list!

Here you’ll find a personal selection of 16 must-try Holiday Season events in Dallas and surroundings. Top-rated Christmas activities to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year to the fullest!

Discover the best places to see the Christmas lights in Dallas. The most impressive Christmas Parades in DFW. The top Holiday themed plays and shows. Acclaimed Christmas exhibitions and events taking place in and around the city.

And no need to break the bank!
6 of the recommended Christmas activities and attractions below are free – look for activities marked with this symbol in the post:

It doesn’t matter if you are 4 or 40. Here you’ll find Christmas activities in Dallas suitable for all ages. So, check it out, choose your faves and dive into the Holiday season magic headfirst! And start making your plans now: some of these attractions are very sought after and usually sell out.

If you have guests coming from out of town during the Holidays, take a look into this post for 15 ideas on how to entertain your visitors in Dallas. Dallas must-sees and must-try activities to make anyone fall in love with the city!

Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Dallas

You can find amazing Christmas lights displays almost everywhere in and around Dallas. Nearly every neighborhood or suburb has its own special street or area covered with tons of lights and amazing decor – just ask around your community to find the closest to you.

However, some Christmas lights displays in DFW are especially splendid and deserving of your time.

The places recommended next are among the best to see Christmas lights in Dallas and surroundings:

1. Vitruvian Lights

When: Nov 29, 2019 - January 1, 2020 (5 to 11 pm)

Where: Vitruvian Park, Addison

Every Holiday season the Vitruvian Park in Addison is converted into a Christmas Wonderland, with tons of colored Christmas Lights. A free walk-thru attraction with an impressive and beautiful lighting display of trees.

The Vitruvian park Christmas event also offers other activities such as free photos with Santa, elves, food trucks and live music on selected weekends (check their calendar).

There is free parking on site and no entrance fees!

2. Highland Park Christmas Lights Tour

When: Throughout December

Where: Highland Park, Dallas

Highland Park is one of Dallas’ neighborhoods with the best Christmas lights display. Homeowners go big for Christmas and the Holiday themed decor is pretty impressive!

You can just drive or walk around and experience it for free – check here a suggested self-guided route. Or make it extra magical taking a Christmas Light Tour in a horse-drawn a carriage through Highland Park.

3. The 12 Days of Christmas at Night @ Dallas Arboretum

When: Nov 13 - Dec 29, 2019. (Wed - Sun, 6-9 pm)

Where: Dallas Arboretum

During Holiday Season the Arboretum Converts into a Christmas Wonderland, with themed gazebos and a Christmas Village. At night, over 1 million lights make it even more magical. The 12 Days of Christmas at Night at the Dallas Arboretum is one of Dallas best Christmas lights display.

Although the Christmas lights can be enjoyed from mid-November, the best time to visit is after Thanksgiving.

That’s because from November 29 the Holiday at the Arboretum will also feature a Christmas Village. If you have kids in tow consider going on a Wednesday evening, when Santa is around!

4. Christmas in the Square - Frisco

When: Nov 29 - Dec 31, 2019 (daily from 6 -10 pm)

Where: Frisco, TX - Downtown Square

Tune into the local radio frequency and watch thousands of Christmas lights dancing to the rhythm of your favorite Holiday songs. Frisco’s Christmas in the Square is the largest choreographed lights and music display in North Texas and one of the most famous suburban light displays in the DFW area.

Walk around, sip some hot cocoa and, for an extra fee, enjoy ice-skating and carriage rides, among other Holiday themed activities.

Best Christmas Shows, Concerts and Plays in Dallas

Dallas cultural scene is filled with amazing Christmas spectacles during the Holiday Season. With tons of options to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed! Which are the ones that worth your attention?

Check on 4 essential and traditional Christmas cultural events in the Dallas area.
The top contenders of each of their own categories that, year after year, enchant and attract the crowds.

Choose your favorites, plan ahead (tickets usually sell out!) and fill your heart with Christmas joy!

5. The Nutcracker

Best Holiday Season Ballet in Dallas

When: Nov 29 - Dec 29, 2019

Where: Dallas Winspear Opera House (Nov 29 - Dec 8)/ Fort Worth Bass Performance Hall (Dec 13 - 29)

A Holiday classic, The Nutcracker ballet is an American Christmas institution with productions all over the country. A fairy-tale romance that has been enchanting audiences since the 60’s and the most prominent ballet musical in the U.S.

The Nutcracker performance by the Dallas Ballet Theater is the most famous in DFW and a must during the Christmas Season. Tickets usually sell out, so plan in advance.

CLICK HERE to check dates, times and purchase tickets.

6. A Christmas Carol

Best Christmas Play in Dallas

When: Nov 22 - Dec 29, 2019

Where: Wyly Theater, Dallas

Famous play based on one of the most memorable Christmas stories ever, written over 15o years ago by Charles Dickens.

A Christmas Carol is a meaningful and beautiful story that takes place on Christmas Eve. It revolves around the transformation of a cranky and greed man into a kind and generous soul under the light of the Christmas spirit. A holiday tradition to be enjoyed by the whole family.

CLICK HERE to check dates, times and purchase tickets.

7. Dallas Symphony Christmas Pops

Best Christmas Concert in Dallas

When: Dec 6 - Dec 15, 2019.

Where: Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas

Dive into the Holiday spirit singing along your favorite Christmas songs with the Dallas Symphony Chorus and Children Chorus of Greater Dallas.

Christmas carols, holiday classics and even Santa himself. It doesn’t get any more Christmas than that!

CLICK HERE to check dates, times and purchase tickets.

8. The Gift of Christmas

Best Christmas Show in Dallas

When: Dec 7 - Dec 15, 2019

Where: Worship Center of Prestonwood Baptist Church, Plano

A jaw-dropping multimedia Christmas show! Featuring live choir and orchestra, flying angels, camels (!) and a living Nativity, among other attractions and special effects, Prestonwood’s The Gift of Christmas show is a sure way to warm your heart and immerse you into the Christmas real meaning.

An essential Christmas spectacle that will fascinate the whole family.

CLICK HERE to check dates, times and purchase tickets.

Best Holiday Parades in Dallas and Surroundings

Make merry and rejoice into the Holidays spirit at DFW area most amazing Christmas free events!

Mark your calendars: these are the 3 most traditional Christmas parades in Dallas and surroundings that should be on your radar this Holiday season:

9. Dallas Holiday Parade

When: Saturday, Dec 7, 2019 - 10:00 am

Where: Downtown Dallas

In the first Saturday of December, Downtown Dallas streets get filled with crowds and everything Christmas!

Dallas Holiday Parade is the largest outdoor event of the year in Dallas, with over 450.000 people attending and more than 30 years of history.

The parade is free to the public, but premium tickets (with reserved seats and Meet’N Greet with Santa) can be purchased. Check here the Dallas Holiday Parade route for this year.

10. Grapevine Parade of Lights

When: Thursday, Dec 5, 2019 - 7:00 pm

Where: Historic Downtown Grapevine

The self-proclaimed ‘Christmas Capital of Texas’ does it in the Texas way: big! It offers over 1400 Christmas related events in the course of 40 days, and the Grapevine Parade of Lights in one of the highlights.

In its 40th edition this year, the Grapevine Parade of Lights is the largest lighted Christmas parade in North Texas. It takes place at Historic Main Street and features marching bands, Santa and over 100 Christmas floats.

The Grapevine Parade of Lights is a free event open to the public. Check the parade route here.

11. Fort Worth Parade of Lights

When: Sunday, Nov 24, 2019 - 6:00 pm

Where: Downtown Fort Worth

Featuring music, lights and over 100 Christmas themed floats including Santa’s, Fort Worth Parade of Lights is a must-attend Christmas event in the DFW area.

The event takes place nearby beautiful Sundance Square. Plan to arrive early to take in the Christmas vibe, do some Christmas shopping and sip a hot chocolate there. And maybe ice skate at nearby Panther Island Ice.

This is a free event, but street seats are available for purchase. Check the complete parade route and best viewing areas here.

Best Christmas Exhibitions and Events in Dallas

The quantity and quality of Christmas themed events in and around Dallas during the Holiday season is extraordinary. Tons of fun things to do!

Here are the local favorites. The most notable and traditional Holiday exhibitions and events you can experience in DFW:

12. ICE!™ at Gaylord Texan's Lone Star Christmas

When: Nov 15, 2019 - Jan 05, 2020

Where: Christmas Village at Gaylord Texan Resort - 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX

ICE! ™ is the highlight of the Lone Star Christmas, one of the most renowned Holiday Season celebrations in the DFW area, which takes place every year at the Gaylord Texan.

It’s a walk-through art display kept at 9°F/ -12°C, featuring large than life ice carved sculptures.

Put your best winter accessories on (parkas are provided, but don’t forget your gloves, hats and scarfs – it is COLD!) and be amazed by this one-of-a-kind experience.

You can also enjoy other Christmas attractions on site for an extra fee, such as snow tubing, ice skating and gingerbread decorating corner. See activities packages offered here.

The Lone Star Christmas is open to the public – you don’t need to be a hotel guest to enjoy it. But there are special overnight packages available, in case you’re coming from out of town or looking for a staycation in December.

13. Peppermint Park at Hilton Anatole

When: Nov 29 - Dec 23, 2019

Where: Hilton Anatole - 2201 N Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX

Put your best winter clothes on, head to the Peppermint Park at Hilton Anatole and enjoy a gourmet hot cocoa and s’more while kids rejoice on Christmas magic!

Peppermint Park is the perfect Holiday destination for families with little kids. An outdoor Holiday festival featuring everything Christmas – Christmas lights and shows, Holiday train and games, Elves workshops and more.

For more info and tickets purchase visit Hilton’s Anatole Peppermint Park official page.

INSIDER TIP: the Hilton Anatole is only 15 minutes away from Highland Park. After leaving the Peppermint Park, consider driving around to see the famous Highland Park Christmas Lights.

14. The Trains at NorthPark

When: Nov 16, 2019 - Jan 05, 2020 (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)

Where: NorthPark Center - 8687 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX

The Trains at North Park is the perfect Christmas attraction in Dallas for little ones and train aficionados. A local Christmas tradition that has been going on for over 30 years and benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.

Travel America and its gorgeous landscapes from coast to coast through over 1600 feet of train tracks, displayed in a beautiful U.S. themed exhibition.

There are also several other Christmas related events and activities going on at the NorthPark mall during the Holiday Season. Check their calendar here. Some highlights are the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert (Wednesday, December 18 at 7:00 pm) and Breakfast with Santa Spectacular (Sunday, Dec 8 at 9:30 am).

15. North Pole Express at Grapevine Vintage Railroad

When: Nov 29 - Dec 23, 2019

Where: Grapevine Vintage Railroad - 707 S Main St, Grapevine, TX

This Holiday thematic train ride is a unique way to experience the magic of Christmas.

With the ‘golden tickets’ in hands and pajamas on, little ones embark on a dreamy train ride to the North Pole, to visit Santa’s workshop and get to know the Old Man and his elves.

The North Pole Express is a sought after Christmas experience in Dallas. Tickets sell out fast and months in advance, grab yours before they are gone…. (and mark your calendars for future reference: sales usually start late September).

…and if you don’t have kids in tow or needs a break for parenthood, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad also offers adults-only Holiday train rides, the Christmas Wine Train, where grown-ups wishes also come true lol – they serve complimentary wine and appetizers during the ride!

16. Breakfast with Santa at Neiman Marcus

When: Dec 8, 21 & 22, 2019

Where: Neiman Marcus Zodiac Room - 1618 Main Street, 6th Floor, Downtown Dallas, TX

Last but not least, a Christmas bucket list wouldn’t be complete without a face to face activity with the Christmas Old Man himself!

There are several places you can take the kids to see Santa – think almost every mall, Christmas related event or downtown square around. But if you want to give your child a once in a lifetime experience, treat them with a breakfast with Santa.

This is a popular Christmas tradition offered in several places in Dallas and surrounding suburbs. But if you want to go really fancy, book your kiddos the Breakfast with Santa at Neiman Marcus. Unforgettable!

Summing Up

May your Holiday season be full of love and joy!

Dallas at Christmas is simply AMAZING. There are tons of incredible Christmas related activities to enjoy around. In this post you found a selection of the ones you cannot miss.

For the best Christmas Lights, try the Vitruvian Lights, Highland Park Christmas Lights Tour, the 12 Days of Christmas at Night in the Dallas Arboretum or Christmas on the Square in Frisco.

For the most traditional and unforgettable Christmas spectacles in the DFW area, choose among The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, Dallas Symphony Christmas Pops and The Gift of Christmas.

The Holiday Parades not to be missed this Christmas season are the huge Dallas Holiday Parade, the Fort Worth Parade of Lights and the Grapevine Parade of Lights.

And make sure to include in your Christmas bucket list also this unique exhibitions and events: ICE™ at Gaylord Texan, the Trains at NorthPark, Peppermint Park at Hilton Anatole, Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s North Pole Express and Neiman Marcus’ Breakfast with Santa.

Christmas on a budget? 6 of the activities recommended here are totally free, look for this symbol throughout the post:

Now make your plans and have fun. Have in mind that the most popular Christmas activities and attractions in Dallas usually sell out, so buy your tickets now (links in the post) and have a blast this Holiday season!

Which Christmas activities in Dallas are you planning to try in 2019? Which are your favorites to date? Does your family have any Dallas Christmas tradition that has been going on for years? Leave a comment bellow.

Holiday cheers and may you be surrounded by ho’s this Christmas season!

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