Things to Do in DFW in Winter During The Holiday Season
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Looking for the top things to do in DFW in Winter? Then read on for the list!
Dallas/Ft. Worth in the winter offers a range of activities that blend cultural experiences, holiday festivities, and outdoor fun. Even though the weather tends to be milder than in many parts of the country, the city fully embraces the winter season.
Here are the top things to do in Dallas/Fort Worth during the winter and holiday season.
Visit the Dallas Arboretum’s Holiday at the Arboretum
The Dallas Arboretum transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season with stunning displays, including the 12 Days of Christmas exhibit, life-size Victorian-style gazebos, and the Christmas Village. The gardens are illuminated with lights, and visitors can explore holiday-themed attractions and enjoy seasonal treats.
It’s one of the most magical holiday experiences in Dallas and perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting to soak in the festive spirit. If you’ve ever visited Autumn at the Arboretum, then don’t miss out on the Holiday display!
Christmas at the Gaylord Texan
The Gaylord Texan Resort is famous for its extravagant Christmas displays, with over two million lights, an ice-skating rink, gingerbread house decorating, and holiday shows. One of the main attractions is the annual ICE! exhibit, featuring stunning ice sculptures and slides.
It’s one of the most over-the-top holiday experiences in the area, offering a variety of activities for all ages under one roof.
Texas Christkindl Market
Inspired by the traditional German Christmas markets, the Texas Christkindl Market is one of the largest open-air holiday markets in the region. Visitors can shop for unique gifts, enjoy German-inspired food, and take photos with St. Nikolaus.
It’s a charming and festive market perfect for holiday shopping, tasting traditional German treats, and immersing yourself in European holiday culture.
After all, it was named one of the top 6 Christmas markets in the U.S. by National Geographic! (article has since been removed from their website)
Ice Skating at Galleria Dallas
The Galleria Ice Skating Center is located right in the heart of the Galleria Dallas shopping mall, and during the holidays, a massive Christmas tree is set up in the middle of the rink. Ice skating beneath the towering tree is a fun way to embrace the winter season, and afterward, you can enjoy some shopping or grab a meal at one of the many restaurants nearby.
Or be sure to check out ice skating options at Christmas in the Branch!
Watch The Nutcracker
Both Dallas and Fort Worth offer fantastic performances of The Nutcracker during the holiday season, each providing a unique experience for fans of this beloved ballet.
In Fort Worth: Performances are held at Bass Performance Hall, a beautiful venue that adds to the grandeur of the ballet. The stunning architecture of Bass Hall enhances the magical experience, making it an ideal location for a holiday tradition.
In Dallas: The Texas Ballet Theater also stages The Nutcracker at Winspear Opera House in the AT&T Performing Arts Center, offering a spectacular show with the same high-caliber production in an equally impressive venue.
Experience SNOWDAY and See Santa at Santaland
SNOWDAY is an immersive, family-friendly winter wonderland experience located at the Galleria Dallas. This interactive attraction offers visitors the chance to explore a series of creative, holiday-themed rooms, each filled with unique photo opportunities and interactive elements.
From whimsical snowy landscapes to colorful Christmas settings, SNOWDAY provides the perfect backdrop for capturing holiday memories. The experience often includes visits from Santa, light displays, and even simulated snow to give visitors a true winter vibe. It’s ideal for families, couples, and anyone looking to get into the festive spirit while creating Instagram-worthy moments. See more photos from the experience.
Ever dreamed of visiting the North Pole and meeting Santa in person? Make that dream a reality. Take a simulated train ride to the North Pole, then walk an enchanted path through a magical moonlit forest filled with starry lights, polar bears, and photo ops leading to Santa’s majestic chalet.
Complete your trip with a combo ticket purchase and venture directly into SNOWDAY, the other side of the North Pole.
Explore the Dallas Zoo’s “Zoo Lights”
During the winter months, the Dallas Zoo transforms into a glittering spectacle of lights with Zoo Lights, where the zoo comes alive with illuminated displays, larger-than-life animal lanterns, and holiday-themed light sculptures. Guests can walk or drive through the exhibits and enjoy hot chocolate, treats, and festive music.
It’s a unique way to experience the zoo after dark, with a dazzling light display that brings holiday cheer to visitors of all ages. See more photos of the event.
Attend the Dallas Holiday Parade
The Dallas Holiday Parade is a long-standing tradition, featuring extravagant floats, marching bands, and giant balloons parading through downtown Dallas. It’s one of the biggest holiday events in the city and attracts large crowds of families and parade enthusiasts.
It’s a Dallas holiday experience that’s perfect for getting into the festive spirit. My friend, Christine (in the Instagram Reel), participates every year!
Holiday Lights at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth decorates its serene reflecting pools with twinkling holiday lights, creating a peaceful and beautiful scene in the heart of the Cultural District. Visitors can explore the museum’s world-class contemporary art collection while enjoying the festive glow.
It’s a sophisticated and visually stunning way to enjoy the holidays, blending art with seasonal cheer.
Take a Stroll Through Highland Park Village for Holiday Lights
Highland Park Village, a historic shopping district in Dallas, is known for its spectacular holiday light displays. During the winter months, the village is decked out in thousands of twinkling lights, creating a charming and festive atmosphere.
Whether you’re shopping for luxury items, grabbing a coffee, or simply walking around to enjoy the decorations, Highland Park Village offers a picturesque winter experience.
Go to the Enchant Christmas Light Maze & Market
Enchant Christmas is one of the largest light mazes in the world, and it takes over Fair Park during the holiday season. The event features millions of lights, a massive ice skating trail, live entertainment, and a Christmas market where you can shop for gifts and treats.
The maze is a spectacular experience for both kids and adults, offering an immersive holiday adventure that’s one of the most visually stunning in DFW.
Celebrate at the Dallas Symphony’s Christmas Pops Concert
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra hosts a Christmas Pops Concert each year, featuring beautiful renditions of classic holiday music. Held at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, the concert is a festive and elegant way to celebrate the season.
If you enjoy live music, this is a sophisticated and heartwarming way to experience classic Christmas tunes performed by a world-class orchestra.
Visit Klyde Warren Park
Klyde Warren Park hosts a variety of winter events and holiday-themed activities throughout the season. From holiday markets to live music and food trucks, the park offers something for everyone. In December, you can also enjoy the park’s annual Tree Lighting Celebration.
It’s a great way to get outside, even in the cooler months, and experience a lively atmosphere with family and friends.
Check Out Holiday Pop-Up Bars
Dallas is home to several creative holiday pop-up bars that appear during the winter months. These bars go all out with over-the-top festive décor, seasonal cocktails, and a jolly atmosphere. Popular spots include Miracle at Royal 38 and Sippin’ Santa.
If you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy festive drinks with friends, these pop-up bars offer a fun, immersive experience full of holiday spirit.
Enjoy Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides in Highland Park
During the winter months, horse-drawn carriage rides take guests on a magical journey through the neighborhoods of Highland Park, famous for their elaborate holiday light displays. Cozy up under a blanket and enjoy the twinkling lights as you trot through one of Dallas’s most picturesque areas.
It’s a romantic and festive way to enjoy the holiday season in Dallas, perfect for couples or families.
Visit Six Flags Over Texas
Located in Arlington, Six Flags Over Texas is a massive amusement park with roller coasters, thrill rides, family attractions, and live entertainment. During the winter, they host Holiday in the Park, where the park is transformed with festive lights and seasonal activities.
It’s a great destination for thrill-seekers and families looking for a day of fun and excitement.
Grapevine: The Christmas Capital of Texas
Known as the Christmas Capital of Texas, Grapevine hosts over 1,400 holiday events throughout the season. These include Parade of Lights, North Pole Express train rides, holiday light displays, and more. Main Street is beautifully decorated with lights and offers plenty of Christmas shopping opportunities.
With so many holiday activities packed into one town, Grapevine offers a full day or weekend of holiday fun for visitors of all ages.
Explore the Grapevine Vintage Railroad
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad offers scenic train rides from Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards aboard restored 1920s coaches. During the holidays, the railroad features special themed rides, such as the North Pole Express, a magical Christmas experience.
The vintage railroad offers a fun, nostalgic trip for both children and adults, with beautiful views and charming towns along the way.
Prairie Lights
Prairie Lights is a two-mile drive-through light park featuring over four million lights, animated displays, and holiday scenes. Halfway through the drive, visitors can stop at Holiday Village to enjoy carnival rides, food, and holiday shopping.
It’s a convenient way to enjoy a holiday light show without leaving your car, making it perfect for families with young children or those looking for a relaxed experience.
Holiday Tea at the Adolphus Hotel
Experience a traditional Holiday Tea at the historic Adolphus Hotel, complete with elegant tea sandwiches, pastries, scones, and seasonal treats. The event is set in the hotel’s luxurious French Room, beautifully decorated for the holidays.
It’s an upscale, charming holiday experience that’s perfect for an afternoon outing with friends or family.
Vitruvian Lights
Vitruvian Park in Addison lights up during the holidays with more than 1.5 million sparkling LED lights draped over trees throughout the park. This dazzling display is free to the public, with additional events like live music and food trucks on select nights.
It’s one of the best free holiday light displays in the DFW area, offering a great outdoor experience for families and friends.
The Trains at NorthPark
A long-standing holiday tradition, The Trains at NorthPark is a massive model train exhibit that travels through intricate, miniature versions of U.S. landmarks, from Dallas to the Grand Canyon and beyond. Proceeds from the exhibit benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.
It’s a beloved holiday event that brings joy to kids and train enthusiasts alike, with proceeds supporting a great cause.
Christmas in the Square
Frisco Square transforms into a holiday wonderland with a choreographed light show set to music, outdoor skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a Christmas market. The Christmas in the Square light display is the largest choreographed holiday lights display in North Texas.
The light show is free, and the family-friendly activities make it a great destination for holiday fun without breaking the bank.
Texas Motor Speedway Gift of Lights
The Gift of Lights is a drive-through light show at Texas Motor Speedway, featuring millions of lights arranged into animated holiday displays. After driving through, you can visit Santa’s Village for photos, hot chocolate, and holiday snacks.
It’s an easy, car-friendly activity perfect for families or groups looking to enjoy festive lights without leaving the comfort of their vehicle.
Historic Downtown McKinney’s “Home for the Holidays”
Historic Downtown McKinney celebrates the holidays with its Home for the Holidays festival, featuring a tree-lighting ceremony, horse-drawn carriages, ice skating, and a holiday parade. Local shops and restaurants join in the festivities, offering seasonal treats and holiday-themed goods.
It’s a charming, small-town holiday experience that feels like stepping into a classic Christmas movie.
Lightscape at FWBG
Step into a mesmerizing wonderland this holiday season at Lightscape, an enchanting light show at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Wander along a stunning illuminated trail filled with dazzling displays, shimmering tunnels, and larger-than-life sculptures, all set against the garden’s natural beauty. Perfect for a romantic date night, family outing, or simply a magical escape, Lightscape is a must-see event that brings art, light, and nature together in a breathtaking experience. Get your tickets early and prepare to be awed!
🌟 Dates: November 17, 2023 – January 1, 2024
🎟 Tickets & Info: fwbg.org/lightscape
Eat at the Most Christmas Restaurant in Texas: Campo Verde
Campo Verde serves Tex-Mex & American dishes in a casual space with standout Christmas decorations at the holidays.
Did I miss your favorite thing to do in DFW in winter? Let me know what to add in the comments below!
XOXO,
Katie
P.S. I also got to visit the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience during the holiday season. This year the closest location is all the way in Austin!
