Christmas Lights in and around Dallas 2024-2025

Dallas shines bright with the arrival of the winter holiday season. Wander through The Arts District and Klyde Warren Park, where a towering Christmas tree and festive activities set the mood. Be sure to visit Fair Park in South Dallas, home to the Christmas Light Maze, a bustling market, and stunning light displays that run from Thanksgiving through December. For a more magical experience, take a carriage ride through the beautifully decorated Highland Park, where professional-grade light displays adorn the streets. And if you're up for more, the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area offers even more impressive holiday light shows to explore.

12 Days of Christmas and Christmas Village in Dallas Arboretum (November 13, 2024–January 5, 2025)

Every winter, Dallas Arboretum makes a Christmas carol come to life. Located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake, a spacious 66-acre garden hosts the holiday exhibit in November and December with 12 25-ft-tall Victorian-style pavilions dedicated to the famous song 12 Days of Christmas. Each decorated gazebo is dedicated to one of the days from the Christmas carol. Costumed characters and animals are showcased inside lit-up gazebos protected by glass. Visitors are also invited to visit the historic DeGolyer House, elaborately decorated by renowned designer Michael Hamilton. Tickets start from $14 and vary depending on date and entry time.

Dallas Zoo Lights (November 22, 2024–January 4, 2025)

The magic of lights transforms Dallas Zoo during winter nights. Take the mile-long drive-through route, featuring over two million lights, dozens of elaborate holiday-themed displays, and 3-D lit sculptures. Larger-than-life animal lanterns surely look impressive, as well as an ice palace for penguins and other fantastic installations. Visitors can enjoy holiday-themed photo ops, musical performances, holiday treats, and meet Santa. General Admission tickets start from $16.

Special events, like Dallas Zoo After Dark: Wild Lights and Sensory Friendly Night, on December 12 and December 16, will make the light festival even more exciting. Adults 21+ can experience a magical evening at Wild Lights, an adults-only event that captures the festive charm of Dallas Zoo Lights. For families, Sensory Friendly Night offers a special opportunity to enjoy Dallas Zoo Lights with activities designed for smaller crowds, lower music volume, designated quiet areas, and a chance to meet Santa Claus.

Vitruvian Park Lights in Addison (November 23, 2024–January 1, 2025)

The magical wonderland at Vitruvian Park is one of the favorite family destinations in North Dallas. Millions of sparkling LED lights decorate more than 550 trees. Vitruvian Lights usually begin in late November and last until early January, shining brightly from 6 to 10 pm. On select nights, visitors can also attend live music concerts and performances. In addition, there are food trucks, visits with Santa and other holiday characters as well various kids crafts and activities. As a special event on entertainment on November 30, the Dallas String Quartet will perform at the Vitruvian Park Lights grounds.

Grapevine Parade of Lights and Main Street Spectacular (December 5, 2024)

Grapevine, known for its restored 19th- and 20th-century architecture, is often called the Christmas Capital of Texas. The annual Grapevine Parade of Lights marches down the historic Main Street with its numerous restaurants, cafes, and galleries. More than 100 lit and brightly decorated floats and marching bands are welcomed and cheered by crowds of spectators. The parade kicks off at 7 pm. Santa Claus is the last to arrive in his sleigh. This year's theme is "Toys, Trains & Candy Canes". Even if you can't make it to the parade, Grapevine is still worth visiting for its Main Street Spectacular. Millions of lights cover Main Street in Grapevine from late November up to early January.

Prairie Lights at Lynn Creek Park (November 28–December 31, 2024)

Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie, Texas, boasts one of the world's largest light tunnels that can be explored by car. The Prairie Lights display is a two-mile drive-through featuring over 4 million lights. Amazing arch displays line the road, creating a dazzling experience. Prairie Lights also hosts a Christmas Village with food, warm drinks, gifts, and a lit-up walk-through forest. At the halfway point, visitors can exit their vehicles to enjoy carnival rides, concessions, photos with Santa, and holiday shopping. The second half of the drive ends with the LED light tunnel. The Prairie Lights display will be available from late November to late December from 6 pm to 10 pm.

Fort Worth Parade of Lights (November 24, 2024)

Make it a full day of fun by arriving early to explore Fort Worth Downtown, enjoy pre-parade music, and take in the festive displays. The Parade of Lights will be held on Sunday, November 24, starting at the intersection of Weatherford and Throckmorton Streets. It heads east along Weatherford Street, then turns south on Commerce, continuing down to 9th Street. From there, it turns west, passing the Convention Center, then north on Houston Street to 2nd Street. The final stretch takes it west on 2nd Street to Throckmorton, ending south on 3rd Street.

The parade kicks off at 6 pm with over 100 illuminated floats and displays. Santa makes his grand entrance on a specially designed float, beginning his journey around the parade route.

The greater Dallas area hosts some of the biggest and brightest Christmas light displays in the U.S., so grab a cup of hot chocolate, tune your car radio to some Christmas carols, and get ready to be smitten by lights extravaganza.