‘Tis the season when the city is aglow with bright lights and festivities! The magic of the holiday season has arrived, and nothing says Christmas like going on a hunt for the best places to see Christmas lights in Dallas! Lucky for you, we did the searching for you!
Whether you prefer drive-thru spectacles or enchanting walk-thru experiences, the Dallas area has it all! Join us as we explore the top spots to bask in the holiday spirit and witness the dazzling beauty of Dallas during our favorite time of year!
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Free Events with Christmas Lights in Dallas
Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza (Nov. 17 – Dec. 16, 2023)
Experience the perfect blend of holiday magic and football excitement at the Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza. Be thrilled by the world-famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ dazzling performance, followed by the lighting of a magnificent 67-foot LED Christmas tree by a Cowboys football legend.
Don’t miss the stunning lights show, synchronized with Christmas music and a spectacular pyrotechnic display that will light up the sky at The Star. It’s a must-see event that combines the spirit of the Cowboys with the wonder of Christmas. Every Friday and Saturday evening at The Star in Frisco. Show starts at 6pm.
The Shops at Highland Village (Nov. 18 – Dec. 23, 2023)
Come and join “Our Village Glows,” a festive, community event that attracts thousands of residents and features the lighting of a 60-foot Christmas tree and a dazzling light show with 245,300 LED tree lights synchronized to holiday music.
The celebration offers activities for the entire family, including music, horse-drawn carriage rides, face-painting, cookie decorating, ornament making, and the arrival of Santa. Nov. 18, 2023, at 5:30 pm.
You can enjoy the lights at the Highland Village throughout the holiday season, including complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides and costumed carolers (Dec. 1-23).
Vitruvian Lights (Nov. 18 – Jan. 1, 2024)
Vitruvian Lights is one of the most anticipated Christmas light displays in Dallas. Located at the iconic Vitruvian Park, this immersive experience takes inspiration from the world of art and technology. Visitors can expect a mesmerizing journey through stunning light installations and interactive experiences. Nightly from 5pm to 11pm.
The centerpiece of Vitruvian Lights is a beautiful tree lighting ceremony on November 18 at 6pm, marking the official start of the holiday season in Addison.
On November 25, the fun continues at Vitruvian Lights with the beloved Jordan Kahn Orchestra, delicious food trucks, and vendors if you need to do some holiday shopping.
You can also snap FREE photos with Santa, meet holiday characters, and enjoy the talents of an elf balloon artist. Plus, the tradition of writing letters to Santa is back, and this year, Mrs. Claus and live reindeer will be in attendance for fantastic holiday photos with the family. Event parking will be $15.
Christmas in the Square (Nov. 18 – Jan. 8, 2024)
Christmas in the Square is a magical holiday experience that should be on everyone’s list of places to visit in Dallas! This year marks the 19th anniversary of Christmas in the Square, and there are even more fun things planned!
Along with the holiday lights and accompanying Christmas music in the Frisco Square, there will also be ice skating (purchase a ticket for a one-hour session here; skate rental included), visits with Santa, a light tunnel, and horse carriage rides! Click here for the complete schedule. The lights and music will be on display daily from 6pm until 10:00pm, from Nov. 18 – Jan. 6.
While supplies last, there will also be a Christmas tree lot operated by Scouts Troop 51, beginning at First United Methodist Church on Preston. A portion of the sales is divided among the Scouts who work the tree lot and used to fund campouts and activities.
Legacy West Plano (Nov. 25 – Dec. 23, 2023)
Legacy West Plano will host Legacy North Pole, complete with free photo ops, live music, kids crafts, and more during the holiday season. Santa photos will be available through December 24, 2023. Book your photo session here.
The Gift of Light (Nov. 26 – Jan. 1, 2024)
This large corner property boasts a lawn decorated to the nine’s with with an assortment of holiday inflatables, from cute animals to Santa Claus and his elves. And that’s only a few! Surprisingly, the homeowners spent 2 months setting up the entire display!
There’s also a table with a QR code where you can read about the family’s struggles with heart disease and donate to the American Heart Association if you’d like.
This year, snowflakes were added to the roof, each one handcrafted by a chosen member of the community. 8624 Palermo Way, McKinney. Follow their Facebook page and check in the case of wet/rainy conditions to see if the display will be up.
The Burkman Holiday Home (Dec. 1, 2023)
Step into the holiday magic at this festively decorated home, where each year brings delightful new surprises. From a charming Christmas village in the garage to over 300 lawn decorations and a dazzling display of 70,000 lights synchronized with festive music, this annual tradition is a joyous spectacle.
Beyond the enchanting decorations, the family’s heartwarming commitment includes raising funds for their charity, the Burkman Foundation, which provides scholarships to young adults with cognitive disabilities.
Cash is accepted in person at the Burkman Holiday home, but they also utilize Venmo @burkmanholidayhome and Zelle (burkmanholidayhomefrisco@gmail.com). 3809 Hazelhurst Drive, Frisco. The display will open on Dec. 1, 2023
Centennial Holiday Lights (Dec. 2 – 26, 2023)
Experience the magic of the holiday season with Centennial Park’s Centennial Christmas Lights in Dallas. This enchanting event brings the park to life with a dazzling array of Christmas lights that will captivate visitors of all ages.
Stroll through the beautifully illuminated pathways, marvel at the sparkling decorations, and bask in the warmth of the holiday spirit. Dusk to 10pm daily.
You can find other free displays nearby at Heritage Park, Main Street and the Whistlestop Plaza Clock Tower!
The Colony Christmas Spectacular (Dec. 2 – Jan. 7, 2024)
This annual celebration transforms The Colony’s Central Fire Station into a dazzling display of lights and decorations. The Colony Christmas Spectacular is more than just a visual feast; it’s an auditory delight as well.
Tune your car radio to 99.9 FM as the synchronized music fills the air, perfectly complementing the dazzling light show and creating an immersive experience that will linger in your memory long after the lights dim.
Children will marvel at the captivating displays, while adults will appreciate the intricate craftsmanship and the heartwarming atmosphere. Gather your loved ones and create lasting memories under the enchanting glow of The Colony Christmas Spectacular. Daily from 5:30pm to 10:30pm.
Merry & Bright Christmas Drone Show (Dec. 2, 9 & 16, 2023)
Get ready to be amazed by the Merry & Bright Drone Show. This innovative and enchanting event takes the traditional Christmas lights display to new heights, quite literally!
Instead of traditional decorations, witness a coordinated drone show dancing in the night sky. Witness a captivating performance of over 200 drones, choreographed to illuminate the night with vibrant lights and festive music. It’s a unique and modern take on the holiday lights experience that is sure to leave you in awe!
Don’t miss the chance to witness this spectacular and high-tech holiday season celebration happening this year in Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas. They will begin regularly at 8:00 pm and will last approximately 8-9 minutes.
Your best bet is to show up early, park at the Grapevine Main garage, and view the show from Peace Plaza in front of Grapevine Main Station on December 2. On December 9 & 16, the show will take place in front of City Hall and Peace Plaza, respectively.
Afterward, checkout Harvest Hall for food, drinks, and lots of holiday decor!
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More Places with Free Christmas Lights
- Plano
- 1000 Clinton Dr.
- Biscayne Dr.
- Ports O’Call Ct. – Stay updated by following their Facebook page.
- Deerfield
- Farmers Branch
- Klyde Warren Park
- Firewheel Town Center (Garland)
- Watters Creek in Allen
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Ticketed Events with Christmas Lights in Dallas
Holiday at the Arboretum (Nov. 9 – Jan. 5, 2024)
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden hosts one of the most popular Christmas light displays in the city. The Arboretum is transformed into a winter wonderland with over a million twinkling lights, holiday displays, and festive activities.
One of the highlights of Holiday at the Arboretum is the 12 Days of Christmas exhibit. This beloved display features gazebos depicting each of the 12 gifts from the iconic Christmas carol and its namesake, “The 12 Days of Christmas.”
Visitors can stroll through the gardens and admire the detailed decorations, which are sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit. It’s also a great place to snap some holiday photos for your Christmas cards or your social media feed!
Another popular attraction at the Arboretum is the Reliant Holiday Village. Reminiscent of the beloved Christmas markets in Europe, stop by each of the 12 charming shops for one of their yummy samples or themed trinkets. Be sure to checkout the Dazzling Musical Tree and the historic DeGolyer House, featuring 600+ nutcrackers!
The daytime schedule is from 9am-5pm. Nighttime schedule is 6pm-9pm. Ticket prices range from $12-$35.
The Dallas Arboretum is also hosting a variety of special events, including a Holiday Gift Vendor Market, holiday decor workshops, cooking classes, and more! See their website for additional information.
Dallas Zoo Lights Presented by Reliant (Nov. 17 – Jan. 2, 2024)
Stroll through a luminous setting adorned with over two million twinkling lights and 60 larger-than-life animal lanterns. The festive spirit extends beyond the animal kingdom with a traveling art exhibit, after-hour rides, live music, pictures with Santa, crafts, holiday treats, and more!
There will also be a sensory-friendly night on November 27 and an adults-only event on November 30 (see below for more information).
You can admire the lights between 5:30pm and 10:00pm. Ticket prices range from $11 – $22, with discounts for zoo members.
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Illumination Celebration (Nov. 24 – Dec. 24, 2023)
No holiday lights tour is complete without a visit to some impressive Christmas trees. One tree that always stands out is the towering 100-foot-tall A beautiful festive house of a christmas village., known as “The USA’s Tallest Indoor Christmas Tree.”
This majestic tree in Dallas is a must-see attraction, and it becomes even more enchanting when you skate around the mall’s iconic ice rink, accompanied by holiday tunes and a show with synchronized Christmas lights. You catch it daily at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm.
General admission is $12 and skate rentals are $5. Skating is first-come, first-served.
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Dallas Zoo After Dark (Nov. 30, 2023)
Dallas Zoo After Dark is a magical event that transforms the Dallas Zoo into a winter wonderland for adults 21 and over. Guests can enjoy the zoo’s dazzling light displays, as well as special holiday activities, animal meet-and-greets, live musical performances, food trucks, and drinks.
It’s a place where the holiday spirit comes to life, with Santa waiting to greet you in his village, and an art show that brightens the dark with its radiance. This is for one night only and will take place from 6pm – 10pm. Tickets are $34 and are available online.
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Ticketed Events with Christmas Lights in DFW
The Light Park (Nov. 3 – Jan. 1, 2024)
The Light Park, an unforgettable drive-thru extravaganza, will leave you awestruck. Prepare to be captivated by a spectacle of over a million twinkling lights synchronized to a vibrant mix of music and a towering Christmas tree, transforming the night sky into a dazzling tapestry of color and sound.
The Light Park is a must-visit destination for families and friends seeking a unique and unforgettable holiday experience. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Dallas, this drive-thru extravaganza is sure to leave you mesmerized and filled with the joy of the season.
The Light Park is open daily from 5:30pm to 10:00pm, Sunday through Thursday, and 5:30pm to 11:00pm on Fridays & Saturdays. Price starts at $29 per car online and $50 at the gate. There are two locations in North Texas: Arlington and Frisco.
Christmas at Gaylord Texan (Nov. 10 – Dec. 31, 2023)
For a truly magical Christmas experience, head to the Gaylord Texan Resort for their annual ICE! attraction. This year, the theme is Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Wander through enchanting scenes from the story, including Whoville, the Grinch’s lair, and Cindy Lou Who’s house. Marvel at the intricate ice sculptures and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Guests can also tube down a two-story-tall ice slide, throw real snow balls, navigate through an enchanting ice palace, complete with tunnels and arches, challenge themselves in the themed escape rooms, and even ice skate indoors on real ice!
There will also be fun, kid-friendly activities like cookie decorating, a Christmas carousel, make-your-own Christmas gifts at Santa’s Workshop, photos with Santa, and story time with Mrs. Claus. For the adults, there will be a bar on-site.
Prices vary by activity. Tickets can be purchased online. There will also be communal blue parkas guests can borrow to keep warm.
Radiance at the Ranch (Nov. 17 – Dec. 30, 2023)
Radiance at the Ranch is a dazzling drive-thru spectacle located at Parker County Sheriff’s Posse in Weatherford. It is an enchanting event that illuminates the night with the best lights and festive decorations, accompanied by Christmas music from the comfort of your car.
Radiance at the Ranch offers a variety of options to enhance your drive-thru experience. Consider the VIP package, which includes shorter wait times, hot chocolate, popcorn, and magic light glasses for the kids. 6pm to 9pm (10pm on Fridays and Saturdays). Tickets are available for purchase online for just $29.95 per car.
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Lightscape (Nov. 17 – Jan. 1, 2024)
Lightscape is hosted by the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, offering a reimagined holiday lights experience.
This year’s installations will feature 80% new Christmas displays and over a million twinkling lights synced to a symphony of music, all along a mile-long path.
Guests can look forward to an all-new Christmas Village with fire pits, s’mores, hot cocoa, holiday music, and photo ops with Santa on select nights. The event will take place from 5:30pm to 8:30pm nightly.
Miracle on 134th Street (Nov. 21 – Dec. 23, 2023)
Over 2 million Christmas lights transform the forest into a mesmerizing wonderland. At the heart of it all is Santa’s 8500-square foot workshop, where moments become cherished memories in Celina TX.
Enjoy a free Meet and Greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and capture the magic with a photo taken by one of the elves. Amidst the twinkling lights, indulge in Mrs. Claus’s hot cocoa or unwind at one of the many s’mores pits.
Ensure the kids hop on the Reindeer Express and the Carousel of Lights. 5:30pm to 9pm. Tickets are available online for between $18 and $46.
Prairie Lights (Nov. 23 – Dec. 31, 2023)
Prairie Lights is a holiday spectacle that promises to dazzle visitors and residents of Dallas alike. Located in Grand Prairie, this annual event transforms Lynn Creek Park into a mesmerizing winter wonderland.
At the halfway point, you can hop out of your car and have fun with carnival rides, grab some tasty snacks, take photos with Santa Claus, walk through a magical forest, and even do some holiday shopping!
Then, when you get back in your car, the second half of the drive ends with an amazing light tunnel, making it a perfect way to finish a night you’ll always remember! Open nightly from 6pm to 10pm or until the park reaches capacity. Price starts at $50 per car. Tickets are available online.
Lights on the Farm (Nov. 24 – Dec. 30, 2023)
Lights on the Farm at Heritage Museum in Plano is a charming event that takes you on a journey through time. It’s historical farm setting is adorned in festive lights and decorations.
Walk along a quarter-mile trail illuminated by the warm glow of 1.5 million lights and handcrafted, animated displays while immersing yourself in the nostalgia of a bygone era.
Be enchanted by the sight of a towering 20-foot Christmas tree while treating yourself to delicious goodies like hot cocoa, donuts, and the joy of roasting your very own s’mores by the fire. You can also expect Santa to visit!
The Heritage Museum will also host several themed nights, including Santa Paws, Pajama Night, and Princess & Princes Night! See their website for more!
It’s the perfect opportunity to start a brand new family tradition filled with warmth and holiday cheer. Fri – Sun from 6:00 – 8:00 pm and Sat at 5:00 – 9:00 pm. Parking at Lights on the Farm is free. Price ranges from $7-$15. Tickets can be purchased online.
Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway (Nov. 24 – Jan. 8, 2024)
The Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway is a spectacular holiday attraction that will leave you in awe. Visitors can drive through the enchanting route, making it a perfect family outing. With the dazzling lights and the holiday spirit in the air, the Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway is a must-see destination for Christmas lights.
There will also be different themed nights like Pajama Night, Pet Night, and Christmas Sweater Night!
Bundle up in your coziest attire, grab your favorite snacks and drinks, and embark on a drive-thru adventure that will leave you feeling merry and bright. Open from 6pm to 9pm or 10pm daily. Price starts at $35 per car and can be purchased online or at the gate.
Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Dallas TX: Final Thoughts
The holiday season in Dallas is truly enchanting, as the city bursts with magnificent Christmas light displays that cater to all tastes, from classic charm to cutting-edge technology. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of traditional decorations or the modern magic of high-tech displays, Dallas has something for everyone!
So, gather your loved ones and embark on a journey to explore all the best places to see Christmas lights in Dallas! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
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Last Updated 5 months ago by Jessica Serna | Published: November 16, 2023
