Holiday happenenings and family fun events across North Texas in 2024

Thanksgiving marks the traditional kickoff of the holiday season but many North Texas cities start their Christmas and holiday events in November. We’ve compiled a list of all the events where you can see holiday lights, visit Santa or take some holiday selfies.

If you snap a photo, share it with us! Email iSee@nbcdfw.com or upload HERE.

Here's a few listed by city:

Arlington Addison Dallas Fort Worth Frisco Garland Grand Prairie Grapevine Joshua Rockwall Rowlett Weatherford

HOLIDAY EVENTS IN ARLINGTON

Coca-Cola Classic Christmas
November 22, 2024 - December 29, 2024
Choctaw Stadium - 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX 76011

It's an illuminated winter wonderland fills Arlington's Choctaw Stadium with what's touted as the world's largest Christmas maze and village, Visitors will be able to take in a larger-than-life display of lighted sculptures and visit a charming village with ice skating, live entertainment, interactive games, dining, shopping and of course, Santa. Visit ClassicChristmas.com for more information.

The Light Park
November 1, 2024 - January 5, 2025
1800 W. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX 76006

The Light Park is open at Hurricane Harbor in Arlington. The drive-through light show features millions of Christmas lights and festive music. Prices (per vehicle) vary by date and you can upgrade to skip the line on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Check out TheLightPark.com/Arlington for more information on tickets, times and more.

Texas Christkindl Market
November 22 - 24, 2024 & November 29 - December 23, 2024
1650 E. Randol Mill Road, Arlington, TX 76011

The Texas Christkindl Market returns to Arlington for its 13th year. The free, family-friendly market on the North Plaza of Globe Life Field features a unique shopping experience featuring festive German treats and eats as well as music and entertainment. Check out TXChristKindlMarket.com for more information.

HOLIDAY EVENTS IN ADDISON

Vitruvian Lights
November 23, 2024 - January 1, 2025
3966 Vitruvian Way, Addison, TX 75001

The annual experience of colorful lights at Vitruvian Park in Addison is transformed into a magical holiday wonderland with the park's 12 acres becoming a walkable wonderland of lights. More than 500 trees are decorated in 1.5 million LED lights. Visitors can use the free parking for the park on-site. Check VitruvianPark.com for more information.

HOLIDAY EVENTS IN DALLAS

Holiday at the Arboretum
November 13, 2024 – January 5, 2025
8720 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218

Holiday at the Arboretum returns with a garden transformed for the magic of the season including the return of the beloved Christmas Village and the 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos! This year’s celebration marks a significant milestone as the Arboretum celebrates the 10th anniversary of The 12 Days of Christmas, the exhibit that started it all. Visit DallasArboretum.org for more information on the exhibits and pricing.

Dallas Zoo Lights
November 22, 2024 - January 4, 2025
650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75203

Dallas Zoo Lights is a holiday tradition for North Texas. This year, the zoo is transformed into a walk-through event, featuring more than a million twinkling lights that adorn most of the zoo. Discover new, larger-than-life animal lanterns and intricate holiday-themed displays in both ZooNorth and the Wilds of Africa. Pay a visit to Santa's Workshop to meet the jolly old elf himself, and be sure to take advantage of more than a dozen brand-new lighted photo opportunities. It's a dazzling experience perfect for families and those young at heart. Check DallasZoo.com/ZooLights for ticket information.

The Trains at Northpark
November 16, 2024 - January 5, 2025
8687 N. U.S. 75-Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75225

The signature holiday event benefitting the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas is back for its 37^th year. The Trains at NorthPark miniature train exhibit has delighted generations of Dallas families as one of our city’s premier holiday traditions. Join them at their brand-new location on Level One, adjacent to Starbucks, between Macy's & Dillard's. This is a great, interactive experience for all ages that also supports a great cause. When you purchase a ticket or buy a railcar, you’re giving to the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, a home-away-from-home for families who have traveled to Dallas for their child’s medical care. NBC 5's Maria Guerrero will emcee the grand opening of this year's trains on Saturday, November 16.  Tickets are required.

Omni Dallas, Ice, Lights and City Nights
November 22, 2024 - January 5, 2025
555 S. Lamar, Dallas, TX 75202

New this year in Dallas, discover a magical ice-skating rink at Omni Dallas, where our iconic Pegasus Lawn is transformed into a winter wonderland. Glide across the ice surrounded by twinkling lights and festive décor, capturing unforgettable holiday memories. Enjoy delicious hot cocoa and treats while cheering on loved ones. Gather your friends and family for a truly magical winter adventure at Omni Dallas. Tickets are required, while some events are free, visit OmniHotels.com for more information.

SNOWDAY and Santaland at Galleria Dallas
November 22, 2024 - January 5, 2025
13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75240

SNOWDAY at Galleria Dallas offers a unique and immersive winter wonderland experience for those looking to capture the perfect holiday photo. There are more than 20 rooms, this exhibit includes everything from a mesmerizing mirror maze to a Christmas-themed 1970s RV. Spend an hour immersed in creative backdrops, and, at the end, receive professional-grade photos delivered directly to your phone for immediate sharing on social media. This experience is a must-visit for photography enthusiasts and anyone seeking Instagram-worthy holiday memories. Visit SNOWDAYDallas.com for more information.

Black Nativity at Bishop Arts Theatre
December 5, 2024 - December 22, 2024
215 S. Tyler St., Dallas, TX 75208

Organizers are calling this a sensational journey as the Bishop Arts Theatre proudly presents "Black Nativity." Inspired by Langston Hughes's iconic 1960 Broadway show, this annual holiday production promises a mesmerizing theatrical wonderment like never before. The show has been in production for nearly two decades. The lively performances have been dazzling offices for years. It's a theatrical tradition that transcends generations and celebrates the spirit of the holiday season. This experience is a must for those who appreciate the arts and soul-stirring performances. Tickets are available, visit BishopArtsTheatre.org for more information.

Deck the Plaza at Dallas City Hall
December 6, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Free event)
1500 Marilla St., Dallas, TX 75201

Deck the Plaza City Hall Lights includes a full program with live entertainment on stage including Dallas ISD’s Booker T Washington School for Performing and Visual Arts “Jazz Combo”, Molina High School Marching Band, and live contemporary music band; Flame Foundation (flamenco dance); Navillera (Korean Dance); Grand Prairie Mariachi Azul; Devotio Moderna will play and sing Spanish language traditional holiday music and the Dallas Police Department choirs. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, including carriage rides, mini train rides, fireworks, bounce houses and so much more. At the event, they will light their 50-foot-tall holiday tree.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra's Christmas Pops Concerts
December 7, 2024 - December 14, 2024
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center - 2301 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra's Christmas Pops Concerts are a holiday delight for music enthusiasts and families alike. From December 6 to 15, revel in transcendent anthems, classical holiday favorites, and sing-along carols. Your favorite holiday vocalists join the DSO and choruses to bring a bit of Christmas magic to the Meyerson Symphony Center. Expect appearances by beloved holiday characters, a touch of snow, and the joyous music of the DSO. It's an enchanting evening that combines classical music with the festive spirit of the season. Tickets are available, visit DallasSymphony.org for more information.

Klyde Warren Park's Tree Lighting Celebration
December 7, 2024 - 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Free event)
2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201

This free annual tradition includes a festive day of activities and entertainment, photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, face painting, crafts, games, and snow flurries! The day culminates with a live show featuring performances of holiday music, visits from Santa’s friends Frosty and Rudolph, and, of course, Klyde Warren Park’s annual Christmas tree lighting. Visit KlydeWarrenPark.org for more information.

HOLIDAY EVENTS IN FORT WORTH

Stockyards Rodeo Rink & Santa
November 18, 2024 - January 5, 2025
131 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76164

Ice Skating in the Stockyards returns for seven weeks of fun and the holiday lights display. Tickets are available with snacks, beverages, fire pits, music and more. Photos with Cowboy Santa can be taken on-site at the Stockyards. Tickets are required, visit FortWorthStockyards.com for more information.

Lightscape at Fort Worth Botanic Garden
November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107

It’s called an international sellout sensation, Lightscape, is returning to the 120-acre Fort Worth Botanic Garden for its third consecutive year with an even longer trail, 20+ all-new illuminated installations, revamped pricing, and more than one million holiday lights, making the 2024 Lightscape the grandest and brightest yet. Running November 22 through January 5, 80 percent of Lightscape will be new and reimagined for the 2024 holiday season. Tickets are required, visit FWBG.org for more information.

Gift of Lights
November 28, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Texas Motor Speedway - 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth, TX 76177

The Gift of Lights returns to Texas Motor Speedway featuring a two-mile drive through two million lights. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Speedway Children's Charities - Texas Chapter. Visit GiftsofLightsTexas.com for more information and hours of operation.

The Modern Lights
November 29, 2024 – February. 9, 2025
3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth, TX 76107

The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is bringing the holiday spirit by decorating its many trees with thousands of lights. Guests are welcome to walk the grounds after sunset, the lights will be on until midnight. The museum offers free admission until 8 p.m. on Fridays. The museum closes most days before dark. Visit TheModern.org/Modern-Lights for more information.

HOLIDAY EVENTS IN FRISCO

Christmas in the Square
November 22, 2024 - January 6, 2025
Frisco Square

The City of Frisco transforms downtown into a dazzling display of 180,000 lights blinking to holiday tunes. It's the 19th year of the free event. Visitors are able to tune their radio to 107.3 FM to listen along as they drive or if they prefer to walk, the music is played over loudspeakers. There's also an outdoor ice rink, visits with Santa,  horse carriage rides and a Christmas tree lot. It’s a mix of free and ticketed events. Visit FriscoSquare.com to find out more.

Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza powered by Reliant
November 22, 2024 - December 21, 2024
The Star in Frisco - 1 Cowboys Way, Frisco, TX 75034

The Star in Frisco is the place, Kickoff to Christmas at the Star will launch the holiday season in Frisco, the free event is from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Dallas Cowboys-themed fun will also feature Santa, holiday shopping from more than 30 vendors, carolers, complimentary hot chocolate, festive tunes and a DJ! You can find out more about Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza every Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m. by visiting TheStarDistrict.com/Christmas.

HOLIDAY EVENTS IN GARLAND

A Garland Christmas on the Square
December 5, 2024 - 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
520 W. State Street, Garland, TX 75040

Celebrate the holidays at Downtown Garland Square's Tree Lighting Ceremony with live music, live reindeer, a snow hill, a synthetic ice skating rink and photos with Santa. There will also be food, crafts, Christmas lights and train rides for kids. VisitGarlandTX.com has more information.

HOLIDAY EVENTS IN GRAND PRAIRIE

Prairie Lights
November 28, 2024 – December 31, 2024
5610 Lake Ridge Parkway, Grand Prairie, TX 75052

Prairie Lights returns again starting Thanksgiving night until New Year's Eve. The event featured a drive-through experience of five million lights on a two-mile path in Lynn Creek Park. There are also out-of-car experiences like a walk-through lighted forest, photos with Santa, a Holiday Village, concessions, shopping and carnival rides. Visit PrairieLights.org for more information.

HOLIDAY EVENTS IN GRAPEVINE

ICE! at Gaylord Texan
November 15, 2024 - January 5, 2025
1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051

The Gaylord Texan brings back its immersive exhibit ICE! with a red-nosed twist! This year’s ice sculptures feature Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ with a story-driven holiday showplace complete with larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels. More than 40 world-renowned master artisans spend more than six weeks hand-carving approximately 6,000 blocks of ice to create this one-of-a-kind Christmas attraction! With over 17,000 square feet and 10 immersive scenes. Tickets are required.

Carol of Lights
November 25, 2024 (Free event)
Grapevine City Hall - 200 S. Main St., Grapevine, TX 76051

Instead of a traditional tree lighting ceremony Historic Downtown Grapevine will be illuminated during the 36th Annual Carol of Lights and street lighting event to kick off the holidays in the Christmas Capital of Texas. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. visitors can explore up and down Historic Main Street and enjoy multiple stages with engaging performances and zoned activity areas featuring incredible holiday bounce houses and more. Visit GoGrapevine.com for more information and a map.

HOLIDAY EVENTS IN JOSHUA

Christmastime in Texas
November 28, 2024 – December 27, 2024
5801 County Road 904Z, Joshua, TX 76058

Joshua in Johnson County is home to Christmastime in Texas, another drive-through Christmas light experience located a short drive from Fort Worth off Chisholm Trail Parkway and County Road 904. The park has hundreds of displays along a mile-and-a-half route. A large section of the park's lights are times to favorite Christmas tunes. Visit ChristmastimeinTexas.com for pricing and information.

HOLIDAY EVENTS IN ROCKWALL

Kiwanis Annual Christmas Parade | Hometown Christmas | Tree Lighting
December 7, 2024 - 9 .am. | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 6 p.m.
385 S. Goliad St., Rockwall, TX 75087

The City of Rockwall is hosting a Hometown Christmas, a day full of festive activities. It all starts with the Kiwanis Christmas Parade at 9 a.m. The Hometown Christmas celebration downtown follows and includes food trucks, a snow hill, and photos with Santa. Then stick around at 6 p.m. for the tree lighting ceremony at City Hall.

HOLIDAY EVENTS IN ROWLETT

Holiday Main Street Fest and Parade
December 7, 2024 - 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
4001 Main Street, Rowlett, TX 75088

Join the festive celebration at Holiday Main Street Fest and Parade at Rowlette Downtown Green. The event will be filled with holiday cheer, food trucks, a kids' zone, vendors and crafts. The dazzling parade of lights begins at 7 p.m.

HOLIDAY EVENTS IN WEATHERFORD

Radiance at the Ranch
November 22, 2024 - December 28, 2024
2251, Mineral Wells Hwy, Weatherford, Texas

Billed as North Texas' No. 1 holiday light spectacular, Radiance! at the Ranch returns for a fourth magical hear at the Parker County Sheriff's Posse in Weatherford. Gather the family and marvel as you drive through more than a mile of two million lights including new light displays. Guests are able to tune into a radio station to listen to holiday music as they drive through the experience. Visit RadianceChristmas.com for ticket information.

Do you feel like we missed a multi-day holiday experience in North Texas? Let us know! Email NewsTips@nbcdfw.com