The holiday season is upon us, and the Love List team couldn't be in a merrier mood! Use this list to track all the sweetest, sparkliest and most Instagrammable holiday events around town, and plan you Christmas itinerary accordingly! Keep this page in your back pocket, because we WILL be updating the list as more events trickle in. And if you're looking for events in Fort Worth or Tarrant County, scroll down to item 32 or after.
1. HARWOOD HOLIDAY BAR CRAWL
Spend Saturday, Dec. 17 bar-hopping around the Harwood District in your best holiday costume for a day of cocktails, food, and contests! Tickets are $25 and include 5 redeemable drink tickets for each participating bar! Every stop will have a specialty holiday cocktail and your drink tickets will cover one of those cocktails at each place! Use deal code "SANTACRAWL10" at checkout for 10% off your tickets!
2. festive photo op — the mayor's tree at Klyde Warren
They're calling the 48-foot tree at Klyde Warren Park “The Mayor's Tree” this year, as The City of Dallas wants to make Klyde Warren the city's official Christmas park. The Mayor's Tree weighs nearly 5,000 pounds, and it will display 37,520 multi-colored LED lights and 3,836 multicolored ornaments. It will be positioned on the south end of Hart Boulevard, the Park's main pedestrian thoroughfare, through January 9, 2023.
3. take a boozy trolley tour through highland park lights
Grab tickets ASAP because this Trolley Tour through the Highland park Christmas lights hosted by Big D Tours has become quite the hot item since we posted about it on Insta. This 21-and-up boozy trolley tour is the perfect activity to kick off the holiday season, whether you’re looking for date night, a private party or something fun with the whole crew! It's a one-hour ride through the Highland Park neighborhood lights, and there are also family-friendly versions, too! The 21-and-up tours are BYOB.
4. Holiday Pop-up at Yellow Rosa
It snows every day during the holidays at Yellow Rosa! Enjoy the lights, wreaths, ornaments, a virtual fireplace, and MORE as you kick back and relax with one of nine festive cocktails on the holiday menu. Don’t forget to grab the perfect wintery video at Yellow Rosa's 360° video booth!
6. yesterland farm
Put on your favorite holiday tunes and head down to Canton, because Yesterland Farm is hosting a GIANT Christmas Carnival! 🎄 And, this year, the farm is going all out with its brand NEW Christmas light experience, including displays all around the working farm's 42 acres!
7. enchant
Enchant, which makes the BOLD claim to be the "world's largest Christmas light maze and village," is open Nov. 25 through Jan. 1 at Fair Park. Tickets start at $34 for adults and $20 for the kiddos. A night at Enchant is a magical evening with over 4 million sparkling lights, the story-themed walk-thru light maze, Ice Skating, and maybe even a visit with Santa!
8. vitruvian lights
This year, they're celebrating the 10th anniversary of Vitruvian Lights in Addison, and they are once again DOING IT BIG. Vitruvian Park transforms into a magical wonderland, and the best part is that the lights are free for viewing nightly from 5-11 p.m. from Nov. 26 through Jan. 1. Kids can also get their photo taken with Santa for free here! Parking is $15 CASH ONLY, however. They'll flip the switch for the first night of viewing on Nov. 25 at 6 p.m.!
9. dallas zoo lights
If you just can't wait until after Thanksgiving to go see some Christmas lights, the Dallas Zoo has about a million reasons to come to Dallas Zoo Lights 2022! More than 1 million lights will be strung up, and the Zoo is open for walk-through viewings on select days starting Nov. 17 through Jan. 1, 5:30-10 p.m. Check the schedule and buy tickets here. They're $13 for youth members ($17 for non-members) and $17 for adult members ($21 for non-members) — and it's all a few bucks cheaper on "non-premium" nights!
10. navidad pop-up bar at las almas rotas
Everything is festive and bright at the Navidad pop-up bar at South Dallas' Las Almas Rotas — and the Christmas mezcal cocktails will put you in a merry mood for sure! They've got a full holiday drink menu, while the tacos, guac, chicharrones and the largest selection of agave spirits in DFW are available year round.
11. society bakery christmas cookie kits
Santa deserves the best cookies this Christmas, and so do you! Order one (or a few) of these Christmas cookie kits from Society Bakery on Greenville and you get all the fun of decorating the cookies without the hassle of actually baking them! This way, nothing gets burned and everyone gets their fill of delicious and beautifully decorated Christmas cookies.
12. grand prairie — prairie lights
Prairie Lights is one of the premier holiday light parks in Texas, located at Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie. Prairie Lights 2022 will feature Holiday Village, the magical walk-thru forest, carnival rides, photos with Santa, holiday shopping and more. They're open every night From Thanksgiving to New Years Eve, starting at 6 p.m., and they'll let you line up in your car until 10. They're charging $50 per car, or $149 per car if you want to skip the line with a fast pass.
13. festive photo op with this sign in bishop arts
Oh, Bishop Arts, please don't ever change. We absolutely adore this "Merry Christmas You Filthy Animal" sign that has been posted outside of Eno's Pizza Tavern in one of our favorite neighborhoods in town for the past couple holiday seasons. We're not exactly sure when the heartfelt wishes will show themselves this year, but last year, we know the sign was up by Nov. 24. So keep looking if you're trying to be the first to get your off-color photo op here this year!
14. dinner at st. henry's winter wonderland rooftop pop-up
The rooftop bar at The Henry in Downtown will be transformed into an exclusive holiday pop-up, complete with amazing cocktails and a festive experience! Reservations are encouraged for parties of 6 or fewer, but walk-ins are usually able to get in as well. Something to note — upon entry, St. Henry staff will collect a $6 donation per person at the door, which benefits the North Texas Food Bank. It looks like the first day The Henry is accepting reservations for the pop-up is Nov. 22.
15. ruibal's at the farmers market
Get the fullest trees and your beautifully festive live wreaths at Ruibal's at the Dallas Farmers Market, and it comes with a huge bonus. Look at that backdrop of Downtown against the luscious selection of Christmas trees! It's truly one of the perfect holiday photo ops in town — you just have to capture it for yourself.
16. winter village at adolphus
From November to January, the pool deck at The Adolphus transforms into a winter village complete with themed cottages, cozy winter cabins, live music, warm boozy cocktails, festive s’mores and Croque Monsieur winter soldiers. This year the wintery fun begins Nov. 15 and runs through Jan. 28. They're open Tues.-Thurs. 5-11 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 3p.m.-midnight. Check pricing and make reservations here.
17. holiday tea at the french room
Holiday Tea at The Adolphus is one of Dallas’ most revered holiday traditions. Year after year, The Adolphus transforms afternoon tea into a beloved holiday destination with elaborate décor, seasonal music and inspired menus to create a haven for unforgettable holiday memories. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. — book your tea time here!
18. cocoa lounge in the french room
If you're unable to get the time you wanted for Holiday Tea at the French Room, a trip to the Cocoa Lounge is the next best thing! Reservations aren't required, and the Cocoa Lounge is open 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday - Wednesday through Jan. 8. You'll find colorful curiosities, festive takes on your favorite winter cocktails, and boozy hot cocoa options. Looking to bring your littles? Children can enjoy their choice of Valrhona hot cocoa or non-alcoholic French cider.
19. festive photo op at the adolphus christmas tree
There's just so much holiday charm at the Adoluphus at every turn, isn't there? Their ever-so extravagant Christmas tree is even more impressive in person! It’s the perfect spot for a LIT gram worthy photo after you enjoy Holiday Tea or drinks at the Cocoa Lounge!
20. Roy G'S HOLIDAY POP-UP
The famous Roy G's in Oak Lawn is beautifully decked out for the holidays, and their Christmas Cocktail list is just as cute (and naughty 😈) as can be! But watch out for the Home Alone-themed drink "Buzz' Girlfriend, Woof" — only try that one if you're brave.
21. Festive photo op at civic garden
The Civic Garden in Downtown on Main Street is aglow in its annual Holiday Butterfly Lights display! It's another gorgeous spot for the whole team to gather and get in the spirit with family or group photos.
22. Northpark Center model train exhibit
This is absolutely the perfect idea if you've got littles at home and you're looking for something affordable to do that will bring that special holiday twinkle to their precious little eyes. Tickets for the Trains at Northpark exhibit are just $10 for adults and just $5 for kids, and proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House, so you're doing some holiday good just by showing up! The exhibit is open through Jan. 6.
23. omni santa suite
Stay in the Omni Dallas' decked out, Christmas themed, two-bedroom presidential Santa Suite, if it' even possible to still get a booking in! It comes fully-sticked with Christmas cookies, sweets and delicious hot cocoa! Bookings include: 180-degree skyline views that will take your breath away and get even better as the sun goes down, two separate bedrooms for friends/family to stay, the coziest fireplace to admire in your jammies and $400 in hotel credit that can be used anywhere in the hotel.
24. leela's christmas pop-up bar
Leela’s is absolutely stunning during the holiday season, and this year they're hosting a Disco Christmas Wonderland experience, which is right up our alley. No reservations necessary here! It’s the perfect spot to bring your girls for a GNO to get in the holiday spirit this year. It’s nice and cozy, covered in dreamy decor and serving up the cutest cocktails!
25. snowday
Snowday and Santaland at the Galleria are back and better than ever for the fourth year in 2022. You're in for an always changing immersive holiday photo experience when you enter, and your Insta feed will reap all the rewards! Roam through the explorable adventure and imaginative rooms where hundreds of surprises await, for all ages! Have fun, strike a pose, and snap a picture, especially at the five extra-special photo moments with integrated cameras and lighting. Get your tickets here.
26. photo op — tallest indoor christmas tree in the u.s.
And while you're at the Galleria, your Insta feed is absolutely BEGGING you to get a few selfies with the tallest indoor Christmas tree in the nation for the festive feed vibes. Ice skaters twirling, lights twinkling and the mega-huge 100-pound, 10-foot tall LED-lit star at the top — it's a SCENE. The giant tannenbaum soars 95 feet in the air and is adorned with 450,000 lights and 10,000 ornaments, y'all.
27. holiday at the arboretum
Holiday at the Arboretum is an ABSOLUTE MUST every year for us. It's the incredible CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND that feels like the perfect way to kick off the most wonderful time of the year! It is open now, through Jan. 31 — don't miss the 12 Days of Christmas and the daily visits from Santa! Tickets are $20 for adults, $16 for seniors, $12 for children and free for members — get them here.
28. lights on the farm
Some of the BEST holiday lights and displays live at Lights on the Farm in Plano through December 30. It's at the Heritage Farm Museum, and you can check out the more than 1 million lights, the 20-foot Christmas tree, a themed scavenger hunt, s'mores, hot cocoa, kettle corn and photos with Santa!
29. Tipsy Elf Pop-Up Bar
The Tipsy Elf is BACK, BABY — this year at the Mermaid Bar in Bishop Arts! Naughty or nice, all are welcome to grab a cup of cheer at this classically decorated mega pop-up. They've got two different bars with several Christmas cocktail options and unlimited festive photo ops at every turn.
30. host your private holiday party at pinstack
Grab your private, VIP bowling suite at any of the three Dallas-area Pinstack locations (Allen, Plano, Las Colinas) and take your private catered holiday party up a notch! Enjoy lane-side cocktails and snacks and ensure your festive affair avoids the boring pitfalls of the traditional sit-down dinner. You can get up to eights lanes all to yourselves, and you can still enjoy the massive game room, which features bumper cars, laser tag, arcade games, a ropes course, rock climbing, virtual reality games and so much more! Click here to learn more.
31. frisco — christmas in the square
This year at Christmas in the Square in Frisco, the family-friendly fun includes visits with Santa ($15 per person), skating in the Square ($15 per skater), horse carriage rides ($15 per rider), storytime with Elsa, Anna and Olaf ($20 per person) and free access to the chroeographed light show! The event is open now through Jan. 3!
32. buy boozy white elephant gifts at spec's
Heading to a holiday party soon, but don’t know what to bring as a White Elephant gift? Well, the search is over, because the party favors at Spec's are bound to get stolen twice! Our fave finds at Spec's, which has nearly 40 locations in the DFW area, include their espresso martini kits, mini rose cocktails, Fireball ornaments, the Veuve x Smeg Champagne fridge, various ranch water packs, the spiked hot cocoa kits, wine pairing baskets, and the Kraken run + tiki mug set.
33. miracle pop-up bar
The pic above is from Miracle's Dallas location for 2022 at 38 Royal, but you can catch other Miracle pop-ups around town at Texas Live! in Arlington, at The Aussie Grind in Frisco and at Nickel City on South Main in Fort Worth! As ever, Miracle is THE over-the-top holiday cocktail experience. At Royal 38, you'll be treated to two bars, a covered patio and a ceiling absolutely dripping in Christmas lights!
34. live the cowboy christmas dream at hotel drover
Here's what you can expect at the AMAZING 12 Days of Drover, which runs December 13-24 at our unrivaled favorite Fort Worth hotel: complimentary photos with Cowboy Santa, real-life reindeer, fire-roasted s’mores, breathtaking Christmas decor and holiday photo opportunities at every corner!
35. hit the christkindl market
The traditional family-friendly Christkindl market at Arlington's Texas Live! is definitely a unique holiday experience! Inspired by a cherished German tradition, Texas Christkindl Market is giving Christmas Magic with authentic German food, treats, and collectibles here as well as shopping from other local businesses who offer one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts, decorations, and activities!
36. sippin' santa pop-up
The pic above is from Sippin' Santa's Dallas location for 2022 at Hide (taken in a previous year), but you can also catch the Sippin' Santa tiki-themed pop-up in Fort Worth at The Down N Out from Nov. 21 through Dec. 31. The Dallas location at Hide is open Nov. 16 though New Years Eve. At all Sippin' Santa locations, this year’s roster of cocktails features new drinks like the Island of Misfit Toys, Jingle Bird, Yule Tide, Undertow Toddy, and Rudolph’s Rum Rhapsody. Popular tropical staples returning include Kris Kringle Kolada, Sippin’ Santa, and Holiday On Ice.
37. sippin' santa pop-up bar (but in fort worth)
As noted above, Fort Worth's Sippin' Santa pop-up experience is happening at the new bar on South Main, The Down N Out. Not only is it extra festive for the holiday season but it’s TIKI THEMED! So get ready for delicious fruity cocktails and decor to make you feel like you’re celebrating with Santa somewhere tropical. It's open through Dec. 28, when The Down N Out will have their official grand opening with their super fun regular menu. We can't wait to try their Mountain Dew Margaritas.
38. miracle pop-up bar (but in fort worth)
As mentioned previously, the Miracle pop-up bar experience is also alive and well in Fort Worth, this year at Nickel City on South Main. Sip some holly jolly cocktail favorites any time from now until December 30th — no reservations necessary!
39. miracle pop-up bar (but in arlington)
Also as mentioned previously, the Miracle pop-up bar experience is also alive at Miller Tavern inside Arlington's Texas Live! Sip some holly jolly cocktail favorites any time from now until December 30th — no reservations necessary!
40. drive through the interlochen lights
Did you know that for over 40 years, the Interlochen neighborhood in Arlington has been transforming its streets into a bonafide holiday hot spot? When you drive through the Interlochen Holiday Lights Display, you'll find twinkling lights, fun animatronics, and more at nearly 200 homes that are turning Christmas up to 11!
41. visit mainstay farm park & winery
Take the short drive out to Cleburne to experience the rustic (and pet-friendly) Christmas charm only found at Mainstay Farm Park & Winery! There you'll find a choose-&-cut Christmas tree farm, a wine terrace with wine fights for the adults, tons of rides and activities like the big wheel, a tubing hill slide, a roller coaster and even a jumping pillow, photo opps galore, visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and milkshakes, sweet treats and over-the-top hot cocoa options.
42. stockyards rodeo rink
The Stockyards Rodeo Rink is open now for the perfect day of family-friendly holiday fun. Take in the daily cattle drive, visit Santa at his cabin outpost (Wed.-Sun.) and take a gander at some of the most festive holiday decor in the Metroplex while you're wandering to and from all the hottest bars and boutiques!
43. grapevine — the christmas capital of texas
Not only is this the most festive holiday experience in the metroplex, with countless photo opps and instagrammable moments at every turn, but the wineries that dot Grapevine's Main Street make this an extra saucy Holiday Extravaganza! You see, Grapevine has named itself the Christmas Capital of Texas, and by the way they deck out Main Street, it's a title they take very seriously. You've got to see this for yourself!
44. grapevine's hotel vin
While you're strolling through the Christmas Capital of Texas, DON'T MISS all the goings-on at Hotel Vin just off Main Street. These cozy bubbles are decked out in ski lodge decor with fur blankets, heaters, and more! Plus their cocktail menu is absolutely FIRE. We loved the S'Mores Martinis and the Coconut Margaritas! Bubbles are available for Happy Hour, two-hour lounge experiences or a full dining experience that comes with a three-course dinner and a bottle of wine. Hotel Vin also has an ice skating rink and a holiday pop-up called the Holly Jolly Bar.
45. santa house
Here's yet another reason Grapevine rightfully took the title of "Christmas Capital of Texas." Go visit the iconic Santa House while you're visiting for a fun photo op and the amazing Ho, Ho, Ho vibes. They've got more than 1,000 light-up Santas displayed in their yard in the form of a maze that guests can wander through! Grapevine Santa House is also raising money to spread holiday cheer to those in need. 100% of all donations will go to the Grapevine Relief and Community Exchange (GRACE) to provide Christmas gifts to children this season.
46. holiday pop-up bar at birdie's social club
Birdie's Social Club off West 7th has launched its first-ever Christmas pop-up, and it is an absolute must-visit if you are on the Tarrant County side of things. Draped in over 1500 feet of tinsel, this Christmas masterpiece was flawlessly decorated by nearby M. Jae's boutique to get you in the holiday spirit! We definitely recommend the Son of a Nutcracker cocktail — it's served flaming for MAXIMUM effect and MAXIMUM vibes on the 'Gram.
47. grab a bite at campo verde
Campo Verde in Central Arlington is the most festive restaurant in Texas, bar none. You won’t want to miss it, especially if you’re looking for a spot start celebrating Christmas a bit early! From train sets making their way around the ceilings, Christmas lights hanging every which way, shining stars, neon lights and basically an instagrammable photo opp everywhere you turn.
48. light park
The Light Park at Hurricane Harbor in Arlington is open now through Jan. 1, and it is FESTIVE with a capital "F"! Tickets start at just $29 per car for this drive-through experience with MILLIONS of lights, the best Christmas tunes, fun props and Electric Lemonade (it lights up)! This is unique because as you drive through the immersive experience, you tune you car radio into to the proper frequency, and the lights dance along with the Christmas music blaring from your speakers!
49. decorators warehouse
Want to take your holiday decor to the next level? Then you need to level up to Decorators Warehouse in Arlington. This is without a doubt the Number 1 holiday store in the great state of Texas. It's 60,000 square feet of trees, wreaths, decorations, knick-knacks, in every kind of holiday theme you can imagine. Want a neon Christmas this year? This is where you make that happen. Go now, and thank us later.
50. christmas pop-up at proper
Proper on Magnolia couldn't be cuter on a regular day. But during the holidays? Fahgetabahtit! They have pages and pages of festive cocktails and amazing small bites to enjoy while you soak up the holiday spirit all around you They haven't transformed the place just yet this season, but we'll update you when it's all in place.
51. lightscape
This is without a doubt the most aesthetic and wonderful holiday light experience that Tarrant County has to offer. Lightscape is set up at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden as a family friendly, illuminated walking trail. It's a full mile of suspended strands, light tunnels, captivating displays and a beautiful fire garden. Enjoy wine, beer, hot cocoa and snacks while you make your way to the Japanese garden featuring colorful lights that dance along to the music. Learn more and get your tickets here.
52. photo op — stockyards christmas tree
There are so many fun and festive things to do around the Stockyards this year, and while you're out enjoying one of our favorite parts of town, be sure to stop by and get some pics with the gorgeous Stockyards Christmas tree!
