When you've got holiday guests in town this time of year, you have a DUTY to show them the best holiday attractions in the Dallas Fort Worth area! From dazzling light displays to festive cultural events, we've handpicked the top destinations that capture the spirit of the holiday season. Whether you're seeking family-friendly outings, cultural enrichment, or simply a taste of the local holiday magic, this comprehensive list guarantees a jolly good time for everyone visiting DFW!
1. Dallas Zoo Lights
The Dallas Zoo has about a million reasons to come to Dallas Zoo Lights 2023! 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. 2, 5:30-10 p.m. Check the schedule and buy tickets here. They're $14 for youth members ($18 for non-members) and $18 for adult members ($22 for non-members) — and it's all a few bucks cheaper on "non-premium" nights!
2. KLyde Warren Park
The lighting of The Mayor's Tree at Klyde Warren Park is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 2, with the ceremony beginning at 3 p.m.! 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, 2024.
3. Take a stroll Through 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 few holiday seasons. Be sure to tag us in your festive photo ops when you go for the perfect holiday selfies!
4. Light Park
The Light Park at Hurricane Harbor in Arlington is open now through Jan. 1, and it is FESTIVE with a capital "F"! But this year, there is also a Light Park location at Rider Field in Frisco as well! 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!
5. Lightscape at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens
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.
6. Fort Worth Stockyards
Celebrate the Holiday Season the Stockyards way! Giddy up and glide on the Stockyards Ice Skating Rink, check out Santa's Grand Arrival Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony on East Exchange Avenue, and catch Storytime with Mrs. Claus with the kiddos! Or, of course, you can always check out the daily cattle drive while the whole scene is decked out for the Holidays! There's something for everyone this year!
7. 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.
8. Holiday Joy in Frisco Square
They're experts in Holiday Cheer in Frisco, folks. Christmas in the Square starts November 18th! Enjoy the largest choreographed light show in North Texas, our outdoor real ice skating rink, a brand new 75-foot light tunnel, visits with Santa, and horse carriage rides!
