Looking for family-friendly holiday things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth this season? From live performances of timeless Christmas classics to dazzling light shows and more, explore the best and brightest of the holiday season in Dallas and Fort Worth.
LIVE SHOWS AND PERFORMANCES
Capture the season's spirit by attending a showing of these timeless performances.
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“A Christmas Carol” | Dallas Theater Center: No holiday season is complete without catching a performance of Charles Dickens’s classic Christmas tale. Runs Nov. 25 to Dec. 24.
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Frozen in Concert | Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra: Perfect for little ones and adults alike, Frozen in Concert features the uber-popular Disney movie accompanied by Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra performing the score live in the Will Rogers Auditorium. Dec. 13 and 14.
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“Elf” Movie Party | Alamo Drafthouse: Catch this ‘00s Christmas classic during a “Movie Party” at the Alamo Drafthouse in Dallas, where you’re invited to interact with the movie and enjoy themed treats, props, and more. Showings at all metro locations through Dec. 23.
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“The Nutcracker” | Texas Ballet Theater: Stunning costumes, dancing, and music make this rendition of Tchaikovsky’s enduring “Nutcracker” show a can’t-miss of the season. Performances run from Dec. 13 through Dec.29.
HOLIDAY POP-UPS AND EVENTS
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Photos with Cowboy Santa | Fort Worth Stockyards: Meet Santa himself decked out in Western wear — cowboy hat and boots included — at this iconic Fort Worth institution. Runs every Tuesday from Nov. 29 to Dec. 24.
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Ice, Lights and City Nights | Omni Dallas Hotel: Grab your skates and hit the ice at the Omni Dallas Hotel, home to the only ice rink in downtown Dallas. Here, you’ll enjoy hot chocolate, cocktails, decor, and other festive fun.
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A Stockyards Jingle & Mingle Holiday Saloon Crawl: Celebrate the season in traditional style by heading down to the Fort Worth Stockyards to enjoy adult beverages, Wild West history, and plenty more. Runs Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 29 to Dec. 28.
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Holiday Shopping: Between higher-end malls like Galleria Dallas and funkier spots like Deep Ellum, find all your holiday gifts this season by exploring some of Dallas’ most iconic shopping centers.
LIGHTS AND DECORATIONS
Enjoy the brightest light displays in the metro by checking out these must-see experiences:
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Dallas Zoo Lights | Dallas Zoo: Stroll through the family-favorite Dallas Zoo to witness impressive lantern animals lit up amid more than 2 million lights. While you’re there, enjoy live music, seasonal treats, and meetings with Santa. Runs select nights Nov. 22 to Jan. 4 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
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Lightscape | Fort Worth Botanic Garden: Marvel at custom-designed light installations that perfectly blend with the Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s scenic landscapes. Runs Nov. 22 to Jan. 5
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Prairie Lights | Grand Prairie: Located in Grand Prairie, this stunning holiday experience features a walkthrough light tunnel, animated displays, carnival rides, photos with Santa, and plenty more. Runs Nov. 28 to Dec. 31 starting at 6 p.m.
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The Light Park | Arlington: Gather the whole family for this festive drive-through offering colorful holiday displays synchronized to music. Runs Nov. 1 through Jan. 5 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
