Since the holidays are upon us, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of incredible holiday-inspired activities, events, shows and much more. From enchanting displays of lights to elaborate shows and festivals, DFW definitely knows how to get everyone in the holiday spirit! Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas!
1. ICE Exhibit at Gaylord Texan
Get out your hat & gloves and head out to one of the best exhibits in town at the Gaylord. More than 40 master ice carvers create these intricate and colorful sculptures before visitors’ very eyes, transforming more than 2 million pounds of ice into Christmas characters, including snowmen, bears, and Santa himself. Warm parkas are provided since it’s only 9 degrees inside.
Dates: November 9 – January 1, 2019
Where: Gaylord Texan Resort – 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051
Price: $22
Buy Tickets: Groupon General Admission
2. Illuminate Exhibit at the Perot Museum
Come be illuminated by breathtaking lights and beauty as well as inspiring, light-themed science throughout the Museum. See prehistoric life in a whole new light as the Life Then and Now Hall is transformed by elaborate projections.
Dates: November 3 – January 6
Where: Perot Museum
Price: $20
Buy Tickets: General Admission
3. Dallas Zoo Lights
After the animals head in for the evening, the Dallas Zoo will transform into a winter wonderland with over one million twinkling lights illuminating ZooNorth throughout the holiday season. This year, discover realistic silk-covered lanterns in the shape of your favorite animals. 
Dates: November 16 – January 1
Where: Dallas Zoo
Price: $15
Buy Tickets: General Admission
4. Klyde Warren Park Holiday Show
Full day event of family-friendly activities and entertainment, including photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting, crafts, games, refreshments — and, for the first time, real snow! The day will culminate with a special live show featuring Christmas music, the arrival of Santa Claus!! 🙂
Date: Saturday December 1, 2018
Where: Klyde Warren Park
Price: Free
Schedule of Events: Website
5. Pumpkin Village at the Dallas Arboretum
Come check out this super adorable exhibit at the Dallas Arboretum. There are more than 90,000 pumpkins, squash and gourds, plus the outstanding Children’s Adventure Garden. Definitely a fantastic place to spend the day with friends and family, not to mention get some of the best fall pics.
Date: September 22 – November 21, 2018
Where: The Dallas Arboretrum
Price: $15
Tickets: Buy tickets here
7. A Christmas Carol by the Dallas Theater Center at the Wyly Theater
Definitely a must-see holiday classic show that you don’t want to miss! Make sure to buy tickets as soon as they are available as they get sold out fast!
Date: November 25 – December 27, 2018
Where: Wyly Theater
Price: Not available yet
Tickets: Buy tickets here
8. Enchant Christmas
The world’s largest Christmas light maze you definitely want to check out! It is one of my favorite things to check out every year and not to mention super romantic! There is so much to do including a scavenger hunt, ice skating trail, Christmas market with vendors and much more! Highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance.
Date: November 23 – December 30, 2018
Where: Globe Life Park in Arlington
Price: $20 & up
Tickets: Buy tickets here
9. ELF The Musical at the Music Hall at Fair Park
If you like the movie ELF, you will love the musical which will be at the Music Hall! This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF. Make sure you plan out some time to go see this amazing show!
Date: November 27 – December 2, 2018
Where: Music Hall at Fair Park
Price: $20 – $115
Tickets: Elf Tickets
10. Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas
Holiday in the Park is back at Six Flags Over Texas. It’s the most magical time of the year! The breathtaking winter wonderland features a variety of delightful and interactive activities to help capture the holiday spirit. Six Flags Over Texas has it all – season inspired food and treats, holiday attractions including time with Santa, and spirited holiday-themed shows. Always a fun thing to experience every year!
Date: November 16 – December 30, 2018
Where: Six Flags Over Texas
Price: $62
Buy Tickets: Six Flags Tickets
11. Disney on Ice: Frozen
Disney On Ice presents Frozen – the show worth melting for! Hosted by Mickey and Minnie, with special appearances by the Disney Princesses, Woody, Buzz, Dory and more. Tickets are now on sale so make sure you reserve your seats now!
Date: November 21- November 25
Where: Allen Event Center – 200 E. Stacy Road #1350 Allen, TX 75002
Price: Starting at $52 and up
Buy Tickets: Disney on Ice Tickets
12. 12 Days of Christmas at the Arboretum
This magnificent 12 days of Christmas outdoor exhibit includes 500,000 lights throughout the garden at night! It is a must-see and a wonderful place to get amazing pictures with all the lights!
Dates: November 9 – December 31
Where: 8525 Garland Road Dallas, Texas 75218
Price: $15
Buy Tickets: Dallas Arboretum
13. Downtown Plano Art and Wine Walk
This is a sip and shop event where you will get to sample selected wines at shops in Downtown Plano while enjoying live music, curated art exhibitions, and special discounts. It’s the perfect way to unwind in Plano’s arts district.
Date: December 13, 2018
Where: Event1013
Price: $12
Tickets: Buy tickets here
14. Grapevine Parade of Lights
Come see the 39th annual Grapevine Parade of Lights! This is an entire day full of great food, live performances and shopping! The parade will begin at 7 pm and will have a fireworks show at the end! You definitely don’t want to miss this eventful day!
Date: December 6, 2018
Where: Grapevine Main Street
Price: FREE
More Info: Information
15. Prairie Lights
This is an impressive display of lights that you want to make sure you check out! With 4 million lights set along 2 miles of path and displays in shapes of all kinds line and arch over the roads. Half way through the drive you can get out of your car for a stop at the Holiday Village where you will find food, gifts, Santa, a brand-new indoor Holiday Show, and the Holiday Magic Lighted Walk-Through Forest!
Date: November 22 – December 30, 2018
Where: Lynn Creek Park
Price: $35
Tickets: Buy tickets here
16. Christmas in the Square at Frisco Square
City of Frisco and NBC5 presents the largest choreographed holiday lights and music show in North Texas. With over 175,000 lights, 11.5 miles of wiring and 8 miles of extension cords, Christmas in the square is something you need to go checkout!
Date: November 23 – December 31, 2018
Where: Frisco Square
Price: FREE (skating
More Info: Details
18. Vitruvian Lights
Vitruvian Park transforms into a magical holiday wonderland. This is a 12-acre park that has millions of sparkling LED lights that are wrapped around more than 550 glittering trees. Once the switch is flipped at Vitruvian Park on Nov. 28, lights remain on each and every evening through January 1 for a holiday stroll. It’s a great place to take pictures!
