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12/8/24 - By Gabrielle Cullen

When it comes to holiday activities in Dallas, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, the holiday season in Dallas really lasts from early November through New Year's Eve!

Of course, not all Christmas events and holiday activities are created equal. That's why we've rounded up the absolute best ways to get into the spirit of the season. Here is our curated list of must-do holiday activities and Christmas events in Dallas for kids and families in 2024.

Our picks for Dallas-Forth Worth's top holiday activities and Christmas events are a mix of classic favorites like Holidays at the Arboretum, the Dallas Zoo Lights, and the Trains at NorthPark mixed with some unique happenings like Chanukah at Klyde Warren Park featuring Matisyahu and the 31st Annual Christmas/Kwanzaa concert at the Black Academy for Arts and Letters

So pull out your calendar and check out the whole list below. Happy holidays, ya'll! 

 

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Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Dallas

Holidays at the Arboretum

East Dallas
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 - Sunday, January 5, 2024
The iconic Christmas Village and 12 Days of Christmas gazebos return in 2024. Wander through the exhibits, grab a hot chocolate, and admire the Christmas tree in the center of the arboretum. READ MORE

ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™

Grapveine
Friday, November 15, 2024 - Sunday, January 5, 2025
One of the most popular things to do in Dallas over the holiday season, get ready to bundle up and wander through the magical ice village featuring everyone's favorite reindeer. Zoom down frozen slides, creep through icy tunnels, and more. READ MORE

The Trains at NorthParkCenter

Park Cities
Saturday, November 16, 2024 - Sunday, January 5, 2025
Everyone loves the trains! This incredible annual fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald house is in its 37th year and never disappoints. New this year is a S.T.E.A.M.-inspired experience, Sensory Friendly Hours, technology for visually impaired patrons, a LEGO feature, and brand-new merchandise READ MORE

Once Upon a Wild Light at the Dallas Zoo

Oak Cliff
Friday, November 22, 2024 - Sunday, January 5, 2025
The popular holiday event returns to the Dallas Zoo, and this year, be prepared to wander through the exhibits for a magical experience where wild things glow. Kids can enjoy a meet-and-greet with the guy in red, take photos with friends, and enjoy holiday snacks.  READ MORE

Lights on the Farm at Heritage Farmstead Museum

Plano
Friday, November 22 - Saturday, December 28, 2024
Come to the farm for a dazzling light show! Now in its fourth year, this popular holiday attraction has over 1 million lights spread across a 1/4 mile walk through the museum. Meet Santa Claus, sip hot chocolate, snack on popcorn, and enjoy holiday music. READ MORE

Lightscape at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Cultural District
Friday, November 22, 2024 - Sunday, January 5, 2024
Head to the garden for the third annual Lightscape event, a spectacular collaboration with Sony Music! 80% of the trail is new this year, so stroll along sparkling pathways and marvel at breathtaking, never-before-seen artistic displays from around the globe, immersing yourself in the magic of the holiday season. READ MORE

Santaland at the Galleria

North Dallas
Friday, November 22 - Tuesday, December 24
Kids will take a simulated ride to the North Pole and walk through a magical, moonlit path before arriving at Santa's chalet. The big guy in red will know their name and what they want for Christmas, bringing the magic of childhood to life.  READ MORE

Dallas Children's Theater Presents: "A Charlie Brown Christmas"

Northeast Dallas
Saturday, November 23 - Sunday, December 22, 2024
Based on the classic animated short film, Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang celebrate the holidays. A nostalgic performance, get ready to experience the Baker Theater transform into an ice skating rink! READ MORE

Nutcracker Holiday Tea at the Hotel Crescent Court

Uptown
Saturday, December 7 - Sunday, December 29, 2024
Celebrate the season with this beloved tradition. Guests will dine on savory bites like a Dazzling Dill Cucumber Sandwich, the Christmas Chicken Pecan Salad Croissant, and sweet treats like the Peppermint Christmas Tree Macaron and the Twinkling Tangerine Fruit Tart. There is live music, Nutcracker-themed decor, a dash of sparkle for extra fun. Adults can add on champagne for an extra $40 READ MORE

Family Christmas Pops

Arts District
Thursday, December 12 - Saturday, December 14, 2024
A special, one-hour performance of Dallas Symphony Orchestra's popular Christmas show, arrive at the Meyerson early for arts and crafts and an instrument petting zoo. READ MORE

31st Annual Christmas/Kwanzaa Concert

Downtown
Friday & Saturday, December 13 & 14, 2024
A night of hymns, spirituals, gospel, and classical music, this annual holiday music celebration features 300 young voices from Dallas high schools, with special guests like Charles Rice and Dunbar Elementary, along with the Barack Obama Band. READ MORE

North Pole Pajama Party at Sci-Tech Discovery Center

Frisco
Saturday, December 14, 2024
A pajama party + STEM activities with Mrs. Claus? Sounds like a great time to us. Don't miss this exciting event for science-loving kiddos. Be sure to arrive on time for storytime! READ MORE

"Elf" in Concert

Arts District
Friday, December 20 - Sunday, December 22, 2024
Watch the classic holiday movie accompanied by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's rendition of John Debney’s score. READ MORE

The Polyphonic Spree 21st Annual Holiday Extravaganza

Downtown
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Get ready for an evening of high-energy festive fun with local rock band The Polyphonic Spree. Mrs. Mistletoe will paint faces and Mr. Evergreen will make balloon animals. There'll be photos with Santa, and stilt-walking Nutcracker soldiers, and milk and cookies will be served at midnight. READ MORE

Chanukah at Klyde Warren Park featuring Matisyahu

Arts District - FREE
Thursday, December 26, 2024
The whole family is invited to celebrate the Miracle of Light! This year will be a real treat, as the special acoustic guest appearance is Jewish Reggae superstar MATISYAHU. There will be donuts, latkes, and plenty of swag! READ MORE

15th Annual Community Kwanzaa Celebration

Fort Worth - Free
Thursday, December 26 - Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Come to the Black-owned The Dock bookstore for festive events filled with joy, unity, and culture. Gather your friends and family to honor African heritage and celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Enjoy music, speakers, performances, storytelling, and more. Don't miss out on this special occasion to connect with your community and celebrate the richness of the culture. See you there! READ MORE

10th Annual Chanukah at Southlake Town Square

Southlake - FREE
Sunday, December 29, 2024
You don't want to miss this popular event filled with fun, food, and music! There will be ice skating, a giant gelt drop, a live DJ, donuts, latkes, crafts, and a giant menorah lighting. Be sure to RSVP online. READ MORE

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About the Author

Gabby Cullen
Gabby Cullen has over 15 years of media experience, starting in public relations before moving to the editorial side in 2009. With a decade of expertise in parenting and lifestyle, she balances her work as an editor and writer while navigating life as a mom of two. An avid reader and true crime podcast fan, Gabby lives in Dallas, TX with her family. Find her on Instagram and Threads @gabbycullen.
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