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Christmas Concerts, Santa Sightings, and More Things to Do in DFW This Weekend

The Jolly Old Elf is making his annual appearance at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's 'Christmas Pops' and he's got treats! Photo courtesy of DSO
The Jolly Old Elf is making his annual appearance at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's 'Christmas Pops' and he's got treats! Photo courtesy of DSO
12/17/25 - By Gabby Cullen

Looking for the best things to do in Dallas and Fort Worth this weekend? Here are our picks for the coolest family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

'Twas the weekend before Christmas and all through North Texas, Santa will be making an appearance (or 10)! Say hi to the guy in red during Santa Saturday at Klyde Warren Park, at Breakfast with Santa at The HUB in Allen, or at Community Beer Co. in the Dallas Design District. Concerts are a THING this weekend, so if music is what you want, the Dallas Symphony is performing its last Christmas Pops concert of the year at the Meyerson in the Arts District, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is making a stop at American Airlines Center, and the beloved Polyphonic Spree's 22nd Annual Holiday Extravaganza is happening at the Majestic in downtown Dallas. 

Make the weekend count, and have a Merry Christmas, ya'll! 

Want even more fun things to do this weekend? Our Dallas-Fort Worth Events Calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week— and you can filter by age, location, or even free events!

Not on our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for free and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Best Things To Do This Weekend in Dallas and Fort Worth With Kids

Winter Wonderland at EpicCentral

Grand Prairie - FREE
Friday, December 19
Hosted by the Grand Prairie Public Library System, whether you are parents looking for fun with the kids or if you're craving a little seasonal magic, this is the perfect midday holiday escape. Enjoy hands-on crafts, family-friendly activities, and plenty of magical photo ops. READ MORE

Holiday Ornament Decorating at Community Beer Co.

Dallas Design District
Friday - Sunday, December 19 - 21
Stop by the Taproom and grab a $5 ornament-painting kit—a perfect blend of creativity and relaxation at your favorite local spot. Settle in, get cozy, and decorate at your own pace before taking home a handmade keepsake for your tree. Bring your friends, family, or little ones and make it a holiday hangout. If you come on 12/20, Santa will be in the house!  READ MORE

The Dallas Symphony Presents: Christmas Pops

Last Weekend!
Dallas Arts District
Friday & Saturday, December 19 - 20
It’s that wonderful time of the year! Families gather and celebrate the holidays with music when guest conductor Lawrence Loh, along with two popular vocalists, soprano Jasmine Habersham and baritone Reginald Smith, Jr., return to sing seasonal favorites for the holidays. And don't forget the audience sing-along with the big guy himself—aka Santa Claus  READ MORE

Miracle Kids Cookie Class at Miller Tavern & Beer Garden

Arlington
Saturday, December 20
Each ticketholder gets three cookies to decorate, plus hot cocoa to sip while mom and dad enjoy brews and bites. Reservations are required. READ MORE

Trans-Siberian Orchestra The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

Downtown Dallas
Saturday, December 20
If you and your kids love rock music, this is the holiday show for you! It's a rock opera blended with a Christmas tale of a runaway young girl who finds refuge in a theater on Christmas Eve. The caretaker and holiday spirits bring the theater to life with music and help her find her way home. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at The HUB

Allen
Saturday, December 20
Kick off a magical holiday morning at The HUB! Head into the Clubhouse to grab a plate of all your favorite cozy breakfast bites. There will also be a hot chocolate bar loaded with fun toppings, and for the parents, moms and dads can enjoy $1 mimosas during the event. Santa will be strolling through the Clubhouse all morning, visiting families, spreading Christmas cheer, and taking adorable photos with the kids. There will also be a bounce house all weekend long! READ MORE

City Line Presents: North Pole in the Plaza

Richardson - FREE
Saturday, December 20
Step into a winter wonderland with real snow, take a festive ride on the Choo Choo Express, listen to a DJ spinning holiday tunes, and capture the perfect holiday photos—all in one enchanting spot! READ MORE

Grinchmas at The Cove™

Little Elm
Saturday, December 20
Let the littles enjoy the joy that is an indoor waterpark, and get a photo with the Grinch, too! But beware, he might try to steal your cabana (don’t say we didn’t warn you). Bring your crew, get some snacks at Ted-E’s, and try not to let him Grinch up your holiday spirit. See you there! READ MORE

Santa Saturday at Klyde Warren Park

Dallas Arts District - FREE
Saturday, December 20
Celebrate the holiday season with a magical photo opportunity! Join us for Santa Saturday in the Park, where families, friends, and pets can snap a festive picture with the one and only Mr. Claus. Bring your holiday cheer and capture memories that will last a lifetime! READ MORE

The Polyphonic Spree 22nd Annual Holiday Extravaganza

Downtown Dallas
Saturday, December 20
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

Garland Cultural Arts Presents: Navidad in México presented by Mexico 2000 Ballet Folklorico

Garland
Saturday, December 20
A gorgeous production for the holiday season, this Pastorela-Dance, a choreographic montage with more than 70 participants, is a representation of the birth of Jesus, filled with a message of love. The symbolism of the Nativity will be represented in many traditional dance numbers: the annunciation, journey of Mary to Bethlehem, plus traditional Christmas songs and dances, the piñata, the three wise men, and joy to the world!. READ MORE

AT&T Discovery District Presents: Movies on the Lawn: "Elf"

Downtown Dallas - FREE
Saturday, December 20
Come downtown to enjoy holiday lights, festive food, and family-friendly entertainment with a screening of Elf on the 104-foot media wall in the District. READ MORE

Chanukah Menorah Lighting in Kaleidoscope Park

Frisco - FREE
Sunday, December 21
Gather with Chabad of Frisco for a community Menorah Lighting! The celebration will feature remarks from Rabbi Mendy Kesselman, traditional music, small bites, and hands-on crafts, leading up to the lighting of a 12-foot menorah on the Performance Lawn, with an additional candle kindled each evening during Chanukah. READ MORE

"Home Alone" at the Palace Theatre

Grapevine
Sunday, December 21
Sure, you can watch this Christmas classic at home, but it's even better on the big screen, and it's a great way to get the kids out of the house. Once the movie is over, stroll down historic Grapevine Main Street and enjoy all that the Christmas Capital of Texas has to offer. READ MORE
Indoor play spaces are fun when the weather in DFW is chilly. Photo: Gabby Cullen
Indoor play spaces are fun when the weather in DFW is chilly. Photo: Gabby Cullen

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Enjoy the Tianyu Lights Festival during the holiday season. Photo courtesy Tianyu Lights Festival
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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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