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Parades, Tree Lightings, and More Things to Do in DFW This Weekend

Klyde Warren Park hosts a festive tree lighting celebration along with performances, crafts, photos, music, games, and more. Photo courtesy of the park
Klyde Warren Park hosts a festive tree lighting celebration along with performances, crafts, photos, music, games, and more. Photo courtesy of the park
12/3/25 - 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.

This weekend is all about dazzling holiday parades and tree lightings, and we've found some of the best! If you're near Grapevine or Fort Worth, don't miss the lighted boat parades on Eagle Mountain Lake and Lake Grapevine. If it's a parade with more Christmas floats than you know what to do with, head to historic downtown Grapevine for the 46th Annual Parade of Lights or downtown Dallas for the beloved holiday parade. 

Tree lightings and all the holiday fun that comes with them are happening in Klyde Warren Park, Dallas City Hall Plaza, downtown Garland, downtown Grand Prairie, and Heritage Park in Irving. If you want to see a holiday show, consider Avant Chamber Ballet's The Nutcracker: Short and Suite or Dallas Symphony's Home Alone in Concert. 

Happy Weekend, y'all! 

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

Under live picture of the holiday classic 'Home Alone', The Dallas Symphony Orchestra performs one of the most iconic holiday movie scores. Photo courtesy of the Dallas Symphony Center
Under live picture of the holiday classic 'Home Alone', The Dallas Symphony Orchestra performs one of the most iconic holiday movie scores. Photo courtesy of the Dallas Symphony Center

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

15th Annual Texas Christkindl Market

Arlington - FREE
Friday, November 28 - Tuesday, December 23
This traditional German-style market brings Old World charm to North Texas! Visitors will find handcrafted gifts, unique collectibles, and exclusive Käthe Wohlfahrt merchandise from the Rothenburg ob der Tauber German Christmas village. The market features a variety of vendors, seasonal food and beverages, live entertainment, and children’s activities, including photos with Santa. READ MORE

City of Grapevine Presents: 46th Annual Parade of Lights

Downtown Grapevine - FREE
Thursday, December 4
Featuring more than 100 lighted floats and marching bands, the 2025 theme for this beloved event is "Storybook Parade." Look for Santa Claus on the last float! Come early to claim your spot along Historic Main Street to watch this exciting holiday event. READ MORE

A Garland Christmas on the Square

Downtown Garland - FREE
Thursday, December 4
Join your neighbors at the annual tree lighting ceremony, followed by live music, live reindeer, a sledding hill, photos with Santa, train rides for the littles, food vendors, and of course, lots of holiday lights! READ MORE

The Eisemann Center Presents: A Christmas Spectacular with Vocal Majority

Richardson
Thursday, December 4 - Sunday, December 7
This year's show is packed with holiday cheer, heartwarming sacred music, and the signature Vocal Majority sound you love. Expect a joyful mix of fun and reverence across both acts, delivering the kind of festive, feel-good performance that has become a holiday tradition. READ MORE

Holiday Drone Show at Reunion Tower

Downtown Dallas - FREE
Thursday, December 4
Chevy and Reunion Tower are lighting up the sky to kick off the holiday season. Enjoy the magic of 1,000 synchronized drones (visible from up to three miles away!) creating holiday-themed animations, including a Christmas tree, gingerbread cookie baking, snowman, “Happy Holidays” message, and a Suburban carrying a Christmas tree! READ MORE

Deck the Plaza at Dallas City Hall

Downtown Dallas - FREE
Friday, December 5
The city of Dallas officially kicks off the holiday season with the annual tree lighting, a snow slide, a visit from Santa, live entertainment, interactive characters, a toddler zone, performances by local schools, food trucks, and dazzling fireworks! READ MORE

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Presents: "Home Alone" in Concert

Dallas Arts District - FREE
Friday - Sunday, December 5 - December 7
A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra READ MORE

Dallas Holiday Parade

Downtown Dallas - FREE
Saturday, December 6
An annual tradition beloved by DFW, Dallas' largest one-day event is filled with larger-than-life floats, giant balloons, tons of local marching bands and drill teams, and of course, an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy the parade and stay for the food and entertainment downtown Dallas has to offer!  READ MORE

Santa Day at Frontiers of Flight Museum

Park Cities
Saturday, December 6
Watch Santa make an entrance like the kids have never seen! Instead of his sleigh, the jolly guy in red will be dropping by via Airbus Helicopter! Then, enjoy free photo ops with Santa, treats, and family-friendly activities. READ MORE

Holidays at Heritage: Parade + Tree Lighting

Irving - FREE
Saturday, December 6
Irving's "Unwrap the Magic" holiday parade will kick off the festivities this year, followed by the annual tree lighting ceremony in Heritage Park, followed by a drone show, live music, and photos with Santa. READ MORE

Klyde Warren Park Presents: Tree Lighting in the Park

Dallas Arts District - FREE
Saturday, December 6
It's going to be all things festive in the park! The kids will love photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, face painting, crafts, games, and a special show at the Nancy Best Fountain! The day celebrates the holidays with a performance of The Nutcracker, music by DJ Richy Smart, and a visit from Santa’s friends Frosty and Rudolph, followed by the lighting of the Mayor's tree. Stick around for a screening of Frozen! READ MORE

Eagle Mountain Lake Parade of Lights

Azle - FREE
Saturday, December 6
For over three decades, DFW families have been coming to watch boats large and small make their way over the lake draped in dazzling holiday lights. The parade starts at West Bay Marina at sundown and makes its way to Harbor One Marina with fireworks north of Lakeview Marina, Pelican Island, Azle shoreline, Eagle Mountain Marina, and Augie's. Spectators are encouraged to find a spot at a local marina to enjoy the show! READ MORE

AT&T Performing Arts Center Presents: Reliant Lights Your Holidays 2025

Dallas Arts District - FREE
Saturday, December 6
Enjoy thousands of LED holiday lights illuminating Sammons Park and a Christmas-themed drone show by Sky Elements. Let the kids frolic in a winter playground with real snow, explore kids' crafting area, take free photos with Santa, play a round of free mini golf, wear blinking Santa hats, and so much more. And don't forget an appearance by legendary Dallas alt-rock band Jackopierce with a special appearance from the NRG Party Band! READ MORE

Twinkle Light Parade on Lake Grapevine

Grapevine - FREE
Saturday, December 6
Boats will be glowing with Christmas lights for the holidays! Find a spot at Oak Grove Park, Katie's Woods Park, or other areas on the shore of Lake Grapevine. The parade starts at Twin Coves Marina and picks up other vessels along the way. READ MORE

Main Street Magic in Downtown Grand Prairie

Grand Prairie - FREE
Select days from Saturday, December 6 - Thursday, December 25
Kick off the holiday season in Grand Prairie with the annual tree lighting, a lighted parade, and a drone show on December 6. The festivities continue through Christmas with family fun like the world's largest snowman bounce-house (Dec. 7), polar golf (Dec 14), and the Everest climb 'n' slide (Dec 21). Stop by the mistletoe marketplace at the Farmers Market on December 6,7, 13, 14, 20, and 21, and don't miss merry movies Mondays: December 15: The Santa Clause, December 22: The Grinch (2016)! READ MORE

Avant Chamber Ballet Presents The Nutcracker: Short & Suite

Dallas Arts District
Sunday, December 7
This family-friendly version of The Nutcracker is just an hour long but is performed by the same professional company and includes all the things you know and love about the original. Plus, it's timed perfectly for kids who still need that afternoon nap!    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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