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Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Dallas-Fort Worth

The night glows at Tianyu Lights Festival. Photo courtesy Tianyu Lights Festival
The night glows at Tianyu Lights Festival. Photo courtesy Tianyu Lights Festival
11/30/25 - By Gabby Cullen

Holiday lights are a thing of beauty, and one thing North Texans know is that Dallas-Fort Worth knows how to put on a show. The Dallas Zoo Lights beckon to kids of all ages to see the dinos decked out for the holiday season. The Tianyu Lights Festival illuminates the night in the most magical of ways, and the Dallas Arboretum blends a Victorian Christmas with a holiday light show that'll keep your whole crew entertained.

Whether you're seeking a drive-thru holiday lights extravaganza or a parade filled with dazzling Christmas lights by way of boat or car, we've got one of everything this holiday season. Keep reading to discover the best holiday lights in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Looking for other fun Christmas events in the area? Be sure to visit our Dallas-Fort Worth Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide, and don't forget about the neighborhood Christmas light displays worth a look! Sign up for our FREE newsletters to get posts like this delivered to your inbox.

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The Dallas Arboretum's holiday lights are a DFW Christmas tradition. Photo by Gabby Cullen
The Dallas Arboretum's holiday lights are a DFW Christmas tradition. Photo by Gabby Cullen

Drive-Thru Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights in Dallas-Fort Worth

Electrify the Night Drive Thru Holiday Light Show

Arlington, Frisco, Little Elm
Friday, November 7, 2025 - Sunday, January 4, 2026
Take the whole family through Texas's No. 1 drive-through holiday light show! There are locations in Arlington, Little Elm, and Frisco, but each one promises a mile-long spectacular featuring millions of lights synchronized to an electric mix of music powered by DJ Polar Ice from the North Pole’s #1 Hit Radio station, K-GLO, as they take in the brightest sights and sounds in the South. READ MORE

Tianyu Lights Festival

South Dallas
Friday, November 7, 2025 - Sunday, January 18, 2026
Don't miss the opportunity to experience Koda's Adventure to the Magical Forest. You'll stroll through the wonderland of art installations, and follow up your journey by enjoying live musical and cultural dance performances, spending time at the interactive playground, discovering the marketplace, and more. READ MORE

Holidays at the Arboretum

East Dallas
Wednesday, November 12, 2026 - Sunday, January 4, 2025
The iconic Christmas Village and 12 Days of Christmas gazebos return! See all the "snow globes," see the giant Christmas tree, shop in the European-inspired Christmas Village, and, new in 2025, Night Glow: an after-dark light installation that illuminates the famous gardens for an incredible holiday experience.  READ MORE

Dallas' Brightest Nights at the Dallas Zoo

Oak Cliff
Friday, November 14, 2025 - Sunday, January 4, 2026
The popular holiday event returns to the Dallas Zoo; be prepared to wander through the exhibits for a magical experience where wild things glow. Kids can meet the guy in red, take photos with friends, see the dinosaurs decked out for the holidays, and enjoy festive snacks.  READ MORE

Christmas in the Garden at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Fort Worth Cultural District
Friday, November 21, 2025 - Sunday, January 4, 2026
Head to the garden for the 4th 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

Christmas in the Frisco Square

Frisco - FREE
Friday, November 21, 2025 - Monday, January 5, 2026
Returning for its 20th year, this beloved holiday tradition is better than ever! Enjoy the largest choreographed light shows in North Texas, skate in one of the area's only outdoor ice rinks, carriage rides, visits with Santa, a Christmas light tunnel, and more festive fun. READ MORE

Vitruvian Lights

Addison - FREE
Saturday, November 22, 2025 - Thursday, January 1, 2026
Vitruvian Park transforms into a magical wonderland for the holidays! The tree lighting on November 22 includes live performances by the Emerald City party band, food trucks, free photos with Santa, an elf balloon artist, a visit by live reindeer, and more. Don't miss the 3D walk-through gift box that's illuminated with LED lights is perfect for your holiday photos! READ MORE

Six Flags Over Texas Presents: Holiday in the Park

Arlington
Sunday, November 23 - Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Celebrate 40 years of holiday fun at Six Flags Over Texas! Sled down a real snow hill, ride the Santaland Express, listen to stories read by Mrs. Claus, check out the decorated Christmas trees, listen to live performances, watch dazzling light shows, and much more. Be sure to bring extra cash for all the snacks and goodies. READ MORE

Prairie Lights

Grand Prairie
Thursday, November 27 - Wednesday, December 31, 2025
One of North Texas's premier drive-thru light parks, featuring almost 4 million lights along a two-mile path, is back and better than ever. The popular light tunnel will return, among other popular attractions, including a reimagined magical forest, free carnival rides, photos with Santa, shopping, and more. READ MORE

Lights on the Farm at Heritage Farmstead Museum

Plano
Select dates from Friday, November 28 - Sunday, December 20, 2025
Come to the farm for a dazzling light show! Now in its fifth year, this popular holiday attraction features 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

Texas Gift of Lights

Fort Worth
Thursday, November 27, 2025 - Sunday, January 4, 2026
The Texas Motor Speedway turns into a magical winter wonderland when over 3 million twinkling lights create a 2-mile drive-thru of glowing tunnels, unique light displays ( a daring dirt bike rider, anyone?), and of course, a holiday playlist that'll have you singing along the whole time. READ MORE

Frostival at Howell Farms

Arlington
Select dates from Saturday, November 29 - Sunday, December 28, 2025
Wander through a festive world of lights, joy, and family fun! Sip hot cocoa, meet Santa and his reindeer, ride the 200-foot holiday slide, watch the Fire & Ice Show, and so much more. READ MORE

City of Irving Presents: Annual Centennial Holiday Lights

Irving - FREE
Saturday, December 6, 2025 - Thursday, January 1, 2026
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through one of the jewels of Irving’s Heritage District—Centennial Park. The park is decorated with 100,000 lights on the fences, trees, and bridge, and the walkways are lit on each side to keep pathways visible for visitors after dark. READ MORE

City of Grapevine Presents: 46th Annual Parade of Lights

Grapevine - FREE
Thursday, December 4, 2025
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

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

Dallas Arts District - FREE
Saturday, December 6, 2025
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

Eagle Mountain Lake Parade of Lights

Azle - Free Saturday, December 6, 2025
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

Twinkle Light Parade on Lake Grapevine

Grapevine - FREE
Saturday, December 6, 2025
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

Arlington Holiday Lights Parade

Downtown Arlington - FREE
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Make your way to downtown Arlington and grab a seat to watch a parade of twinkling lights and holiday joy! Arrive early for Reindeer Games at First Baptist Church of Arlington, snag a photo with Santa before or after the parade, and hang around after the fun is over to watch the 65-foot tree light up for the season. 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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