Kids can enjoy hands-on Hanukkah fun at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. Photo courtesy of CMOM
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The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see holiday destination in NYC. Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Gardens
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Sit on Santa's lap at Historic Richmond Town, which transforms into an old-time Dickens Village for the holidays. Photo courtesy of Historic Richmond Town
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Santa is a busy man, so reservations are required to visit Santland at Macy's Herald Square in New York City in 2025. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo
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Until January 4th, The Paley Museum has been transformed into a five-story winter wonderland.
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Hundreds of tuba players converge on Rockefeller Center each December for a merry afternoon of carol playing. Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer
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The Met Opera returns to the stage with The Magic Flute this holiday season. Photo by Richard Termine/courtesy of the Met Opera
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Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway
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Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
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The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
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13 New Year's Eve Fireworks, Noon Year's Eve, and Other Dallas Celebrations for Kids

Come to the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden at the Dallas Arboretum for a Noon Year's Eve ball drop, bubble dance party, and winter STEM activities. Photo courtesy of the arboretum
Come to the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden at the Dallas Arboretum for a Noon Year's Eve ball drop, bubble dance party, and winter STEM activities. Photo courtesy of the arboretum
12/22/24 - By Gabby Cullen

New Year's Eve is almost here and Dallas-Fort Worth has plenty of fun New Year's Eve celebrations perfect for families. You can head to a Noon Year's Eve celebration at the Dallas Arboretum or the Sci-Tech Discovery Center, spend all day riding waterslides and enjoying activities at Epic Waters, or head to a Taylor Swift tribute band concert at The HUB in Allen. If you've got night owls at home, Reunion Tower is bringing back the Lone Star NYE fireworks show, which is always a blast.

If you feel like hanging out at home, there are plenty of ways to host a great party and learn about celebrations from around the world. If you're looking for other fun things to do in Dallas with kids during the winter break, check out our events calendar or our round-up of the best activities in Dallas each weekend. 

That's a wrap on 2025! Happy Holidays from us at Mary Poppins to you and yours, and we'll see you in 2026!

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OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Daytime New Year's Eve Events in Dallas

Epic Family New Year

Grand Prairie
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
North Texas's largest indoor water park is hosting a massive New Year's Eve party from 1pm - 1am, and you're invited! Come early or stay late—whatever works for your family! Enjoy live entertainment, games, special activities for kids, and, of course, all the rides and water fun you can handle. Duck drop will happen at 6pm, 8pm, 10pm, and midnight. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve Celebration at the Dallas Arboretum

East Dallas
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Come to the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden for a Noon Year's Eve ball drop, bubble dance party, and winter STEM activities. Arrive early or stay late to enjoy the mild winter weather and the beautiful garden. READ MORE

Countdown to Noon at Sci-Tech Discovery Center

Frisco
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Come celebrate the new year with science! Fun activities include a light painting photo room, playing "Auld Lang Syne" on a giant DIY floor piano, making New Year's Eve hats, and making "wish bags" to pop! There will be ball drops at this Noon Year's Eve party at 11am, 12pm, and 1pm, so decide what time works best for your family! READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at the Fort Worth Science and History Museum

Cultural District
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
It's the perfect way to celebrate with your tiniest revelers! Bring your party pants to the Museum for a whirlwind experience of New Year’s traditions such as party poppers, resolutions, and more. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at the North Oak Cliff Library

Oak Cliff - FREE Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Have your little ones missed out on ringing in the new year in the past because midnight is way past their bed time? Come to the North Oak Cliff Library to ring in the "Noon Year" with a countdown, balloon drop, sparkling apple cider toast, and activities to bring good luck in the New Year! READ MORE

New Year's Eve at Dave & Buster's

Northeast Dallas
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Celebrate early with a full party package that includes a $20 Power Card and unlimited video games, NYE hats and noisemakers, an electric ball drop, and plenty of snacks like mini pretzel dogs, bar burgers, french fries, churros, and more. There will even be a ginger ale toast! READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at the South Irving Library

Irving - FREE
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Families can ring in the “Noon” Year with crafts, music, and a balloon drop! READ MORE

Day 1 DFW

Irving
Thursday, Jan 1, 2026
In its 11th year, this New Year's Day celebration at the Irving Convention Center is filled with family fun like a Candyland obstacle course, face and balloon artists, roving characters, a giant slide, a snow throw, bingo, arts and crafts, and so much more. There will also be live performances by DJ K-Sprinkles, Wildlife on the Move, and a magic show!  READ MORE

Nighttime New Year's Eve Events in Dallas

Family New Year's Eve Party

Allen - FREE
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
It's a family affair at The HUB! This New Year's Eve party is always a blast, and this year you'll dance to a Taylor Swift tribute band, enjoy face painting, a 9pm ball drop and confetti cannons, and more family fun. READ MORE

New Year's Eve in Sundance Square

Sundance Square - FREE
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
This fun party starts early enough that the whole family can enjoy food trucks, live music, street performers, and more. If your kids are old enough, hang around for the fireworks at midnight! READ MORE

Six Flags Over Texas Presents: Holiday in the Park

Last Day!
Arlington
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

New Year's Early Eve at PGA Frisco

Frisco - FREE
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Enjoy a high-energy live performance from party band Extended Play from 6:30–8:30pm, followed by a 15-minute fireworks show to close out the night. This free celebration is perfect for families or anyone who prefers an early countdown! READ MORE

New Year's Eve Fireworks at Reunion Tower

Downtown Dallas - FREE
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
This one is for the older kids! The downtown Dallas sky on New Year’s Eve will come alive with a breathtaking display featuring over 5,000 pyrotechnic special effects launched from Reunion Tower, a stunning 259 LED light display, and 500 drones, making it an unforgettable experience. Viewing areas include Trinity Groves, the Ronald Kirk Bridge, and Riverfront Blvd.  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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