christmas things to do in Dallas
If you are looking to have a wonderful Christmas in Dallas, there are a number of great things to do! Whether you are in town to celebrate Christmas with family or you just want to get in the spirit, there are a number of places to go.
Holiday at the Arboretum
The Holiday at the Arboretum in Dallas is a unique experience that is sure to bring joy to the whole family. With festive activities, entertainment and performances, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. There’s even a chance to visit Santa Claus! Located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is open for visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and evenings from 6 to 10 p.m.
The Arboretum features two large-scale exhibits: the Christmas Village and the 12 Days of Christmas. In addition, the DeGolyer House is the site of the Artistry of Faith and Culture. This exhibit explores the different traditions of the holiday season in three different continents. It will be open through the festival.
Visitors can expect to see more than one million lights in the garden. They can also explore the 12 Days of Christmas, a popular exhibit that shows scenes from the classic Christmas carol. Guests can also visit Santa and participate in vendor markets.
The Music Tree is another highlight of the festival. This large, 50-foot tree is illuminated with 42,000 lights. It plays merry holiday tunes every half hour. You can purchase a souvenir or hot beverage while you listen.
Visitors can also enjoy performances on the main stage and in the Christmas Village. Each gazebo represents one day of the 12 Days of Christmas. Costumed characters are showcased inside the lighted gazebos.
Drive-Thru Christmas Lights
A great way to celebrate the holidays is by driving through Christmas lights. Many of these displays are synchronized with festive holiday music and include a variety of fun activities. The drive-through lights can be fun for families, and some even offer food and beverage areas.
Dallas-Fort Worth offers a variety of Christmas light shows, with each one unique in their own ways. Some features millions of lights, while others are more homey. For example, Santa’s Village features train rides and photo ops with Santa.
If you’re looking for a more interactive experience, consider checking out the Holiday Lights at the Beach. This show is free, and the grand opening is December 2. On weekends, the lights will be on from 6pm to 9:30pm. You can also enjoy a hot cocoa while you’re taking in the sights.
Another great display is the Santa’s Country Christmas in Seagoville. This park is less than a half hour southeast of Dallas, and has two miles of drive-through lights. There are plenty of photo opportunities, and visitors can take advantage of free photos starting Thanksgiving weekend.
The Radiance drive-thru lights experience is more than a mile long, with 160 feet of animated RGB light tunnels. It takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.
If you’re not into driving through the night, try the Interlochen Lights. They have been a holiday tradition for over 40 years. They are free to see, and there are over 200 homeowners participating in the display.
Sippin’ Santa
Sippin’ Santa in Dallas for Christmas is a festive and fun pop-up cocktail experience. The drink menu includes Christmas-y cocktails and festive snacks. It’s a great spot for a fun date night or family outing. You can enjoy your holiday drinks in a tiki-themed setting that’s decorated with twinkling lights and other Christmas decor.
Miracle Bar is one of the best known holiday pop-ups. In addition to a full menu of signature cocktails, they also offer themed cocktails. For this year’s pop-up, they’re offering Let’s Get Elfd Up, a mix of brandy, port, dry vermouth, crme de menthe, orange juice and grenadine.
Their sister restaurant Apothecary has a similar holiday cocktail menu, including Good Ol Fashioned Christmas, which is a blend of apple brandy, white rum, bourbon, cranberry, sage, orange, and cinnamon. They also have a holiday-themed pop-up at their Lower Greenville location.
Another popular pop-up bar this season is Tipsy Elf. The smaller bar is located along Lower Greenville. No reservations are required and the holiday cocktails are available for first-come, first-serve.
Sippin’ Santa is a tiki-themed cocktail lounge that serves festive holiday-themed cocktails. Drinks are served in exclusive tiki holiday cups. To order, head to their website, or visit their Instagram account.
If you’re looking for more options, there are several other Sippin’ Santa locations across the country. Look for one in Austin, Houston, New Orleans, and other cities.
Snowday & Santaland
When it comes to things to do in Dallas for Christmas, there are lots to choose from. From holiday lights displays to live entertainment, there’s plenty to do for everyone. For the ultimate festive experience, check out Snowday and Santaland. Located in Galleria Dallas, they are two experiences that will make your holiday season one to remember.
The Santaland exhibit features a simulated train ride and a magical forest. At the end of the journey, passengers have the opportunity to take photos with Santa.
The exhibit also features larger-than-life animal sculptures and elaborate holiday-themed displays. This is a great destination for family outings, especially at night.
Among other attractions, the Snowday Interactive Photo Park is a must-see. Visitors will be greeted by hundreds of dangling holiday lights, including a wreath on a floor-to-ceiling Christmas tree. Other features include a hologram-adorned hedgerow, a mirror-covered maze, and an all-white room with house fronts that look like greeting cards.
Another of the exhibit’s many photo op is the Santaland Express, which simulates a train ride to Santa’s house. Passengers will sit on wooden benches to watch the scenery change. They can then walk through the tunnel and up to the North Pole, where they’ll meet Santa and his helpers.
As far as photo ops go, the interactive photo stations send photos to your phone, automatically. You can even opt for a pre-designed shot.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
If you’re looking for some things to do in Dallas during the holiday season, you might find some entertainment with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The rock band was formed in Tampa, Florida, by Paul O’Neill, a veteran of the rock industry.
When it comes to Christmas music, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is not to be missed. Their shows are known for elaborate lighting effects, pyrotechnics, and lasers. Typical TSO concerts last about two and a half hours. You can choose floor seats to get the most bang for your buck.
TSO will be touring the country during the holidays. You can find a full list of their concert dates on the website. There is also a calendar of events. Buying tickets can be done online or through the ticket kiosks.
For more things to do in Dallas, you may want to check out the African American Museum’s annual Christmas Market. This event includes musical performances, panel discussions, and workshops.
During the holiday season, you can experience a variety of puppet shows in NorthPark. One example is The Tale of the Yeti’s Christmas Spaghetti, a puppet show that runs through Christmas Eve. Also, the Immersive Nutcracker is open until December 31.
If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, you’ll find a variety of theater shows, including A Christmas Carol. Tickets for this show are available for the entire family. Guests can also enjoy breakfast with Mrs. Claus and mimosas for the grown-ups.
Bishop Arts District
If you’re visiting Dallas this holiday season, you may want to check out Bishop Arts District. This neighborhood is known for its hipster vibe and has been referred to as the “hipster mecca of Dallas.” It’s a must-see. You’ll find a variety of restaurants, shops, nightlife, and performing arts.
Bishop Arts is home to several wine walks and street fairs, so you’ll have plenty of options for enjoying the festive atmosphere. The best part of this area is that it’s a walkable destination. Besides the bars and restaurants, it’s also home to a number of local businesses and boutiques.
A visit to Bishop Arts is a great way to experience a little bit of the city’s history. There are several buildings in the neighborhood that feature a variety of art galleries and gift emporiums.
Bishop Arts District also features several restaurants, including the popular Mexican restaurant Gloria’s Super Special. You can get a taste of Salvadoran cuisine as well as Tex-Mex favorites. Also located in the district is Whitehall, a comfortable bar with open air seating.
Other options include the Botanist, a cocktail lounge with a lush garden setting. You can enjoy creative cocktails such as espresso martinis and spiced mezcal.
Another must-try is The Trove, a quaint and stylish bar that serves drinks infused with CBD oil. You’ll also find the bar’s sexy, mirrored bookcase perch.
While you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by Fete-ish, a quirky gift shop featuring local art and handmade goods.https://www.youtube.com/embed/4ZTPLw3bYZw
1. visit the dallas world aquarium
The Dallas World Aquarium is one of the top tourist attractions in the city. It is home to over 2000 animals from all over the world. The aquarium has three main sections- the Oceanarium, the Rainforest, and the River Exhibit. The Oceanarium is the largest section of the aquarium and is home to sharks, rays, and other fish. The Rainforest is home to birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The River Exhibit is home to fish, turtles, and other aquatic animals. The Dallas World Aquarium is a great place to learn about different animals and their habitats.
2. take a picture with santa at northpark mall
Looking for a festive activity to do with your friends or family this holiday season? Why not take a trip to NorthPark Center and take a picture with Santa!
This year, NorthPark is offering a variety of different photo packages that are sure to fit your needs. You can choose from a traditional photo with Santa, an elfie selfie, or even a virtual reality experience.
Once you’ve chosen your package, simply head on over to Santa’s Village which is located on Level One near Nordstrom. There, you’ll be able to take your picture with the jolly old elf himself!
So what are you waiting for? Gather your loved ones and head on over to NorthPark Center for a festive and fun-filled holiday experience!
3. go ice skating at the galleria dallas
After a long day of Christmas shopping, what could be more refreshing than a little ice skating? At the Galleria Dallas, you can skate under the giant Christmas tree in the center of the mall, or in the outdoor rink next to the Santa’s village. Either way, it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit!
4. take a tour of the dallas zoo
Looking for something fun to do with the family this holiday season? Why not take a tour of the Dallas Zoo? The zoo offers a variety of different tours, so there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for your family.
One of the most popular tours is the African Adventure Tour. This tour takes you on a safari through the zoo’s African Savannah, where you’ll see lions, giraffes, and other exotic animals. You’ll also get to feed the giraffes, which is a real treat!
Another popular tour is the Behind the Scenes Tour. This tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how the zoo operates. You’ll get to see the animal kitchens, the vet hospital, and the ZooMobile garage. You’ll also get to meet some of the zoo’s animal keepers and learn about their jobs.
If you’re looking for a more leisurely tour, the Holiday Lights Tour is perfect. This tour takes you through the zoo after dark, when the animals are asleep and the holiday lights are shining. It’s a beautiful way to see the zoo, and you’ll even get hot chocolate and cookies to enjoy along the way.
No matter which tour you choose, you’re sure to have a great time at the Dallas Zoo this holiday season!
5. see the nutcracker at the dallas theater center
The Dallas Theater Center’s production of The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition for many families in the Dallas area. This year, the show will be running from December 14-30, 2018.
The story of The Nutcracker is based on the classic book by E.T.A. Hoffmann, and follows a young girl named Clara who is given a nutcracker doll by her godfather. On Christmas Eve, Clara’s nutcracker comes to life and takes her on a magical journey to the Land of Sweets. Along the way, she meets a cast of colorful characters, including the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King, and the Nutcracker Prince.
The Dallas Theater Center’s production of The Nutcracker features beautiful sets and costumes, and is set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. This year’s production will be directed by Joel Ferrell, and will star DTC veteran Lee Trull as the Nutcracker.
If you’re looking for a festive activity to do with your family this holiday season, be sure to check out The Nutcracker at the Dallas Theater Center.
6. have breakfast with santa at the westin galleria dallas
Looking for a unique holiday breakfast experience in Dallas? Look no further than the Westin Galleria Dallas! On select dates in December, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet while getting your photo taken with Santa.
This year, Breakfast with Santa will be held on December 8th, 15th, and 22nd from 9:00am – 11:00am. The cost is $30 per adult and $15 per child (ages 4-12), and kids 3 and under are free. The breakfast buffet will include a wide variety of items such as eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, pastries, fruit, and more.
After you’ve filled up on breakfast, it will be time to get your photo taken with Santa! Each family will receive one free 5×7 print, and additional prints will be available for purchase. This is a great opportunity to get a holiday photo with the whole family, or even just the kids.
If you’re looking for a fun and unique holiday experience in Dallas, be sure to check out Breakfast with Santa at the Westin Galleria Dallas!
7. take a holiday lights tour of dallas
Looking for something festive to do in Dallas this holiday season? Why not take a holiday lights tour! There are plenty of great places to see holiday lights in Dallas, and we’ve got a few suggestions for you.
The first stop on your tour should be the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Garden is decked out in over a million lights, and there are also plenty of festive activities to enjoy. Make sure to check out the 12 Days of Christmas display, and don’t miss the chance to take a photo with Santa!
Next, head over to the Dallas Zoo. The Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with over two million lights, and there are also a variety of fun holiday activities to enjoy. Be sure to check out the animal enrichment demonstrations, and don’t miss the chance to see the animals in their holiday best!
After the zoo, head to Fair Park for the annual Holiday in the Park celebration. Fair Park is decked out in over two million lights, and there are also a variety of fun holiday activities to enjoy. Be sure to check out the rides, the holiday shows, and the festive food options.
Finally, end your tour with a visit to NorthPark Center. NorthPark is one of the largest malls in the country, and it’s decked out in holiday style. Be sure to check out the holiday displays, the Santa visit, and the holiday shopping.
So, there you have it – a holiday lights tour of Dallas! Be sure to add these stops to your list, and enjoy all that Dallas has to offer this holiday season.
8. see a christmas movie at the angelika film center
Looking for something fun to do during the holiday season? Why not check out a Christmas movie at the Angelika Film Center? The Angelika is a great place to catch up on the latest Hollywood releases, and they always have a great selection of festive films playing during the holidays.
Some of our favorite Christmas movies that you can catch at the Angelika this year include:
-Elf
-Love Actually
-The Polar Express
-Die Hard
So grab some popcorn and a seat, and enjoy a festive film at the Angelika Film Center this holiday season!
9. do some christmas shopping at north
The holidays are upon us and that means it’s time to start thinking about Christmas shopping! If you’re looking for some great places to do your shopping in Dallas, then you should definitely check out NorthPark Center. NorthPark is one of the premier shopping destinations in Dallas, and it’s the perfect place to find gifts for everyone on your list.
There are more than 235 stores at NorthPark, so you’re sure to find something for everyone. And if you’re looking for some unique gifts, then you’ll definitely want to check out the specialty stores. You’ll find everything from high-end fashion to home decor to toys and more.
And if you need a break from all the shopping, NorthPark also has a great food court with a variety of dining options. So whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, you’ll find something to suit your needs.
So if you’re looking for a great place to do your Christmas shopping, then be sure to check out NorthPark Center. You’re sure to find everything you need to make this holiday season a success!
