Advent Festival at First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church of Dallas hosts its annual Advent Festival, a family-focused afternoon that marks the beginning of the Christmas season with crafts, music, and worship.You can expect opportunities to assemble a manna bag for a neighbor in need, construct an Advent wreath to take home, capture memories in the photo booth and enjoy time with the whole community.
Where: First Presbyterian Church of Dallas, 1835 Young St, Dallas
When: Sunday, November 30 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
River Legacy Nature Center in Arlington is hosting The Art & Science of Arachnids, a traveling exhibit that combines live arachnid displays with interactive learning and art. Guests can explore themed galleries that highlight spiders, scorpions, and their relatives, with hands-on activities, educational panels, and design elements that show how these creatures inspire art and culture. It's designed as a family-friendly way to demystify arachnids while still giving you a good little shiver just in time for late fall.
When: Daily through early 2026
Where: River Legacy Nature Center, Arlington
Cost: Standard Nature Center admission
Astra Lumina Dallas: An Immersive Nightwalk Experience
The immersive night-walk light show known as Astra Lumina returns to the DFW area for 2025 — a magical mix of lighting, soundscapes, and storytelling that draws from a nighttime "luminous trail" format. Ideal for families and people wanting a walkable, media-rich holiday outing.
When: Daily through December 31
Where: Trinity Forest Adventure Park, Dallas
Cost: $20 and up
Balloon Museum: Let's Fly – Art Has No Limits
The international Balloon Museum pop-up Let's Fly – Art Has No Limits lands at South Side Studios in Dallas, filling a 20,000-plus square-foot space with massive inflatable installations, projection rooms, and interactive art experiences. Visitors move through themed rooms where light, sound, and air-filled sculptures turn the space into a surreal playground for photos and exploration. The exhibit emphasizes immersive design and social-media-ready moments, and is scheduled to run through the winter season after opening this weekend.
When: Open daily with timed tickets through early 2026
Where: South Side Studios, Dallas
Cost: Timed tickets generally start around $30 for adults, with discounts for children and off-peak times
Barbie - You Can Be Anything: The Experience
Barbie is the ultimate career guide having had more than 200 jobs over the last 60 years. Explore a variety of careers and learn the story of real-life women who broke barriers in their industry.
When: Daily through January 25
Where: Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, 1600 Gendy Street, Fort Worth
Cost: included with Museum admission: ($12 - $16)
Billy Bob's Concerts (Friday: Drake Milligan / Saturday: Stoney LaRue)
When: Friday at 10 p.m. / Saturday at 10 p.m.
Where: Billy Bob's Texas, Fort Worth
Cost: $20 - $50
Christmas Capital of Texas: Grapevine Christmas Village
Grapevine's Historic Main Street transforms into a classic Christmas village with lights, decorations, costumed characters, photo ops, live entertainment, and seasonal treats. Visitors can enjoy the Whoville-inspired Town Square experience, nightly performances, local shops, and holiday activities spread throughout the walkable district. The Village is one of Grapevine's centerpiece attractions during its 40-day "Christmas Capital of Texas" celebration.
When: Nightly through January 5
Where: Historic Main Street, Grapevine
Cost: Free (some activities ticketed)
Christmas in the Gardens – Fort Worth Botanic Garden
A beloved Fort Worth tradition, this immersive holiday light-and-garden experience transforms the grounds of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden into a storybook walk of light, music and festive installations. Perfect for a family outing, giving your girls a memorable evening and you an opportunity to pause and soak in creation.
When: Friday, November 21 – January 4
Where: Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Fort Worth
Cost: $20 and up (Kids: $13 and up)
Christmas Lights Spectacular at The Star
The Dallas Cowboys' headquarters in Frisco presents a synchronized light show with LED displays, holiday music, a 67-foot Christmas tree, and weekly events such as appearances by Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and Cowboys mascot Rowdy. Visitors can also enjoy shopping, outdoor dining, and holiday-themed family zones throughout The Star District.
When: Every Friday and Saturday evening at 6pm from November 28th through December 20th.
Where: The Star in Frisco
Cost: Free
Coca-Cola Classic Christmas brings a full holiday village to Midtown Dallas with a walk-through lights experience, Santa photos, stage entertainment, and themed zones built around Coca-Cola's classic holiday branding. The event includes light tunnels, oversized ornaments and props, food vendors, and photo opportunities tailored for families and social-media sharers.
When: November 26-30 / December 3-7 / December 10-14 / December 17-28
Where: Dallas Midtown (Formerly Valley View Mall), at LBJ and Preston, Dallas
Cost: $21 and up
DSO: Ravel's Rapsodie Espagnole
Piano virtuoso Javier Perianes, praised by Gramophone for his "infallible ear for style, atmosphere and colour" returns to perform Nights in the Gardens of Spain, evoking Falla's beloved Andalusia with its mysterious, fragrant beauty, strumming guitars, flamenco rhythms and dancing melodies. Our rich, Spanish-flavored concert culminates in Rapsodie Espagnole, Ravel's orchestral masterpiece, showing him as a master of instrumental color. Its four sections are vivid echoes of the sounds and dances of Spain, and its final movement, the sultry "Feria" ("The Fair"), punctuated by castanets, is ablaze in a riot of colors. In between, it's the zesty suite from The Three-Cornered Hat, replete with sounds of stamping feet, timpani drumming and castanets clicking out infectious rhythms.
When: Friday, November 28 - Sunday, November 30
Where: Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas
Cost: $37 and up
Dallas Zoo Lights returns with what the zoo bills as "Dallas' brightest nights," turning the grounds into an evening-only holiday light trail. Guests can walk through themed zones filled with millions of lights, lantern installations, and large-scale animal displays, with hot chocolate, treats, and seasonal photo ops along the way. The experience runs on select nights through early January, and is marketed as a family-friendly after-hours visit rather than a typical daytime zoo trip.
When: Nightly November 19, 2025–January 4, 2026 (open this weekend) / 5:30 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Where: Dallas Zoo, Dallas
Cost: Special event admission; separate from daytime zoo tickets, Starting at $18
Encounter the 40-foot T-Rex and 13 new life-size animatronic dinosaurs along the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary's nature trails at the 20th annual Dinosaurs Live! life-size animatronic dinosaurs exhibit. See the dinosaurs move and hear them roar! Photo op and play area dinosaurs will be available as well. This year, the exhibit also features an outdoor fossil dig. Dinosaurs Live! is included in general admission and free for Heard Museum members.
Where: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, McKinney
When: Daily, September 6 - March 1
Cost: $12-$16 (2 and under free)
Dungeons & Dragons: The Immersive Quest
This isn't just a game—it's a live, interactive fantasy quest where every choice shapes your destiny. Explore immersive sets, face thrilling challenges, and experience the magic of storytelling brought to life. Solve puzzles, battle mythical foes, and uncover secrets in a one-of-a-kind fantasy world for all ages.
Where: At Home, 2704 Central Expy, Plano
When: November 26-30 / December 3-February 1
Cost: $20 and up
The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and special guest artists bring you merry music and moments creating memories that will last a lifetime. Sing along to classic Christmas carols, hum holiday tunes, and snag a photo with Santa at Home for the Holidays.
Where: Bass Hall, Fort Worth
When: Friday, Nov 28 at 7:30 p.m. / Saturday, Nov 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $43 and up
Frostival at Howell Family Farms
Howell Family Farms in Arlington hosts Frostival, a winter-themed festival filled with lights, holiday activities, and family attractions across the historic farm property. Visitors can explore illuminated displays, enjoy seasonal food and treats, take part in kids' activities, and experience farm-style holiday charm in a relaxed outdoor setting. The event is designed as a walk-through winter celebration, offering photo spots, festive décor, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere throughout the holiday season.
Where: Howell Family Farms, 4016 W Division St, Arlington
When: November 29-30 / December 4-28
Cost: $19 and up
Game of Thrones: The Exhibition
The Arlington Museum of Art, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, will host Game of Thrones: The Exhibition, an immersive showcase of original costumes, props, and behind-the-scenes elements from the acclaimed series. Featuring more than 60 costumes spanning all eight seasons—from Daenerys Targaryen's dragon-scale gowns to Jon Snow's Night's Watch armor—the exhibition highlights the artistry of the show's award-winning designers and craftspeople. Visitors can also explore images, design sketches, and insights into the historical influences and detailed craftsmanship that brought Westeros to life.
Where: Arlington Museum of Art, 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington
When: October 4, 2025 – April 5, 2026
Cost: $18 - $25
George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic
George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic bring their "One Nation Under a Groove" tour to Dallas for a funk-heavy night at the Echo Lounge & Music Hall. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame pioneer leads his legendary collective through decades of hits and deep cuts, blending funk, rock, soul, and psychedelic jams with a rotating cast of musicians. It's a rare chance to catch one of the genre's foundational acts in an intimate concert hall setting.
Where: The Echo Lounge and Music Hall, Dallas
When: Saturday, November 29 at 8 p.m.
Cost: $84 and up
Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway
A classic drive-through holiday light park, Gift of Lights features more than two miles of LED displays, animated tunnels, and themed scenes set up around the speedway grounds. Families can stay in the car for the entire show, making it one of the most weather-proof holiday experiences in North Texas.
When: Nightly through January 5
Where: Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth
Cost: $35 per vehicle
Guided Sketching Tour: Antony Gormley & the Arts District
The Dallas Museum of Art offers a guided sketching session focused on Antony Gormley's outdoor sculpture in the Dallas Arts District, combining light art instruction with a walking tour. Participants sketch from observation, learn basic drawing techniques, and hear more about public art in the neighborhood. All skill levels are welcome, and basic materials are typically provided or available for a small additional fee.
Where: Dallas Museum of Art / Dallas Arts District, Dallas
When: Saturday, November 29 at 2 p.m.
Cost: Around $15–$25; registration required
Harry Potter™: The Exhibition brings the Wizarding World to life through an immersive experience featuring authentic props, costumes, and interactive activities inspired by the beloved film series and its extended universe. Visitors can practice Quidditch™, brew potions, conjure a Patronus, explore iconic settings like Hagrid's Hut and the Great Hall, and discover behind-the-scenes details from the making of the films. The exhibition also includes special After Hours Nights for guests 18 and older, complete with themed drinks and a more intimate experience.
Where: Pepper Square, 14856 Preston Rd, Dallas
When: Daily through January 31
Cost: $30 and up
The Dallas Arboretum's signature holiday event, Holiday at the Arboretum, is underway, featuring the 12 Days of Christmas Victorian-style gazebos, the European-inspired Christmas Village, and thousands of lights across the main garden. Seasonal programming includes evening openings, visits with Santa, holiday tea, and live music on select dates.
When: Evenings and select daytime hours daily through January 4
Where: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Dallas
Cost: Special event pricing; approx $40 (discounts for members)
Holiday in the Park (Six Flags Over Texas)
The classic holiday tradition at Six Flags Over Texas returns for 2025, offering festive lights, rides with seasonal overlay, holiday shows, and family-friendly attractions. It's a good option for those who want holiday cheer combined with amusement-park thrills, and the season runs long enough to catch even after Black Friday.
When: Now through December 31
Where: Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington
Cost: $55 (add ons vary)
Ice featuring Elf at the Gaylord Texan
Step into the whimsical world of Buddy the Elf at ICE! Journey through iconic scenes from the beloved film, brought to life in magnificent, hand-carved sculptures from more than 2 million pounds of ice. Capture epic photos, race down exhilarating, two-story ice slides, and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, just like Buddy. Explore your favorite Buddy the Elf moments. Immerse yourself in the kind of magic that only Buddy can create and see Papa Elf, Mr. Narwhal, Jovie, Santa (you know him!), and more all carved into larger-than-life ice sculptures! Plus, soar down one of the two-story ice slides.
Where: Gaylord Texan, Grapevine
When: Daily through November 19-January 4
Cost: $35 and up
The Light Park (multiple locations)
The Light Park is back at three venues this season (Arlington, Little Elm and Frisco). The drive-thru event features amazing LED light displays synced to your favorite holiday tunes.
Where: Riders Field, 7300 Rough Riders Trail, Frisco
Arlington: Hurricane Harbor, 1800 E Lamar Blvd, Arlington
Little Elm: Little Elm Park, 701 W Eldorado Pkwy, Little Elm
When: Nightly through January 4
Cost: $40 and up (higher for priority entry)
Lights on the Farm at Heritage Farmstead Museum, Plano
A family-friendly seasonal light and holiday-display walk hosted by the Heritage Farmstead Museum. Visitors stroll through illuminated farm grounds, historic buildings, light-decorated barns, and enjoy a low-key, nostalgic holiday atmosphere — perfect for younger children or anyone looking to avoid big crowds.
Where: Heritage Farmstead Museum, Plano
When: Nightly November 28 – December 23, 2025 (open this weekend)
Cost: $12 - $20
Mickey's Search Party from Disney On Ice
Mickey's Search Party is a high-energy, story-driven arena show where Mickey, Minnie, and friends follow clues to rescue Tinker Bell from Captain Hook. The production blends figure skating, acrobatics, aerial stunts, and immersive projection effects, bringing scenes from Coco, Frozen, Moana, Aladdin, and more to life right on the ice. It's designed as an interactive experience, with performers moving into the audience and kids encouraged to help solve the mystery along the way.
Where: Credit Union of Texas Event Center, Allen
When: Friday November 28-Sunday, November 30
Cost: $46 and up
Miracle Holiday Pop-Up Bar at Texas Live!
The Miracle Christmas pop-up bar returns to Texas Live!, transforming one of the spaces into a fully decked-out holiday cocktail lounge with themed décor, specialty drinks, and seasonal glassware. Running from November 22 through Christmas Eve, it's designed as an adults-night-out experience, often pairing with other events at the complex such as concerts and game-day watch parties.
When: Open nightly through December 24
Where: Texas Live!, Arlington
Cost: Entry is generally free; guests pay per cocktail, with limited-edition souvenir mugs available for purchase
Trading card collectors converge on Lewisville for NTX TCG Cards Weekend, a regional meetup and show centered on Pokémon, sports cards, and other trading card games. The event features vendors buying, selling, and trading singles and sealed products, along with space for casual play and potential small tournaments. It's aimed at both serious collectors and families looking for a kid-friendly hobby stop after Thanksgiving.
When: Saturday–Sunday, November 29–30 (show hours vary by day)
Where: NTX Arena in Lewisville (2401 S Stemmons Fwy Suite 4000)
Cost: $8 Single Day Pass (Door Price: $15) / $15 Two Day Pass (Door Price $20)
Downtown Fort Worth lights up Sunday night with the 43rd annual GM Financial Parade of Lights, a long-running illuminated parade featuring more than 100 lit floats, marching units, and performers along a 1.59-mile route. This year's theme is "Sparkle, Dazzle, Shine!" and the event once again concludes with an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. While curbside viewing is free, reserved "Street Seats" along the route are available for purchase and often sell out. The parade was postponed to this weekend.
When: Sunday, November 30, 6 p.m.
Where: Downtown Fort Worth (route begins at Weatherford & Throckmorton)
Cost: Free to attend; reserved seating starts around $16 for kids and $20 for adults
Perot Museum – "Bug Lab: A Journey into the World of Insect Ingenuity"
What if the planet's smallest geniuses could share their biggest secrets? Bug Lab is a captivating exhibition exploring the remarkable genius of insects, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience the world from a bug's perspective. It's opening this weekend at the Perot Museum. Visitors can explore immersive bug chambers, test their reflexes at interactive adaptation stations, and examine real specimens in hands-on labs—all while discovering the incredible abilities, behaviors, and science behind the insect world.
Where: Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas
When: Daily through January 4, 2026
Cost: $15-$25
Polar Express: Holiday Concert – Cliburn Family Series
The Cliburn's Polar Express family concert returns to Fort Worth Stockyards Station, pairing a live piano performance with narration and projected illustrations from Chris Van Allsburg's classic book. Families are invited to "ride" along as the story unfolds, with multiple performances over the weekend. The show is designed for children and adults, and tickets are required for guests over age two.
Where: Fort Worth Stockyards Station, Stampede Room,140 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth
When: Saturday, November 29 at 10:30a & 2:30 p.m. / Sunday, November 30 at 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $20
Prairie Lights - Grand Prairie
A drive-through holiday light display offering a festive, family-friendly outing featuring animated light scenes, musical synchronization, and stay-in-the-car convenience. It's a go-to for families wanting a no-fuss, weather-proof holiday lights experience — especially useful if you're traveling with young kids or pets.
Where: Fort Worth Stockyards Station, Stampede Room,140 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth
When: Open nightly NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 31 at 6 P.M.
Cost: $50 per car ($149 for a fast pass)
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
The timeless holiday classic returns to the Dome! Join Rudolph, Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius, and the Abominable Snow Monster on an unforgettable adventure. Filled with holiday hits like "A Holly Jolly Christmas," "The Island of Misfit Toys," "The Most Wonderful Day of the Year," and of course, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," this joyous musical is filled with friendship and self-discovery. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer teaches us that sometimes, the thing that makes you different is what makes you special!
Where: Casa Mañana Theatre, Fort Worth
When: November 28-November 30 / December 6-7 / 13-14 / 20-23
Cost: $19 and up
Inside Galleria Dallas, this indoor winter-themed experience combines festive décor, Santa visits, snow-effect features, lights, holiday music, and family-friendly activities. It's especially handy if weather outside gets cold — a warm, convenient holiday outing for families, shoppers, or anyone wanting a cozy festive vibe.
Where: Galleria Dallas, Dallas
When: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (open this weekend)
Cost: $41 - $51 and up
The historic Cowtown Coliseum hosts its regular Stockyards Championship Rodeo all Thanksgiving weekend, offering classic rodeo events like bull riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and more. As one of the longest-running indoor rodeos in the country, the show blends competition with western pageantry and is a natural pairing with a stroll through the Stockyards' shops and restaurants. Saturday also typically features a Sunday matinee rodeo for families wanting an earlier showtime.
Where: Cowtown Coliseum, Fort Worth Stockyards
When: Friday & Saturday, November 28–29 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, November 30 at 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $26 and up
Texas Ballet Theater: The Nutcracker (Dallas)
Texas Ballet Theater opens its Dallas run of The Nutcracker at the Winspear, bringing the traditional Tchaikovsky score and full company production to the AT&T Performing Arts Center for the holiday season. The staging features lavish sets, snow scenes, and the full complement of party guests, mice, toy soldiers, and sweets, making it a cornerstone of the region's holiday arts calendar and a popular pick for families and date nights alike.
Where: Winspear Opera House, Dallas
When: Fri, November 28-Sun, November 30 / Thur, December 4 - Sun, December 7
Cost: $72 and up
The almost 70-year relationship between Arlington and its sister city, Bad Königshofen, inspired the Texas Christkindl Market to commemorate its first magical season in 2011. With several markets all over Europe for the holidays, the Texas Christkindl Market also works with its Friendship City and partner Christmas city, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, to bring the same wonderful magic and feeling to Texas. Visitors will discover handcrafted gifts and collectibles, including exclusive Käthe Wohlfahrt merchandise and designs from the iconic Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village.
Where: Globe Life Field, Arlington
When: November 28 - December 23
Cost: Free (Free Parking will be available in Lot B)
Experience an enchanting night with Koda's Adventure to the Magical Ocean at Texas Trust CU Theatre Festival Grounds. Walk through the whimsical wonderland to see Koda's dreams through the luminous art installations. It's more than just a lantern show. It's an immersive journey that invites you to see the world through wonder and imagination. Follow Koda through glowing realms where ocean dreams sparkle, starlit fields glow with warmth, and playful nights come alive with light and laughter.
Where: Texas Trust CU Theatre, 1001 Texas Trust Way, Grand Prairie
When: Daily through January 18
Cost: $19 and up
Trains at Northpark is a unique, beloved, and visually stunning holiday exhibition featuring a fascinating array of miniature trains rolling across 1,600 feet of track on a journey through Dallas and America's most iconic cityscapes. Each season, the display is refreshed with new scenes and features, making it a must-see year after year. Ronald McDonald House of Dallas (RMHD) is the beneficiary of this yearly event.
Where: NorthPark Center, Dallas
When: Daily through January 4, 2026
Cost: $5 - $12
The Vienna Light Orchestra brings its immersive candle-lit concert experience to Fort Worth this weekend, performing a program inspired by classical and contemporary cinematic music. The production blends a chamber ensemble, atmospheric lighting, and dramatic arrangements to create a visually rich, emotional performance environment. Audiences can expect familiar melodies reimagined with modern instrumentation and a theatrical, mood-driven presentation designed to feel intimate and transportive.
Where: Will Rogers Auditorium, Fort Worth
When: Saturday, November 29 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Cost: $62 and up
At Vitruvian Park, Vitruvian Lights wraps 468 trees and park areas in over a million LED lights — creating a glowing, walkable holiday wonderland. It's free to attend, and perfect for a quiet evening stroll or festive family outing. On Saturday night, November 29, Dallas String Quartet is playing at 6 p.m. They will be performing a fusion of fun holiday classics and pop and rock staples.
Where: Vitruvian Park, 3966 Vitruvian Way, Addison
When: Daily through Jan 1, 2026; lights on nightly 5–11 p.m.
Cost: Free
