Top Spots for Film Lovers

The 7 best theaters in Dallas to experience that movie magic

The movie industry is constantly changing, including the experience you get at the theater. With ticket prices on the rise, home theater systems getting better, and on-demand options for new movies rising every week, it's no wonder that more and more people are deciding they'd rather stay home than actually go to a theater.

That's a shame, because seeing a movie on the big screen, especially for movies like Gravity, is something that just can't be replicated at home. Below are the seven movie theaters in the Dallas area that make it worth your while to spend that extra money.

Alamo Drafthouse in Richardson
The area's newest entry is also instantly one of its best. The Texas chain was famously started by movie lovers for movie lovers, and you can tell by its programming that it sticks to that mantra. In addition to the mainstream fare that populates most of its theaters, it has special screenings set around monthly themes tied to holidays, a big movie coming out at that time or just the whims of its whimsical programmers.

Tired of all those pre-movie ads? Then arrive early at Alamo, as it eschews advertising for special programs featuring vintage trailers and other goodies. The attached Glass Half Full Taproom offers a variety of local craft beers and themed cocktails. In-theater food service is unobtrusive thanks to ingenious behind-seat pathways for servers.

Best of all is the zero-tolerance policy when it comes to cellphone users or talkers. If someone gets caught using a phone or talking during a movie at Alamo, he or she gets kicked out without a refund.

AMC NorthPark 15
Mall movie theaters used to be bland and forgettable, a place for parents to drop off their sullen teenagers for a couple hours of entertainment. AMC NorthPark 15 shatters that stereotype.

Occupying the highest level of NorthPark Center, the theater features a large lobby with murals of movie stars lining the walls and famous movie quotes scattered on the floor. There's also the recent addition of MacGuffins Bar and Lounge, where you can enjoy a drink in the lobby or grab one to imbibe during the movie.

Like all AMC theaters in the area, it now features an IMAX theater and can show 3D films in multiple auditoriums, assuring moviegoers that they can keep up on all the latest trends from Hollywood. AMC NorthPark even makes room for an independent film or two, thereby throwing a bone to all the cinephiles out there.

Angelika Film Center in Dallas
There are bigger multiplexes around, but none has the same combination of traits as the Angelika Film Center at Mockingbird Station. Its eight theaters consistently provide a home for independent films and documentaries, while also making room for some mainstream films; the opposite is true for most other area theaters.

It's located directly next to DART's Mockingbird Station, meaning you can rely on public transportation and still easily enjoy a night out on the town. Drinking wine or beer at a movie is no longer a unique concept, but the Angelika was one of the first in the area to offer the amenity.

If the Angelika were to suddenly disappear, the Dallas movie scene would suffer tremendously.

Cinemark Legacy and XD in Plano
Although AMC claims the most multiplexes in the area, Cinemark has a stranglehold on movie-going in Collin County. It's a toss-up between Cinemark Legacy and Cinemark West Plano for supremacy in the area, but Legacy gets the slight nod.

It features the latest and greatest innovations from Cinemark, including its patented XD auditorium, where everything from the screen to the seats is bigger and better. An in-lobby cafe gives you a few more dietary options than your usual popcorn and hot dogs, and it is the only theater on this list to still have an arcade — a bonus for all the beleaguered parents out there.

It also hosts occasional special engagements like screenings of classic films, live presentations of Metropolitan Opera productions and other events you'd normally have to attend in person to enjoy.

Landmark Inwood Theatre in Dallas
Built in 1947, the Inwood is one of the last surviving old-time movie theaters in Dallas. The Inwood marquee is a landmark in the neighborhood, and most of the theater's original murals have been restored to their original glory.

The original 1,100-seat auditorium is long gone, but in its place are three smaller theaters with unique charms. The most notable one is the downstairs Screening Lounge Auditorium, which brings new definition to movie-going comfort with an array of couches, love seats and so-called LoveSacs — think bean bag chairs, but more plush.

Although the movie selection has gotten increasingly mainstream, the Inwood still hosts midnight movies every Friday and Saturday, showing such cult films as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Room. And don't forget about the attached Inwood Lounge, where you can grab a pre- or post-show martini.

LOOK Cinemas in Addison
LOOK Cinemas makes up for its somewhat off-the-beaten-path location with a multitude of options for the picky movie-goer. Want a larger-than-life experience? Try the Evolution Theatres, which feature reserved seats, floor-to-ceiling screens and Dolby Atmos surround sound with so many speakers you'll think you're dreaming.

Want to relax? The Lofts Theatres have comfy chairs, sofas, and in-theater dining options similar to Alamo Drafthouse and Studio Movie Grill. Anyone who's ever lamented the difficulty in getting a drink refill at other theaters will love LOOK's self-serve machines, which have the added bonus of having multiple flavor options for every soft drink offered.

LOOK also makes having a dinner-and-movie date night much easier with the attached locations of Nick & Sam's Grill and Coal Vines Pizza and Wine Bar. With competitively priced tickets and choices galore, it's no wonder this new brand is already making waves.

Texas Theatre in Oak Cliff
The Texas Theatre has a long and storied history, starting with its opening in 1931. It is most famous — or infamous — for being the location where Lee Harvey Oswald was finally captured following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Due in part to its notoriety, the theater fell out of favor and into disrepair, but it was saved from the wrecking ball by a series of owners.

Leased since 2010 by Aviation Cinemas, who completed a renovation of the property, the theater now shows a variety of films, from first-run independent movies to repertory flicks you'd normally have to rent from Netflix to see. The theater's set-up also allows it to host other events like concerts and parties.

Alamo Drafthouse in Richardson instantly became one of the best movie theaters in the area when it opened in August 2013.

Alamo Drafthouse Facebook

Alamo Drafthouse in Richardson instantly became one of the best movie theaters in the area when it opened in August 2013.

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Merry & bright

Must-see Dallas homes and neighborhoods for 2025 Christmas lights

Facebook/The Gift of Light

The Gift of Light in McKinney features over-the-top lights and a yard full of inflatables.

There's no better family holiday tradition than piling in the car and looking at Christmas lights.

Dallas and its suburbs are full of homes and neighborhoods decked out in dazzling displays, from coordinated cul-de-sacs to mansions that rival amusement parks.

Here's where to find the best homes and neighborhoods for Christmas lights in 2025. New this year: A whole section devoted to homes that have competed on ABC's hit reality competition show, The Great Christmas Light Fight.

Many of these displays will remain on through at least New Year's Eve, giving families an extra week to scout the sparkle-and-shine.

By the way, there are a lot more lights to see and experience this season. For the Ultimate Guide to 2025 Christmas Lights around Dallas, including drive-through and immersive attractions, go here. For the best lights around Fort Worth, head here and here.

Neighborhood displays

'12 Days of Christmas,' Timberhollow Circle, Dallas
"The 12 Days of Christmas" come alive on Timberhollow Circle in Lake Highlands Dallas. The display has been a tradition since the lat 1980s. Each home is decorated as one of the days, from a partridge in a pear tree to 12 drummers drumming. The entrance is located one block south of Royal Lane off Abrams Road on Moss Haven Drive, 75231. The lights stay on nightly until 11 pm through at least the end of December.

Deerfield Holiday Lights, Plano, December 1-30
The Deerfield subdivision of northwest Plano hosts a magical winter wonderland visitors can drive, walk, or ride a carriage through. The homes throughout the community dazzle with creative themes (such as "Elf Town," which competed on The Great Christmas Light Fight on December 18), twinkling lights, and larger-than-life displays. Deerfield is located between Preston Road and Coit Road. Check the website for maps and important information about traffic flow and parking. The free event runs 7 pm-10 pm on weekdays and 7 pm-11 pm on weekends.

Interlochen Lights, Arlington, December 13-25
The Interlochen neighborhood in northwest Arlington celebrates the 50th anniversary of its annual Interlochen Lights presentation. More than 200 homes get decked out in lights and holiday-themed displays each year, and this time there'll be special designation for those that have participated all 50 years. The event allows guests to drive through the neighborhood for free and pick out favorite displays while they tune into holiday music in the car. The Interlochen Estates map is here. The lights are on nightly from 6-11 pm; watch for 2025 updates on their website and Facebook page. For tips on where to enter and more, go here.

Holiday Christmas lights Arlington Interlochen Christmas lights in the Interlochen neighborhood will only be on until Christmas. Photo courtesy of the City of Arlington

Glenbrook Christmas, Bedford, through December 31
A tradition nearly four decades strong, the Glenbrook subdivision in Bedford lights up nightly to tell the story of "It's the night before Christmas, in Texas That is" - along with other festive displays. The entrance to Glenbrook is on Brookside Drive located between Cummings and Forest Ridge (look for the red lights lining the streets). Cars can drive through the neighborhood for free nightly, 6-10 pm. Follow on Facebook or Instagram for updates.

Diamond Loch, North Richland Hills, through January 1
Adjacent houses on a cul-de-sac join forces to present a massive computerized show. The rest of the street presents a fun "Whoville" Christmas experience known as #NRHGrinchLights. They grow the show every year, and The Grinch himself may actually pop in occasionally; follow their Facebook page to keep up. It's open daily, 5:30-11 pm. To find it, navigate to the address 6217 Windsor Ct., NRH, 76180. Be sure to follow the designated traffic flow through the neighborhood.

Diamond Loch Grinch lights The Grinch might just greet you at\u00a0Diamond Loch in North Richland Hills. Facebook/Diamond Loch news

Regents Park Luminary Event, McKinney, December 20-21
Residents of this Stonebridge Ranch neighborhood hand fold over 2,500 paper bags each year and line the streets and central park area with luminaries for families to enjoy. Visitors can drive or walk through streets lined with traditional luminaries and enjoy the Christmas lights that adorn the Craftsman-style homes. For updates, follow the Facebook page. Runs 6-9 pm December 20-21 only.

Morrisdale Estates, Euless
It's been said that holiday decorating in the Euless neighborhood of Morrisdale Estates is a competitive sport. The Morrisdale tradition is for everyone in the neighborhood to put up the same red lights on their curbs to create a sea of red as you drive through the neighborhood. Bonus that it's still a bit of an undiscovered gem, so there's not as much traffic as other neighborhoods. Find the neighborhood between Pipeline Road and Hurst Blvd., 76040.

Windsor Way Christmas, Rowlett, through December 31
Neighborhood presentation consists of 29 homes with small and large displays, synched to music that can be listened to in the car. A map on the event Facebook page suggests how to see them all in one night. The lights are on 6-10 pm through New Year's Eve.

Homes featured on 'The Great Christmas Light Fight'

Elf Town, Plano, through December 31
David and Melissa Loder have been turning their home in the famous Deerfield neighborhood into a magical "Elf Town" since 2011, and they stepped into the national spotlight when they competed on ABC's The Great Christmas Light Fight on December 18. The DIY display includes an Elf Disco, Elf Tavern, Elf School, Elf Museum, and new this year, "Santa's Spa" for relaxation in the backyard. Their display also helps raise money to fight breast cancer through the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Find Elf Town at 4641 Penbrook Ct., Plano. It's open nightly, 5:30 pm-midnight, through December 31. Follow the Elf Town Facebook page for updates.

Elf Town, Loders, Deerfield Plano, Great Christmas Light Fight David and Melissa Loder's Elf Town is on Penbrook Court in the Deerfield subdivision of Plano. Photo courtesy of David and Melissa Loder

The Gift of Light, McKinney, through January 1
This wonderland in McKinney competed on Great Christmas Light Fight in 2024. It has a little bit of everything: dazzling lights, inflatables, wireframe items, yard art, an entire section devoted to nativities, plus Santas and reindeer, polar bears and penguins, Disney characters, and more. The "gift" is that they raise money for the American Heart Association, and the story behind their effort is very personal. The lights go on 6:30-11 pm through New Year's Day. Find it at 8624 Palermo Way, McKinney.

Burkman Holiday Home, Frisco, through December 31
A 2021 alumni of ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight, the Burkmans’ home is one of the most famous Christmas-light attractions in the area. It features nearly 115,000 lights, animatronic figures, special “character” photo nights, and more. They also collect new/unwrapped toys for the The LiyanaStrong Foundation and charitable donations for a scholarship fund. Open nightly December 1-31, but closed the first three Mondays and Tuesdays in December and for inclement weather. Hours are on 5:30-11 pm nightly. Check the Facebook page for updates on character nights and more.

Burkman Holiday Home Frisco Burkman Holiday Home of Frisco. Photo courtesy of Burkman family

Stay in the Light, Rockwall, through December 25
Homeowners Brenda and David Hughes have strung more than 150,000 lights outside their home in a festive display. They call it "Stay in the Light" in memory of their son, Nathaniel, who suffered from depression and passed away in 2019 at the age of 29. They'll competed on Great Christmas Light Fight in 2024. The couple accepts donations for Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County plus blankets, socks, and toys to a local children’s hospital. The lights are on nightly, 6-10 pm. 1655 Plummer Dr., Rockwall, in The Shores neighborhood.

Mach Christmas Display, Ennis
The Mach family's epic 3.5-acre Texas-themed display is a walk-through attraction that uses half a million lights, 200 inflatables, and more to depict 40 cities across Texas. They battled on The Great Christmas Light Fight in 2024 (still available to stream on Disney+). The display is open on select nights through the holiday season, typically 6:30-9:30 pm Thursday-Saturday and 6:30-9 pm Sunday, but follow their Facebook page for the schedule and more information. Special events include Disney Night (December 6), Military and First Responders Night (December 11), and Special Needs Night (closed to the public, December 18). The address is 171 FM1183, Ennis, 75119. Follow the directions at the pin on Google Maps.

More homes with over-the-top lights

'Viral Dallas House,' 6215 Deloache Ave., Dallas, 75225
The 9,000-square-foot Preston Hollow mansion that went viral for its Disneyland-big display, jam-packed crowds, angry neighbors, and traffic control last year is back at it with a "Grinch" themed display for 2025. Stunning white lights cover the house and shimmer like diamonds, and a rainbow of light extends to the yard, where Grinch inflatables stand guard. Social media users have called it "Dallas' most viral Christmas house." Search the address on Facebook and you'll see why. They have no official social media presence; they don't need it as everyone else in the city is posting about this house. Tips to avoid an hour-long drive down the street: 1) Go on a weeknight, 2) Park at and patronize a nearby restaurant for dinner and walk over. Be sure to explore other beautifully decorated homes while you're in the Park Cities.

Santa House, University Park
Once hailed "the single best Christmas light display in Dallas," this perennial favorite fills the front lawn with hundreds of lighted blow-mold decorations that homeowner Wayne Smith has amassed over the years. But look up — way up to the roof — and you'll find his distinctly "Dallas" touch: the head of the State Fair's very first Big Tex, restored to his original form as St. Nick in 1949 and donning a Santa hat. Find it nightly at 3629 Southwestern Blvd., Dallas.

The Movie House, Allen
This Allen family home turns into a theater, showing highlights from favorite holiday classics like Christmas Vacation, Elf, A Christmas Story, Home Alone, Love Actually, Die Hard and more - all set to music and over 10,000 lights. Guests can also snap a pic in front of a 6-foot star that makes everyone part of the action. The 15-minute show starts on the quarter hour every night from 6-11 pm and runs Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.. 1600 Wagon Wheel Dr., Allen.

Lights on Oak Bluff, Sachse
This fantastic lights display consistently wins awards from the City of Sachse and the neighborhood HOA. Expect 14,000 individually computer-controlled lights, dancing animatronics, yard decorations, and synchronization to music. The show runs 6-10 pm nightly, at 4310 Oak Bluff Ln., (in the Woodbridge subdivision) Sachse, 75048. Follow their Facebook page for updates.

The Browne Family Holiday Light Show, Parker
This family has a tradition of turning their home into a destination. The Browne Family Holiday Light Show is a full light show synchronized with music taking place throughout the Christmas season. While the show is free, it is an official drop-off point for Toys For Tots; visitors are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate. The show runs from dark to 9 pm Sundays through Thursdays, and dark to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, at 2701 Dublin Park Dr. (in Dublin Park Estates), Parker. Runs through January 4.

Kody's Stunning Light Show, The Colony, through January 1
A festive light show synchronized to 30 minutes of holiday music. The experience includes a new candy cane display offering free candy canes, plus a post box for letters to Santa. The show runs nightly, 6-10 pm. Find it at 5618 Foster St., The Colony.

Wood Family Christmas Light Show, Mansfield, through December 31
A family home plays a 30-minute light show coordinated to music featuring traditional and pop holiday music; this year's playlist includes "Magic" by Lindsey Stirling and David Archuleta; "Believer" by Imagine Dragons; "Stretchy Pants" by Carrie Underwood; "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars, and more. Tune in to 88.9 FM in the car to follow along. The show runs nightly, 6-10:30 pm. Find the home at 2201 Hodges Place, Mansfield. Follow their Facebook page for updates.

More recommended homes:

1068 James Ct., Allen. Light show featuring beams and an animatronic snowman. 6-10 pm nightly.
1006 Twin Creeks Dr., Allen. Light show synched to music. 6-10 pm nightly until Christmas.
8132 Lost Maple Dr., North Richland Hills. Synchronized lights show that runs 5:45-10 pm daily.
5500 Montclair Dr., Colleyville. Famous "red tree" that can be seen from down the street.
3612 Woodcrest Dr., Colleyville. Yard has lit-up trees and characters.
7112 Four Sixes Ranch Rd., North Richland Hills. Thousands of lights, decor, and a mailbox for letters to Santa; runs 5 pm-1 am. nightly.
7312 Bursey, North Richland Hills. "Christmas on Bursey" includes a jukebox to pick songs and letters to Santa. Runs 5-10 pm Sunday-Thursday, 5-11 Friday-Saturday.
2712 Creekwood Dr., Grapevine. Lights show synched to music.
Fallbrook Court at Bridge Street, Colleyville. Coordinated neighborhood display with lights and characters.
9945 CR 1006, Godley. "The Griswolds of Godley" run a synchronized music-and-lights show 6 pm-midnight Sunday-Thursday, 6 pm-1 am Friday-Saturday.
1800 Creek Bend Dr., Corinth. 45-minute lights show synched to music. 5:10-11:30 pm nightly.
2817 Sun Meadow Dr., Flower Mound. Walk-through lights attraction.
6301 Tuckers Place, Rowlett. Over-the-top display that includes light beams.

Ticketed events on family properties

Miracle on 134th Street, Celina, November 26-December 27
A Celina family has turned their expansive property into a holiday amusement park, complete with over 1 million lights illuminating walking trails, a train, carousel ride, Santa's workshop, Mrs. Claus’ bakery, petting zoo, and much more. Earlybird tickets start at $22.99 for adults; $17.99 for kids 3-12, with season passes available and free on-site parking. It runs 5:30-9 pm nightly. Find it at 10455 County Road 133, Celina, 75009. Follow the Facebook page for updates on special photo ops and more.

Frostival at Howell Family Farms, Arlington, November 29-December 28
For more than two decades, the Howell family has opened the gates of their farm to share the joy of Christmas with the community. Step into a glowing twinkling light trail, "fire & ice" show, festive music, Santa and his reindeer, a 200-foot holiday slide, hot cocoa, crafts, and photo opps galore. The attraction is open nightly, 5:30-8 pm. Tickets run $19-$24 for guests age 12 and up; $14-$16 for kids age 4-11; and a VIP experience for $30-$40. Find Howell Family Farms at 4016 W Division St., Arlington.

Reliable neighborhoods with pretty lights

The Park Cities
The stately homes in the Park Cities neighborhoods of Dallas dress up with beautiful light displays; pick just about any street where you see houses lit top to bottom in twinkling lights, and there are bound to be a dozen more. Don’t miss Highland Park Village and its 1.5 million lights, and be sure to drive down SMU’s Bishop Boulevard, toward the fountain and back.

Kessler Park
Historic Kessler Park features twinkling holiday lights on grand old homes and majestic trees against a backdrop of the Dallas skyline. The holiday decorations are coordinated on various traffic islands in the neighborhood each year. From downtown Dallas, go west on Interstate 30. Take the Sylvan exit, turn south on Sylvan, drive about a half a mile, and turn west on Colorado.

Elderoaks Lights, Oak Cliff
A Dallas tradition more than three decades strong, Elderoaks sees 96 percent of its homes participate in an impressive display. Located along three streets just south of the old Oak Cliff Country Club (Elderoaks Lane, Elderleaf Drive, and Elderoaks Place), the neighborhood scenes celebrate Christmas with homemade decorations that span medieval times to present day. Don't miss the streaming show of Christmas carols. There's no fee to watch, and lights go on at dusk each night.

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Know of another spectacular lights display in DFW? Email stephanie@culturemap.com. Please include a website or link to social media page with your recommendation.

christmas lights neighborhoods christmas lights dallas holiday holiday attractions holiday decorating christmas lights