Looking for something fun to do this holiday season? Just head to downtown Dallas, where there's a list longer than Santa's of fun and family-friendly events through the end of the year.
The yearly pop-up shop Unbranded kicks everything off, giving independent makers and retailers a space to sell their wares and for you to discover the next perfect gift. A rotating list of designers, artists, and entrepreneurs are housed in the Dallas Power & Light Building at 1508 Commerce St. from noon to 9 pm, Thursday through Saturday from December 5-21.
On December 6, Deck the Plaza takes over Dallas City Hall with a tree lighting worthy of Big D from 5:30-8 pm. The city's largest one-day outdoor event happens the next day, with the Dallas Holiday Parade marching through Commerce, Harwood, and Young streets beginning at 10 am.
The Latino Cultural Center's inaugural Tamal Festival is set for noon to 3 pm that afternoon, with a variety of tasty vendors alongside a discussion on the history of tamales, a husk doll activity, and El Pueblo de Maiz performed by storyteller Blanca Reyna with an interactive dance lesson.
From 2-6 pm that same day, Klyde Warren Park is hosting its Holiday Show and Tree Lighting, complete with crafts, face painting, photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, and even some snow flurries.
Starting at 5:30 pm on December 7, Sammons Park at the AT&T Performing Arts Center plays host to Reliant Light Your Holidays, a dazzling LED display and free festival that includes a gigantic fireworks show and holiday concert featuring WAR, Mariachi Rosas Divinas, and Santa himself.
Fast forward a week, and it's suddenly time for the Cowboy Santa Crawl. Grab your boots and Stetson and spend December 14 hopping from saloon to saloon (or patio, rooftop, basement bar, whatever), ending up at Unbranded for a free sip and shop.
Candlelight at Dallas Heritage Village sets the historic site aglow with traditional decor while strolling carolers, holiday craft stations, and visits from St. Nicholas round out the event (which runs from 3-9 pm December 14-15).
You get two chances to catch the Downtown Holiday Market at Main Street Garden: December 20 from 3-10 pm and December 21 from 11 am-8 pm.
Looking for more stocking stuffers? You can get your fill at the second annual Downtown Stocking Stroll. Bring your own holiday stocking to Unbranded starting at 3:30 pm and leave with a map showing the participating downtown Dallas stores that will be handing out fun stocking stuffers and treats for adults, kids, and pets. There will also be a Christmas train, pictures with Santa, and lots of other activities.
Close out 2019 by having a ball at City Hall with the New Year's Eve Party on the Plaza. On December 31 from 7pm-12:30 am, join hosts Ron Corning and Yolonda Williams for a free party with food trucks, drinks, and live entertainment from American Idol's Castro and the Emerald City Elevation Band, all counting down to the most unique and unforgettable fireworks show in Texas from Reunion Tower.
For a full list of downtown Dallas' holiday events, check out this page.
You'll find all kinds of light displays in downtown Dallas.
