Tis the season for Dallas-Fort Worth to light up, merry and bright, for the 2022 holidays — from towering trees that twinkle and shine to dazzling drive-thru displays and immersive walk-thru experiences.
Here's our 2022 guide to the biggest, brightest, most spectacular Christmas light displays in the area, listed by start date. Bookmark and check back often because it'll grow and grow as more places deck their halls in coming weeks.
Make plans now to pour the hot chocolate, load up the car, turn on the holiday tunes, and enjoy these illuminated wonderlands.
Immersive experiences and choreographed shows
Holiday at the Arboretum, November 10-December 31
One of the centerpieces of the Dallas Arboretum's magical holiday wonderland is the Dazzling Musical Tree, a 50-foot-tall tree animated with more than 42,000 lights and merry tunes, presented on the hour and every half hour of the day and evening. Guests can also visit the twinkling European-style Christmas Village and its 23-foot Marilyn and Ben Weber Family Christmas Pyramid, decorated with lighting and character movement on every level. Of course the beloved "12 Days of Christmas" Gazebos return, too. There are artistry displays, yuletide treats, shows - and special evening hours. Tickets, $10-$25, are here.
Christmas at Gaylord Texan, November 11-January 1
Part of the Gaylord's Texas-sized Christmas extravaganza, the signature ICE! Experience is back for 2022 with 2 million pounds of ice carbed into The Polar Express-themed sculptures. Other Gaylord holiday highlights include a sparkling array of larger- than-life holiday décor and state-of-the-art light element, snow tubing, gingerbread decorating, holiday shows, and more. For a complete rundown of events, scheduling, tickets, and more, visit the website.
Dallas Zoo Lights, Dallas Zoo, November 17-January 1
Dallas Zoo returns as a walk-thru event this year. Highlights include more than 1 million lights across most of the zoo; new larger-than-life animal lanterns, elaborate displays, and lighted photo opps; visits to Santa’s Workshop; concessions; musical performances, and more. Tickets run $14-$17, with discounts for zoo members; more information and tickets here.
Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza at The Star, Frisco, November 18-December 17
The Cowboys' sixth annual Christmas at The Star includes Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza powered by Reliant, a must-see 20-minute show that electrifies The Star with light shows synchronized to music and pyrotechnics, and much more, on Tostitos Championship Plaza. Kicking off with the lighting of The Star’s 67-foot Christmas tree by a Dallas Cowboys alumni, Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza then leads into a holiday performance showcasing the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and more. Admission is free. For more information, visit the website.
Lightscape, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, November 18-January 8
Making its North Texas debut, Lightscape illuminates the Fort Worth Botanic Garden with a one-mile-long path with suspended strands and tunnels of light, a fire garden, undulating wave of bluebonnets, singing trees, treetop sculptures, and and artistic installations. Read more about what to expect here. Timed tickets, $18-$28 (along with $20 on-site parking passes), are available here.
North Pole Texas at Hilton Anatole, November 18-December 24
The Dallas hotel is transformed into a light-filled winter wonderland. A guided 90-minute interactive event starts with a Peppermint Park train ride through the light display in the Anatole Sculpture Park. The train will deliver guests to the North Pole Texas welcome station for their elf check-in. Children of all ages can participate in holiday activities, including writing letters to Santa at the North Pole Mailroom, decorating cookies in Mrs. Claus’s kitchen, attending Elf Academy, watching holiday shows, and more. $36-$43 for non-hotel guests, $25-$30 for hotel guests; more information and tickets here.
Six Flags Holiday in the Park, Arlington, November 19-January 1
Six Flags Over Texas will transform once again into a winter wonderland featuring more than 2 million twinkling lights, all-new shows, Santa’s Village, the Holly Jolly parade, a new light show area, concessions, and much more. For ticket pricing and schedule, visit the event website.
Enchant Christmas, Fair Park, November 25-January 1
Returning this year to Fair Park, Enchant will present the new interactive light-maze adventure “The Mischievous Elf.” The 2022 edition - touted as the world's largest holiday-themed lights event - will feature an immersive walk-thru light maze created from over 4 million sparkling lights, a 100-foot-tall Christmas tree, an ice-skating trail, live entertainment, Santa visits, and a Hallmark Channel-branded “Hallmark Cozy Christmas” lounge with festive beverages and more. For tickets ($20-$34), schedule, and more information, visit https://enchantchristmas.com/.
Daystar Christmas, Daystar Television Network, Bedford, November 25-January 2
Daystar Christmas features over 2 million lights in interactive displays, a life-sized Nativity, kid-friendly Christmas town, an all-new Christmas light maze, and more. Guests are welcome to get out, explore, take photos with Santa, and eat — Daystar’s Scratch Café will be serving holiday treats on certain days throughout the season. The whole event is free and runs 6-11 pm nightly; for schedule and more information, visit the website.
Lights on the Farm at Heritage Farmstead Museum, Plano, November 25-December 30
Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano will be bedazzled with more than one million twinkling holiday lights and filled with animated yuletide displays as part of the venue’s 2022 Lights on the Farm holiday event. Visitors can walk a quarter-mile trail through the historic property showcasing holiday light creations and animated displays. There will also be a 20-foot Christmas tree, refreshments, and a chance for the youngest guests to visit with Santa. Tickets are $7-$15 and more information is here.
Lights on The Lake, Little Elm, November 25-December 27
Along with a walk-thru lights experience, Lights on The Lake (at Little Elm Park) will highlight pictures with Santa, a hot air balloon glow, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and an ice skating rink. The 24-nights-of-lights event will also have food trucks, vendors, and many spots perfect for holiday pictures. The event runs Thursday-Sunday, 6-10 pm from November 25-December 27. Tickets ($16-$26) and information are here.
Drive-thru displays
The Light Park, Arlington, November 7-January 1
The Light Park is a mile-long, drive-thru spectacular in the parking lot of Hurricane Harbor waterpark. Guests will witness millions of lights synchronized to a mix of music by DJ Polar Ice. Priced per vehicle starting at $29, the drive-thru light display takes visitors through the longest light tunnel in the world, they say, while rocking out to the coolest tunes that help celebrate the holiday season. More information is https://www.thelightpark.com/arlington.
Santa’s Country Christmas, Seagoville, November 11-January 1
Now in its fifth year, Santa's Country Christmas drive-thru lights experience is located on Hwy. 175 in Seagoville, 20 minutes from downtown Dallas. The two-mile drive-thru park includes lights, animals, and music. There's a walk-thru Christmas village and photos with Santa (starting on Thanksgiving). Admission is $30 per vehicle, no matter the size, purchased at the door. Open 6-10 pm. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Sugar Lane Lights, Haslet, November 18-December 31
The experts behind Fort Worth's popular Tell Family Lights are introducing a sweet new drive-thru lights experience in Haslet, featuring 1,200 props, including a 50-foot tall Christmas tree decorated with 90,000 lights, a 25-foot tall gingerbread house, and a 16-foot tall snowflake. Guests can also purchase battery-charged LED bracelets that are synced to the show’s music. Opening nightly starting either November 11 or 17, 5:30-10 pm on weekdays and 5:30-11 pm on weekends. Prices for the show vary from $30 to $55 per car depending on entry time, and tickets can be purchased online.
Prairie Lights, Grand Prairie, November 24-December 31
At Prairie Lights at Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie, visitors will be dazzled with 4 million lights set along two miles of path. Hundreds of displays in shapes of all kinds line and arch over the roads. This year's event will feature brand new displays and concessions in the Holiday Village. At the halfway point, guests can exit their vehicle to enjoy photos with Santa, a magical walk-thru forest, and more. The second half of the drive ends with an always popular light tunnel. $50-$200 per vehicle, more information and tickets here.
Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, November 24-January 1
Texas Motor Speedway will once again open its gates to the public for the annual Gift of Lights drive-thru holiday lighting spectacular around the track. The lights experience will include over two miles of light displays, with almost 3 million lights, while visitors get to stay in their warm cars. Note that there is no Santa’s Village this year, and no radio synchronization; guests are encouraged to tune in to their favorite holiday music. Tickets start at $35, depending on size of vehicle and may be purchased online or at the gate. Check the website for information and tickets.
Christmastime In Texas, Joshua, November 24-December 31
This two-year-old drive-thru Christmas light park is filled with hundreds of displays spread out across a winding road a mile-and-a-half long. A large section of the park is devoted to lights timed to favorite Christmas tunes. A tent event includes Santa, vendors, concessions, and more. Open nightly, 6-10 pm. The park's address is 5801 County Road 904 Z, Joshua (near County Road 904 & Chisholm Trail Parkway). Admission starts at $35 per vehicle. For more information, visit the website.
Commercial displays and special events
The Modern Lights, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, November 1-February 5
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth kicked off the holiday season earlier than just about anyone in town by illuminating their trees with festive lights. Passersby can experience a stunning display, and guests can also visit the museum galleries for free until 8 pm on Fridays. A special First Friday at the Modern event takes place every first Friday of the month.
Christmas in the Square, Frisco, November 18-January 3
Christmas in the Square, one of the largest free choreographed lights and music displays in North Texas, features nightly shows of more than 175,000 lights beginning at 6 pm. Visitors may tune in to 107.3 FM on the radio or listen to the music piped through speakers as they walk through the square. The event also features Park Place Lexus Plano Skate the Square, an outdoor ice-skating rink, as well as a Christmas tree lot. It's one of many festive events happening in Frisco, including Radiance! & Frozen in Frisco, a walk-thru lights experience, tubing hill, and more at Riders Field, November 18-December 31.
Parade of Lights, downtown Fort Worth, November 20
The 40th annual GM Financial Parade of Lights, with the theme of “Lights, Camera… Christmas," will will bring more than 100 illuminated floats, thousands of sparkling lights, festive performers, holiday decor, and live music - along with Santa and Mrs. Claus - to downtown Fort Worth. The parade kicks off at 6 pm with former veteran, politician, and humanitarian John Sharp as grand marshal. Arrive early for the best viewing spots along the 1.59-mile route. The Fort Worth Christmas Tree in Sundance Square Plaza will be lit at 5 pm and will stay up through the holidays. More information is here.
Lights at Legacy, The Shops at Legacy North, Plano, November 20
The shopping center's official “Lights at Legacy” event and Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place from 4 - 7 pm, with the countdown to the tree lighting beginning at 6:30 pm. Prior to the event, a "Lights at Legacy Pre-Party" will take place from 1-4 pm. The free outdoor holiday celebration (at 7401 Lone Star Dr.) will feature photos with Santa Claus ($10), a 10-foot frozen ice slide ($10), a snow party with real snow, kids’ craft stations and games, holiday music, rides on the Marriott Christmas Train, and food and beverage specials from on-site restaurants. The event is also an official Toys for Tots donation location.
Historic Main Street Carol of Lights, Grapevine, November 21
Grapevine's historic downtown area will be shining bright with thousands of lights and 1,400 holiday events over 40 days — no wonder they call Grapevine the Christmas Capital of Texas. It all kicks off with the 34th annual Carol of Lights and street lighting on November 21. Then comes the Parade of Lights on December 1. For a self-guided lights tour, start at Grapevine City Hall, 200 S Main St., Grapevine, park, and go from there. And don't miss the all-new Peace Plaza Ice Rink, opening November 18. Consult a complete schedule on the website.
Vitruvian Lights, November 25-January 1
Addison's Vitruvian Park transforms into one of North Texas' most spectacular holiday destinations during Vitruvian Lights, an annual celebration in which 1.5 million sparkling LED lights are wrapped around 555 trees to create a blazing wonderland. A special 10th-anniversary kickoff event, with the Jordan Kahn Orchestra, will take place 6-10 pm November 25. Then the lights will remain on every evening through New Year's Day, 5-11 pm, and it's free to view.
Galleria Dallas Grand Tree Lightings, November 25-26
The 95-foot Galleria Christmas tree will be standing tall in the ice rink by November 10, but it comes to life in all its dazzling glory the day after Thanksgiving. At 12 pm November 25 and 6 pm November 26, international figure staking stars and a backflipping Santa will help illuminate the tree in special free events. Then, through January 1, shoppers watch Illumination Celebrations, when the 450,000 LED lights on the tree “dance” in time to specially orchestrated music. The entire shopping center is bedecked with Christmas trees and palm trees adorned with thousands of lights, inside and out. New this year, 35-white flocked trees will form an Alley Forest people can use as a backdrop when it "snows" daily. More information is here.
Eagle Mountain Lake Christmas Boat Parade of Lights, Fort Worth, November 26
The annual parade of boats decorated with holiday lights will begin at Lakeview Marina with a fireworks display. The lake is open to boaters for viewing (at a safe distance from the parade route), and Twin Points Park is open and is free of charge. Boaters and observers are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. The whole event takes place 8-11 pm. More information, viewing spots, and boat registration is available on the website.
Fort Worth Stockyards, November 25-February 5
The Fort Worth Stockyards moseys in with a whole host of holiday events. Hotel Drover and Mule Alley will light up with holiday spirit, beginning with a special tree lighting celebration at 6 pm November 25. The event includes Christmas carolers, boozy hot cocoa bar, and Santa (arriving on a stagecoach). The annual Christmas in the Stockyards Celebration will take place December 3. New for the season: Stockyards Rodeo Rink, a professional ice skating rink, open to the public November 25-February 5.
SMU Celebration of Lights, Dallas, November 28
This beloved campus event, taking place 7-10 pm on the Dallas Hall Lawn, includes food, live reindeer, musical performances by SMU students, and even the reading of the Christmas story by SMU president R. Gerald Turner from his family Bible. The highlight of the evening, of course, is the lighting of the Christmas tree and other holiday lights that fill the campus.
TCU Tree Lighting, Fort Worth, November 29
The lighting of TCU’s 40-foot tall Christmas tree will take place 6:30-8:30 pm in the TCU Commons. The evening will include refreshments, SuperFrog Santa, fireworks, and a special concert from Drew and Ellie Holcomb. For a map, parking information, and more, visit the website.
Singing Trees, Burnett Park, downtown Fort Worth
Back for a second year, "Singing Trees" interactive light show illuminates the trees of Burnett Park on the edge of downtown. The trees will light up and change colors as they react to the sound of instruments; watch a preview here. The family-friendly light installation is free and open to the public in Burnett Park (West 7th and Lamar Streets), 3-10 pm daily. See them in action at a Cliburn in the Community concert featuring piano duo Sara Doan and Mikhail Berestnev, 6-8 pm December 12.
Dallas by Chocolate's Christmas Lights, Chocolate & Sips Tours, December 2-30
During Dallas by Chocolate's Christmas Lights, Chocolate & Sips Tours, guests can view holiday lights in sweet style on a private heated motorcoach. Participants taste treats from local dessert venues, then glide past some of Dallas' most spectacular holiday displays in the Park Cities and downtown Dallas or Frisco/Addison, sipping hot beverages while listening to holiday music. Tickets ($49-$63) and information here.
Klyde Warren Park Tree Lighting Celebration, December 3
Klyde Warren Park's Tree Lighting Celebration is a festive day of activities and entertainment, such as photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, face painting, games, and crafts for children. The day will culminate with a performance of The Nutcracker by the award-winning dancers at The Dallas Conservatory and — the highlight of the event — the lighting of The Mayor's Tree with Dallas mayor Eric Johnson. The free event takes place 3-6 pm.
Reliant Lights Your Holidays, Dallas Arts District, December 3
Reliant Lights Your Holidays 2022 will feature the illumination of hundreds of thousands of dazzling LED lights in the Arts District (which will stay on through the holiday season), plus live performances by Selena tribute band Bidi Bidi Banda, and Vinyl Countdown: A Tribute To Arena Rock. There will also be a Christmas-themed drone show, a wintery snow playground, kids craft area, photos with Santa, and miniature golf on the Reliant Putting Green. The free event starts at 5:30 pm at Sammons Park.
Highland Park Village Christmas Lights Celebration, December 7
The gorgeous homes and businesses in the Park Cities neighborhoods of Dallas shine with beautiful light displays, none more stunning than Highland Park Village. Sip, shop and stroll under the Village’s 1.5 million Christmas lights while enjoying store promotions, discounts, gifts with purchase, festive treats, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Community Partners of Dallas Toy Drive. The free "shop and stroll" event is 4-7 pm, but the lights will stay on through the season.
Holidays at the Heard, McKinney, December 9-10
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary presents Holidays at the Heard, at which holiday lights and décor accentuate a half-mile Heard nature trail. In keeping with the Heard’s role as a nature preserve, this light display is designed to enhance, rather than overpower, the sanctuary’s natural beauty. Live, festive music will be presented in the Heard outdoor amphitheater. Admission is $8-$11; free for children 2 and under.
Candlelight at Old City Park, Dallas, December 10-11
Old City Park will present its 50th Annual Candlelight, touted as the longest running holiday event in Texas. More than 13 acres of buildings will be decorated, and the walkways are candlelit in the evenings to create the perfect holiday setting. The event also includes strolling carolers, craft vendors, food trucks, and crafts for kids. Tickets are $10-$15, free for children 4 and under. A special 21-and-up "Cocktails by Candlelight" event kicks things off December 9; information here.
Arlington Holiday Lights Parade, downtown Arlington, December 10
Gather in the downtown/university district to watch brightly lit floats parade down the street, then stay for the official Christmas tree lighting. Don't miss pics with Santa both before the parade and after the tree lighting. The free, family-friendly event starts with entertainment at 3 pm, and the parade begins at 6 pm. Find the route and more information are here.
Christmas at Campo Verde Mexican Restaurant, Arlington, ongoing through January 2023
It's rare for a restaurant to make a "best Christmas lights" list, but this spectacle deserves a listing. Come for the Tex-Mex food (don't miss the new white queso dip), stay for the 120,000 lights, 3,000 yards of colorful garland, 50 Santa Clause figures, 30 Christmas trees, and two model trains that chug around the restaurant. Just be prepared for a wait of two hours or more at peak times. Find it at 2918 W Pioneer Pkwy., Arlington.
Residential homes and neighborhoods
(For a longer list of specific homes and neighborhoods, click here.)
Santa House, Grapevine, November 24-December 29
The Murillo family has filled their front yard in Grapevine with more than 1,000 lighted Santa decorations as a beacon of awareness for local nonprofit Grace Grapevine's Christmas Cottage program. The Grapevine Santa House is a "Where's Waldo?" maze of Santa statues, which visitors can walk among and snap photos with for free, then make an optional donation to Grace online. The lights go on every night from dusk-to-10:30 pm, Sundays through Thursdays, and dusk-to-11 pm, Saturdays and Sundays. The home is on a cul-de-sac in the Western Oaks neighborhood, and visitors can park along the street. The exact location is 3373 Spruce Lane, Grapevine. Follow the Grapevine Santa House Facebook page for updates.
The Browne Family Holiday Light Show, Parker, November 25-January 5
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.
Glenbrook Christmas, Bedford, November 27-December 31
The Bedford neighborhood will once again light up to tell the story of “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. The displays will be on nightly 6-10 pm. Follow the Facebook page for updates.
Diamond Loch, North Richland Hills, November 28-December 25
This North Richland Hills neighborhood has dressed up for the holidays for decades. Drive through the cul-de-sac slowly to check out adjacent houses that join forces to present a massive computerized show. The rest of the street decorates nicely to make an enchanted "Whoville" Christmas experience. They grow the show every year, and The Grinch himself may actually pop in occasionally; follow their Facebook page (and search #nrhgrinchlights) to keep up. It's open daily, 5:30-10 pm Monday-Thursday and 5:30-11 pm weekends. To find it, navigate to the address 6217 Windsor Ct., NRH, 76180.
Black Family Lights, Keller, November 29-December 31
A computer-controlled Christmas light show syncs to music. The family uses about 45,000 channels of control to make over 1 million possible colors. This year they're playing their favorite songs from shows over the past five years, with a fresh update. The show lasts about 20 minutes and plays on a continuous loop. Showtimes are 6-10 pm nightly. Find it in the Heritage subdivision, at 8944 Manana St. Keller, 76244.
Deerfield neighborhood, Plano, December 1-30
The Deerfield neighborhood of northwest Plano hosts a top-rated winter wonderland you can walk or drive through. You can even book carriage rides in advance to see dancing Santas, millions of twinkling lights, and larger-than-life displays. Deerfield subdivision 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 through December 30.
Burkman Holiday Home of Frisco, December 2-26
A year after their appearance on ABC’s The Great Christmas Family Light Fight, the most famous "Christmas light family" in DFW will be lighting up its over-the-top display of 70,000 LED lights that typically includes a 400-piece train village, gingerbread house, and many selfie stations. They encourage people to get out of their car, walk around, and take photos. They're also collecting donations for The LiyanaStrong Foundation. Parking can be tight, so be prepared to park and walk a block or two. The home is at 3809 Hazelhurst Dr., Frisco, on the Frisco/Little Elm border. Follow their Facebook page for updates.
Wisdom Way Lights, Haltom City, through January 1
The Gonzalez family's 15,000-pixel, choreographed light show features two different presentations: Sonic the Hedgehog and Sing, featuring highlights from Sing 1 and Sing 2. Visitors can view both shows from from their cars and listen on radio channel 89.7 FM. Wisdom Way Lights runs nightly from 6-11:30 pm. Find it at 4521 Wisdom Way, Haltom City, and follow Wisdom Way Lights on Facebook and YouTube for updates.
Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place, Fort Worth, December 3-4
The gorgeous historic homes in this grand Fort Worth neighborhood get illuminated in spectacular fashion, as do the long walks that lead up to them. The beloved Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place home tour is the best way to see five of the stately homes dressed for the holidays. The event takes place 12-9 pm December 3 and 12-5 pm December 4. Tickets are $25 before November 25, then $30 until the days of the tour; information and tickets are here.
Fairmount Festivus, Fort Worth, December 10
You can pick any night to drive around Fairmount and see historic bungalows lit festively for the season. But the best night of all is Festivus, the annual celebration and holiday lights tour. It takes place 6-9 pm Saturday, December 10. Maps of participating homes will be handed out on arrival. Donations of $10 or a toy for One Safe Place are being requested. Watch the historic district's Facebook page for more information as plans develop.
Interlochen Lights, Arlington, December 16-25
The Interlochen neighborhood will present Interlochen Lights for just one week and weekend during the holiday season. Known as the best neighborhood light show in Texas, the event allows guests to drive through the neighborhood and pick out favorite displays while they tune into holiday music on radio stations 102.1 FM or 98.7 FM. This is one of the busiest spots in Dallas-Fort Worth during the holiday season, and it's free. The route will be the same as previous years; find the map here. Watch for updates on their website and Facebook page.
Regents Park Luminary Event, McKinney, December 17-18
This Stonebridge Ranch neighborhood takes advantage of its layout to host a magical event every year. Residents hand fold over 2,500 paper bags each year and line the streets and central park area with luminaries for families to enjoy. Grab a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider and drive or walk through streets lined with traditional luminaries and enjoy the Christmas lights that adorn these Craftsman-style homes. Rumor has it that a certain special guest in his red suit even loves this event so much that he makes a special trip just to enjoy it himself. Say hello as he passes out candy canes at the exit for your little ones. For updates, follow the Facebook page (highly recommended as this is a weather dependent event).
Electric Lizzyland, Old East Dallas, December 18-25
Liz Simmons has brought the Lakewood-area favorite back for 2022. Fans look forward to seeing her creative and eclectic displays, from a front lawn is aglow with tens of thousands of lights, to vignettes that can include Santa and his reindeer, an Abominable Snowman, a glittery mural adorning the house, and much more. Walk through the spectacle from about 6-8:30 pm (weather permitting) for one week only. Find it at 714 Newell Ave., Dallas, 75223. Follow their Facebook page for updates.
Former Penson House, Highland Park
Per Candy's Dirt, the new homeowners at 3756 Armstrong Ave. commissioned a landscaping lights firm to install a display that's become the buzz of the Park Cities this year. A full 3,500 strings of lights (170,000 total) are installed on about 130 trees and shrubs, illuminating the property in "Technicolor forest" of blue, orange, purple, and multicolor hues. It's being called an homage to the historic house that was designed on the property for Nancy and John G. “Jack” Penson in 1954. Find it shining bright each night at 3756 Armstrong Ave., Dallas.
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, a 13-foot Megatree, Singing Faces, snowflakes, yard decorations, and synchronization to music, on 92.9 FM. New this year is a second megatree with a 2,400-light skirt, a waving, singing snowman, and more. The show runs 6-10 pm nightly, at 4310 Oak Bluff Ln., (in the Woodbridge subdivision) Sachse, 75048. Follow their Facebook page for updates.
Marlowe Home, Plano
According to WFAA, the Marlowe family, who put up an award-winning display for more than 25 years in Lewisville, has moved to Plano and brought the lights with them. Some 75,000 Christmas lights - spanning trees and figures like elves and gingerbread people - are synched to music that visitors can hear on 89.9FM in their cars. The show runs nightly, 6-11 pm. Find the house at 1000 Clinton Dr., Plano.
‘Stay in the Light’ display at Hughes Home, Rockwall
Homeowners Brenda and David Hughes reportedly have strung 60,000 lights outside their home in a festive display. They call it "Stay in the Light" in memory of their son, Nathanielle, who suffered from depression and passed away in 2019 at the age of 29. The couple is accepting donations of new blankets and non-skid socks, as well as monetary contributions, for Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County via a donation box in front of their home, 1655 Plummer Dr., Rockwall, in The Shores neighborhood.
'Movie House,' Allen
This family home north of Dallas has a fun theme: favorite holiday movies. Thousands of lights and props are set to a choreographed show, complete with music and movie quotes from classic characters like Clark, Buddy, Ralphie and more. About 30 films are represented. You'll find it at 1600 Wagon Wheel Dr., Allen. The show runs nightly.
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 Park Cities
The gorgeous homes in the Park Cities neighborhoods of Dallas shine with beautiful light displays, many of which are professionally installed; 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. Be sure to check out Highland Park Village and its 1.5 million lights while you're in the area, and don't pass by SMU without driving down the campus' main drag, Bishop Boulevard, toward the fountain and back.
Kessler Park
Historic Kessler Park goes all out, with lots of holiday lights on homes and 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. You can't miss some of the most majestic oak trees in Dallas, shining bright for the holidays.
Elderoaks Lights, Oak Cliff
A Dallas tradition over 30 years strong, Elderoaks sees 96 percent of the homes in the neighborhood participate in a dazzling 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.
Mark Ridlen (right) with close friend Reid RobiinsonFacebook