No place sparkles and shines for the holidays like Dallas. Christmas lights are being switched on earlier than ever in 2025, creating a merry and bright Metroplex that'll surely get us on Santa's nice list.

Here is CultureMap's annual gift to readers - our Ultimate Guide to the biggest, best, and brightest Christmas lights of the season.

They're presented by start date and categorized by attraction type - drive-thrus, walk-thru/immersives, neighborhoods, homes, commercial displays, special events, tree and menorah lightings, and light tours.

Note: This guide focuses on attractions and events centered around holiday lights. For more yuletide happenings and seasonal fun around Dallas, check out our event calendar. For the best lights around Fort Worth, go here. For even more Dallas-area homes and neighborhoods with spectacular lights, check out this story.

Bookmark this page and check back often - just like Santa's list, it'll grow as the season draws near.

Drive-thru displays

The Light Park: Little Elm, Frisco and Arlington, November 7-January 4
A mile-long, drive-thru spectacular that takes guests through millions of lights – including “the longest light tunnel in the world” - synchronized to a music mix by DJ Polar Ice. Three DFW locations: Little Elm Park (new), Riders Field in Frisco and Hurricane Harbor in Arlington. Hours: 5:30-10 pm (weekdays), and 5:30-11 (weekends). Admission per vehicle: starting at $29.99.

Prairie Lights, Grand Prairie, November 27-December 31
Visitors drive through a dazzling 4 million lights set along two miles of path at Lynn Creek Park. Hundreds of displays in shapes of all kinds line and arch over the roads. Highlights for 2025 include a state-of-the-art light tunnel, a reimagined walk-through forest, captivating animated light displays, carnival rides, holiday shopping, and photos with Santa. 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy., Grand Prairie (detailed directions here). Open nightly 6-10 pm. Admission: $50 per car, $149 “fast pass.”

Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, November 27-January 4
Texas Motor Speedway hosts its annual drive-thru holiday lighting spectacular around the track. The 45-minute experience includes over two miles of light displays, with almost 3 million lights and displays. 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth. Hours: 6-9 pm Sunday-Thursday, 6-10 pm Friday-Saturday. Tickets: $35-$60 per vehicle.

ChristmasTime in Texas, Joshua, November 27-December 27
The 35-acre Christmas light park is filled with hundreds of displays spread a mile-and-a-half. A tent event includes Santa, vendors, concessions, and more. 5801 County Road 904 Z, Joshua (near County Road 904 & Chisholm Trail Parkway). Open nightly, 6-10 pm. Admission: $35-$85 per vehicle.

The Colony Christmas Spectacular, December 6-January 4
The Colony Christmas Spectacular is a light show choreographed to music, which can be played on the radio 99.9FM in the car. The show plays 5:30-10:30 Sunday-Thursday and 5:30-10:50 Friday-Saturday. Located at the Central Fire Station, 4900 Blair Oaks Dr., The Colony. Free.

Interlochen Lights in Arlington is a must-see, but it happens fast - December 13-25 only. Photo courtesy of the City of Arlington

Neighborhood displays

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," Competing on ABC's 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.

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.

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.

'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.

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're stepping into the national spotlight when they compete 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.

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.

The Gift of Light, McKinney, through January 1
This wonderland in McKinney competed on The Great Christmas Light FightGreat 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 a Buc-ee's inflatable mascot. 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 5-11 pm through New Year's Day. Find it at 8624 Palermo Way, McKinney.

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 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 just about every available space around it, and Grinch inflatables decorate the front yard. 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.

Immersive and walk-through attractions

Astra Lumina, Trinity Forest Adventure Park, November 6-December 31
Astra Lumina, "an Enchanted Celestial Night Walk," returns to Dallas for a second year. The one-mile night walk transforms Trinity Forest Adventure Park into a journey of light, sound, and wonder. The outdoor adventure guides visitors across mysterious grounds, through nine thematic zones filled with dazzling light installations, 360-degree immersion, and scenography - all set to an original soundtrack. Entry times are 6-9 pm Thursday-Sunday. Tickets: $20-$36.

Tianyu Lights Festival, Texas Trust CU Theater in Grand Prairie, November 7-January 18
Immersive lantern and lights festival tells the story of Koda, a 7-year-old boy as he explores the magical rainforest of Caballococha, Peru. The experience includes 19 immersive scenes with larger-than-life lantern sculptures that depict vibrant plants and animals, crafted from metal, steel, fabric, and LED lights. There are also nightly performances by acrobats and folk performers. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 5:30-10 pm. Tickets: $16-$35.

Holiday at the Arboretum, November 12-January 4
In addition to the traditional "12 Days of Christmas" lit-up gazebos, the Arboretum for 2025 is introducing “Night Glow,” powered by AURORA. A unique after-dark experience illuminates that the gardens with radiant, artist-designed light installations “blending botanical beauty with luminous creativity.” The event also includes a European-style Christmas Village, “Merry Monochromatic” decor inside the DeGolyer House, a new 21+ Mistletoe Lounge, and more. Special holiday nighttime hours, 6-10 pm daily. Tickets: $15-$40.

Dallas Zoo Lights, November 14-January 4
The zoo's walk-through experience includes more than 2 million lights, illuminated lanterns, a special feature called "Destination: Dinosaurs," holiday-themed photo opps, chances to meet Santa, musical performances, treats, and new for this year - holiday igloos. Open 5:30-9 pm on select nights. Tickets start at $15 for members and $18 for non-members, with packages available.

Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas, Dallas Midtown, November 21-December 28
“Alpine Adventure”- themed immersive attraction will feature lights, sparkle, and Santa at Dallas Midtown — the former Valley View Mall. Includes 90,000 square feet of sculptures and immersive scenes lit up with thousands of twinkling lights, ice skating, a snow slide, falling snow, visits with Santa, caroling, seasonal treats, special themed nights, and more. Check the calendar for hours. Tickets: $21-$37; free for kids up to 3.

Christmas in the Square, Frisco, November 21-January 5
Christmas in the Square, one of the largest free choreographed lights and music displays in North Texas, features nightly shows of over 180,000 lights, 200 dancing snowflakes, and festive music nightly, 6-10 pm. Visitors may tune in to 107.3 FM in their cars or listen to the music piped through speakers as they stroll around the square. The event also features a light tunnel ($5) and Skate the Square ($25), an outdoor ice-skating rink. The light show is free to attend.

Christmas in the Garden, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, November 21-January 4
The new self-guided trail of light displays and holiday music at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a tweak of the previous, popular Lightscape attraction. While there's no longer an Instagrammy "Winter Cathedral," they'll bring back the popular dancing bluebonnet lights, Texas-inspired nutcrackers, and more; new installations will include a Candy Cane Tunnel and Christmas Tree Grove. The event also features food from Westland Hospitality. Entry times are 5:30-9 pm. Ticket prices vary by night, peaking at $32 for an adult and $22 for a child, down to $20 on off nights.

Vitruvian Lights, Addison, November 22-January 1
Addison’s Vitruvian Park transforms into a magical holiday wonderland, where visitors can walk through more than 1.2 million LED lights are wrapped around 468 trees. The event kicks off with a tree lighting and performance by Emerald City band Limelight on November 22. Another special event on November 29 features the Dallas String Quartet. Food trucks will be on site Saturdays December 6, 13 and 20. The lights are on nightly, 5-11 pm, at 3966 Vitruvian Way, Addison. Free.

Six Flags Holiday in the Park, Arlington, November 23-January 4
Six Flags Over Texas will transform once again into a festive land featuring more than 2 million twinkling lights, holiday shows, Santa’s Village, the Holly Jolly parade, a light show area, concessions, and much more. For ticket pricing and schedule, visit the event website.

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.

Daystar Christmas, Daystar Television Network, Bedford, November 27-January 4
Daystar Christmas features over 2 million lights in interactive displays, a life-sized Nativity, Christmas light maze, illuminated Christmas Town, 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 28-December 28
Heritage Farmstead Museum dazzles with nearly 2 million twinkling lights and animated yuletide displays. Visitors can walk a quarter-mile trail outdoors through the historic property showcasing holiday light creations. There's also a 20-foot Christmas tree, tasty treats, visits with Santa, and special theme nights including Princess Night, Frozen Night, Ugly Sweater Night, adults-only Wine Walk, and more. open 6-9:30 pm Thursday-Sunday. Tickets: $10-$18; children 2 and under are free.

Dallas Arboretum will add a sparkling new "Night Glow" experience to its popular "12 Days of Christmas" night-time attraction. Photo courtesy of Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

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.

Commercial displays

Gaylord Texan Resort, Grapevine, November 14-January 4
As part of its Lone Star Christmas celebration, the Gaylord Texan Resort’s entire grounds have transformed into a winter wonderland with 2 million holiday lights, 15,000 ornaments, a 54-foot- tall Christmas tree, 25-foot-tall toy soldiers, magical miniature train sets, and more. Holiday Atrium Light Shows, featuring thousands of glowing lights, are synchronized to festive music. In addition, the Gaylord is home to the ICE! attraction themed "Elf," plus ice tubing, ice skating, snowball building, gingerbread house decorating, the original Cirque-style show, Cirque: Frost, and more. For information on all the events, activities, special room packages, and more, visit www.ChristmasatGaylordTexan.com.

Galleria Dallas, November 28-January 5
The Galleria's 95-foot tree in the middle of the ice rink will twinkle with brilliant LED lights throughout the season. Per tradition, holiday festivities will really rev up on at 12 pm Black Friday (November 28) with the Grand Tree Lighting Celebration on the ice rink, featuring Olympic figure skaters and a fireworks finale starring Missile Toes, the famed ice-skating Santa. (The celebration will repeat at 12 pm November 29 and December 6.) The shopping center's immersive Santaland and SnowDay experiences will run November 14-December 24 and November 14-January 4, respectively. Visit galleriadallas.com for a complete listing of holiday events.

Historic Main Street, Grapevine, November 24-January 7
The Christmas Capital of Texas' historic downtown Main Street shines bright with thousands of lights and holiday events. It all kicks off with the 37th annual Carol of Lights on November 24 (see below). Then comes the Parade of Lights on December 4. There will also be free Merry & Bright Christmas Drone Shows (December 1 and 8). For a self-guided lights tour, start at Grapevine City Hall, 200 S Main St., Grapevine, park, and go from there. Consult a complete schedule of holiday events on the website.

Christmas at the Anatole, Hilton Anatole Dallas, November 28-January 4
The Hilton Anatole will bring back its annual Christmas at the Anatole celebration that transforms the hotel into a sparkling winter wonderland for both guests and visitors alike. This year, there's a new feature: an outdoor skating rink under twinkling lights, along with new Winter Glass Chalets. There's also a pop-up bar The Lodge, a seasonal lounge serving cocktails and gourmet bites, along with a kid-friendly hub of holiday cheer, and more.

Christmas at Campo Verde Mexican Restaurant, Arlington, through December 24
After more than 40 years of holiday magic, festive lights, and cherished community traditions, Campo Verde Mexican Bar & Grill will officially close its doors on Christmas Eve, December 24. Cherished for its 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, the restaurant closed in January 2025, but was revived in June by new owners. It's giving nostalgic patrons one last holiday season. Find it at 2918 W Pioneer Pkwy. Arlington.

Christmas at the Anatole introduces a holiday ice rink under the twinkling lights. Photo courtesy of Hilton Anatole

Special light parades, shows, and limited events

Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza at The Star, Frisco, November 21-December 20
Christmas at The Star includes Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza powered by Reliant, a 20-minute show that electrifies The Star with light shows synchronized to music and pyrotechnics every Friday and Saturday evening at 6 pm. 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. Admission is free. Find the schedule and more here.

Lights at Legacy, Plano, November 23
The Shops at Legacy East transforms Legacy Drive into a festive wonderland filled with sparkling lights, seasonal entertainment, and holiday cheer including train rides, photos with Santa, live entertainment, toy soldier stilt walkers, and balloon artists. Complimentary bites and sips from local restaurants will be served before the tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 pm. The event runs 4-7 pm. Free.

GM Financial Parade of Lights, downtown Fort Worth, November 23
More than 100 illuminated floats showing off a “Sparkle, Dazzle, Shine!” theme will parade down the 1.59-mile route through downtown Fort Worth. This year’s grand marshal is retired U.S. Navy SEAL and NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy, president/CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation. The parade begins at 6 pm. Free to attend, with reserved "Street Seats" available for purchase (starting at $15.75).

Carol of Lights, Grapevine, November 24
Grapevine - the “Christmas Capital of Texas” - will light up its Historic Downtown Main Street at the 37th annual Carol of Lights, 4-8:30 pm. The event will feature a Street Lighting at 5:30 pm, illuminating the entire length of Main Street into a magical holiday wonderland. The free come-and-go event will include live performances, interactive activity zones, seasonal treats, live reindeer, snow hills for sledding, and Santa’s entrance.

Grapevine lives up to its nickname as the "Christmas Capital of Texas." Photo courtesy of Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau

SMU Celebration of Lights, SMU campus, December 1
The beloved university event on the Dallas Hall Lawn includes food, live reindeer, musical performances by SMU students, a caricature artist, and the reading of the Christmas story from the Bible by new SMU president Jay Hartzell. The highlight of the evening is the lighting of the Christmas tree and other holiday lights that will dazzle on campus through the holiday season. The free event is open to the public, 7-10 pm.

Grapevine Parade of Lights, December 4
Grapevine's Parade of Lights, themed "Storybook Christmas," features more than 100 lighted floats and marching bands, plus Santa Claus. The parade route begins at S. Main St and Hanover St. and proceeds down historic Main Street. Free to watch, with paid reserved seating available.

Reliant Lights Your Holidays, Dallas Arts District, December 6
AT&T Performing Arts Center will present Reliant Lights Your Holidays, featuring festive holiday fun for all ages, a concert by Jackopierce, thousands of LED lights illuminating Sammons Park (which will stay on through the season), a Christmas-themed drone show, a wintery snow playground with real snow, a kids’ crafting area, free photos with Santa, free miniature golf on the Putting Green, food and beverage offerings, Santa hat giveaways, and more. The free event runs 5:30-8:30 pm at Sammons Park.

Grand Prairie Tree Lighting and Lighted Holiday Parade and Lighted Holiday Parade, December 6
Grand prairie kicks off the season with the official tree lighting, live Christmas carols, a dazzling drone show, holiday vendors, a festive parade, and free photos with Santa. Located in downtown Grand Prairie on 300 W. Main Street; 6pm-9pm. Free.

Holidays at the Heard, McKinney, December 12-14
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary presents holiday lights and décor that illuminate a half-mile Heard nature trail. Visitors can also get a glimpse of the "Dinosaurs Live!" exhibit along the 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. The event runs 6-9 pm. Tickets: $5-$17; Free for children 2 and under.

Arlington Holiday Lights Parade and Tree Lighting, downtown Arlington, December 13
Parade-watchers can gather in the downtown/university district to watch brightly lit floats parade down the street, then stay for the lighting of a spectacular 65-foot Christmas tree designed especially for Arlington. Don't miss pics with Santa both before the parade and after the tree lighting. The parade begins at 6 pm. Free.

Christmas tree lightings

Allen Premium Outlets, Allen: November 20, 5-7 pm. The evening includes magical musical performances, jolly activities, festive games, exciting meet and greets, photos with Santa, and delicious treats. Free and family-friendly.

Kaleidoscope Park, Frisco: November 21, 7 pm. Visitors can watch the park’s 45-foot Enchanted Christmas Tree come to life with more than 42,000 synchronized lights dancing to music. Part of a full day of activities that includes concerts and more.

The Star in Frisco: November 21, 6 pm. (See details, above)

Galleria Dallas: November 28, 12 pm. (See details, above)

Sundance Square, Fort Worth: December 2, 7 pm. Touted as "the tallest live Christmas Tree in Texas," the Fort Worth Community Christmas Tree in Sundance Square will be lit up in a special ceremony that is preceded by a holiday concert.

Dallas City Hall Plaza, December 5, 4:30-7:30 pm. The annual Deck the Plaza event includes fireworks, live entertainment, tree lighting, real snow slide, performances by local schools, interactive characters, toddler zone, food trucks, giveaways, and Santa Claus. Free and family-friendly. Tree lighting is at 6:45 pm, followed by fireworks at 7:15 pm. (It will also be streamed live here.)

Klyde Warren Park, Dallas: December 6, 4-7 pm. The annual yuletide event includes an afternoon of family-friendly activities, food trucks serving holiday inspired treats, concerts, and culminates with the lighting of "The Mayor’s Tree" in the heart of the park at 6 pm.

The Klyde Warren Park Christmas tree lighting is an annual tradition.Getty Images

Hanukkah Menorah lightings

Galleria Dallas: December 14, 5 pm. The Festival of Lights will be celebrated with a large-scale Menorah with remarks by Rabbi Andrew Paley from Temple Shalom and a performance by Temple Shalom’s Youth Choir. Lightings will take place nightly at sundown throughout Hanukkah.

CityLine Plaza, Richardson: December 16, 5-7 pm. Organized by Chabad of Richardson, the lighting of Richardson’s largest Menorah will include festive music, delicious treats, and family-friendly activities.

Kaleidoscope Park, Frisco: December 21, 3 pm. The celebration, with the Chabad of Frisco, will feature remarks from Rabbi Mendy Kesselman, traditional music, small bites, and hands-on crafts, leading up to the candle lighting of a 12-foot menorah on the park’s Performance Lawn.

Galleria Dallas will hold its annual Menorah Lighting festivities on December 15.Photo courtesy of Galleria Dallas

Holiday light tours

Dallas by Chocolate presents Christmas Lights, Chocolate & Sips Tours, December 1-30
Dallas by Chocolate will present their annual Christmas Lights, Chocolate & Sips Tours, a magical and sweet holiday tradition. Visitors can view holiday lights in sweet style on the private heated motorcoach and taste scrumptious treats from premier local dessert venues. The tour will showcase some of Dallas' most spectacular holiday displays. Tickets start at $35.

Big D Fun Tours Holiday Lights Trolley Ride, November 28-December 24
A one-hour tour ride on a heated trolley takes visitors through the dazzling, lit-up neighborhoods of Highland Park. Tours leave from Twin Sixties Drive/Mockingbird Station; several tours are offered nightly, beginning at 6 pm. Tickets are $25. An special adults-only tour for those 21-and-up lets riders BYO wine, beer, or holiday toddy.