Christmas is the most exciting time of year for children and adults alike! If you find yourself in Dallas during the holiday season, there are plenty of events and fun activities to provide some extra holiday cheer. From festive lights, amusing parades, and visiting with Santa Claus, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a unique experience or just want to spend quality time together, this blog will help you find the perfect places to get into the festive spirit. So grab your scarves, hats, and mittens, and join us as we explore what Dallas offers this holiday season!
Holiday at the Arboretum
8525 Garland Rd
Dallas, Texas 75218
This winter, join us in the magical Holiday Arboretum and experience the joy and wonder of Christmas! Our enchanting Christmas Village is back with some new surprises in store, plus our 12 Days of Christmas exhibit will surely delight kids of all ages. Enjoy lush holiday decorations throughout the grounds, and visit the historic DeGolyer House—it’s been elaborately decorated by a renowned designer and features an amazing collection of nearly 600 nutcrackers! All this is available daily, with special evening hours every Monday–Wednesday beginning November 8. Bring your family and friends for a festive atmosphere to remember! dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/holiday-at-the-arboretum
ICE!
Gaylord Texan
1501 Gaylord Trail
Grapevine, TX 76051
Join the festive fun at Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas! Enjoy amazing holiday events like our exciting Christmas light show and the unique ‘ICE!’ experience – a magical journey carved from two million pounds of ice that will take you through the beloved world of Dr. Seuss’ ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas™.’ As you explore the larger-than-life scenes from this classic story, zip down slides made of pure ice and pass through immersive tunnels and arches featuring popular characters such as The Grinch himself, Max the Dog, Cindy-Lou, and the many Whos of Who-ville. Our master artisans have worked for six weeks hand-carving 6,000 blocks of 300-pound ice into this incredible winter wonderland of 17,000 square feet! And once you finish your tour of ICE!, don’t forget to join in classic Christmas activities like snow tubing, ice skating, and photos with Santa. Don’t miss out on this special season – check out our 2023 lineup today! christmasatgaylordtexan.marriott.com/ice
Main Street Santa
701 South Main St
Grapevine, TX 76051
Come on down to Main Street in Grapevine, Texas, and join the holiday cheer! Santa is waiting for you and your family to come and visit him at the North Pole Express. Here, you’ll experience the joy and wonder of the festive season firsthand. Santa will be delighted to receive guests of all ages. When you arrive, you have three magical options: photo reservations, story time with Santa, or walk-ins are always welcome! Imagine the smiles on everyone’s faces as you capture a special moment with Santa, listen to classic Christmas tales, or simply enjoy his company during a walk-in visit. mainstreetsanta.com
Santa’s Village
Rustin Pavilion
1400 E. Southlake Blvd
Southlake, TX 76092
Make magical holiday memories at Santa’s Village in Southlake Town Square! From now to December 24, experience a world of joy and wonder, and get your picture taken with Santa and his cheerful elves. Keep an eye out for pricing information and Santa’s busy schedule to ensure you don’t miss out on the chance to have fun, smile, and capture a delightful festive photo to cherish for years to come. So bring your family and join us this holiday season for an unforgettable time that will come alive through your camera’s lens! visitsouthlaketexas.com/holidays/holiday-events/santas-village
Santas Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
Various Dallas locations
Experience the magic of this year’s holiday season at Bass Pro Shops in Dallas! Reserve your spot online for a private meet and greet with Santa Claus, where you can share your Christmas wishes and snap a free photo to keep as a cherished memory. Explore Santa’s Wonderland, a festive space of lights and wonder, or browse the store’s offerings without waiting in line. Celebrate this most wonderful time of year with family and friends, make lasting memories with Santa, and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list – all at Bass Pro Shops! Book your special meeting with Santa before slots run out! basspro.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland
Santaland Express
Galleria Dallas
13350 Dallas Parkway
Dallas, TX 75240
Embark on a wondrous journey with Santaland Express and travel through the calming twilight of a magical moonlit forest. Along the way, marvel at the beauty of the starry lights that line the enchanted path and the majestic polar bears that call this place home. Capture unforgettable memories with your loved ones as you approach Santa’s hideaway chalet and meet old St. Nick himself! Santa knows exactly what each child wants for Christmas, so don’t forget to bring yours! When you purchase a combo ticket, you will receive access to Santa’s secret wardrobe portal to SNOWDAY, where even more fun awaits. Let us do all the work so you can sit back and enjoy a truly magical experience. Book your dream trip today and start making lasting holiday memories with your family! snowdaydallas.com/santaland
The Nutcracker
Nothing brings the holiday spirit to life quite like The Nutcracker! Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on their magical journey through the Kingdom of Sweets. From lacy snowflakes to delectable desserts, this charming performance is a timeless classic that will bring your family joy this season. Come experience the enchantment and excitement in Dallas from November 24th to December 3rd and Fort Worth from December 8th to 24th. Enjoy an unforgettable show with your loved ones for an evening of fun and holiday cheer! The show is approximately two hours long with one intermission, so you can take a break and recharge before the next act! texasballettheater.org/performance/the-nutcracker-2023/
Visits with Santa
NorthPark Center
8687 N. Central Expressway
Dallas, TX 75225
NorthPark is thrilled to offer families a unique and magical experience this holiday season! Get close and personal with Santa in a personalized one-on-one visit with a special photography session and commemorative digital photo. Your family will donate to Children’s Health while you make precious memories that will last a lifetime. Visits begin at $25 and can be booked in advance at the link below. We may also be able to accommodate walk-up appointments on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss out on story time with Santa and a live performance from the jolly fellow himself! Kids of all ages will be delighted by tales of life at the North Pole, filled with joyful songs and astonishing stories. Get ready to create cherished memories with Santa this holiday season–a weekend you’ll never forget! https://northparkcenter.com/holiday/santa
The holidays in Dallas are a magical time of year full of family-friendly activities and events. We hope this list of where to see Santa in Dallas has helped you plan your holiday festivities! From craft fairs and holiday markets to pet parades and outdoor festivals, there’s something for everyone in our city this season. So don’t forget to take some time to admire the festive decorations, listen to holiday music as you go caroling, and enjoy all the fun and exciting ways to spread Christmas cheer with your family! From all of us at Kidventure, have a wonderful holiday season!