HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS IN DALLAS

Nothing brings up feelings of nostalgia more than holiday lights. Growing up, my family piled into our forest green Suburban to gaze out the window almost every weekend in December – we couldn't get enough. My mom, our ringleader, was so eager to get in the spirit that our own tree usually went up early, on Halloween. I have fond memories of our time in the car looking at lights and it's a tradition I've kept up with my own family today. Here are a few of our favorite places in Dallas to take in the sparkle of the season.  

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NOTEWORTHY NEIGHBORHOODS

From those family drives as a child to now, neighborhood lights remain my favorite. Even as residential displays become more elaborate, there's something to the charm of simple string lights hung with care (and perhaps a little frustration) by the homeowner.   

Highland Park

One of the city's toniest neighborhoods, Highland Park has everything from mansions decked out in professional exhibits to gingerbread-like houses you'll want to take a bite out of. Start at Armstrong Parkway and Preston Road and wind your way through a transfixing tour of lights. My son's favorite house has half a dozen giant jack-in-the-boxes with bobbing heads modeled after, what else, the homeowner's family members! Be sure to drive through Highland Park Village, a shopping center with trees wrapped trunk to tip.   

Swiss Avenue 

While my mother is putting up the tree on Halloween, East Dallas' Swiss Avenue is positively packed with little goblins parading up and down the street begging candy off the festive homeowners. It's so popular that Adele even went trick or treating there in 2016 disguised as Jim Carrey's character in "The Mask." For the winter holidays, Swiss Avenue offers a taste of true turn-of-the-century elegance a la "It's A Wonderful Life." 

Kessler Park 

South of Downtown lies the charming Kessler Park neighborhood in Oak Cliff. The lights are arranged annually by a group of volunteers; find five large, lit trees at the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Lausanne Avenue and you know you're in the right spot. The Kessler Park neighborhood lights are even more beautiful backlit by the shimmering Dallas skyline.   

TALL, TALL TREES 

Every good tour of lights includes a towering tree or two. At least once a year we'll hop out of the car for a look at the tree at the Galleria Dallas. At 95 feet, it has the distinction of being the world's tallest indoor Christmas tree. It's majestic from any angle, but even more so viewed while skating around on the mall's signature ice rink.  

Downtown's Klyde Warren Park makes a statement with a brilliant tree adorned in multicolored lights and topped with a massive starburst. Oversized trees need oversized décor, and a few blocks south of the park the Omni Dallas Hotel features a display of several lacquered red ball ornaments. At 10 feet in diameter and 1,200 pounds apiece, they're placed on the hotel's lawn every year by a crane.   

WALK-THROUGH WINTER WONDERLANDS

In addition to thousands of twinkling lights in the trees, Holiday at the Arboretum presents the magnificent The 12 Days of Christmas outdoor exhibit. Twelve 25-foot Victorian-style gazebos depict scenes from the traditional carol, from Twelve Drummers Drumming to a Partridge in a Pear Tree. I guarantee you've never seen anything like it. You can't miss the 50-foot musical Christmas tree with more than 40,000 lights and the Christmas Village that features holiday performances by local musicians and artists. Other seasonal programming includes Santa visits and special treats. Reserve your tickets now for this prized Dallas tradition.

7 FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY

EVENTS YOU CAN'T MISS THIS YEAR

There's finally a chill in the air, and spooky season is behind us. But even with the shorter late fall and winter days to come, Dallas has opportunities galore to get into the holiday spirit. No matter the age, the whole family will appreciate the following events combining the best sights, sounds, tastes and smells of this special time of year.  

Holiday at the Arboretum (Nov. 10 - Dec. 31): Check out the intricate Victorian-style gazebos taking you through the "12 Days of Christmas" while strolling through the Dallas Arboretum's grounds - an experience elevated in the evening hours. New this year is a 50-foot musical Christmas tree boasting more than 40,000 lights. Stop by the Christmas Village to catch a holiday performance by local musicians and artists. The garden will offer seasonal programming including Santa visits and special treats, so reserve your tickets now for this prized Dallas tradition.

Trains at NorthPark (Nov. 12 - Jan. 6): Choo choo! You'll hear a lot of that when you step into this destination for lovers of trains and locomotives. It's not just toddlers who are enamored by the amazing presentation of color and movement across the "Trains at NorthPark" exhibit on the 2nd floor of NorthPark Center between Neiman's and Nordstrom. Visitors of all ages return to see the trains and their background cityscapes each year, pointing out the tiniest details they see. Even better, the 35-year event benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, so don't miss your chance to help others by visiting this year. Purchase tickets here. (And while at the mall, visit Santa downstairs!)

SNOWDAY (Nov. 18 - Jan. 8): Anyone can get a photo with Santa, but not everyone can step into a 20+-room exhibit of eccentric wintry backdrops fit for creating amazing photos! At SNOWDAY inside Galleria Dallas, you can immerse yourself in everything from a mirror maze to a Christmassy 1970s RV. The experience takes about an hour, and at the end, you can get your professional-grade photos delivered right to your phone (so you can post to your social channels immediately!) Purchase tickets here.

Enchant Christmas (Nov. 25 - Jan. 1): One of only four locations nationwide, Enchant at Fair Park is an immersive Christmas experience bound to create lifelong memories. First, stop by the Little Ones' Play Place and let the kids enjoy Mrs. Claus' storytime. They will also find a play area complete with blocks and crafts. And don't let the littles forget their gift lists, as Santa will be onsite for visits! Check out the breathtaking lights display while gliding down the illuminated Ice Skating Trail, then participate as a family in the Light Maze adventure. Try a bit of everything in the Enchant Eatery and shop the artisan market, too. Adults can stop at the Polar Bar for a seasonal vodka tasting. Purchase tickets here.

Black Nativity (Dec. 1 - 18): Fans of Langston Hughes' famous retelling of the Biblical Nativity story will enjoy this lively stage version of the story. Performed at the Bishop Arts Theatre Center, attendees have the option of in-person or virtual attendance. All ages are welcome for the energetic performance sure to get you in the holiday mood. Purchase tickets here.

GeO-Deck the Halls (Dec. 3 - 17): Head downtown on a chilly Saturday afternoon in December to celebrate the holidays from 470 feet. The iconic GeO-Deck at Reunion Tower is the perfect site for some holiday crafting and Santa letter-writing. Perhaps after spending the day at "The Ball" with the kiddos, you'll want to return with your special someone for a romantic date night. The tower's "Love is in the Air" package is a delight anytime but especially during this season! Purchase tickets here.

The Happy Elf (Nov. 27 - 23): From the Grammy-winning musician, Harry Connick, Jr., this jazz musical is sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Featuring a curious elf with boundless energy yearning to secure a spot on Santa's sleigh team, this is a musical kids and parents are sure to love. You'll laugh and your heart will be warmed. Purchase tickets here.

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HOLIDAYS IN DALLAS: WHAT TO BOOK RIGHT NOW

The holidays are fast approaching and you should be securing those highly coveted tickets before you put up the holiday decor.

For those visiting Dallas during the holidays for the first time or locals hosting family and friends this holiday season, it's important to have your plans secured and tickets booked to some of the most joyful and popular holiday events in the city well in advance.

 

 

 

 

  

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Holiday Tea at the Adolphus

Nov. 2 - Jan. 8

It's known as one of Dallas' most revered holiday traditions and we're here to tell you it does not disappoint. The three-course tasting menu features savory and sweet bites along with teas and champagne, all in a beautiful setting inside The French Room at the Adolphus Hotel. Reservations are already live, so availability might already be tight. Book soon!

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Holiday at the Arboretum

Nov. 10 - Dec. 31

Southern Living Magazine called it Texas' Texas' best Christmas event and we have to agree! Every year, the gardens are transformed with elaborate Victorian-style gazebos, each representing the stories of the famous Christmas carol. At night, the gardens shine brightly with more than a million lights! There's also a Christmas village, Santa Claus visits for the kids and shopping and entertainment to enjoy.

Dallas Zoo Lights

Nov. 17 - Jan. 1 

See the zoo after dark! On select nights through Jan. 2, the Dallas Zoo comes to life with more than a million lights, intricately designed displays and oversized lighted animal displays. For the first time in years, folks can enjoy a walk-through experience to see the best of Zoo lights up close. You can't miss the holiday-themed displays in ZooNorth and Wilds of Africa! 

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Texas Ballet Theater's The Nutcracker.

Nov. 25 - Dec.4

Tchaikovsky's most famous composition takes over the Winspear Opera House for eight dates in November and December (they start the weekend after Thanksgiving, for those hosting family for turkey!) and it's definitely one of those must-do holiday events in Dallas.

Enchant

Nov. 25 - Jan. 1

Soon after the State Fair of Texas packs up the Midway, Fair Park transforms once again, this time into the holiday oasis known as Enchant, a Christmas village and maze with an adorable story. Rent a pair of ice skates to enjoy a spin around the rink or book your visit for nights with special events like Feasts and Treats Night, Spirit of Dallas (dedicated to everything Dallas) and Paws and Claus, when your furry BFF is invited to join in on the fun.

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Dallas Symphony Christmas Pops

Dec. 2 - 11

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is back with its beloved holiday tradition, Christmas Pops, for a week-long run at the Meyerson Symphony Center. The show is filled with classic holiday favorites and sing-along carols – and we hear there's even a little bit of snow!

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Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Dec. 28

The rock band behind more than 10 million concert tickets and 10 million albums sold is back in Dallas for a one-night event. On Dec. 28, make your way to the American Airlines Center to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra perform all The Ghosts of Christmas Eve complete with all the best from the legendary group. There are two shows in Dallas on Dec. 28: an afternoon show at 3 p.m. and an evening show at 7:30 p.m.