Thinking about spending the holidays in Dallas–Fort Worth—or planning a move and wondering what winter looks like here? The DFW metro doesn’t do “low key” when it comes to the season. From drive-through light shows to full-blown Christmas towns, you can pack your calendar from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. If you’re searching for the best holiday events in Dallas Fort Worth, you’ve come to the right place.

Here’s your guide to some of the best holiday events across Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Grand Prairie, Addison, and beyond.

Discover the Best Holiday Events in Dallas Fort Worth

Grapevine: The Christmas Capital of Texas®

If you only pick one holiday destination in DFW, make it Grapevine. The city officially calls itself the Christmas Capital of Texas®—and backs it up with hundreds of holiday events over several weeks, including parades, shows, markets, ice skating, and trains with Santa.

Christmas Capital of Texas® Season
The season typically runs from late November through early January, centered on Grapevine’s historic downtown and surrounding attractions.

• Millions of lights and larger-than-life decorations
• Festive, walkable Main Street with shopping, dining, and live entertainment
• Family-friendly events almost every day of the season

Santa’s North Pole Express® & Holiday Trains
Vintage-style trains decked out for Christmas, complete with Santa, cocoa, caroling, and holiday photo-ops. Trains usually run throughout the holiday season, with special themed rides for kids and adults.

Best for: Families, multigenerational trips, and anyone who wants that Hallmark-movie Main Street moment.

ICE! & Lone Star Christmas at Gaylord Texan (Grapevine)

The Gaylord Texan Resort turns into its own holiday universe with ICE!, part of the resort’s larger Lone Star Christmas experience.

Inside a super-chilled environment, artisans carve massive amounts of ice into colorful scenes from classic holiday stories, complete with ice slides and themed displays.

• Elaborate ice sculptures and walk-through scenes
• Giant ice slides for kids (and brave adults)
• A huge indoor atrium covered in lights and décor
• Gingerbread decorating, snow-play areas, and ice skating

Best for: Big “wow” factor, out-of-town visitors, and holiday staycations.

Prairie Lights at Lynn Creek Park (Grand Prairie)

Prairie Lights is one of North Texas’ signature drive-through holiday light parks, set along Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie.

• Two-mile drive-through trail of animated and themed light displays
• A dramatic light tunnel finale
• A walk-through forest of lights midway through the route
• Holiday Village with rides, food, shopping, and photos with Santa

Prairie Lights typically runs nightly from Thanksgiving through the end of December. It’s an easy, cozy way to see lights without leaving the car.

Best for: Families with kids of all ages, especially if you want to stay warm in the car.

Dallas Zoo Lights

The Dallas Zoo transforms after dark into a glowing winter wonderland with its holiday lights experience.

• Walk-through light tunnels and lantern displays
• Larger-than-life animal- and nature-themed light sculptures
• Seasonal treats and warm drinks
• Festive photo backdrops throughout the zoo

Zoo lights events usually run on select evenings from mid-November through early January, with some special member nights and sensory-friendly dates.

Best for: Families who want to walk, explore, and make an evening of it.

Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway (Fort Worth)

In Fort Worth, the Texas Motor Speedway goes full holiday mode with Gift of Lights, a drive-through display that loops around the speedway grounds.

• Two-mile driving route packed with holiday lights and themed displays
• Light tunnels and animated sections
• Drive-through experience that’s perfect for kids in pajamas

Gift of Lights typically runs from late November into early January.

Best for: West-side families, holiday light fans, and anyone who thinks driving through the speedway grounds is just cool.

Vitruvian Lights (Addison)

Vitruvian Park in Addison might be one of the most photo-ready holiday spots in DFW. During Vitruvian Lights, hundreds of trees are wrapped in intense color, reflecting off the ponds for a stunning effect.

• Colorful lights on trees throughout the park
• Reflections on the water that make for incredible photos
• On select nights, live music, food trucks, and family activities

The lights are usually on nightly from late November through New Year’s, with special event nights sprinkled throughout the season.

Best for: Free date nights, friend meetups, and Instagram-ready photos.

Klyde Warren Park Tree Lighting Celebration (Downtown Dallas)

For a classic “big city” holiday kick-off, head to the Klyde Warren Park Tree Lighting Celebration in downtown Dallas.

• Performances from local arts groups and holiday shows
• Photos with Santa and story time with Mrs. Claus
• Crafts, games, face painting, and character visits for kids
• The lighting of the park’s signature holiday tree

This event typically takes place on a weekend evening in early December and is free to attend, making it one of the most accessible ways to soak in the city’s holiday spirit.

Best for: Central, easy-access celebration that feels very “Dallas.”

Neighborhood Parades & Local Light Tours

Beyond the big-ticket attractions, DFW’s neighborhoods get seriously festive. While specifics change each year, a few types of events to watch for include:

• Downtown and neighborhood holiday parades with lighted floats, marching bands, and tree lightings
• Historic district light tours where homeowners decorate porches and yards for walking or driving tours
• City park celebrations with hot cocoa, live music, and appearances by Santa

These local events are a great way to get a feel for different communities around the metro—and a fun tradition if you’ve recently relocated.

Tips for Making the Most of Holiday Events in DFW

• Book early: Popular attractions like ICE!, Grapevine’s holiday trains, and prime nights at light parks often sell out or get very busy. Buy tickets ahead when possible.
• Plan by side of the metro: DFW is big. Group events by geography—Grapevine/Gaylord one night, Grand Prairie/Arlington another, Fort Worth/Speedway another.
• Factor in traffic and parking: Weekend evenings can be crowded. Build in extra time for parking, walking, and lines at major attractions.
• Dress for changing weather: Texas winters are unpredictable. Bring layers, especially for lakeside parks and open-air events.

FAQs: Holiday Events in Dallas–Fort Worth

What are the best Christmas light displays in DFW?
Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie, Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Vitruvian Lights in Addison, and the holiday lights at the Dallas Zoo are some of the biggest and most popular displays in the region.

Is there a “Christmas town” near Dallas–Fort Worth?
Yes. Grapevine brands itself as the Christmas Capital of Texas®, with a packed calendar of events, lights, trains, and festive Main Street celebrations throughout the season.

Are there free holiday events in DFW?
Several events are free to attend, including walks through Vitruvian Lights, many tree lighting ceremonies at city parks like Klyde Warren Park, and various neighborhood parades and light tours (though parking or add-ons may cost extra).

Are these events good for newcomers and visitors?
Absolutely. Holiday events are one of the easiest ways to sample different parts of the metro—Grapevine for charming Main Street, downtown Dallas for urban energy, Fort Worth for speedway fun, and Grand Prairie or Addison for big-scale lights. They’re also a great way to start new traditions if you’ve just relocated to DFW.

Planning a Move to DFW?

If you’re considering a move to the Dallas–Fort Worth area, use the holiday season as an excuse to explore different neighborhoods, city centers, and suburbs. Check out our relocation guides, school and housing overviews, and cost-of-living resources on DestinationDFW.com to help you decide where to call home.