Celebrate the holiday season in Dallas with these great events.
Pentatonix performs at the American Airlines Center on Dec. 22.
Holiday at the Arboretum
Nov. 13-Jan. 5
This year, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is hosting a showstopping Christmas extravaganza. Stroll alongside 25-foot-tall Victorian-style gazebos decorated to represent the 12 Days of Christmas, then stop by Christmas Village for visits with Santa, cooking demos, entertainment and more. 8525 Garland Road, dallasarboretum.org
A Christmas Carol
11/29-12/28
A riveting presentation of the beloved Christmas tale, Kevin Moriatry’s adaptation of the holiday classic runs for 90 minutes and is fun for the whole family. Be prepared for a thrilling journey through Christmases past, present and future (think joyful songs, magical spirits and full hearts). But most importantly, no Scrooges allowed! Dee & Charles Wily Theatre
The Nutcracker
11/29-12/8 & 12/13-29
It simply isn’t the holidays without a stunning ballet performance of The Nutcracker, featuring breathtaking choreography by former artistic director Ben Stevenson O.B.E. and an out-of-this-world set design. With plenty of enchantment, snowflakes and sweets, it’s bound to be a magical evening. Winspear Opera House & Bass Performance Hall
Dallas Zoo Lights
Nov. 22-Jan. 4
Walk a mile-long route through the Dallas Zoo. Boasting one million lights, multiple holiday-themed displays, 3D sculptures, animal lanterns and more, this is one light show you don’t want to miss. 650 SRL Thornton Freeway
Dallas Symphony Chorus Christmas Pops
12/6-15
A beloved holiday tradition, this year’s Christmas pops will feature the Dallas Symphony Chorus, conducted by Lawrence Loh, with Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw bringing the vocals. Get ready for a performance full of seasonal songs, traditional carols and thrilling choruses. Make sure to snag a ticket to the matinee showing for a serenade from the talented children’s chorus. Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Hall
Dallas Holiday Parade
12/7
Following its debut in 1988, the Dallas Holiday Parade has quickly become the city’s largest one-day outdoor event. Keep an eye out for some of your favorite seasonal characters, either floating along as larger-than-life balloons or walking through the streets. Downtown Dallas
Klyde Warren Park Tree Lighting Celebration
12/7
Join Kyle Warren Park’s annual tree lighting tradition for a festive afternoon filled with holiday-themed activities and entertainment. Between photos with Santa, fun crafts and games, and, of course, the tree lighting itself, we promise this event will brighten everybody’s day. Klyde Warren Park
Christmas at the Anatole
This year, experience Christmas at the Anatole. Take a weekend trip to the North Pole Texas market, or arrange a festive morning meal with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Witness everything from magical light displays to an array of shows and activities. 2201 N. Stemmons Freeway
Winnetka Heights Holiday Home Tour
12/14
Join the historic neighborhood of Winnetka Heights in celebrating the harmony of Oak Cliff’s new and old. Step inside five beautiful homes (and maybe steal some decor inspo) and if you want to take it up a notch, upgrade to VIP and get exclusive access to an additional house with included food and drink. Turner House
Elf in Concert
12/20 -22
Take your yearly rewatch of this holiday favorite to the next level by seeing Elf in Concert. Conducted by Lawrence Loh, the jolly score is performed live by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in congestion with the movie. Bring the while family—and remember, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear. Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Hall
Christmas in the Square
Nov. 22-Jan. 6
The largest choreographed holiday lights and music show in North Texas is back for its 19th year! Boasting 180,000 lights, 200 dancing snowflakes, a Christmas tree lot, toy drive and ice skating rink, this is sure to be the best iteration yet. Frisco Square, 8843 Coleman Blvd.
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Vitruvian Park
Nov. 23-Jan. 1
Starting Nov. 23, tree lights will be on daily in the park from 5-11pm. This shimmering spectacle is perfect for the whole family and will have everyone feeling the holiday spirit. 3875 Ponte Ave.
Christmas in the Park
Dec. 14
As Dallas’ largest holiday charity event, Christmas in the Park can meet great needs in our city—but not without assistance from the North Texas community. This wonderful event makes sure all are cared for this holiday season with sufficient food, clothing, toys, household items and furniture for those who need them most. Fair Park, 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd.
Pentatonix
12/22
In the spirit of Christmas carols and classical tunes, Pentatonix is hitting the road for their Hallelujah! It’s A Christmas Tour. This acapella group is in tune with the sounds of the season, so expect nothing less than a showstopping performance of crowd favorites like “Meet Me Next Christmas,” “Deck the Halls,” and many, many more. American Airlines Center
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
12/28
Feel like spicing up your holiday season? Look no further than the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s winter tour. “The Lost Christmas Eve” returns to the stage for a thrilling final chapter of TSO’s Christmas Trilogy. They are only in town for one day (with two shows back to back), so snag your tickets soon. American Airlines Center
Photography by: Photo by Paul Bergen/Redferns/Getty Images
