Christmas Events in Dallas
There’s something magical about Christmas in Dallas, when the city hosts all sorts of fun seasonal events, many of them easy on the wallet. Picture bustling streets lit with sparkling lights, carolers singing cheerful melodies, and families gathering for festive parades and holiday markets. The warmth of the community and vibrant holiday scenes make Dallas a great place to celebrate and make memories.
Time-honored traditions and memorable experiences make Dallas a holiday haven worth visiting. To make your visit more affordable and stress-free, WoodSpring Suites hotels have several Dallas locations that offer convenient, affordable stays close to the holiday fun.
Popular Holiday Events & Festivals in Dallas
Dallas comes alive during the holidays with events that bring people together in big and small ways. From the colorful lights at Dallas Zoo Lights to the hometown charm of Grapevine’s Christmas season, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season.
Grapevine, The Christmas Capital of Texas
Grapevine, part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metro area, lives up to its title as The Christmas Capital of Texas with events and activities that fill the town with cheer.
The season kicks off with the Parade of Lights, a free evening procession of illuminated floats typically held on the first Thursday in December. The event also features marching bands and Santa along Historic Main Street.
From there, the festivities continue with more than 1,400 events throughout the season. Visitors can browse holiday markets, enjoy live performances, and take in the festive decorations of the historic downtown area. With a mix of free activities and reasonably priced events, Grapevine makes it easy for families to enjoy the holidays without overspending.
Dallas Zoo Lights
Each winter, the Dallas Zoo Lights transforms the zoo into a dazzling holiday experience with over one million lights. Visitors can enjoy illuminated animal-shaped lanterns and creative displays that span the park, blending festive cheer with wildlife appreciation. Walk-through light tunnels and synchronized light shows add dynamic elements that make the experience magical. Festive snacks and seasonal music complete the event, making it a perfect outing for people of all ages.
Tickets generally start at $18 and vary by entry date, while children 2 and under get in free. It’s a special holiday experience that many families consider worth the price for the unique setting.
Holiday Performances & Arts
Dallas offers plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday season without breaking the bank, especially when it comes to live shows and performances. Local theater groups perform family-friendly plays and free community concerts. From puppet musicals to sing-alongs, these events bring people together in the Christmas spirit without straining your holiday budget.
Dallas Children's Theater Holiday Shows
The Dallas Children’s Theater is one of the best spots in the city for families looking for holiday performances that are lively, interactive, and affordable. Ticket prices vary depending on the show and seat, but many performances are reasonably priced. Discounts are often available for groups and school bookings. Seasonal productions like The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show feature colorful puppetry and fun songs, making it a fun and memorable experience for families.
TubaChristmas Dallas
TubaChristmas Dallas offers a free holiday concert at Thanks-Giving Square in downtown Dallas. The concert usually takes place in December around midday, when tuba and euphonium players gather to play familiar carols. Families and visitors spread out on the plaza, listen, and take photos while the low brass fills the space. No ticket is needed, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Arrive a little early to find a good spot.
Free Holiday Community Concerts by The Dallas Opera
Every Christmas season, The Dallas Opera teams up with Cathedral Guadalupe for an annual free community concert. These performances feature festive favorites like “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Ave Maria,” and “Sleigh Ride.” They are open to the public at no cost, making it perfect for families looking for a warm, welcoming holiday event with beautiful voices and live music. Seating is first-come, first-served, and registration typically opens ahead of time, so be sure to plan the day ahead.
Outdoor Winter Attractions & Markets
In Dallas, winter brings more than just lights and performances. Seasonal attractions pop up across the city, from festive holiday villages and open-air ice rinks to local markets with handmade crafts and warm street food. These outdoor spots give travelers an easy way to enjoy the season without spending a lot, whether it's browsing gifts or walking through light displays with family.
WoodSpring Suites hotels are located near many of Dallas’ top winter attractions. With in-room kitchens, spacious suites, and affordable extended stay rates, they’re a practical and comfortable option if you’re planning to stay a little longer during the holidays.
Galleria Ice Skating
During the holidays, the Galleria Ice Skating Center becomes a seasonal favorite with its grand Christmas tree towering over the rink. Guests can enjoy skating surrounded by seasonal lights and decorations that create a warm and inviting ambiance. The rink’s central location within the Galleria provides easy access to the food court, perfect for a quick bite. Public skating is first-come, first-serve. Admission is typically $13, and skate rentals are $5. Opening hours vary by day and may be subject to change.
Self-Guided Drive Through Deerfield Light Displays
If loading up the car with snacks, hot cocoa, and holiday music sounds like your kind of night, a drive through the Deerfield neighborhood in Plano is the perfect holiday outing. Each year, this community goes all-out with glowing arches, themed displays, and rows of sparkling rooftops. This event is entirely free and is a great way to enjoy the Christmas spirit on a budget.
Highland Park Village Lights Tour
Each year, the shopping center is covered in more than a million twinkling lights, creating a festive backdrop that’s perfect for an evening walk. Families often bring hot cocoa or grab a quick treat from a nearby café to enjoy while strolling the sidewalks and taking photos. Since the lights are free to view, it’s a great option for anyone looking for holiday fun that doesn’t stretch the budget. Parking can be busy, so arriving earlier in the evening makes it easier to find a spot.
WoodSpring Suites Locations: Stay Close to the Festivities
Stay close to Dallas’s holiday excitement in a WoodSpring Suites hotel that offers comfort and convenience at a practical price. Each location is strategically placed to offer quick access to the city’s top winter attractions, such as the twinkling lights of Highland Park. With amenities like kitchens in every suite, free WiFi, on-site laundry, and 24/7 guest support, WoodSpring Suites hotels are designed to make your stay stress-free and enjoyable. Celebrate the season while staying connected to all that Dallas has to offer.
Las Colinas - Northwest Dallas
WoodSpring Suites Las Colinas – Northwest Dallas is ideally located for guests looking to enjoy Dallas’s holiday attractions. With convenient access to the Galleria Ice Skating and Holiday Shopping and the Highland Park Village Lights Tour, this location offers the perfect starting point for festive adventures. Guests can take advantage of extended stay accommodations, which include in-room kitchens, high-speed WiFi, and pet-friendly options, providing comfort and convenience throughout the season.
Plano - North Dallas
WoodSpring Suites Plano – North Dallas is conveniently located for holiday outings, whether you’re checking out the Christmas lights in Grapevine or skating under the big tree at the Galleria. With in-room kitchens, free WiFi, and plenty of space to settle in, it’s a practical place to relax after a busy day.
Rockwall - East Dallas
WoodSpring Suites Rockwall – East Dallas offers excellent proximity to central Dallas holiday events, such as the Dallas Zoo Lights. The hotel’s extended stay amenities, including spacious rooms and on-site laundry facilities, make it a perfect choice for travelers looking for a relaxing home base during their holiday visit.
McKinney
WoodSpring Suites McKinney is ideal for those heading to Grapevine’s holiday festivities or enjoying seasonal events in North Dallas. Guests benefit from extended stay comforts such as in-room kitchens, free WiFi, and pet-friendly accommodations, making it a welcoming retreat after exploring holiday attractions.
Enjoy Dallas’s holiday magic, from Grapevine’s Christmas events to evening strolls in Highland Park, with a stay at WoodSpring Suites hotels in Las Colinas, Plano, Rockwall, or McKinney. With in-room kitchens and practical amenities, you’ll have a perfect base for festive fun. Book your extended stay weekly or choose hotels with monthly rates for a stress-free and affordable holiday experience.
