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December in Dallas: Must‑Do Holiday Dining, Events & Activities

Dallas lights up with festive flavor, crisp temperatures, and dazzling displays this holiday season. Below we’ve curated the city’s finest December experiences—from comforting cuisine to unforgettable events.

December in Dallas: Must‑Do Holiday Dining, Events & Activities

Comfort Food & Festive Drinks

Indulge in hearty dishes that warm the soul and drinks that spark holiday cheer.

  • Rise offers an upscale twist on comfort food. Their French‑style souffle and signature marshmallow‑free soup are a must‑try on chilly December evenings.
  • Gather the family for a memorable dinner at Sweet Georgia Brown in South Dallas, or enjoy a crispy fried‑chicken brunch at Street’s Fine Chicken in Oak Lawn. For more soul‑food inspiration, explore our Dallas Soul Food guide.
  • Dallas boasts a vibrant cocktail scene. From the playful Tipsy Elf in Bishop Arts to Leela’s in Lower Greenville, discover our favorite holiday‑themed bars below.
December in Dallas: Must‑Do Holiday Dining, Events & Activities

Christmas Time in the City

Experience the spirit of the holidays with dazzling light displays, iconic Santa sightings, and iconic holiday venues.

  • Neighborhood lights – Swiss Avenue & Highland Park
  • Santa sightings – NorthPark Center & Dallas Arboretum
  • Giant Christmas trees – Galleria Dallas & Klyde Warren Park
  • Hotels decked out – Crescent Court & Hilton Anatole
  • Ice skating – Enchant & Galleria Dallas
  • Spectacular sights – Omni Dallas & Dallas Zoo Lights
  • Sounds of the season – Christmas Pops & The Nutcracker (official link coming soon)
  • Local Christmas shopping – M’antiques & Jade & Clover
December in Dallas: Must‑Do Holiday Dining, Events & Activities

Fun Days to Celebrate (and How to Enjoy Them)

  • Dec. 2 – National Mutt Day. Take your pet to Mutt’s Cantina in Uptown and enjoy a dog‑friendly atmosphere. More dog‑friendly Dallas tips.
  • Dec. 5 – National Ninja Day. Explore Dallas’s Samurai Collection at the Ann & Gabriel Barbier‑Mueller Museum in Uptown’s Harwood District.
  • Dec. 10 – Human Rights Day. Visit the Dallas Holocaust & Human Rights Museum to honor the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
  • Dec. 15 – National Cupcake Day. Savor high‑quality, soft cupcakes at Fluellen’s, a downtown Black‑owned shop.
  • Dec. 20 – National Sangria Day. Share a pitcher of sangria and tapas at Barcelona Wine Bar in the Knox/Henderson neighborhood.
December in Dallas: Must‑Do Holiday Dining, Events & Activities

Notable December Events & Attractions

  • Dec. 5 – Hamilton – Fair Park
  • Dec. 31 – Holiday at the Arboretum – Dallas Arboretum
  • Nov. 19-Jan. 2 – Zoo Lights – Dallas Zoo
  • Nov. 19-Jan. 17 – SnowDay – Galleria Dallas
  • Nov. 26-Dec. 5 – Texas Ballet Theater’s The Nutcracker – Winspear Opera House
  • Dec. 4 – The Boho Market – Dallas West End
  • Dec. 10‑12 – BWM Dallas Marathon – Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
  • Dec. 11 – She & Him Christmas Party – McFarlin Memorial Auditorium
  • Dec. 18 – The Aces – The Echo Lounge & Music Hall
  • Dec. 30 – Manheim Steamroller – Winspear Opera House

Travel Notes
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    Kick off the holiday season in Dallas by indulging in festive light displays that blend safety and wonder. Grab a warm drink, bring family or friends, and explore these family‑friendly, socially‑distanced experiences that will make December unforgettable. Candy Cane Lane (Victory Park) At the American Airlines Center, the Candy Cane Lane experience transforms the AAC’s Silver parking garage into a luminous wonderland. Drive through sparkling displays, meet Santa and his elves from the safety of

  • Dallas Highlights for March 2020: Museums, Festivals, and Family Fun

    Welcome to Dallas in March 2020 Pack your bags, gather friends, and experience the sunny Texas capital this spring. Must‑See Museum Visit the Crow Museum of Asian Art at the University of Texas at Dallas for the new exhibition Beili Liu One And Another. Two installations explore themes of human connection and will be on display through August 2020. Explore Lower Greenville Lower Greenville is the go‑to spot for St. Patrick’s Day in Dallas. After the morning parade, the neighborhood turns into a

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    Editors Note: This is our 2019 holiday guide. For a 2020 list, visit this blog or BigDHoliday.com. The holiday season brings a familiar mix of tree lightings, neighborhood tours, shopping, and carols. Here, we spotlight Dallas’ most creative celebrations—giving you fresh, festive options to make the season truly yours. Nuncrackers A-MEN!Uptown Players presents the irreverent comedy “Nuncrackers A-MEN!” at Kalita Humphreys Theatre from Dec. 6–15. Watch the sisters record their first TV special in