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Dallas Holiday Guide: 13 Must‑See Events This December

December in Dallas is a season of lights, music, and community spirit. Below is a curated list of the city’s most popular holiday events, plus a few fresh experiences to help you plan a memorable winter visit.

1. Drive‑through holiday light displays. Visit Deck the Plaza (Nov. 21), Dallas Zoo Lights (Nov. 20 – Jan. 3, 2021), or the immersive Area 3 exhibit (now through Jan. 1, 2021), where art and technology blend to create a breathtaking visual journey.

2. Meet Santa in style. The Galleria Dallas hosts a by‑appointment Santa meet‑and‑greet (Nov. 23 – Dec. 24), while Hilton Anatole offers a socially‑distanced Breakfast with Santa (Nov. 28 – Dec. 23). Both locations also offer virtual Santa visits—reserve today!

3. Holiday at the Arboretum continues through Dec. 31. Wander the gardens and admire 25-foot Victorian‑style gazebos representing the 12 Days of Christmas. The new Christmas village, opening Nov. 27, features a 23‑foot German Christmas pyramid with handcrafted décor and moving figures.

4. Light up the night. The Illumination Celebration (Nov. 27 – Dec. 24) at Galleria Dallas presents a choreographed light show, plus a daily Chanukah Menorah Lighting (Dec. 10 – Dec. 18). Highland Park Village also offers 1.5 million lights—perfect for a family stroll.

5. Bring the kids to Trains at NorthPark, a 20‑year tradition now running through Jan. 3, 2021. The 1,300‑foot track tour supports Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.

6. Enjoy holiday music from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Upcoming programs include Dallas Symphony Christmas Family Pops (Dec. 5), Big Brassy Christmas and Organ Extravaganza (Dec. 15), and A Jazzy Christmas (Dec. 22). Tickets sell fast—book early.

7. Sip festive cocktails at Miracle on Lowest Greenville (Nov. 23 – Dec. 31). The new location features elaborate Christmas décor, themed rooms, and a full holiday drink menu.

8. Experience dance with virtual performances: Bruce Wood Dance’s HOPE (Dec. 4 – 7) and Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Espresso Nutcracker (Dec. 12). Tickets are available on their websites.

9. Discover Dallas lights on the Chocolate & Sips Tour. A family‑friendly motorcoach ride lets you view top holiday displays, sip hot chocolate, and sample sweet treats.

10. Support local artists and schools. The Holiday Urban Artist Market (Nov. 23 – 30) launches a new online store with 20% off all pieces, while the Community Holiday Pop‑Up Shop (Dec. 5‑6 & Dec. 19‑20) benefits South Oak Cliff High School.

11. Return to Snowday (Nov. 20 – Jan. 3, 2021) for a second‑season immersive experience featuring photo‑op hotspots. Nearby, Make Your Life Sweeter offers gourmet treats and unique gifts.

12. Stay connected with virtual events: Klyde Warren Park’s tree lighting (Dec. 20) will broadcast on CBS 11, and Astraios Chamber Music’s Virtual Holiday Concert runs Dec. 12‑31 on YouTube. See our full virtual event list here.

13. Give back this season. Adopt an angel at the Salvation Army Tree in Galleria Dallas, join Prism Health’s Food & Toy Drive, or donate to Vogel Alcove’s Annual Holiday Store.

For a complete roundup of Dallas holiday events, visit our full event list.

Travel Notes
  • 7 Must‑See Family Holiday Events in Dallas

    With the chill settling in and spooky season behind us, Dallas remains a playground of holiday wonder. Whether you’re a toddler or a grandparent, the city’s events blend sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas that capture the magic of the season. Holiday at the Arboretum (Nov. 10 – Dec. 31): Stroll through Victorian‑style gazebos that guide you through the “12 Days of Christmas” along the Arboretum’s lush grounds. In the evenings, a 50‑foot musical Christmas tree dazzles with over 40,000 lights.

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    In a year that feels like a movie, you deserve to capture moments that will last a lifetime. Instead of watching others share their holiday memories, gather your friends and head to Dallas’s most photogenic holiday locations for a picture‑perfect adventure. The Trains at NorthParkNorth DallasNorthPark Center hides a miniature wonderland where Polar Express‑style trains wind through twinkling Christmas trees. Snap endless photos, and if you’re feeling creative, design and order a custom railcar t

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    1. Break Your New Years Resolution at Milk & CreamLower GreenvilleWhen green smoothies and fresh salads start to feel routine, head to Milk & Cream and treat yourself to an ice‑cream‑filled donut sandwich—a playful way to break your healthy‑eating resolution. 2. Savor a Bloody Mary at Anvil PubDeep EllumBegin your Sunday brunch at Anvil Pub with a hearty breakfast menu and a legendary Bloody Mary topped with bacon‑cheeseburger sliders, sausage, cheese, celery, beef jerky, and shrimp. 3.