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Dallas Holiday Guide: Family Fun, Lights, and Festive Events

Fall has barely begun, but Dallas is already sparkling with holiday lights and festive sounds. Start planning your family getaway and discover what the city has to offer this season.

While this list highlights key events, Dallas hosts a growing array of holiday celebrations—tree lightings, performances, and artistic experiences—see the full calendar at BigDHoliday.com.

Kick off Dallas style

Begin the festivities with Deck the Plaza, a tree‑lighting ceremony at City Hall Plaza on Dec. 6. That same weekend, Klyde Warren Park and the AT&T Performing Arts Center host their own tree lighting on Saturday, Dec. 6. The iconic Dallas Holiday Parade follows on Dec. 7, with the first float rolling down Commerce Street at 10 a.m.

Make it a cultural experience

Dallas’ arts scene shines this winter. The Wyly Theater and Dallas Theater Center present A Christmas Carol from Nov. 1 through Dec. 7, while The Winspear Opera House and Texas Ballet Theater perform Ben Stevenson’s The Nutcracker from Nov. 29 to Dec. 8.

Light up the night

Brighten evenings with interactive light displays. Dallas Zoo Lights, presented by Reliant, runs Nov. 15–Jan. 5, turning the zoo into a winter wonderland. At the Dallas Arboretum, Holiday at the Arboretum runs Nov. 9–Dec. 31, featuring the 12 Days of Christmas gazebo displays and over 500,000 lights.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve

Join the City Hall Plaza party on Dec. 31 for live entertainment from CASTRO and the Emerald City Elevation Band, food trucks, drinks, and a view of Reunion Tower fireworks. The family‑friendly event starts at 7 p.m.

Stay through New Year’s Day

Dallas hosts the 2020 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic on Jan. 1 at the historic Cotton Bowl, where the Dallas Stars will face the Nashville Predators. Tickets are largely sold out—check Ticketmaster for resale options. Additional free NHL fan events will be announced soon.

Travel Notes
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