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Dallas Holiday Host Guide: Top Family-Friendly Festivities & Events

Dallas shines brighter during the holiday season, offering vibrant music, dazzling art, sparkling lights, shopping delights, and unforgettable experiences for families. Check out the full Big D Holiday lineup to impress your guests!

 

Head to the garden

Visit the Dallas Arboretum for its 12 Days of Christmas outdoor exhibit, turning the gardens into a holiday wonderland. Snap a family photo by the 30‑foot tree or marvel at the historic DeGolyer House and its stunning decorations. For the first time ever, the Arboretum invites you to 12 Days of Christmas at Night, a special evening series featuring nighttime shows and holiday music.

Dallas Holiday Host Guide: Top Family-Friendly Festivities & Events

Make it a parade tradition

Gather the family for the annual Children’s Health Holiday Parade on Dec. 3. Set up a chair along the Downtown Dallas route and enjoy spirited marching bands, beloved characters, and larger‑than‑life balloons.

 

Be in awe of art

Dallas’s art scene never disappoints. This year, experience the full‑size replica of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel at the exhibition, and explore all the creative events in the Big D Holiday lineup.

 

Get captivated by sound

Enjoy the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s December concerts, including the John Denver‑Rocky Mountain Christmas performance on Dec. 23.

 

For an animal adventure

As temperatures drop, the Dallas Zoo’s Penguin Days offer admission for just $7. Visit the African penguins, hand‑feed two dozen bird species at Bird’s Landing, or explore The Underzone tunnel to see mongoose, hornbills, and mole rats in their natural habitats.

Dallas Holiday Host Guide: Top Family-Friendly Festivities & Events

Make it a winter getaway

Stay at Hilton Anatole for a family holiday experience. Enjoy breakfast with Santa, marionette theater shows, a scavenger hunt, face‑painting station, and popcorn bar—all part of the Christmas at the Anatole celebration.

Dallas Holiday Host Guide: Top Family-Friendly Festivities & Events

 Discover more holiday magic with Big D Holiday. Browse the complete list of activities and events, and fill your calendar with surprises that will delight out‑of‑town guests.

Travel Notes
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    While many focus on finding the perfect gift, the most memorable presents are the moments you share with loved ones. Below are curated ideas to create lasting holiday traditions across Dallas. Start a Healthy Holiday Competition Encourage family fitness by joining the Dallas Jingle Bell Run on Dec. 21 at the Hilton Anatole. This family‑friendly event features a nighttime 5 k and a 1‑mile run, followed by a post‑race celebration with live music, complimentary food, and drinks. Registration closes

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    1. Endless Selfie OpportunitiesDallas offers a visual feast for the camera‑loving traveler. Snap the soaring Pegasus sculpture at the Omni Hotel or the Eye of the World at the Joule Hotel for striking downtown shots. A nighttime stroll across the Ron Kirk Pedestrian Bridge delivers sweeping skyline views, while Deep Ellum’s vibrant murals provide a colorful backdrop for street‑style photography. Don’t miss the holiday‑themed B&G sets scattered throughout the city, including the festive displ

  • Experience Holiday Magic at The Dallas Arboretum: 12 Days of Christmas, Santa Exhibits, and More

    Discover a festive oasis at the Dallas Arboretum where the gardens come alive with holiday wonder. 12 Days of Christmas Exhibit The 12 Days of Christmas exhibit transforms the Arboretum into a holiday wonderland featuring 12 towering 25‑foot Victorian gazebos. Each gazebo showcases charming costumed characters, whimsical animals, and scenes from the classic carol. Visit daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m., or after‑hours 6–9 p.m. Wednesdays–Sundays to see the illuminated gazebos lit by 500,000 lights. Claus Col