Each December the Dallas Arboretum transforms its gardens into a holiday wonderland with the highly anticipated 12 Days of Christmas exhibit. The show features 25‑foot gazebos, each meticulously designed to bring the classic English carol’s verses to vivid life.The concept was born in Dallas, thanks to Arboretum enthusiasts Tom and Phyllis McCasland, who shared their vision with the Arboretum team. “About four years ago, I envisioned a spectacular Christmas that Dallas had never seen,” Tom recal

Embark on an unforgettable journey at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Before they close, experience two world‑class exhibitions that promise discovery and wonder. Birds of Paradise Step into a virtual Papua New Guinea rainforest and encounter 39 of the world’s most elusive birds. As a photographer and a bird, you’ll capture perfect shots from hidden blinds, identify distinct calls, and engage with interactive touch‑table games. A kinetic sculpture and a dance floor—named Dance, Dance, Ev

Each year, the President and First Lady choose a distinctive theme that shapes White House holiday décor, cards, and menus—from Home for the Holidays to All Creatures Great and Small. The White House staff invest countless hours in crafting ornaments, garlands, and large‑scale decorations that transform the iconic grounds and state floor. These displays delight thousands of visitors, from tour guests to attendees of holiday parties. At season’s end, the items are carefully packed for preservatio

Whether youre a Dallas native or exploring the city for the first time, mastering country‑western dance should be a top New Year’s resolution. Begin now with free lessons at The Round‑Up Saloon & Dance Hall on Cedar Springs Road. Voted one of the city’s leading LGBT‑friendly venues, it welcomes everyone with open arms. Juanita Bernal, a seasoned instructor, guides beginners through classic moves—shuffle, two‑step, basic shadow—and line‑dancing staples like Rhythm Cowboy and Honky Tonk Twist.

January brings cooler temperatures to Dallas (though still a Texas winter). Whether you’re layering up or keeping it breezy, these top coffee spots will keep you warm on your next Dallas visit.   Weekend CoffeeDowntown Nestled inside The Joule Hotel on Main Street, this trendy spot offers a relaxed setting for people‑watching before you head out to explore. With attentive service and expertly crafted cappuccinos, it’s an ideal way to start the day. Don’t miss their breakfast tacos, a tasty

The Crow Collection of Asian Art invites you to its Chinese New Year Festival, a full day of authentic celebrations highlighted by the iconic lion dance. With Lucas Guerra of Lees White Leopard Kung Fu—a seasoned performer in a two‑person lion team—providing an insider’s perspective, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the dance’s cultural significance. What the Lion Dance Symbolizes In Chinese tradition, the lion is a bearer of good fortune. Each movement carries symbolic weight. Observe these

The Cedar Springs district is not only the heart of Dallas LGBT community but also a hub of diverse boutiques, eateries, and cultural venues. For wine aficionados, Cedar Springs elevates Wednesdays with its signature wine walk. Organized by the Cedar Springs Merchant Association, the First Wednesday Wine Walk convenes on the first Wednesday of each month. Start at the Round‑Up Saloon and stroll down The Strip, sampling local wines while exploring shops, bars, and restaurants. The route features

Welcome to the newly refreshed Dallas Visitor Center, proudly located in the heart of Downtown. Whether you arrive by air from the Far East or drive in from the Gulf Shores, start your Dallas adventure at our front‑door hub. Here are five compelling reasons to visit first. 1. Meet Your Dallas Guides Janice and Sylvia are more than just friendly faces; they are your personal Dallas insiders. Sylvia, a self‑declared foodie, can recommend the best lunch spots, while Janice knows the hottest dance

When words fall short, chocolate speaks for us. At CocoAndré Chocolatier, located in Bishop Arts, you can easily express affection with a stunning selection of handcrafted confections. Andrea Pedraza, born in San Luis Potosí, transitioned from a 25‑year career in Dallass pioneering independent chocolate scene to founding her own shop in 2009. Drawing on her Latino roots, she creates signature flavors in the cozy kitchen behind a quaint cottage on West 7th Street in Oak Cliff. The moment you ste

Bring the whole family to a Valentines Day celebration filled with free activities and engaging events throughout Dallas.Heart‑filled Fun at Klyde Warren ParkSaturday, Feb. 11 – Join the Hearts in the Park event at Klyde Warren Park. Enjoy a puppy parade, meet beloved Dallas Zoo residents, take dance lessons from The Rhythm Room, and watch Disney’s “Beauty & the Beast” on the big screen. Admission is free, so head over after brunch.Create Your Own Masterpiece at NorthPark CenterSaturday, Feb

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to treat your partner to an unforgettable dinner. Dallas—ranked among the nation’s top 25 most romantic cities by OpenTable—offers a wealth of restaurants that combine exquisite cuisine, intimate ambiance, and stunning views. Reserve a table for two with OpenTable and experience the city’s finest romantic dining spots. Downtown For a sophisticated night out, Wolfgang Puck’s Five Sixty awaits on the revolving top floor of Reunion Tower. As soon as you enter

Planning a romantic Valentine’s Day in Dallas can feel daunting—but it doesn’t have to be. Download Kwest for free on iOS or Android, grab a Lyft, and let the app guide you through one of four curated scavenger‑hunt adventures that showcase the city’s most beloved neighborhoods.Each Kwest experience is a low‑cost, high‑impact way to create lasting memories with your partner.Deep EllumCelebrate your first day—or the first time you’re together—amid the vibrant murals of Deep Ellum. Capture selfies

Black History Month celebrates the profound achievements of African Americans throughout history. The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum invites visitors to experience a unique art showcase that honors local African American artists and their lasting impact on the community. The exhibit, titled Art Past and Present: From a Black Artists Perspective, features over two dozen works ranging from delicate pencil drawings and intricate clay sculptures to expansive paintings, including a st

Dallas is stepping into the spotlight as it hosts the 2023 NCAA Women’s Final Four at the American Airlines Center, combining athletic excellence with environmental responsibility. The city’s commitment to sustainability is evident from the very beginning. The custom hardwood court, manufactured by Connor Sports®—the Official Court of the NCAA—has been built using sustainable forestry practices. This year, VisitDallas collected over 400 pounds of plastic bottle caps, which were sent to Connor Sp

Prepare for extended applause and standing ovations—Uptown Players launches the remainder of its 2017 season on March 2. Uptown Players, a Dallas‑based non‑profit, offers an impressive slate of plays and musical productions while championing LGBTQ+ visibility through the performing arts. The company’s home is the historic Frank Lloyd Wright‑designed Kalita Humphreys Theatre, located near the Uptown and Oak Lawn neighborhoods; it also hosts shows at other venues throughout Dallas. Broadway Our W

35 Years of Irish Heritage The North Texas Irish Festival marks its 35th anniversary, running from March 3-5 at Fair Park. As the largest Irish celebration in the Southwest, the festival offers an immersive experience in music, dance, culture, and cuisine. Unforgettable Music With a lineup that blends local talent and international stars, the festival’s stages are filled with authentic Irish and Celtic soundscapes. Highlights include performances by Brian McNeill—often called Scotland’s “most m

Every year, Dallas embraces its Irish heritage with the Southwest’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Over 125,000 attendees line Greenville Avenue to enjoy more than 90 dazzling floats, live music, and a variety of fan‑zone experiences.Plan Your DayThe two‑mile route can get crowded early, so arrive before 10 a.m. to secure a prime viewing spot. Highlighted fan zones include the Dallas Mavericks‑hosted Mavs Corner and the Corona Extra Tail Gate Zone. Early‑morning fitness enthusiasts can join t

Spring is here, bringing warmer days and the perfect chance to explore the outdoors. Kick off the season at Dallas Blooms, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s annual floral festival themed Peace, Love and Flower Power. This 1960s-inspired celebration is a delightful experience for visitors of all ages. Stroll across the 66‑acre Arboretum to witness 500,000 blooming bulbs, including tulips, daffodils, Dutch irises, hyacinths and a rainbow of other blossoms. Capture memories beside the ful

  Visit a Museum March 14‑19 Plan a week‑long visit to the Nasher Sculpture Center, where free admission is available every day. Explore its stunning galleries, tranquil gardens, and discover the work of Nasher Prize Laureate Pierre Huyghe through guided tours, interactive games, storytelling, and hands‑on projects.   March 11 Join the Perot Museum of Nature and Science for an exclusive after‑hours Spring Break sleepover. Experience behind‑the‑scenes tours, live demonstrations, and han

Experience an unforgettable evening featuring 48 world‑class chefs and a menu of endless culinary creations—discover why the Arboretum’s inaugural international festival is a must‑attend. The event showcases five distinct culinary regions—American Bistro, Mediterranean, Pan‑Asian, South American, and more—each offering signature dishes. Pair your palate with fine wines or craft beers as the sun sets over White Rock Lake. Featured local chefs—including award‑winning talents such as Eric Dreyer (F