Holiday Activities to Enjoy with the Family this Season
Embark on a merry Dallas adventure.
'Tis the season to get out and experience Dallas for the holidays, and while this holiday may look different, Dallas still delivers on all the holiday feels. Whatever level of fun and festivities you and your little elves are looking for this year, Dallas has you thoroughly covered.
Enjoy classic holiday movies
Get into the holiday spirit with classic holiday movies like Elf, The Nightmare Before Christmas, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and more at the Rooftop Cinema Club. You, your family and friends will enjoy the unique cinematic experience with personal headphones, food and drinks (including BYOB) and the breathtaking city skyline.
When: Check schedule for nightly screenings
Head to Griggs Park for Movies in the Park for free showings of some of our favorite films. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and pack your picnic basket or indulge in delicious bites from the food trucks. Mark your calendar for The Holiday on Nov. 30.
When: Every Monday in November
Holiday exhibits and light displays
Get into the holiday spirit and check off your gift list at the same time! Bring the family to NorthPark Center to check out the Trains at NorthPark, the most elaborate miniature toy trains exhibit in Texas, featuring more than 630 trains rolling across 1,300 feet of track on a journey across America.
When: Now through Jan. 3
Not that anyone needs another reason to visit the beautiful grounds of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, but for this holiday season, the Arboretum is presenting Holiday at the Arboretum, featuring the 12 Days of Christmas at Night display. Featuring elaborate recreations of the beloved carol in 25-foot-tall gazebos, kids will love the enchanting displays and parents will enjoy taking a trip down memory lane in the gorgeous outdoor botanical environment.
Beginning Nov. 27, visit the Christmas Village in Pecan Grove, comprised of 12 charming shops and facades that represent a quaint European hamlet. New this year is the German-built authentic Christmas Pyramid featuring animation, a Tavern, Chocolate Shop and a Toy Shop on each level. The Arboretum will be open select evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. To ensure safe distancing during this event, you must purchase your tickets online.
When: Now through Dec. 31
The Dallas Zoo's beloved holiday tradition returns with a socially distant twist! Cruise through a newly constructed pathway for the Dallas Zoo Lights Drive-Thru. Experience all the familiar parts of the zoo while marveling at more than one million lights in elaborate displays, silk-covered animal lanterns depicting all your Zoo favorites, an ice palace fit for a trio of penguins, and so much more along the way!
When: Nov. 20 through Jan. 3
Shout with glee at the Galleria
The Galleria Dallas always offers holiday traditions and experiences for families to create memories. Bring the kiddos to visit Santa (Nov. 20 through Dec. 24) or meet him virtually from the comfort of your home. Plan a trip to take the family to Snowday, a magical, multi-sensory experience with plenty of photo opportunities (Nov. 20 through Jan. 3). And you can't forget about the annual Galleria Dallas Illumination Celebration (Nov. 27 through Dec. 24) to see the nation's tallest indoor Christmas tree illuminated in grand fashion choreographed to magical sounds of the season!
All events are socially distanced and include high-frequency cleanings, staff temperature checks and require masks throughout to keep visitors and staff safe.
When: Various dates; check the Galleria website to plan your visit
Celebrate at the symphony
Make holiday memories at the Meyerson Symphony Center this season. Get into the festive spirit early with Tchaikovsky's joyous score from his most famous ballet The Nutcracker (Nov. 27 through Nov. 29). Enjoy transcendent anthems, classical holiday favorites and sing-along carols at Dallas Symphony Christmas Pops (Dec. 3 through Dec. 14). Or experience the soul of the season with three of Dallas' finest jazz singers at A Jazzy Christmas on Dec. 22.
When: Various dates; check the Symphony's website to plan your visit
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