Winter Experiences in Dallas
Make the most of Dallas in the winter with this guide to the best things to do this season.
Whether it's getting into the holiday spirit or just enjoying the cooler temps that the season brings, there's a ton of things to do in the winter in Dallas. Use this guide to help plan your December-March trip.
Updated December 2025
Sporting Events
Dallas Mavericks
Catching a Dallas Mavericks game is an easy winter win. Check out a game for a night of electric energy downtown. The American Airlines Center is right near Victory Park dining and sports bars, so if you don't snag tickets, you can always head to Chop Sports, Frankie's Downtown, or The End of the Trail to watch the game with fellow fans.
Dallas Stars
Of course, winter is the perfect time for hockey! The Stars’ home schedule lines up perfectly with the season and gives you the chance to experience NHL hockey without braving the elements. If you're looking for an evening full of fast-paced action, snag tickets to a Dallas Stars game and get ready to celly.
Dallas Cowboys
If your winter visit lines up with football season, you can check the Dallas Cowboys schedule or join a watch party around town to soak up the game-day energy. Even outside of game days, a tour of AT&T Stadium in nearby Arlington gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at one of the NFL’s most recognizable venues.
Ice Skating
Glide into the season at the Galleria Dallas ice rink, where you can skate no matter the weather! The rink is beautifully decorated for Christmas, but it stays open year-round and is a fun stop for classic winter activities during your trip to Dallas. You can grab a hot chocolate afterward or explore the mall’s shops and dining to make an afternoon of the outing.
For outdoor skating during the holiday season, you can check out the CultureMap City Rink at Main Street Garden. It's open November 26, 2025 - January 5, 2026, so if you're looking for outdoor skating, be sure to book a reservation before it closes for the season.
Outdoor Recreation
Parks & Lakes
Winter is perfect for brisk walks, jogging, or cycling around White Rock Lake, where the cooler temperatures make outdoor exercise more comfortable. Klyde Warren Park is ideal for a mid-winter stroll, plus it has food trucks and outdoor seating for coffee or lunch breaks on warmer winter days. For a nature escape, explore the trails at Cedar Ridge Preserve, just a short drive from the city, where quiet woods and open prairie make winter hikes especially peaceful.
Winter Adventures
Dallas offers plenty of fresh-air activities even when temperatures dip. You can bike or walk along the Trinity River Audubon Center trails, or explore Turtle Creek Park for a shorter hike right in the heart of the city. Birdwatchers and nature lovers will enjoy spotting winter wildlife across the city’s parks and preserves.
Indoor Activities
Not ready to brave the cold? No problem! There are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, too.
Museums
Warm up inside and dive into Dallas’s museums, like the Dallas Museum of Art, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, or the Sixth Floor Museum. They’re perfect for exploring art, history, and science while staying cozy and warm.
Escape Rooms
For a fun and interactive indoor adventure, try one of Dallas’ escape rooms. These challenges are a great way to bond with friends or family or test your relationship with a competitive date night, all while staying out of the winter chill.
Netflix House
Step into the pop-culture wonderland of the Netflix House, where immersive experiences bring your favorite shows and movies to life. It’s a must-visit for fans and a perfect indoor activity on a chilly day.
Tours & Sightseeing
M‑Line Trolley
Take a guided ride through Uptown Dallas on the M‑Line Trolley for a unique city perspective, stopping at neighborhoods, shops, and restaurants along the way. You can hop off near Katy Trail Ice House for a casual meal or at Victory Park for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Food Tours
Explore the city's culinary scene with guided food tours, ideal for sampling Dallas' flavors, especially classic winter comfort food. Options include Deep Ellum food tours for craft eats and street art or Bishop Arts District tours for unique local restaurants and dessert stops.
Dining & Nightlife
Cozy Restaurants
Dallas offers everything from classic Southern bistros to international cuisine, ideal for a hearty winter meal. Try The Woolworth in downtown for elevated comfort food, Terry Black's Barbecue in Deep Ellum for BBQ, or Nuri for a warm, steakhouse vibe.
Pop-Up Bars & Rooftops
Winter brings pop-up holiday bars, rooftop lounges, and craft cocktail spots, offering warm drinks and cozy atmospheres. Stop by Vincent's Sky Bar at the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District for city views, The Henry Rooftop in Uptown, or seasonal pop-ups like The French Room's Winter Wonderland for festive cocktails.
Shopping
Malls & Boutiques
Hit high-end malls like NorthPark Center for designer brands or Galleria Dallas for both shopping and ice skating in one stop. For a local twist, explore Bishop Arts District boutiques, Knox-Henderson shops, and vintage finds at Dallas flea markets and thrift shops.
Holiday & Seasonal Markets
Seasonal markets and pop-up shops give travelers a chance to find unique gifts while enjoying festive decorations and snacks. Check out Dallas Farmers Market for artisanal goods, The Shops at Park Lane for winter pop-ups, or Historic West End for local crafts.
Spas & Wellness
Finally, there's no better season to pamper yourself than in winter! Whether you're looking for a remedy for dry skin, a cozy retreat from the cold weather, or a deep tissue massage to melt away the winter blues, there's a spa in Dallas that can treat you right.
Green Lotus Spa & Retreat in North Dallas offers holistic treatments from around the world, including Ayurvedic and Asian-inspired therapies. Hiatus Spa + Retreat in Inwood Village provides signature massages, facials, and body wraps in a serene setting, with couples’ rooms and memberships available. Downtown’s Koffee Day Spa combines med-spa services with luxurious body and facial treatments, while Mokara Spa at The Omni treats guests to massages, mud wraps, and facials with a view of the city. For a high-end experience, The Spa at The Joule delivers personalized treatments in a unique subterranean setting.
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