Dallas Holiday Light Displays

Nothing brings up feelings of nostalgia more than holiday lights. Growing up, my family piled into our forest green Suburban to gaze out the window almost every weekend in December – we couldn't get enough. My mom, our ringleader, was so eager to get in the spirit that our own tree usually went up early, on Halloween. I have fond memories of our time in the car looking at lights and it's a tradition I've kept up with my own family today. Here are a few of our favorite places in Dallas to take in the sparkle of the season.

From those family drives as a child to now, neighborhood lights remain my favorite. Even as residential displays become more elaborate, there's something to the charm of simple string lights hung with care (and perhaps a little frustration) by the homeowner.

Highland Park

One of the city's tiniest neighborhoods, Highland Park has everything from mansions decked out in professional exhibits to gingerbread-like houses you'll want to take a bite out of. Start at Armstrong Parkway and Preston Road and wind your way through a transfixing tour of lights. My son's favorite house has half a dozen giant jack-in-the-boxes with bobbing heads modeled after, what else, the homeowner's family members! Be sure to drive through Highland Park Village, a shopping center with trees wrapped trunk to tip.

Swiss Avenue

While my mother is putting up the tree on Halloween, East Dallas' Swiss Avenue is positively packed with little goblins parading up and down the street begging candy off the festive homeowners. It's so popular that Adele even went trick or treating there in 2016 disguised as Jim Carrey's character in "The Mask." For the winter holidays, Swiss Avenue offers a taste of true turn-of-the-century elegance a la "It's A Wonderful Life."

Kessler Park

South of Downtown lies the charming Kessler Park neighborhood in Oak Cliff. The lights are arranged annually by a group of volunteers; find five large, lit trees at the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Lausanne Avenue and you know you're in the right spot. The Kessler Park neighborhood lights are even more beautiful backlit by the shimmering Dallas skyline.

Galleria Dallas

Every good tour of lights includes a towering tree or two. At least once a year we'll hop out of the car for a look at the tree at the Galleria Dallas. At 95 feet, it has the distinction of being the world's tallest indoor Christmas tree. It's majestic from any angle, but even more so viewed while skating around on the mall's signature ice rink.

Klyde Warren Park

Downtown's Klyde Warren Park makes a statement with a brilliant tree adorned in multicolored lights and topped with a massive starburst. Oversized trees need oversized décor, and a few blocks south of the park the Omni Dallas Hotel features a display of several lacquered red ball ornaments. At 10 feet in diameter and 1,200 pounds apiece, they're placed on the hotel's lawn every year by a crane.

City Hall Plaza

Join the City of Dallas for the annual "Deck the Plaza City Hall Lights" event on December 1 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a full program with live entertainment on stage includes Dallas ISD’s Booker T Washington School for Performing and Visual Arts “Jazz Combo”, Molina High School Marching Band and live contemporary music band; Flame Foundation (flamenco dance); Navillera (Korean Dance); Grand Prairie Mariachi Azul; Devotio Moderna will play and sing Spanish language traditional holiday music and the Dallas Police Department choirs.

Families are invited to come and enjoy free fun activities including meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus, carriage rides, mini train rides, bounce houses, a City staff holiday tree decoration and exhibit, and much more! At 6:45 p.m. we flip the switch to lite the 50-foot-tall holiday tree for families to enjoy and take pictures.

Holiday at the Arboretum

In addition to thousands of twinkling lights in the trees, Holiday at the Arboretum presents the magnificent The 12 Days of Christmas outdoor exhibit. Twelve 25-foot Victorian-style gazebos depict scenes from the traditional carol, from Twelve Drummers Drumming to a Partridge in a Pear Tree. I guarantee you've never seen anything like it. You can't miss the 50-foot musical Christmas tree with more than 40,000 lights and the Christmas Village that features holiday performances by local musicians and artists. Other seasonal programming includes Santa visits and special treats. Reserve your tickets now for this prized Dallas tradition.

SNOWDAY Winter Pop-Up

A social media influencer's paradise, SNOWDAY's Wondrous Adventure at Galleria Dallas takes travelers through 11 holiday-themed rooms made to be unique photo backdrops. While not a traditional Christmas light display, you never know what you'll find around each corner at SNOWDAY.

Dallas Zoo Lights

Neighborhood lights will always have my heart, but my son loves the magic of massive, immersive lighting displays. After the animals head in for the evening, the Dallas Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with over one million twinkling lights called Dallas Zoo Lights. Walk through realistic silk-covered lanterns in the shape of your favorite animals and enjoy a mesmerizing light show featuring over a million twinkling lights that adorn most of the zoo.

Dallas Bites & Sights Tours

Gather some friends for one of Dallas by Chocolate's Christmas Lights tours through the Park Cities and Downtown Dallas this season. There are all ages and adult-only versions of the tour, during which you'll ride in a heated motorcoach and sample decadent desserts while gallivanting around town. Take in the holiday sights and tastes on the signature chocolate tour or a themed event, such as the "Tacos, Margaritas & Christmas Lights" tour.

Helicopter Christmas Light Tour

If you're looking for a more exhilarating experience, there is no better way to celebrate the holiday season in DFW than coming aboard their Turbine Polar Express! Explore miles of wonderful lights, decorations, massive Christmas trees, and exciting sights to behold from Santa’s very own altitude. Grab a friend and take flight now!

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