Seven Family-Friendly DFW Christmas Events for 2024
The weather is finally turning colder, and the sights and sounds of the holiday season are everywhere in DFW. It's a great time to gather friends and loved ones to experience a favorite holiday tradition...or start a new one! There's something for everyone to enjoy.
Here are just seven of the many family-friendly Christmas events happening around town:
This dazzling event is a favorite, year after year. Enjoy the gardens with elaborate Victorian-style gazebos representing the 12 Days of Christmas. At night, the gardens are set aglow with over one millions lights. Visit the Christmas Village, a quaint collection of shops inspired by European Christmas markets. Meet with Santa Claus or take in the entertainment, shopping, and food & beverage options.
Dates: November 13 - January 5 (opening ceremony, 6-9 PM on November 13)
Location: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218
Cost: varies by day and age group. See website for more information.
The whole family's invited to this annual celebration in the Historic Downtown Plano Arts District. Enjoy a snow slide, the Coffee and Cocoa Walk, photos with Santa, a Children's Entrepreneur Market, and a traditional tree lighting. The event is free, and downtown shops and restaurants will also be open late for business.
Date: December 7, 4–9 PM
Location: Haggard Park, McCall Plaza, and a portion of 15th Street (free parking at public lots and Plano Municipal Center)
Cost: FREE
Santa's Village is a tiny town of 16 holiday dwellings, including Santa's library, police department, workshop, and more. Each colorful building offers children a fun activity. Guests can also enjoy live performances and a free photo with Santa. Event admission and parking are also free.
Dates: December 7-8, 13-15, and 20-22 from 6-9 PM. The Village will be open to stroll through and view December 9-11 and 16 - 19, 9 AM-9 PM each day.
Location: Huffhines Park, 1500 Apollo Road, Richardson, Texas 75080
Cost: FREE
The Heritage Farmstead Museum comes to life with over one million lights in festive yuletide displays. There will be plenty to see and do as visitors walk the historic path leading from Candycane Lane to Santa's farm-shop. Guests can also enjoy s'mores and elaborate displays in Pancho's Pasture before walking through a tunnel of animated lights. Strollers and wagons are welcome!
Dates: November 22 - December 28
Location: Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 West 15th Street, Plano, TX, 75075
Cost: $15 adults and $10 children (purchased online in advance); $18 adults and $12 children (at the door)
Enjoy the largest choreographed holiday lights and music show in North Texas at Christmas in the Square. Guests can also ice skate, take a carriage ride, explore the light tunnel, visit with Santa, and more. See website for more details.
Dates: November 22 - January 6, 2025
Location: 8843 Coleman Blvd, Frisco, TX 75034
Cost: light show is FREE; visit website for additional activity pricing
The Trains at Northpark Mall have been delighting multiple generations for the past 34 years. Featuring over 1600 feet of track, the exhibit has moved to a new location but continues to take guests on a rolling tour of the USA from coast to coast. New this year: a display made entirely of LEGO.
Dates: November 16 -January 5, 2025
Location: Northpark Mall, 8687 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75225
Cost: $12 adults, $7 children, $5 seniors.
6. Photos with Santa
Photos with Santa are a time-honored tradition. It's not too early to plan your outfits and make reservations!
Take your own photos with Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and activities in a festive indoor environment, totally free. Stay with the kids to make a holiday craft or play on the outdoor playground. Locally sourced treats and coffee are also available for purchase. Find more info and reserve a spot here.
Cost: FREE
1. "Santa Cares", a sensory-friendly opportunity for children with special needs to visit with Santa and have a private photo session in a calming environment. Reservations required. December 8 from 9:30-10:30 AM (reservations here)
2. Pet Photo Nights. December 2, 9 & 16 from 4–7 PM (reservations here)
Cost: see website for package pricing
- The Galleria in Dallas has a dizzying array of things to see and do for kids and kids-at-heart, alike. Holiday events start November 22, with a Grand Tree-lighting Celebration and ice show on November 29 and 30 at noon.
Cost: see websites for package pricing
Play the tuba, sousaphone, euphonmium, baritone horn, or enjoy listening to those who do? Bring the family to the Village Green at Watters Creek for a fun, free outdoor Christmas concert featuring big brass players from all over town. Musicians may register to play for $10 online or in-person on the day of the concert.
Date: Saturday, December 14 (registration at 12 PM; rehearsal at 1 PM; concert at 2:30 PM)
Location: 970 Watters Creek Blvd (at Watters Creek, across from DSW Shoes)
Cost: $10 to play; FREE to attend
However you decide to celebrate, make it a magical, memorable Christmas season!