Seven Family-Friendly DFW Christmas Events for 2023

Seven Family-Friendly DFW Christmas Events for 2023

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:

1. Holiday at the Arboretum (Dallas)

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. New this year is the Christmas Village, a quaint collection of shops inspired by European Christmas markets. Visit with Santa Claus or take in the entertainment, shopping, food & beverage options and a 50-foot tall Dazzling Musical Tree.

Dates: November 9 - January 5 (opening ceremony, 6-8 PM on November 8)

Location: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218

Website: www.dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/holiday-at-the-arboretum

Cost: varies by day and age group. See website for more information.

2. Dickens in Downtown Plano

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 2, 4–9 PM

Location: Haggard Park, McCall Plaza, and a portion of 15th Street (free parking at public lots and Plano Municipal Center)

Website: https://www.visitplano.com/event/dickens-in-downtown-plano-2

Cost: FREE

3. Santa's Village (Richardson)

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 2-3, 8-10, and 15-17. Fridays from 6-9 PM and Saturday/Sunday from 5-9 PM

Location: Huffhines Park, 1500 Apollo Road, Richardson, Texas 75080

Website: https://www.cor.net/departments/parks-recreation/community-events/santa-s-village-at-huffhines-park

Cost: FREE

3. Lights on the Farm (Plano)

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 24 - December 30

Location: Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 West 15th Street, Plano, TX, 75075

Website: www.heritagefarmstead.org/event-list/lights-on-the-farm/

Cost: $12 adults and $7 children (purchased online in advance). $15 adults and $10 children (at the door)

4. Christmas in the Square (Frisco)

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 18 - January 8, 2023

Location: 8843 Coleman Blvd, Frisco, TX 75034

Website: www.friscosquare.com/cits-overview

Cost: light show is FREE; visit website for additional activity pricing

5. The Trains at Northpark (Dallas)

The Trains at Northpark Mall have been delighting multiple generations for the past 34 years. Featuring over 1600 feet of track, the exhibit takes guests on a rolling tour of the USA from coast to coast. There's even a guest appearance from outer space visitors!

Dates: November 11 -January 5, 2022

Location: Northpark Mall, 8687 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75225

Website: www.thetrainsatnorthpark.com/home

Cost: $10 adults and $5 children

6. Photos with Santa

Mall photos with Santa are a time-honored tradition. It's not too early to plan your outfits and make reservations!

Willow Bend Mall and Galleria Dallas have two ways to make sure the entire family feels welcome:

• "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.
  • Willow Bend: December 3 from 10-11 AM (reservations here)
  • Galleria Dallas: Sunday, December 17 from 8–11 AM (find more info here)
• Pet Photo Nights.
  • Willow Bend: November 27 and December 4 & 11 from 4–7 PM (reservations here)
  • Galleria Dallas: starting November 29, from 6PM until closing (find more info here)

Date: November 16 through December 24

Website: https://www.shopwillowbend.com/event/photos-with-santa and https://galleriadallas.com/holiday

Cost: see websites for package pricing

For a twist, Dr. Seuss fans have a chance to meet and take a photo with the Grinch at Grandscape Stole Christmas. While you're there, pick up some Grinch-themed sweets and make a stop by the interactive Gel Blaster Experience on the Lawn!

Date: Wednesday, November 22 from 12–3 PM

Location: The Terrace (behind Grandscape Lawn)

Website: https://www.grandscape.com/event/grandscape-stole-christmas-2/2023-11-22/

Cost: $5 for a photo with the Grinch (includes a Grinch-themed craft) 

7. 50th anniversary TUBACHRISTMAS Concert (Allen)

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 9 (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)

Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/allen-tuba-christmas-tickets-725538614527

Cost: $10 to play; FREE to attend

DFW has plenty of other options to make for a memorable holiday season with loved ones. However you choose to celebrate, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!