Seven Family-friendly Christmas Events in DFW for 2025
Looking for magical holiday activities in DFW? From spectacular light displays to free community celebrations, discover the best Christmas events for families in Dallas, Plano, Frisco, and Richardson this season.
Seven Must-See Christmas Events in DFW
1. Holiday at the Arboretum - Dallas
📍 Dallas | 🎟️ $15-$40 | 📅 November 12 - January 4, 2026
One of Dallas's premier Christmas attractions featuring over 1 million lights and the iconic 12 Days of Christmas gazebos.
Highlights:
- 25-foot Victorian gazebos with elaborate holiday scenes
- NEW: Night Glow powered by AURORA with projection mapping
- European Christmas Village with shopping and entertainment
- 23-foot handcrafted German Christmas Pyramid
- Santa visits and live performances
Details:
- Location: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas
- Hours: Daily 8 AM–5 PM (daytime); evening hours vary
- Cost: $15-$20 daytime; $35-$40 evening (members save $15-$20)
- Parking: $15
- Book: dallasarboretum.org
2. Dickens in Downtown Plano
📍 Plano | 🎟️ FREE | 📅 December 6, 4-9 PM
Historic Downtown Plano transforms into a Victorian holiday village for one magical evening.
Enjoy:
- Free Santa photos
- Snow slide and tree lighting ceremony
- Coffee and Cocoa Walk
- Children's Entrepreneur Market
- Live entertainment and carolers
- Late-night shopping and food vendors
Details:
- Location: Haggard Park & McCall Plaza, Historic Downtown Plano
- FREE parking at Plano Municipal Center and 14th Street lots
- Perfect for families seeking charming, small-town atmosphere
3. Santa's Village - Richardson
📍 Richardson | 🎟️ FREE | 📅 Multiple December Weekends
A beloved North Texas tradition with completely free admission, Santa photos, and parking!
Features:
- FREE professional Santa photos (no purchase required!)
- 16 interactive holiday buildings including toy workshop and bakery
- Live performances on Prancer's Stage
- Free hot chocolate and cookies
- Sensory-friendly Adaptive Night: December 11, 6-8 PM
Schedule:
- Open with activities (6-9 PM): Dec 7-8, 13-15, 20-22
- Viewing only (9 AM-9 PM): Dec 9-11, 16-19
- Location: Huffhines Park, 1500 Apollo Road, Richardson
4. Lights on the Farm - Plano
📍 Plano | 🎟️ $10-$18 | 📅 November 28 - December 28
Over 2 million lights illuminate 4 acres of historic 19th-century farmland, drawing 30,000 visitors annually.
Experience:
- 13 original 1891 buildings lit with spectacular displays
- 30-foot Christmas tree (popular photo spot!)
- Animated light tunnels
- S'mores, hot cocoa, and treats available
NEW Themed Nights: Princess (Nov 30, Dec 7), Frozen (Dec 4), Toy Story (Dec 5), Paw-Tastic (Dec 12), Galaxy (Dec 14), Superhero (Dec 18), Grinch (Dec 21), Ugly Sweater (Dec 22), Pajama (Dec 23), Red White & Lights Wine Walk (Dec 11, adults only)
Details:
- Location: Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 W 15th Street, Plano
- Hours: Thu-Sun 6:00-9:30 PM, plus Dec 22-23
- Admission: $10-$18 (cheaper online); kids 2 and under FREE
- FREE parking with shuttles
5. Christmas in the Square - Frisco
📍 Frisco | 🎟️ FREE Light Show | 📅 November 21 - January 5, 2026
Celebrating 20 years! North Texas's largest choreographed holiday lights show draws 125,000+ visitors.
Highlights:
- 180,000+ synchronized lights dancing to music
- 200 dancing snowflakes
- NEW: 4,000 feet LED roof lighting, 3,000 feet color-changing canopy
- Tune to 107.3 FM
- Free nightly shows 6-10 PM
Additional Activities:
- Skate the Square (DFW's only outdoor real ice rink) - $25/hour
- Santa visits
- Horse-drawn carriage rides
- Christmas tree lot
- Holiday shopping and dining
Details:
- Location: Frisco Square, 8843 Coleman Blvd
- Light show: Completely FREE
- Free parking available
6. The Trains at NorthPark - Dallas
📍 Dallas | 🎟️ $5-$12 | 📅 November 15 - January 4, 2026
A 38-year tradition featuring miniature trains across 1,600 feet of track through detailed cityscapes, benefiting Ronald McDonald House.
What's NEW:
- NEW Level One location (across from Kona Grill)
- Choo-Choo Tales storytelling (Dec 2, 9, 16, 23 at 11 AM)
- Art on the Rails featuring JD Miller's hand-painted train
- Sensory-friendly hours available
Experience:
- 600+ custom-painted railcars
- Coast-to-coast miniature cityscapes
- Mount Rushmore with Thomas & Friends
- Interactive QR codes and fun buttons
- LEGO displays
Details:
- Location: NorthPark Center Level One, 8687 N Central Expressway
- Admission: Adults $12, Kids 2-12 $7, Seniors $5, Under 2 FREE
7. Santa Photos in DFW
Photos with Santa are a cherished holiday tradition!
Local Good Coffee Co. Plano
For a budget-friendly option, take your own pictures with Santa for FREE. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and family crafts, too. Volunteers will be onsite to help with photos.
- Location: 201 Legacy Dr., Plano, TX 75023
- Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
- Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM (sensory-friendly hour from 4:30-5:30 PM with lowered lights and reduced noise)
- Cost: FREE (also, free hot cocoa and family crafts available!)
- No pets, please. Walk-ins welcome!
The Shops at Willow Bend - Plano
- Dates: November 14 – December 24
- Hours: Mon-Fri 11 AM–7 PM, Sat 11 AM–8 PM, Sun 12-6 PM
- Cost: Starting at $39.99
- Special: Santa Cares sensory-friendly session (Dec 7, 10-11:30 AM)
- Pet Photo Nights: Dec 9 & 16, 4-7 PM
- Book: whereissanta.com/mall/0753
NorthPark Center - Dallas
- Dates: November 28 – December 24
- Hours: Mon-Sat 11 AM–7:30 PM, Sun 12-5:30 PM
- Cost: Starting at $30 (benefits Children's Health)
- FREE Stories with Santa: Daily 10:30 AM (Mon-Sat), 11:30 AM (Sun) at NorthCourt
- Reservations open November 23 at noon
BONUS: Merry TUBACHRISTMAS - Allen
📍 Allen | 🎟️ FREE to Attend | 📅 December 14, 2025
Dozens of tubas, sousaphones, and euphoniums perform Christmas carols!
Schedule:
- 12 PM: Musician registration ($10)
- 1 PM: Rehearsal
- 2:30 PM: FREE public concert
Location: Village Green at Watters Creek, 970 Garden Park Dr, Allen
More DFW Christmas Events
- Vitruvian Lights, Addison (FREE)
- Prairie Lights, Grand Prairie
- Grapevine Christmas Capital of Texas
- Six Flags Holiday in the Park
- ICE! at Gaylord Texan
- ZooLights at Dallas Zoo
- Fort Worth Botanic Garden Christmas
Make the most of your holiday memories with Christmas at Chase Oaks, a fun, wonder-filled experience for all! Join us for one of our 16 candlelight services.