Holiday events in Dallas-Fort Worth: Festivals & shows

Dallas-Fort Worth shines with diverse holiday celebrations this December

Dallas-Fort Worth is lighting up this December with a mix of holiday celebrations. From Hanukkah festivities to Christmas-themed performances, the region offers events for all traditions. Many activities kick off on December 13 and 14, with options ranging from free community gatherings to ticketed shows. On December 13, Arlington's downtown area will host the Holiday Lights Parade & Reindeer Games from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors can enjoy reindeer games, photos with Santa, and a festive parade. The same evening, Old City Park in Dallas transforms into Holiday Village: A Return to Candlelight (5–9 p.m.), where candlelit paths guide guests through historic homes, artisan stalls, and live music. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12.

The following day, December 14, brings a wave of Hanukkah celebrations. **Galleria Dallas** will light its menorah at 5 p.m., while **Southlake Towne Square** follows at 5:30 p.m. with a giant coin menorah, a firetruck gelt drop, ice skating, and entertainment—all free to attend. Earlier in the afternoon, the **Jewish Community Center of Dallas** presents **Festival of Light by Wondergy** (3:30 p.m.), a multimedia show combining lasers, music, and special effects to retell the Hanukkah story. Tickets range from $5 to $18. For theatre lovers, **Scrooge the Musical** runs at Plano's **Courtyard Theatre** from December 10–14, marking its 15th anniversary. Prices start at $20. Meanwhile, **Holiday Inn**, the stage adaptation of the classic film, continues at Farmers Branch's **Firehouse Theatre** through December 21, with tickets priced at $38–$42. Over in McKinney, the **Heard Natural Science Museum** illuminates its half-mile trail with holiday lights and life-size dinosaurs, including a 40-foot T. Rex, from December 12–14 (6–9:30 p.m.). The **Latino Cultural Center** in Dallas also joins the festivities on December 14 with **Fiesta Navideña** (2–6 p.m.), offering free hot chocolate, pan dulce, and live performances celebrating Latin American holiday traditions. For a quirky twist, **Kalita Humphreys Theater** hosts **Star of Wonder: A Carol Ann Christmas**, a madcap musical revue running through mid-December.

This year's holiday lineup in Dallas-Fort Worth includes free menorah lightings, musical revues, and family-friendly parades. Events cater to diverse traditions, with most activities concentrated on December 13 and 14. Tickets for performances and special displays vary, but many community celebrations remain open to all at no cost.