DFW Christmas Destinations Guide: 2019 Edition

We update this list periodically and wish all of our past, current, and future clients a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! –Daniel & Jennifer Burke.

Frisco, TX: The annual Frisco Christmas in the Square runs from November 29 – December 31st. The event is located at Simpson Plaza outside Frisco City Hall in the district known as Frisco Square. Boasting the “largest choreographed music and lights show in North Texas,” you can drive through any night and tune in to 107.3 to hear the music and watch the lights from your car. Stick around and there’s an outdoor skating rink, a Christmas Tree maze, and a calendar of activities worth making the visit from anywhere in DFW.

Frisco, TX: The Frosty 5k and Merry Mile run in Frisco Square. Saturday, Dec 7, registration begins at 7:30am.

Frisco, TX: During the annual “Christmas in the Square” season in Frisco, our family never misses Merry Main Street, packed with activities, vendors, the Christmas Tree lighting and even Santa Claus arriving by parachute. Saturday, Dec 7, 4:00pm – 8:00pm.

Frisco, TX: The Star in Frisco. This is the district built around the headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys, the pride and joy of Jerry Jones, and you know he’s going to make it a special experience. You can expect music, a 67′ Christmas Tree (with tree lighting ceremonies,) appearances by famous Dallas Cowboys players and cheerleaders, Photos with Santa, all in a nice walkable area. The streets are decorated for Christmas, and there are several really good restaurants to choose from. November 22 – December 21.

Downtown Dallas: Klyde Warren Park’s Tree Lighting Celebration. Enjoy this free family tradition featuring a festive day of activities and entertainment, including photos with Santa and story time with Mrs. Claus, face painting, crafts, games and snow flurries! The day will culminate with a live show featuring performances of holiday music, visits from Santa’s friends Frosty and Rudolph, a performance by Downtown Fever Band and Klyde Warren Park’s annual tree lighting. Saturday, December 7, 2019, 2 – 6 PM.

Dallas: Deep Ellum Small Business Saturday Champagne Stroll. ‘Tis the season to kick off the holidays with a very special Sip&Shop that will put an extra jingle in your step! With your purchase of our limited edition, signature glass designed by local artists, you will receive a wristband and a map to all the participating venues. November 30th, 12:00pm – 3:00pm.

Dallas: Deep Ellum Wine Walk Holiday Soiree. The Shops of Deep Ellum invite you to hop in your sleigh, and celebrate the merriest Sip&Shop of the season at the 6th annual Deep Ellum Wine Walk: Holiday Soirée! Tell Santa what you’re really dreaming of: The Jolly Old Elf himself returns again this year, all the way from the North Pole (aka his workshop at Taboo Tattoo Studio), to roll out the red carpet for your winter wonderland adventure. Complimentary photos included! December 19th, 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Dallas: Holiday At The Arboretum, presented by the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. This year they have increased their light setup from 500,000 bulbs to over 1 million! There are many new events and attractions, fancy meals, and more. November 9th – December 31st.

Litte Elm: Pawtraits with Santa Paws, 12/4 @ 4-7 P.M. Have your fur babies been good this year? Give the pups a treat this season by bringing them by to meet Santa Paws! Take home a commemorative photo of your furry friends for $10! This event is limited to one photo per family.

Little Elm: Christmas at the Beach, Saturday 12/7 & 12/14 @ 6-10 P.M.
Sunday 12/8 & 12/15 @ 2-8 P.M.Santa Land is a village set in Little Elm Park that features elves and Santa himself (during Christmas at the Beach only)! A 30-foot Christmas tree, music, hot cocoa, s’mores on the beach, decorated elf houses, and Santa and Mrs. Claus are also a part of the Christmas celebration. Entrance into Santa Land is free; however, you must pay for commemorative photos with Santa. You may also bring your own camera to capture moments with Santa.

Little Elm: Beard Park Christmas,12/10 @ 6-8 P.M. This event is free for all ages but geared towards the families and young children that enjoy Beard Park!Come out and enjoy a walk-through Christmas light show, snowball fights, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and dessert inspired food. This event is FREE to attend and desserts and drinks are available for purchase!

Little Elm: Christmas Stories 5K, 12/15 @ 4:30 P.M.  Enjoy the Park’s 50,000 Christmas lights and festive decorations! There will be a post race holiday celebration with Santa, Elves, a live band, pancakes, Egg Nog, and many other well known holiday characters!Be sure to wear your favorite holiday character costume (Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Reindeer Christmas Trees, Grinch, or any other favorite holiday character you choose)! There will be a Best Costume Awards for both individual and group!

Arlington, TX: Six Flags: Holiday in the Park. From November 23 – January 5 Six Flags in Arlington, TX is covered in Christmas lights and family attractions. We buy the refillable hot chocolate mugs when we arrive and enjoy a few rides and yummy treats. Included with seasons passes.

Grapevine, TX: ICE at the Gaylord Texan. If you’ve never been there, how can we describe it?. There’s ICE sculptures, a resort hotel complex decorated for Christmas, goodies to eat and Christmas shopping. Look for deals online, and bring your gloves!

Grapevine: SOLD OUT The Grapevine Wine Trains. This 21 and over adults only event features a rolling wine festival on a train from Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards. December 3rd, December 5th, December 11th. Don’t wait! There are only a limited number of tickets available and they sell out way in advance.

Richardson: Santa’s Village at the City of Richardson City Hall looks great at night. When planning a visit, keep in mind that Thursday nights are for residents only. Begins December 7th.

Highland Park/University Park (Dallas): These historic neighborhoods in the City of Dallas decorate well for Christmas. Let’s face it, these homes look great with or without Christmas lights! After looking at some Christmas lights you can drive over to Snider Plaza near SMU to shop and eat, or even Highland Park Village, but don’t park in front of the private home of George W Bush: the Secret Service may want to ask you questions!

Highland Park: Annual Highland Park Village Christmas Lights Celebration and Shopping Stroll. Experience the magic of the holidays at Highland Park Village’s Christmas Lights Celebration and Shopping Stroll on Thursday, December 5, from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, featuring spectacular live performances, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, exclusive store promotions, and special activations with community charity partners. For one evening only, sip and shop under the lights at historic Highland Park Village, Dallas’ landmark shopping and dining destination, during extended hours until 8:00 PM.

Plano: Deerfield Holiday Lights 2019 This neighborhood may have the highest percentage of residents participating. There’s carriage rides for a fee as well. Grab some hot chocolate to go and head over! December 1st – 30th.

Plano: Holiday Date Night at Legacy West! Lights everywhere, music over the soundsystem, a giant lighted gift box, and the best shopping and dining in Plano. This is a great, walkable location 365 days a year and Christmas is special. Plus they are showing the Will Ferrell Christmas Classic Elf for free on December 11th in the Box Garden, at 7:00pm.