Best Things to Do in December in Dallas

Millions of twinkling lights, thrilling rides, live performances, plus visits with Santa are what you'll find at Six Flags amusement park's massive tribute to festive fun. Along with the tallest steel hybrid roller coaster in the world and an assortment of rides to keep thrill seekers of all ages happy, expect to find everything from a legit snow hill to sled down to choreographed light shows, Christmas crafts and more. The park is open on select days between November 21, 2020 through January 3, 2021. Note that all guests planning to visit Six Flags must purchase tickets and make a reservation prior to the visit. Admission to the park starts at $29.99 for everyone over two years of age.

The Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco is positively sparkling this year thanks to Radiance, a new drive-through Christmas light experience featuring spectacular illuminations that stretch over a mile long. Expect to gaze at over two million lights, including 160 feet of animated RGB light tunnels, all complemented by a special radio station dedicated to classic holiday tunes to keep everyone in the spirit. Naturally, there will also be festive treats available to purchase: think hot chocolate, cookies and glow stick cotton candy. Radiance runs November 11, 2020 through January 3, 2021. General admission tickets are $30 per vehicle.

Arlington's new Globe Life Field (home of the Texas Rangers) is being transformed into a wintery wonderland this season with Luminova Holidays, a spectacular immersive experience that's guaranteed to provide a much-needed dose of festive cheer. We're talking 2.7 million lights, a 65-foot Christmas tree and a 10,000 square foot outdoor ice-skating rink stretched out over 270,000 square feet of space both inside and outside Globe Life Field. Also expect to find a host of interactive activities including light up hopscotch, train rides for the kids, holiday entertainers, festive food, and of course, a visit from Saint Nick and his elves. Luminova Holidays takes place from November 20, 2020 through January 3, 2021. Prices start at $24.99 for adults and $14.99 for children ages 4-12.

Make the season even more magical for your little ones by heading over to this drive-through, after dark holiday experience at the Dallas Zoo. While the zoo's furry friends snooze, visitors can view everything from elaborate light sculptures to silk-covered animal lanterns and an ice palace from the comfort of their own car. There will be concessions available at a stop mid-way through the route as well as a walk at the end of the route at the park and stroll Reliant Holiday Village. The event takes place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on select nights, from November 20, 2020 through January 3, 2021. Admission is $65 per car. Note that all tickets must be pre-purchased online.

Popular pop-up, Snowday, is taking place at the Galleria Dallas this season and with it comes a multi-sensory, interactive experience that visitors of all ages will enjoy. Spread out over 5,000 square feet, guests can explore 11+ holiday-themed rooms filled with magical installations, holiday characters, and of course, plenty of instagrammable moments. Also on hand will be 6 extra-special photo moments with integrated cameras and lighting which are professionally processed and sent directly to your phone. Snowday runs November 20, 2020 through January 3, 2021. Tickets are $22 for adults and $8 for children ages 4-12. Children 3 and under get in free.

While perhaps not holiday themed, this drive-through art exhibit is definitely worth a browse before it disappears. Hosted by the Dallas-based public arts organization AURORA, the Area 3 exhibition takes over 100,000 square feet of a parking garage in downtown Dallas and showcases 11 large-scale light, video, and sound installations as well as performances by sixteen regional artists. Proceeds from the event go to support local artists and vendors whose income has been affected in the wake of COVID-19. Tickets are $30 per car and are sold online in hour blocks to maintain traffic flow and safety. The show runs from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. through January 1, 2021.

If you want to see as many lights as possible, this twinkling drive-through wonderland in the Dallas suburb of Grand Prairie never disappoints. Every year, folks pile in by the carload to cruise through four million lights and hundreds of custom displays set along 2 miles of path. Also find a drive-through concession stand as well as a massive animated light tunnel at the end of the adventure. The park is open nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. from Thanksgiving night until New Year's Eve 2020. Admission is $30 per car.

We can't think of a more surefire way to get in a festive mood than by seeing holiday lights while indulging in hot cocoa and premium chocolates. Between December 4 and December 30, 2020, Dallas by Chocolate offers its regular bus tours (with safety provisions observed), as well as a socially distanced Christmas Lights, Chocolate and Sips tour where guests remain in their cars except to meet tour hosts who will hand out treats in five different seriously decked out Dallas neighborhoods. Tours are held every evening except Christmas Eve and Christmas. Prices start at $33 for adults and $28 for children 10 and under.

Though anytime of the year is magical at the Dallas Arboretum, this stunning 66-acre acre oasis becomes even more enchanting during the holidays. In addition to over one million lights illuminating the gardens, the Arboretum is bringing back its ever popular 12 Days of Christmas, an outdoor exhibit featuring twelve 25-foot-tall Victorian gazebos filled with elaborate scenes and whimsical characters. Also expect to find Santa sightings, musical performances and a European style Christmas Village featuring a variety of themed houses to explore. Holiday events run from November 7 through December 31, 2020. General admission varies from $10 for children (ages 3-12) to $25 for adults depending on dates and times. Reservations are required.

When it comes to getting folks into the ho-ho-holiday spirit, few places do it better than the Dallas suburb of Grapevine (AKA, the Christmas Capital of Texas). Beginning Thanksgiving weekend, the downtown area will transform into a magical dreamland filled with huge decorations, animated characters and millions of twinkling lights. Expect to find over 1,400 daily events and activities, ranging from live street performances and tractor-drawn wagon rides to choreographed light shows, strolling carolers and parades. Did we mention that the historic downtown area is home to over 80 locally owned shops, cafes and wine tasting rooms? The festivities run from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., November 23, 2020 through January 10, 2021.