Festive Holiday Fun for Families in Dallas
When the weather turns cool (well, Texas-cool), Dallas transforms into a festive wonderland packed with activities the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re into classic traditions, sparkling lights, or hands-on fun, the city offers plenty of ways to make the season magical — without having to hop on a sleigh.
Here are 8 must-visit spots for family-friendly holiday fun in Dallas this season!
1. 🎄 Hilton Anatole Hotel: Sparkle! Christmas Experience
If you want a staycation that feels like the North Pole, the Hilton Anatole’s Sparkle! holiday event is a must. With twinkling lights, indoor tubing, visits from Santa, crafts, festive snacks, and more, it's perfect for families looking to wrap themselves in holiday joy.
📍 Hilton Anatole, Dallas
🔗 Hilton Anatole
2. 🎭 Dallas Theater Center: Holiday Performances
For a magical night out, head to the Dallas Theater Center where classic holiday stories come to life on stage. Productions like A Christmas Carol add sparkle and soul to the season — and are a great way to introduce kids to the wonder of live theater.
📍 Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, Dallas Arts District
🔗 Dallas Theater Center
3. 🌇 Reunion Tower’s GeO-Deck: Holiday Views from Above
Get a bird’s eye view of the city’s holiday lights from the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck. You can spot downtown’s seasonal glow and maybe even catch a themed light show. It’s a short-but-sweet adventure that’s fun for both little ones and teens.
Add in digital photo ops, touchscreens, and interactive fun, and you’ve got a quick holiday hit.
📍 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX
🔗 Reunion Tower GeO-Deck
4. 🎅 Portraits with NorthPark Santa
NorthPark Center is famous for its gorgeous décor and next-level Santa experience. Portraits with NorthPark Santa are a Dallas tradition — known for the beautifully styled set and Santa who’s been visiting for over 30 years!
📍 NorthPark Center, Dallas
🔗 NorthPark Santa Info
5. 🚂 The Trains at NorthPark Center
While you're at NorthPark, don’t miss The Trains at NorthPark — a stunning miniature train display that winds through over 1,600 feet of track. The tiny landmarks, snowy villages, and festive scenes delight kids (and adults) of all ages.
Even better? Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, so it's fun for a great cause.
📍 NorthPark Center, Level One near Nordstrom
🔗 The Trains at NorthPark
6. 🌟 Holiday at the Arboretum
Dallas’s Holiday at the Arboretum is nothing short of magical. Walk through the dazzling 12 Days of Christmas gazebos, explore the new Christmas Village, and stop by for the evening light displays. With over a million lights and themed gardens, this event turns the Dallas Arboretum into a holiday dream.
📍 Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
🔗 Holiday at the Arboretum
7. 🎟️ Dallas Children’s Theater: Seasonal Family Shows
The Dallas Children’s Theater always brings heart and charm to the stage — and their holiday productions are no exception. With kid-friendly storytelling, music, and humor, it’s a great intro to the arts for little ones.
Check the schedule for seasonal shows like Rudolph or Frosty, depending on the year.
📍 Rosewood Center for Family Arts
🔗 Dallas Children’s Theater
8. 🇺🇸 George W. Bush Presidential Center: Holiday Tour
Want something a little different? The George W. Bush Presidential Center offers a unique mix of education and festive décor with its seasonal exhibits. Think beautifully decorated trees, historical tidbits, and even a peek into presidential holiday traditions.
It's a great indoor option for school-aged kids and curious grown-ups alike.
📍 2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas
🔗 Bush Center Holiday Info
Final Thought: Make the Season Yours
Whether you're snapping Santa pics at NorthPark, sipping cocoa under the lights at the Arboretum, or watching holiday magic unfold onstage, Dallas has no shortage of joyful ways to make memories.
So grab your calendar, gather the crew, and start planning — because these moments? They're the kind that stick.
