The festive season is upon us, and what better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by immersing yourself in the enchanting glow of Christmas lights? In the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area, there are several neighborhoods and events that go go above and beyond to create magical displays that are sure to captivate both young and old. Here's a guide to some of the best places to witness the twinkling brilliance of holiday lights.
Professional Drive-Through Shows
1. Farmers Branch Tour of Lights
- Location: Intersection of Valley View Lane and I-35E
- Highlights: Follow the lights, passing by hundreds of thousands of bulbs and unique animated scenes. The grand light finale at Farmers Branch Historical Park is a must-see. .
2. Prairie Lights
- Location: Grand Prairie
- Highlights: Experience a 2-mile drive-through show with a light tunnel, a "snowmazing maze," and a lighted forest. Santa makes an appearance.
3. Texas Motor Speedway Gift of Lights
- Location: Fort Worth racetrack
- Highlights: Drive through this lengthy show at non-NASCAR speeds.
Walk-Through Shows
1. Downtown Dallas
- Highlights: Take in the big tree at Klyde Warren Park and the neighboring lights around the AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Arts District.
2. Holiday Wonder at Fair Park
- Highlights: Enjoy lanterns and lights throughout Fair Park's art deco majesty, alongside live entertainment and a two-story slide.
3. Dallas Zoo Lights
- Highlights: Witness the zoo's holiday lights after the animals have been put in. Enjoy three-dimensional light sculptures, light shows, and other entertainment.
4. Magical Winter Lights at Lone Star Park
- Highlights: Explore a Christmas fair with lanterns, lights, and live entertainment at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie.
5. Vitruvian Lights at Vitruvian Park
- Highlights: Experience a rainbow of illuminated colors reflecting off the water at this Addison park. Free.
6. Grapevine Light Show Spectacular
- Highlights: Visit the "Christmas capital of Texas" for a nightly 20-minute light show in the town square. Also, explore ICE!, a colorful ice sculpture exhibition at the Gaylord Texan. Free for the light show, for ICE!.
7. Christmas in the Frisco Square
- Highlights: Witness one of the best light shows in North Texas with nightly displays and fake snow flurries on Fridays and Saturdays.
Neighborhood Displays
1. Highland Park
- Location: Armstrong Parkway and Preston
- Highlights: Explore the opulent neighborhood adorned with extravagant lights and decorations. Keep an eye out for the Million Dollar Monarch, a famed pecan tree marking the site of the oldest lighting ceremony in Dallas County.
2. Southwestern Boulevard
- Location: University Park (Between Central and the Tollway)
- Highlights: Enjoy a magnificent display of lights along this University Park boulevard, extending essentially from Central to the Tollway. Look out for the iconic head of Big Tex on a roof.
3. Kessler Park
- Location: Oak Cliff (Intersection at Laussane Ave.)
- Highlights: Head west on Colorado until you reach Laussane Ave. Revel in the scenic beauty of this year-round picturesque neighborhood, accentuated by festive lights during the holiday season.
4. Timberhollow Circle
- Location: Lake Highlands
- Highlights: Experience a united "12 Days of Christmas" display on this cul-de-sac. The surrounding neighborhood is also adorned with impressive lights, creating a festive atmosphere.
5. Swiss Avenue
- Location: Dallas
- Highlights: Explore the historic district with tastefully decorated homes. While it may be more reserved than some neighborhoods, Swiss Avenue's charm lies in its timeless elegance.
6. Spring Park near Garland/Plano/Richardson
- Location: Near Campbell and Renner (Bound to the west by Jupiter, and east by the George Bush Toll Road)
- Highlights: Cruise through this breathtaking neighborhood known for its frequently impressive lights.
7. Interlochen Lights
- Location: Arlington (Intersection of Randol Mill Road and Westwood Drive)
- Highlights: Enjoy a leisurely tour of the Interlochen neighborhood, a staple on lists of must-see holiday displays.
8. Deerfield
- Location: Northwest Plano
- Highlights: A perennial favorite, Deerfield offers a festive atmosphere. Check the Deerfield Homeowners Association for directions and tips. Carriage rides available for an extra touch of holiday charm.
9. The M Streets
- Location: 5800 block of Marquita (East of Matilda)
- Highlights: Don't miss the spectacular light show in this charming neighborhood.
Embrace the festive spirit by exploring these dazzling displays across the DFW area. Whether you prefer the charm of neighborhood lights or the grandeur of professional shows, there's something magical for everyone this holiday season. Merry Christmas!
