Have a holly jolly holiday season! November is winding, Thanksgiving is almost here and soon Christmas will take over Dallas! The city will soon be taken over by holiday events and festivals. We have picked out some of our favorite Dallas holiday events and festivals to check out in November and December. Whether you’re looking for family fun, holiday music and fun, or weekend activities, there is are plenty holiday events and festivals to choose from.
November Holiday Events and Festivals:
A Season of Merriment and Melody
When: November 17 – January 8, 2017
Where: George W. Bush Presidential Center
What: Mrs. Bush selected A Season of Merriment and Melody as the White House holiday theme in 2004, weaving holiday music and traditional Christmas carols throughout the White House decor. This year, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum brings this celebration back to life in our special exhibit, A Season of Merriment and Melody: Christmas at the White House 2004.
Jingle Bash
When: November 19, 2016
Where: South Side Events Center at Gilley’s Dallas (1135 S Lamar Dallas, TX)
What: The Bash features vintage and unique items including bags, apparel, accessories, jewelry, home decor, art and pottery from both from homegrown artists and crafters and from around the country. DIY make & take craft tables, live musical performances and photo booths are among the additional attractions, and local bars and restaurants are on hand serving up their signature dishes and drinks.
The Trains at NorthPark Center
When: November 19, 2016 – January 8, 2017
Where: 8687 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75225
What: The exhibit encompasses more than 4,000 square feet of train themed environments, with all the trimmings of the holiday train travel experience. More than 60,000 people visit The Trains at NorthPark each season.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
When: November 25 – 27, 2016
Where: Dallas Summer Musicals (909 1ST AVE. DALLAS, TX)
What: The beloved TV classic RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL.
The NutCracker
When: November 25, 2016 – December 4, 2015
Where: Texas Ballet Theater
What: A holiday tradition like no other, a ballet filled with toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes and one very special nutcracker. This is a great holiday event for all ages! Bring the kiddos for a magical experience at the ballet.
Santa and His Elves at 470 Feet
When: November 26, 2016 – December 24, 2016
Where: Reunion Tower
What: ‘Tis the season to be jolly. Santa and his elves are spreading holiday cheer with weekly trips to the GeO-Deck. Guests can enjoy photos with Santa, a balloon artist and tasty treats from Cloud Nine Café! Santa will visit the GeO-Deck every Saturday, starting November 26 to December 24 from 12 PM – 3 PM.
Christmas at the Anatole
When: November 27 – December 18, 2016
Where: Hilton Anatole Dallas (2201 N. Stemmons Freeway Dallas, Texas 75207)
What: Holiday season at the Hilton Anatole is here! Featuring: Breakfast with Santa, Lights in the Park, Festive Décor, Kids Popcorn Bar, Rudolph’s Reindeer Barn, Photos with Santa, Scavenger Hunt, Face Painting, Geppetto’s Marionette Theater Holiday Shows…and much more!
Dallas Holiday Events and Festivals:
Garland Christmas on the Square
When: December 1, 2016 – January 1, 2017
Where: Downtown Garland Square (Main St & 5th St Garland, TX)
What: Garland’s annual Christmas celebration offers activities spanning the month of December and is one of the most unique Christmas-lighting experiences in the Metroplex. Join us for the festivities!
Irving Holiday Extravaganza
When: December 3, 2016
Where: City Hall (825 W Irving Blvd Irving, TX)
What: A Christmas-themed parade will barrel through the city to kick off the extravaganza’s multitude of cheery activities. Free hot chocolate will keep the spirit warm, a petting zoo will spread cheer to the animals and live dance performances will entertain all in attendance. To cap off the extravaganza, the city’s tree will glow with vibrant Holiday lights and fireworks will paint the night sky.
Downtown Wanderland
When: December 3-17, 2016
Where: Downtown Dallas
What: Downtown Dallas encourages you to wander downtown this December and explore the shopping, children’s activities, movie screenings, decorations, photos with santa, and more!
Old Town Lewisville Holiday Stroll
When: December 3, 2016
Where: Lewisville, TX
What: For a full day in December, Old Town Lewisville hosts a slew of free family events to get in the holiday spirit. Such events include the Lewisville Christmas Parade, community performances, Pancakes and Photos with Santa and much, much more. An elf scavenger hunt and other children’s activities will keep the kiddos on their toes all day long!
Dallas Children’s Health Holiday Parade
When: December 3, 2016
Where: Downtown Dallas (Commerce St & Market St Dallas, TX)
What: The Dallas Children’s Health Holiday Parade kicks off the holiday season for Dallas and features marching bands, floats, giant balloons and a variety of fun activities for the whole family. The parade was created in 1988 as a gift to the citizens of Dallas and is still going strong, drawing crowds of nearly half a million who line the streets to enjoy the festivities.
Ugly Sweater Run
When: December 3, 2016
Where: Globe Life Park
What: READY, SET, HO! HO! HO! Do you hear the Holiday music? The best holiday tradition back and doing it bigger than ever with Kahlúa. Put on your ugly sweater, round up your firneds and head to Globe Life Park for the Ugly Sweater 5k!
Are you ready for the holiday season? These are some of our favorite Dallas Holiday events and festivals coming to the city in November and December. What events are you most excited for? Let us know in the comment section below! As always, stay tuned to our blog for all things eat, shop and play around Dallas.
