Your December in Dallas Guide: Festive Things to Do All Month Long (2025)
- Dec 9, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: May 20
December in Dallas hits different crisp nights, twinkling lights, over-the-top holiday pop-ups, and just enough cold weather to justify a peppermint latte and a rooftop vibe in the same week. Whether you're new to DFW or a long-time local looking for seasonal magic, here’s your curated guide to the best things to do in Dallas this December.
Go Ice Skating at Galleria Dallas
The iconic Galleria skating rink is the definition of Dallas nostalgia. Lace up and skate under the largest indoor Christmas tree in the U.S. Plus, Santa does daily ice-skating appearances that somehow feel magical no matter your age.
Catch a Holiday Show at the Winspear
From The Nutcracker to A Christmas Carol, the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s December lineup always hits. Make a night out of it: dress up, grab dinner in the Arts District, and enjoy a classic holiday tradition.
Cozy Up at a Dallas Holiday Pop-Up Bar
Dallas bars go extra in December. Think themed cocktails, fake snow, and walls of lights. A few local favorites:
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Take a Holiday Light Tour
DFW goes all-in on Christmas lights. Must-see spots include:
• Highland Park Mansion Lights - walk or drive through jaw-dropping homes.
• Vitruvian Lights- hundreds of illuminated trees around the lake.
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Prairie Lights - illuminated walk-through forest, carnival rides, photos with Santa, and more!
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- Whimsical light art installations that tell a story.
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- The Dallas Zoo transforms into a glowing winter jungle with millions of lights, lanterns, and interactive displays.
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- One of the largest choreographed light displays in North Texas and completely free.
• The Arboretum- goes all-in with their 12 Days of Christmas gazebos, a European-inspired Christmas village, carolers, and hundreds of thousands of lights that make the whole garden feel enchanted.
Final Thoughts
Dallas absolutely thrives during the holiday season, whether you’re into cozy nights, festive pop-ups, or full-on Christmas-lights-everywhere energy. And if you’re planning a move this winter, December is also one of the best months to score rent specials around DFW (think 4-8 weeks free).
If you ever need help finding your next apartment, neighborhood, or home in Dallas, Dwellinc has your back all season long.
