10 Best Holiday Events in Dallas — The Nutcracker Ballet, Zoo Lights, Home Alone in Concert, and More

Ready or not, the holidays are almost here. And in Dallas, top festive happenings get booked up fast. But don’t fret; we’ve narrowed down the very best concerts, ballets, tree lightings, and more to get your tickets for now.

From The Nutcracker ballet to jaw-dropping light displays, these are the best holiday events in Dallas.

Take a Stroll Through Holiday Lights and Decor

A favorite holiday experience each year is the Dallas Arboretum’s 12 Days of Christmas from now through January 4. The annual Holiday at the Arboretum event features 12 Victorian-style gazebos brought to life with each day from the classic carol, The 12 Days of Christmas. There are millions of lights throughout the garden, as well as a Christmas village.

Through January 4, see the largest miniature train set in Texas, The Trains at NorthPark, benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. This year, there is a new addition called Choo-Choo Tales that Dallas Children’s Theater and Booker T. Washington High School’s Theatre Conservatory are hosting at NorthPark Center on Tuesdays in December (through the 23rd).

Take a stroll through Dallas Zoo Lights through January 4. The experience takes you on a glittering adventure of larger-than-life animal lanterns and a million-light display.

Head to Galleria Dallas through January 4 for the immersive holiday experience, SNOWDAY (great for photos), and Santaland — where you can meet Santa in person.

Addison’s Vitruvian Lights is another must-visit during the holiday for its dazzling light display at Vitruvian Park. The flip is switched on at 6 pm on November 23. Special events include performances by Jordan Kahn Orchestra from 6 pm to 10 pm, and Dallas String Quartet on November 30. The lights are on display through January 1.

Get in The Spirit With Special Holiday Shows

On December 20, Trans-Siberian Orchestra‘s The Ghosts of Christmas Eve will have two shows at American Airlines Center at 3 pm and 7:30 pm.

One cannot miss a performance of The Nutcracker during the holidays. Texas Ballet Theater’s is one of the best, from November 28 through December 7 at Winspear Opera House. And if you happen to miss these dates, don’t worry, the ballet will perform in Fort Worth from December 12 through 28.

Home Alone in Concert is a must this December for fans of the 1990 film. From December 5 through 7, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will perform the score (composed by John Williams) live while the film plays in the background.

Shopping Experiences, Tree Lightings, & More

Highland Park Village‘s Christmas Lights Celebration and Shopping Stroll takes place on December 10. From 4 pm to 7 pm, you can take photos with Santa, get the kids’ faces painted, participate in a toy drive, partake in exclusive store activations, listen to festive music, and more.

On December 7 from 4 pm to 7 pm, Klyde Warren Park will host its annual Tree Lighting Celebration.

Make sure to also check out our guides to the best holiday pop-up bars and holiday tea experiences in Dallas.