The brightest season of the year is finally here and the local community is buzzing with a delightful array of holiday events for all ages that promise to enchant and inspire. From festive light displays that transform the night into a twinkling spectacle to heartwarming sing-a-longs and craft activities, the Dallas/Fort Worth area is coming together to celebrate the magic of the season.

Come join in the celebration with one of these 6 holiday events as the community sparkles with the spirit of the season.

Lightscape at Fort Worth Botanic Garden

In its second year at Fort Worth Botanic Garden, “Lightscape” will offer 15 new, never-before-seen installations and a 1.2-mile walking trail filled with festive lights. Creators will also bring back fan-favorites, such as “Bluebonnets,” “Fire Garden,” and the “Winter Cathedral.” Another new feature this year is the Christmas Village where visitors can warm up by the fire pits, enjoy some s’more roasting and holiday music. Don’t forget to snap a photo with Santa while you’re there!

Date: Nov. 24-Jan. 1, 2024

Hours: Time slots begin every 15 minutes, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Location: 3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard, Fort Worth

Phone: 817-463-4160

Tickets: $18-$30

Fort Worth Stockyards

The Fort Worth Stockyards offer a variety of activities suitable for individuals of all ages. The primary highlight is the cattle drive, and it’s free! Twice each day, at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., spectators gather along the streets to witness cowboys, mounted on horses, guiding a herd of longhorn cattle through the heart of East Exchange Avenue. Another great experience  is the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze, an expansive 5,400-square-foot wooden labyrinth. The admission fee is $6, but if you visit on a Tuesday, it’s available at half price. Various alternative activities await, such as exploring the Stockyard Museum, experiencing a rodeo, testing your skills on a mechanical bull and indulging in authentic Texas barbecue.

Date: All season long

Hours: Hours vary based on events

Location: 131 E. Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth

Phone: 800-433-5747

Tickets: Prices vary based on events

Fort Worth Zoo

As you wander through the carefully curated exhibits, each step unveils a new chapter in the diverse and fascinating world of wildlife. The zoo offers a unique opportunity to witness various habitats and to learn how it often plays a crucial role in education and conservation, raising awareness about the importance of preserving our planet’s biodiversity. 

Date: Daily

Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Location: 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth

Phone: 817-759-7555

Tickets: $18 for individuals over 13; $14 for children 3-12; $14 for seniors; free for children 2 and younger

Holiday at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Throughout the year, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is a popular tourist attraction as it is home to a beautiful, diverse ecosystem right in the heart of Dallas. However, during the holidays, it becomes truly extraordinary. With its enchanting Christmas village, the iconic 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos and more, the Arboretum transforms into the ideal destination to immerse yourself in the holiday season. Whether visited during the day or night, advanced ticket purchase is a must to experience this holiday enchantment.

Dates: Nov. 9 – Jan. 5

Hours: Daytime entry starts at 9 a.m.; Evening views are at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Location: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas

Phone: 214-515-6615

Tickets: Day tickets are $12-$20; Night tickets are $11-$35 at dallasarboretum.org

Santa Adventureland

Santa Adventureland is an interactive Christmas adventure for all ages that includes fun games, activities, a build-your-own-toy with an elf and visitors can even meet Santa’s real reindeer! This 1.5-hour adventure will be located inside the Golden Triangle Mall in Denton.

Dates: Nov. 25 – Dec. 24

Hours: Hours vary depending on dates

Location: 2201 S I-35E, Denton

Phone: 405-496-2043

Tickets: $10 for adults; $20 for children 1-14

“The Nutcracker” at Life Song

It’s not Christmas without a stage production of “The Nutcracker!” LifeStage Theatre will present this full-length production, inspired by E.T.A. Hoffman’s “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” telling the well-known story of Clara Sturbaum.

Dates: Dec. 8-10

Hours: 2 p.m. matinee; 7 p.m.

Location: 3105 Ira E Woods Avenue, Suite 180, Grapevine

Phone: 817-421-0616

Tickets: $17-$20

Christmas at the Ranch

Load the family up and head over to Doubletree Ranch Park for a holiday extravaganza for all ages! Guests can visit Santa’s workshop and even meet the jolly man himself, see his reindeer, enjoy some snow hill sledding, holiday food and more.

Date: Dec. 9

Hours: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m

Location: 310 Highland Village Road, Highland Village

Phone: 972-317-7430

Tickets: Free

Carols, Cookies & Cocoa

Spread the Christmas spirit by joining the Carols, Cookies & Cocoa singalong, a festive event welcoming participants from all ages at White’s Chapel Methodist Church. The evening will begin with a special Christmas craft activity at 5:30 p.m. in The Foundry. This year, guests can enjoy a Christmas Story Time where children can at the front as leaders share heartwarming holiday stories.

Date: Dec. 12

Hours: 6 p.m.

Location: White’s Chapel Methodist Church, 185 Whites Chapel Boulevard, Southlake

Phone: 817-481-4147

Tickets: Free

Polar Express Little Elm

Embarking on this Christmas train ride is like stepping into a magical journey through a winter wonderland on wheels. Passengers can cozy up in their seats, sipping on warm beverages as the train winds its way through the scenery. Santa will make a merry appearance for photos and “The Polar Express” movie will end the evening, leaving visitors with a nostalgic and heartwarming experience that captures the true essence of the season.

Date: Dec. 23

Hours: 2-  7 p.m.

Location: The Lawn at The Lakefront, 125 Main St., Little Elm

Phone: 214-975-0430

Tickets: Free