The weather is certainly getting chillier, but Dallas has managed to avoid snow so far, which should make getting around in the hectic traffic a little bit easier. However, your aptitude for spending extended amounts of time outside in freezing temperatures might vary, and taking a scenic tour amid heavy wind may not be what you’re looking for. Those looking for multiple options for a night out (which aren’t all that pricey, especially if you’re still doing Christmas shopping), taking a trip to the best light displays in the city is always a good opportunity.
Even if you’re just traveling around your neighborhood, you can probably appreciate the decked-out homes that show off your neighbors' decorating talent. Some of them might be OK with just putting up a few festive wreaths or yard displays, but others have blow-up figures, fully lit-up houses and multiple massive trees. You may even have a Clark Griswold in your neighborhood, someone who always seems to plan a perfect spectacle, only to have it overrun with technical difficulties.
If you’re looking to make it a day trip, there are plenty of great options in North Texas. Here are some of the best light displays you should check out before this year’s yuletide celebrations come to an end.
Dallas Zoo Lights
Through Jan. 2
650 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway
What better way to spend the holiday season than in the company of animals? You might even find a few that look like they could be “away in a manger.” The Dallas Zoo Lights event invites visitors to cruise a mile-long stretch of wondrous 3D-lighted sculptures and larger-than-life animal lanterns. It’s also a great place to get your Christmas card photos taken, as Santa Claus himself is there in person.
Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza at The Star
Through Dec. 16
9 Cowboys Way, Frisco
You’re not going to find a bigger or brighter Christmas tree than The Star’s 67-foot LED Christmas tree on Tostitos Championship Plaza. The 20-minute light show includes performances by Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blue, Cowboys Rookie Squad, Rowdy and even Santa! The show's festive Christmas songs are even synchronized with the tree’s light spectacle.
Six Flags Holiday In The Park
Through Dec. 31
2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington
More flags, more fun. It might be a little chilly outside to ride on the Texas Giant, but not sweating like crazy could be a good thing. Six Flags has its usual late-day rides, but the holidays include special Christmas shows and a light show that rivals the Titan. Among the short-term additions are a full Santa’s village and some delicious s’mores.
Lights on the Farm at Heritage Farmstead Museum
Through Dec. 30
1900 W. 15th St., Plano
Going to the Heritage Museum is a great way to learn some history, but you’ll also get quite a workout. The tour has a quarter-mile trail with over 1 million lights, animated characters and fresh cocoa and kettle corn. You might even want to take in an extra loop around the trail if you have too many addictive “make your own s’mores.”
Vitruvian Lights
Through Jan. 1
3875 Ponte Ave., Addison
Most of us have a hard time picking out the perfect tree, but Vitruvian Lights doesn’t force you to pick; there are more than 500 beautiful, sparkling trees in this display in Addison. This celebrated tradition is now in its 10th year, and this edition is the most spectacular to date.
Dallas by Chocolate's Christmas Lights
Through Dec. 30
Various Dallas neighborhoods
There’s nothing more quintessential to Christmastime than chocolate. Hey, it’s the holidays, so save your New Year’s resolution for a few weeks! This tour offers a perfect opportunity to test out some of DFW’s finest dessert cuisines. The heated tour makes stops at local venues and Christmas lights displays.
Deerfield Neighborhood
Through Dec. 30
Preston and Coit roads, Plano
Heard enough generic Christmas music? That’s not a problem for anyone visiting the Deerfield Neighborhood’s light display, because you can stay in your car and listen to your own Christmas playlist. Visitors from all across the state head to Plano to see the unparalleled collection of neighborhood home displays. It’ll be tough to pick a favorite.
Holiday at the Arboretum
Through Jan. 5
8525 Garland Road
There’s no shortage of things to see by the end of the year at the Arboretum. You can make stops at the Musical Christmas Tree, see a gorgeous Christmas Village and marvel at the 12 Days of Christmas. Happily, the Arboretum respects celebrations of all faiths, and has added Hanukkah and Kwanzaa shows as well.
North Pole Texas at Hilton Anatole
Through Dec. 30
2201 N. Stemmons Freeway
Sure, you can read about Santa’s delivery process, but why not see it for yourself? This 90-minute train tour shows you all the inner workings of Santa’s workshop, The North Pole Mailroom, Mrs. Claus’ kitchen and even the Elf Academy.
Highland Park/University Park
There are many reasons to gawk at rich people's homes when you're not rich yourself: maybe they serve as motivation to "get your ass up and work" like Kim K says you should, or maybe you're just a fan of architecture. Whatever the reason, make your way to Dallas' wealthiest neighborhoods because they'll be LIT this Christmas.
We hope Kevin can yet again outsmart the Wet Bandits this year. Just saying, this Highland Park home looks a lot like the McAllister home.
Brian Maschino
Prairie Lights
Through Dec. 315610 Lake Ridge Parkway, Grand Prairie
Head to Grand Prairie for some North Pole auto-tourism and holiday cheer. This Texas town is hosting its iconic holiday lights experience once again with a holiday village, a magical walk-through forest, carnival photos with Santa Claus himself, shopping, and many more festivities.
Radiance! at the Ranch
Through Dec. 302251 Mineral Wells Highway, Weatherford
Radiance! Christmas is lighting up Weatherford for the fourth year this holiday season. It's now presenting exciting scenes, even more lights, hot chocolate and popcorn. If you're feeling extra fancy, you can even get a VIP pass to access shorter lines.
The Light Park
Through Jan. 17300 Rough Riders Triangle, Frisco
The Light Park electric light show has locations all over Texas Triangle, with its tree-topping location in Frisco. Buy a ticket for your vehicle and embrace the millions of lights, Christmas DJ, and food and drinks. Don’t leave your furry friends at home, because this holiday celebration is pet friendly.
Gift of Lights
Through Jan. 13545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth
Pack the car with all of your loved ones and get your holiday playlist ready. This 2-mile-long LED light show takes cars down the Texas Motor Speedway in flashing holiday colors. Gift of Lights also has special discounted themed nights such as Christmas Sweater Night on Dec. 6.
