Dallas-Fort Worth family weekend planner
Holiday events in Dallas-Fort Worth: lights, Santa and Christmas shows
Holiday events in Dallas-Fort Worth for 2026: 5 listings across 2 cities — light displays, Santa visits, tree lightings, Nutcracker shows, markets and New Year's Eve, from official calendars.
Dallas and Fort Worth are separate family calendars connected by a long drive, so pick one side for the day. Fort Worth leans on its cultural district and stockyards; Dallas spreads across the arts district, suburbs and a large library system. Weekday programming is mostly library- and recreation-center-based.
What's on this weekend in Dallas-Fort Worth →
Light displays and lantern walks
- The Light Park @ Samuell Farm — Dallas Parks, Dallas · Nov 10
- Dallas Zoo Lights Presented by Reliant — Dallas Zoo, Dallas · Nov 13
- Member Night at Dallas Zoo Lights Presented by Reliant — Dallas Zoo, Dallas · Dec 1
- President's Circle Party at Dallas Zoo Lights Presented by Reliant — Dallas Zoo, Dallas · Dec 1
Nutcracker and holiday shows
- Book Folding: Winter Wonderland Trees — Tinker Room, Arlington · Dec 8
Holiday traditions in Dallas-Fort Worth
Quick questions
When do the holiday lights start in Dallas-Fort Worth?
The earliest listing on this page opens Nov 10: The Light Park @ Samuell Farm.
What holiday events in Dallas-Fort Worth are free?
None of the listings here are marked free — check each organizer's page for pricing.
Where can we see Santa in Dallas-Fort Worth?
Santa visits are usually announced later in November. This page updates every day as organizers publish them.