Everything is bigger in Texas, even Christmas light displays. Some holiday events in North Texas feature more than one million lights, in addition to other attractions, such as vendors and visits with Santa. Here are several local festive light attractions to visit to help kick off the holiday season.
Even if the Texas heat prevents you from having a white Christmas, these local events will make you feel like you’re in a winter wonderland.
Flower Mound Christmas Parade: Dec. 7
This year, Flower Mound will be celebrating its 30th annual Christmas Parade. This year’s theme will be “12 Days of Christmas,” the same one planned for last year’s parade that was cancelled due to weather. The parade will take place down Spinks Road to Gerault Park and will last from 6 to 9 p.m. Aside from festive floats, the free event will include a tree lighting ceremony, pictures with Santa, local vendors and more. The Flower Mound Summit Club will also be collecting canned goods for Christian Community Action. For more information about the event’s entertainment schedule and shuttle services, click here.
Annual Holiday Lighting Festival of Denton: Dec. 14
Starting at 5:30 p.m., the lighting festival will take place on the Historic Courthouse Lawn in Denton Square. The Christmas tree lighting will be held at 6 p.m. and will be followed by performances from local bands and choirs. More information about festival performances can be found here. Horse drawn carriage rides, hot cider tasting, crafts and pictures with Santa will also be available. The event will be hosting a toy drive for needy families in Denton County. Items can be donated at the festival or dropped off prior at First Baptist Denton.
Christmas light shows are a fun holiday event for everyone, no matter their age.
Holiday at the Dallas Arboretum: Nov. 9 – Dec. 31
The Dallas Arboretum is hosting a “12 Days of Christmas” themed outdoor exhibit, featuring a 30-foot tall tree in the center of its gardens. The exhibit is made up of several 25-foot tall Victorian gazebos and will feature more than one million lights. A new Christmas Village is also making its debut this year, where visitors can explore holiday themed businesses with volunteers posing as shopkeepers and passing out samples, such as candy. Tickets to the event vary from $12-$17 and can be purchased online here.
Gift of lights at Texas Motor Speedway: Nov. 28 – Jan. 5
Gift of Lights takes place along the Texas Motor Speedway, whose two mile track is paved with almost three million lights. The entry fee ranges from $30-$50 depending on the size of your vehicle and lasts from 6-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 6-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Part of the venue will be transformed into Santa’s Village, which will have train rides, ice skating, pictures with Santa and refreshments available inside for additional costs. Click here to book tickets and learn more about the event.
