Article ·
How to See Dallas Holiday Lights with Toddlers (2026)
Dallas Zoo Lights, the Arboretum's final 12 Days of Christmas, The Trains at NorthPark and the Klyde Warren tree lighting: dates, times and prices for families with little kids.
By Zippy Guide · Published Nov 3, 2026 · Last checked Nov 3, 2026
Quick answer: For toddlers, see lights in daylight or early evening: the Arboretum's daytime Holiday at the Arboretum (9 AM-4 PM), The Trains at NorthPark (indoors), and the first hour of Dallas Zoo Lights (opens 5:30 PM). Save Dec 5 for the free Dallas Holiday Parade in the morning and the Klyde Warren Park tree lighting (4-7 PM).
Holiday at the Arboretum
Holiday at the Arboretum is at 8525 Garland Rd. It runs Nov 11, 2026-Jan 3, 2027. "The 12 Days of Christmas: One Final Chorus" is the last season of the 12 Days gazebos.
- Daytime, 9 AM-4 PM: adults $21.95-$25.95, children 3-12 $17.95-$21.95, under 3 free.
- Holiday at Night, 5-10 PM: $35-$40. Under 3 free. Walk-up is $4 more.
- Night Owl, 8:30-10 PM: $15.
- $12 Holiday Cheer pricing: Nov 26, Dec 24, Dec 25, Dec 31 and Jan 1.
- Parking: $15.
Toddler tip: Daytime is cheaper and earlier.
Dallas Zoo Lights
Dallas Zoo Lights is at 650 S. R.L. Thornton Fwy. It runs on select nights Nov 13-Jan 3, 5:30-9 PM. There are more than 2 million lights, Santa, a Holiday Maze and Destination: Dinosaurs.
General admission is from $19 and varies by date. A combo ticket with the daytime zoo, from 2:30 PM, is $10 more. Parking is $15. A Sensory Friendly Night is Nov 17 (registration required). It runs rain or shine.
Toddler tip: Take DART's Red Line to Dallas Zoo Station.
The Trains at NorthPark
The Trains at NorthPark run Nov 14-Jan 3. Hours are Mon-Sat 9 AM-8 PM and Sun 12-6 PM. Adults $13, children $11, seniors $8, under 2 free.
Free Choo Choo Tales and Tunes is Dec 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19 and 22 at 9:45 AM in North Court. Sensory-friendly hours are listed two different ways on the official site, so check before you go. The Trains benefit Ronald McDonald House Dallas.
Dec 5: parade morning, tree lighting evening
The Dallas Holiday Parade steps off at 8:30 AM at Commerce St. and Houston St. Street-side viewing is free. The parade FAQ still says 9 AM, so plan for 8:30.
Then go to the Klyde Warren Park Tree Lighting Celebration, 4-7 PM. It's free.
Toddler checklist
- Stroller
- Layers
- Snacks
- Buy timed tickets online
- Arrive at opening
See every lights pick in our holiday lights guide.
Watch
Videos
Videos from local creators and organizations, shared for reference. Zippy Guide isn't affiliated with them.
The 12 Days of Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum — video by Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden on YouTube.
Dallas Zoo Lights Presented by Reliant 2018 — video by Dallas Zoo on YouTube.
Video: Dallas Zoo
Trains at NorthPark benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas | NBCDFW — video by NBC DFW on YouTube.
Video: NBC DFW
Questions
FAQ
When does Dallas Zoo Lights start?
Dallas Zoo Lights starts Nov 13, 2026 and runs on select nights through Jan 3, 5:30-9 PM.
Is 2026 the last year of the Arboretum's 12 Days of Christmas?
Yes. The Arboretum calls "The 12 Days of Christmas: One Final Chorus" the final season of the 12 Days gazebos.
Is there a sensory-friendly holiday lights night in Dallas?
Yes. Dallas Zoo Lights has a Sensory Friendly Night on Nov 17. Registration is required.
What's free on Dec 5?
Street-side viewing of the Dallas Holiday Parade (step-off 8:30 AM) and the Klyde Warren Park Tree Lighting Celebration (4-7 PM) are both free.
Sources: each organizer's official page, checked Nov 3, 2026. Times and prices change, so verify with the organizer before you go.
