Dallas
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Holiday Lights in Dallas: Zoo Lights, the Arboretum & More

Dallas lights up in mid-November. The Arboretum's 12 Days of Christmas starts Nov 11, Zoo Lights starts Nov 13 and The Trains at NorthPark opens Nov 14. Saturday, Dec 5 brings the free Dallas Holiday Parade in the morning and the Klyde Warren Park tree lighting in the afternoon. Weeknights early in the season are usually calmer.

Photo for Holiday Lights in Dallas: Zoo Lights, the Arboretum & More

Photo: Bibiscal / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Check before you go

  • Buy timed tickets online for Zoo Lights and Holiday at the Arboretum. Walk-up night tickets at the Arboretum cost $4 more.
  • Zoo Lights runs rain or shine on select nights only, so check the calendar.
  • Parking: $15 at both the zoo and the Arboretum, not included in tickets.
  • Changes every year, so check the official links for nightly dates, prices and sensory-friendly nights.
  1. Photo of Dallas Zoo Lights
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    Photo: Kevin1086 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

    Dallas Zoo Lights

    Oak Cliff / South DallasSelect nights Nov 13, 2026–Jan 3, 2027; 5:30–9 PMGeneral admission from $19 (varies by date). Combo ticket (daytime zoo from 2:30 PM + Zoo Lights) costs $10 more. Parking $15, not included. Private igloos from $200.

    2 million+ lights, Santa, a Holiday Maze and Destination: Dinosaurs. Most animals are asleep.

    Sensory Friendly Night is Nov 17 (registration required).

    Website SourceSee in the guide
  2. Photo of Holiday at the Arboretum: The 12 Days of Christmas
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    Photo: Bibiscal / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

    Holiday at the Arboretum: The 12 Days of Christmas

    East Dallas / White RockNov 11, 2026–Jan 3, 2027; Holiday at Night 5–10 PMHoliday at Night $35–$40 (under 3 free); Night Owl $15; daytime $17.95–$25.95.

    The final season of the 12 Days of Christmas gazebos, plus a Christmas Village and DeGolyer House. Night Owl tickets (8:30–10 PM) are $15.

    Website SourceSee in the guide
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    Dallas Holiday Parade

    DowntownSat Dec 5, 2026; step-off 8:30 AMFree street-side viewing. Reserved seating is sold separately (price not posted on the FAQ).

    Balloons, marching bands, floats, and Santa and Mrs. Claus through downtown. Street-side viewing is free.

    The FAQ still lists 9 AM; plan for 8:30.

    Website SourceSee in the guide

Dates and prices change — please confirm with each place before you go.

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Thanksgiving Break in Dallas with Kids

Thanksgiving week is Nov 21–29, 2026. Start Thursday at the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot, then fill the other days with indoor museums, The Trains at NorthPark and free time at Klyde Warren Park. Several big attractions close on Thanksgiving Day itself, so check each one before you go.