DFW Holiday Lights Guide 2018

With only a couple of weeks left until Christmas, now is the perfect time to go check out some holiday light displays here in DFW! Here are 11 we'd recommend you consider.

*Detailed descriptions are below the map.

Lone Star Christmas

Where: Gaylord Texan

When: Through January 1, 2019

The Gaylord Texan wows visitors each year with its stunning Christmas displays. You can walk around the resort to see the more than 2 million lights and larger-than-life decorations. While you're there, you can also visit the ICE! exhibit which features "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" this year. But one of our personal favorite things to check out are the trains! 

The 12 Days of Christmas

Where: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

When: Through December 31, 2018

The Dallas Arboretum's "12 Days of Christmas" has been named one of "The South's Best Holiday Experiences" by Southern Living Magazine. So take their word for it! Their 25-foot Victorian style gazebos are filled with costumed characters, whimsical animals and music each depicting a day in the beloved Christmas carol. If you visit the Arboretum at night Wednesdays-Sundays, you'll see their 12 Days of Christmas night display which features 500,000 lights and a 30-foot tree!

Dallas Zoo Lights

Where: Dallas Zoo

When: Through January 1, 2019

On select evenings, the zoo will be transformed to a winter wonderland at night with nearly 1 million lights illuminating the night sky. This year, you can stroll the zoo and take in all of the realistic silk-covered lanterns in the shape of your favorite animals. And there are more fun activities happening including nature ornament-making, nightly musical performances, Rudolph's Sugar Shack, and an Elves' Workshop!

Lightshow Spectacular in Whoville

Where: Town Square Gazebo in Historic Downtown Grapevine

When: Through January 6, 2019

Visit Historic Downtown Grapevine this year for their Christmas Light Show Spectacular in Whoville. The choreographed show runs continuously every night through January 6. You can sing along with the songs playing from the Christmas tree while you enjoy the lights and projections on the larger-than-life drum. And it snows every night! Yes, in Texas!

Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway

Where: Texas Motor Speedway

When: Through December 30, 2018

This is the only Texas-sized drive thru light park you'll find this year. After you finish driving through to see all the lights, take the whole family to Santa's Village where you can take photos with Santa, enjoy popcorn, and experience what it's like to be in the North Pole for Christmas.

Prairie Lights

Where: Lynn Creek Park, Grand Prairie

When: Through December 30, 2018

Speaking of drive thru light displays, a classic here in DFW are the Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie. You'll be dazzled with 4 million lights along the 2-mile driving path. And halfway through, you can get out and explore the Holiday Village where you'll find food, gifts, Santa, a brand new Holiday Show, and the Holiday Magic Lighted Walk-Through Forest. Then the last half of the drive ends with the super cool light tunnel - it feels like you're in space flying at warp speed! 

Enchant

Where: Globe Life Park, Arlington

When: Through December 30, 2018

This year you can enjoy an all-new maze based on the story, "Eddie the Mischievous Elf." While you're navigating the maze, keep an eye out for eight hidden larger-than-life toys made of lights to help Santa save Christmas. Once you find your way out, stroll through the Christmas Market to visit the vendors, glide across the new ice skating trail, visit Santa, or grab some festive food and drinks!

Christmas in the Square

Where: Frisco Square

When: Through December 31, 2018

Frisco Square is home to the largest choreographed holiday lights and music show in North Texas. This will be the event's 14th year and will be full of fan favorites and new surprises. You can tune in to the radio to hear the music in your car, or you can walk around the Square and listen to the music over the speakers. You can also skate in the Square's outdoor ice rink under the festive lights and sounds of Christmas in the Square.

Holiday Lights Spectacular

Where: Vitruvian Park

When: Through January 1, 2019

During the holidays, Vitruvian Park in Addison transforms into a magical holiday wonderland. You can enjoy live music, gourmet food trucks, sweet treats, FREE photos with Santa, an elf balloon artist and more! Check their calendar for a detailed breakdown of events for each night. 

Highland Park

Where: Highland Park

When: Through December 31, 2018

While it may not be an "official" holiday light show, you can't not visit Highland Park during the holidays to check out all the beautiful, historic Dallas homes lit up for the holidays. Obviously many residents in Highland Park hire professionals to decorate, so you're always bound to see extravagant light displays. And if you want to mix it up this year, consider booking a Brazos Carriage ride to tour around.

Glenbrook Christmas

Where: Glenbrook Neighborhood, Bedford

When: Through December 31

If you've lived here a while, you know the tradition of Bedford's Glenbrook Christmas where residents create displays that tell the story of "The Night Before Christmas - In Texas." Even though the creator of the display passed away earlier this year, his children and neighbors are keeping his legacy going this year. But as of right now, this will be the final year, so visit while you can!