Must See Holiday Lights Around DFW

There is something nostalgic about a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows floating on top while cruising down the road looking at Christmas lights. As a child, you were mesmerized by the lights at Christmas time and now you get to watch your children’s faces light up from the magic! I have put together a well-thought-out top ten places in the community, some free, others with a small fee. I am so thrilled to give you a piece of your childhood and the joy of watching your kids excitement.

I’ll start with the free lights, because well who doesn’t like free magic?

Deerfield

This neighborhood is AMAZING! This is a tradition for our little family, since this was the start to our little family – my husband actually took me for a Starbucks latte, while we looked for Christmas lights on our first date. Since this time, we have gone back every year, now including our children in the fun. I recommend viewing these lights on a weeknight because the weekends are crazy and the streets are packed, but it IS worth it! Hands down our favorite Christmas tradition.

The deets: These lights run December 1-30th from 7pm-10 pm on weekdays & 7 pm-11 pm on weekends, however, most homes turn their lights on at dark. A key note is that there are no public restrooms, so plan accordingly.

The Colony Fire Station

Who doesn’t enjoy dancing lights?! Last year they had several lighted trees along with the fire station that danced Christmas tunes. The lights dance along to the holiday tunes of 99.9FM.

The deets: The Central Fire Station is located at 4900 Blair Oaks Dr and the lights are displayed from Dec 5 – Jan 4, Sun – Thurs 5:30 – 10:30 pm, Fri & Sat 5:30 – 10:50 pm.

Vitruvian Lights

While I have never been here, a friend told me that this is great not only for the kids, but for a romantic COVID friendly date night. Grab some cocoa, bundle up, and take a stroll with your significant other to enjoy the beautiful scenery that Vitruvian Park has to offer – and then of course bring the kids on a later date because it’s pretty darn cool. Each tree in the park is strung with a different colored light creating a rainbow of colors that shine off of the pond. It looks absolutely stunning!

The deets: Vitruvian Park is located in Addison Texas and the lights are up from Nov 27 to Jan 3. This park becomes a glistening beauty every night at 5 pm.

Christmas in the Square

If you can’t tell, I’m a sucker for the dancing lights – but, we all know they are the most fun! If you haven’t checked out Frisco Square, well, you need to, and if you have, then you know why you need to go back! Frisco Square is actually the largest choreographed lights and music display in North Texas. This is another family favorite, though every time we have gone it has taken us at least an hour to drive around, so plan accordingly when you have some extra spare time.

The deets: The Frisco Square dancing lights are located at 8874 Coleman Blvd. The lights run from Nov 27 – Jan 4th starting every night at 6 pm and dance along to 107.3FM so be sure to tune in upon arrival.

The Christmas Capital of Texas

Grapevine – I mean I could stop after that one word because everyone already knows – any holiday —> check out Grapevine! With that being said, y’all, they’re doing 40 Days of Christmas, yes, FORTY. There will be millions of lights, tons of decorations, characters, crafts, the North Pole Express, and the Historic Palace Theatre will even be playing Christmas movies.

The deets: Check out their website for all the details  and note that all visitors over the age of 10 will be required to wear a face mask and it is recommended for those under the age of 10 who are able.

Now it’s time for the “cha-ching cha-ching” Christmas lights. While spending money to see Christmas lights seems like a doozy, we have picked out a handful of ones that should be worth every penny! Read onward my friends.

Dallas Zoo Lights

While the animals sleep, you drive. The Dallas Zoo has more than a million lights ready for your family view along with a holiday station (1670AM). This will be a treasure your family will surely enjoy.

The deets: Due to COVID you must pre purchase your tickets on the Dallas Zoo website for Nov 20 – Jan 3 for a slot between 6:30 – 9:30 pm. This excursion will take at least 25-30 minutes.

Member: $50/ car, Non-member: $65/car

Prairie Lights

It’s bigger and better than ever! Drive along two miles of FIVE MILLION lights! This will be a family memory you will forever treasure – I mean a picture says a thousand words and this light tunnel looks pretty BOMB.

The deets: Prairie Lights will run Nov 26 – Dec 31 at Lynn Creek Park of Grand Prairie. General admission per car is $30.

Radiance!

If you’ve driven past the stadium you have probably seen their set up at this point. This will be drive-thru lights that are also set to music and is well known in the area.

The deets: Nov 13 – Jan 3 at the Dr Pepper Ballpark Frisco with a small fee of $30/ car

Dallas Arboretum “12 Days of Christmas at Night”

If you’ve been to the Arboretum during the holidays, then you know it can be magical without the lights, but with the lights there is a beautiful amount of Christmas spirit, just waiting to be explored.

The deets: This will take place November 27 – December 30 Sunday – Wednesday 6-9 pm & Thursday – Saturday 6-10 pm. Please check their website as prices vary and remember that masks are required.

Now off you go to admire the lights and feel like a child again. Enjoy and post photos – tagging @CarrolltonECPTA, so we can all join in your fun! We can’t wait to hear your favorite!

About the Author

Lauren is a mom of two kids, Wyatt (4) & Audrey (1) … & the fur baby, also known as the OG, Luna Bella. (Oh & Mustard the fish). She is married to one heck of a guy, Troy, who she met in college. She has a Bachelors in Behavioral Analysis and a Masters in Social Work, currently she is navigating the life of a full time working mom as a hospice social worker for Centric, but has also juggled the jobs of stay at home mom & work at night mom. She is the red playgroup coordinator and a member of the yellow playgroup. She loves cold brew, crafting, reading, and margarita nights with the hubs.