Experience the thrill of the holidays in Garland! Our guide highlights all the top festive events and activities. Whether you're a local or a visitor, our guide showcases the festive magic of Garland.
Start your holiday festivities with Christmas at the Arboretum, where enchanting lights and beautifully decorated gardens create a winter wonderland. For family-friendly fun, explore the dazzling light displays and amusement rides at Holiday at the Park. And Enchant Christmas is something you definitely don't want to miss with its stunning light maze and market. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Garland
See these and even more events listed below!Nearby Events
Christmas at the Arboretum (Dallas)
What to Expect:
12 Days of Christmas gazebos
Description:
The Dallas Arboretum transforms into a holiday spectacle with its signature 12 Days of Christmas gazebos. These elaborate Victorian-style structures bring the classic carol to life with animated figures and intricate details. Stroll through the gardens to discover each whimsical scene, from pipers piping to lords a-leaping. The Arboretum's history dates back to the 1940s, evolving from a private estate to a beloved public garden. You can warm up with a cup of hot cocoa while admiring the 30-foot-tall Christmas tree adorned with over 500,000 lights.
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Holiday at the Park (Arlington)
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed rides and attractions
Description:
Six Flags Over Texas dons its winter coat for Holiday in the Park, offering a unique twist on traditional amusement park thrills. Roller coasters and rides are adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, creating an exhilarating holiday experience. The park's Texas heritage shines through with cowboy-themed holiday characters and performances. Visitors can test their skills at the holiday-themed midway games or take a spin on the Frosty Snowhill, a real snow tubing hill. The aroma of freshly baked gingerbread wafts through the air as you explore the park's winter wonderland.
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Enchant Christmas (Dallas)
What to Expect:
World's largest light maze
Description:
Enchant Christmas boasts the world's largest light maze, a dazzling labyrinth of illuminated sculptures and pathways. This immersive experience challenges visitors to navigate through a twinkling forest of lights while searching for Santa's missing reindeer. The event takes place at Fair Park, a historic venue that hosted the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition. Glide across the ice skating trail, weaving through a canopy of glowing archways. Enchant Christmas also features local artisans and crafters, showcasing unique holiday gifts and treats.
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The Trains at NorthPark (Dallas)
What to Expect:
Miniature train display of American landmarks
Description:
The Trains at NorthPark captivates visitors with its intricate miniature railway system, featuring scale models of American landmarks. This elaborate display spans over 1,600 feet of track, winding through tiny cityscapes and rural vignettes. The exhibit has been a Dallas tradition since 1987, raising funds for the Ronald McDonald House. Marvel at the attention to detail as you spot miniature versions of New York skyscrapers, the Golden Gate Bridge, and even Texas oil fields. Children can participate in a scavenger hunt, searching for hidden objects throughout the display.
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Grapevine Christmas Spectacular (Grapevine)
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed Christmas celebrations
Description:
Grapevine, known as the Christmas Capital of Texas, hosts a Victorian-themed Christmas Spectacular. The historic downtown area is adorned with period decorations, transporting visitors to a 19th-century holiday celebration. Costumed performers roam the streets, sharing tales of Christmases past. The city's rich wine-making heritage is incorporated into the festivities, with special holiday wine tastings available. You can hop aboard the North Pole Express, a vintage railroad experience complete with caroling and hot chocolate. Grapevine's commitment to preserving its historic charm makes this event a unique step back in time.
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Grapevine Christmas Spectacular
Highland Park Christmas Lights (Dallas)
What to Expect:
Extravagant residential light displays
Description:
Highland Park's Christmas lights showcase transforms affluent neighborhoods into a glittering tapestry of holiday cheer. Homeowners compete to create the most elaborate displays, resulting in a dazzling array of lights, decorations, and themed vignettes. This tradition dates back to the 1920s, when Highland Park was one of the first planned communities in Texas. Visitors can embark on a self-guided driving tour, marveling at the creativity and grandeur of each home's display. The sound of carols fills the air as some residents host live performances on their front lawns.
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Highland Park Christmas Lights
Gift of Lights (Fort Worth)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light experience at Texas Motor Speedway
Description:
Gift of Lights transforms the Texas Motor Speedway into a twinkling winter paradise. This drive-through experience allows visitors to enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of their own vehicles. The 2-mile course features over two million LED lights and hundreds of animated displays. As you cruise through the speedway, typically home to high-speed races, you'll encounter a series of themed areas, including Santa's Workshop and the Twelve Days of Christmas. The event supports local charities, continuing the speedway's tradition of community involvement since its opening in 1996.
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Santa's Village (Richardson)
What to Expect:
Miniature Christmas village with interactive experiences
Description:
Santa's Village in Richardson recreates a charming North Pole town with a collection of tiny, whimsical buildings. Each structure houses a unique interactive experience, from cookie decorating to ornament making. The village reflects Richardson's commitment to family-friendly events, a tradition that began in the 1950s as the city rapidly expanded. Children can write letters to Santa at the village post office or visit with live reindeer. The air is filled with the joyful sounds of a children's choir performing classic holiday tunes.
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Prairie Lights (Grand Prairie)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light tunnel and animated displays
Description:
Prairie Lights illuminates the night with a two-mile drive featuring four million lights. The highlight of this radiant journey is the light tunnel, an immersive experience that envelops vehicles in a sea of colorful, synchronized lights. This event takes place in Lynn Creek Park, showcasing the natural beauty of Joe Pool Lake. Visitors can stop at Holiday Village midway through the drive to enjoy carnival rides, concessions, and photos with Santa. The animated displays tell holiday stories through movement and light, bringing familiar tales to life.
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Vitruvian Lights (Addison)
What to Expect:
Synchronized light show on trees
Description:
Vitruvian Lights transforms Vitruvian Park into a synchronized light spectacle, with over 1.5 million LED lights adorning hundreds of trees. The lights dance in time to holiday music, creating a mesmerizing display of color and movement. This modern take on holiday lights reflects Addison's reputation as an innovative and forward-thinking community. Visitors can stroll along illuminated walking trails, taking in the dazzling show from various vantage points. The event also features food trucks offering seasonal treats, allowing you to savor the flavors of the holidays while enjoying the lights.
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Dickens in Historic Downtown Plano (Plano)
What to Expect:
Victorian-era Christmas celebration
Description:
Dickens in Historic Downtown Plano transports visitors to a 19th-century Christmas celebration. The streets come alive with costumed characters, street performers, and artisans demonstrating Victorian-era crafts. This event pays homage to Plano's rich history, which dates back to the 1840s. Visitors can participate in traditional holiday activities like caroling or taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic district. The aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine fills the air, evoking the sensory experience of a Dickensian Christmas. Local shops and restaurants embrace the theme, offering period-inspired goods and fare.
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Dickens in Historic Downtown Plano