Last updated: November 11, 2024
Looking forward to the holidays in Richardson? Our guide has everything you need to know! For Richardson experts and novices alike, our guide is your compass to seasonal celebrations.
Popular Events: Experience the magic of the Gaylord Texan Holiday Event, featuring stunning ice sculptures and interactive attractions that bring holiday cheer to life. Another highlight is the Christmas Capital of Texas, where you can explore festive lights dazzling across the town. And the Snowday at the Galleria is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a winter wonderland of fun for families. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Richardson Holiday Light Displays
Prairie Lights at Grand Prairie
- What to Expect
- State-of-the-art light tunnel and reimagined walk-thru forest.
- Description
- Prairie Lights at Grand Prairie is a premier holiday light park featuring 4 million lights, an ALL NEW state-of-the-art light tunnel, a REIMAGINED magical walk-thru forest, CAPTIVATING animated light displays, carnival rides, photos with Santa, and holiday shopping.
- Where
- Grand Prairie | More Info : Prairie Lights at Grand Prairie
The Light Park
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and sound show with festive tunes.
- Description
- Cruise through millions of dazzling lights at The Light Park, perfectly synchronized to festive tunes by DJ Polar Ice. Enjoy tasty treats and zappy beverages while experiencing the sheer brilliance of this holiday spectacle.
- Where
- Frisco | More Info : The Light Park
Holiday at the Arboretum
- What to Expect
- 50-foot-tall animated Dazzling Musical Tree and over a million lights throughout the garden.
- Description
- Holiday at the Arboretum features the 12 Days of Christmas and Christmas Village, with elaborately decorated gazebos and the historic DeGolyer House, all set amidst a garden transformed for the holiday season.
- Where
- Dallas | More Info : Holiday at the Arboretum
Lights on the Farm
- What to Expect
- Holiday light display with Santa and festive treats.
- Description
- Explore over 1 million dazzling lights and unique holiday elements at the Heritage Farmstead Museum. Take a quarter-mile stroll through the beautiful grounds, meet Santa Claus, and indulge in delicious treats like s'mores, hot cocoa, and donuts while enjoying festive holiday music.
- Where
- Plano | More Info : Lights on the Farm
Carol of Lights
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with live reindeer and holiday bounce houses.
- Description
- The Carol of Lights in Historic Downtown Grapevine features live performances, family-friendly activities, and holiday bounce houses. Enjoy photos with live reindeer, seasonal crafts, and delicious food vendors along Main Street.
- Where
- Grapevine | More Info : Carol of Lights
Christmas Capital of Texas
- What to Expect
- Extensive holiday light displays and festive activities.
- Description
- Grapevine, Texas, transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with over 1,400 festive events in 40 days. Enjoy millions of lights, larger-than-life decorations, animated characters, and photo opportunities galore.
- Where
- Grapevine | More Info : Christmas Capital of Texas
Richardson Holiday Markets and Shopping
Cityline Merry Market
- What to Expect
- Largest makers market in Texas with locally sourced vendors.
- Description
- Shop from 100 local makers and vendors offering handmade and vintage treasures, unique gifts, and more. Enjoy live music and holiday-themed crafts for all ages.
- Where
- Richardson | More Info : Cityline Merry Market
Plano Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Handmade gift items from local artisans.
- Description
- The Plano Holiday Market showcases handmade gift items made of fabric, wood, ceramic, pottery, and glass. It features a variety of local vendors offering jewelry, clothing, candles, and soaps. Shoppers can also enjoy gourmet treats and seasonal treasures.
- Where
- Plano | More Info : Plano Holiday Market
Richardson Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Gaylord Texan Holiday Event
- What to Expect
- Interactive ice sculptures and slides.
- Description
- At Gaylord Texan, immerse yourself in a holiday spectacle featuring larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels. The event, ICE featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, is a self-guided, walk-through experience carved from two million pounds of ice, showcasing iconic scenes from the beloved classic.
- Where
- Grapevine | More Info : Gaylord Texan Holiday Event
North Pole Express
- What to Expect
- Immersive North Pole lights and festive holiday treats.
- Description
- Climb aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad for a 45-minute holiday adventure where passengers are immersed in North Pole lights. Santa's Elves, Jingle and Twinkle, greet visitors before embarking on the journey. The ticket includes Christmas singalongs, special moments with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and favorite Christmas treats like Mrs. Claus' Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie and Frosty Chocolate Snow Milk served in a souvenir memory mug. Each ticket includes a single 4x6 photo with Santa at the General Store.
- Where
- Grapevine | More Info : North Pole Express
Scrooge, The Musical
- What to Expect
- Large cast with over 130 actors, including family members and actors with disabilities.
- Description
- North Texas Performing Arts presents "Scrooge, The Musical," a critically acclaimed adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" by award-winning songwriter Leslie Bricusse. This family-friendly holiday classic features a fast-paced, fun full-length live musical production with pre-show Christmas carols and a diverse cast including local talent and community members.
- Where
- Plano | More Info : Scrooge, The Musical
Christmas Tree Lighting - Klyde Warren Park
- What to Expect
- Live music and festive activities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Description
- Join Klyde Warren Park for a day of holiday activities and entertainment, featuring photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, face painting, crafts, games, and live music from the Emerald City Band. The event culminates with the lighting of The Mayor’s Tree.
- Where
- Dallas | More Info : Christmas Tree Lighting - Klyde Warren Park
Richardson Other Holiday Activities
Snowday at the Galleria
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday experience with interactive set designs and studio-quality photo opportunities.
- Description
- SNOWDAY at the Galleria Dallas offers an immersive holiday experience with endless imaginative rooms, interactive spaces, and unique photo opportunities. Guests can explore a mythical city of elves, encounter various festive settings, and capture high-quality memories with integrated cameras and studio lighting.
- Where
- Dallas | More Info : Snowday at the Galleria
Home for the Holidays – A McKinney Christmas
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of family activities and holiday traditions.
- Description
- Home for the Holidays – A McKinney Christmas offers a small-town feel with big holiday spirit in Historic Downtown McKinney. Enjoy family activities, food, and entertainment, including visits with Santa, a carousel, and children's crafts.
- Where
- McKinney | More Info : Home for the Holidays – A McKinney Christmas
Visit Santa at Fairview Town Center
- What to Expect
- Personalized Santa visits with camera use.
- Description
- Visit Santa at Fairview Town Center in a relaxed environment, using your personal camera to capture special moments with the Jolly Old Elf.
- Where
- Fairview | More Info : Visit Santa at Fairview Town Center
Santa’s Village
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday village with Santa's Post Office and Mrs. Claus bakery.
- Description
- Santa’s Village at Huffhines Park is a free holiday event featuring free parking, photos with Santa, musical performances, and interactive activities within each village dwelling.
- Where
- Richardson | More Info : Santa’s Village
Christmas Lights, Chocolate, and Sips Tour
- What to Expect
- Explore Dallas' best chocolate shops with a knowledgeable tour host.
- Description
- Embark on a delightful journey through Dallas' premier chocolate dessert havens, savoring decadent truffles and indulgent pastries while learning about the history and culture of the city's unique neighborhoods and landmarks.
- Where
- Dallas/Fort Worth | More Info : Christmas Lights, Chocolate, and Sips Tour
Snowland
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday activities and Santa visits.
- Description
- Great Wolf Lodge transforms into a holiday-themed destination with seasonal festivities, games, crafts, and visits from Santa Claus. Families can participate in a lodge-wide holiday scavenger hunt, Snowfall Celebration singalong, Frosty Fest holiday dance party, and various seasonal-themed games.
- Where
- Grapevine | More Info : Snowland