Things to Do in Dallas During the Holidays

If a toy train is your idea of the perfect holiday season, then this is a must-see activity for your family. The Trains at NorthPark Center is the most elaborate toy holiday train exhibit in Texas, with locomotives whizzing on a journey across America, past the Dallas skyline, then on to New York City, San Francisco, New England and Washington, D.C.

The attraction is on display at NorthPark Center, Level Two, Nordstrom Wing between Sephora and Free People.

Celebrate the holidays like never before with this centerpiece exhibit featuring an elaborate collection of 26-foot Victorian gazebos filled with the charming costumed characters and whimsical animals that are made famous by the beloved 12 Days of Christmas carol. Each gazebo will be encased in glass and extravagantly decorated on all sides to provide a dramatic, three-dimensional experience, and will feature mechanical parts and festive music that will assist in bringing the characters to an even more life-like state.

The tree is up! Don't miss the famous 95-foot Christmas tree above the Galleria's Ice Skating Rink with 1,700 branches, 450,000 twinkling LED lights, and 10,000 colored ball ornaments. Visit a real-bearded Santa in his Village. He listens to gift requests and taking photos, level 2, near Saks Fifth Avenue. 

Christkindl Market is an enchanting family market in the tradition of markets held throughout Germany during the Holiday season. Featuring authentic German cuisine, beverages, entertainment, arts, crafts and holiday gifts. Admission and Parking are free. The event usually runs from mid-November through the end of December.

ICE! is a walk through holiday attraction kept at a chilly 9 degrees featuring two million pounds of hand‐carved ice sculptures and five ice slides. See Ma in her kerchief, Pa in his cap and more as the classic holiday poem, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas comes to life.

Holiday in the Park is the seasonal transition where Six Flags Over Texas transitions into a winter wonderland each year. Enjoy spectacular seasonal shows, tasty holiday treats and an unprecedented Christmas celebration like none in North Texas. Sled down a Frosty's Snow Hill and participate in crafts and sing-alongs. Don't miss the parade 30 minutes before closing.

Holiday in the Park is open weekends and some days beginning in November and running through January.

The Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker is coming to SMU. Imagine 200 beautiful costumes, 9 larger-than-life puppets, and amazing ballet dancers performing the beautiful holiday classic.

Downtown McKinney’s premier festival, Home for the Holidays, is around the corner. It is an old-fashioned Christmas festival with ​horse-drawn carriages, strolling carolers, visits with Santa Claus, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony and activities for all ages. Periodically during the month of December, the shops in downtown McKinney will stay open for extended hours for holiday shopping with over 100 boutiques, art galleries, bookstores, apparel, gifts, and antiques.