Holiday Happenings in Dallas/Fort Worth 2022

It's that time of year again... Time to start planning for the holiday season!

Dallas/Fort Worth is hosting a seemingly-endless number of awesome holiday events this year. From a walk-through light event in Frisco to North Pole-themed events in Dallas and Grapevine, DFW is your ho-ho-home for the holidays from north to south and east to west. Although 2022 won't see the return of the Magical Elf Journey that flooded Globe Life Park with holiday cheer last year, there are enough other events coming to the area that you'll have your pick of holiday happenings.

So whether you are looking for a drive through light show or an immersive experience, look no further than the DFW Metroplex for holiday cheer in 2022. Here are 10 events throughout DFW meant to get you in the holiday spirit, eggnog not included (though definitely encouraged!). 

We are ready for some holiday magic in 2022!

(Be sure you are following me on Instagram, as I will be giving away admission to a number of these events this season there- www.instagram.com/everythingarlingtontx)

11 Holiday Events in DFW for 2022

'Twas the Night Before Cirque du Soleil (Grand Prairie)- Be prepared to be amazed when the circus blows into Grand Prairie! You'll get to marvel at acrobatic feats set to the backdrop at one of the most beloved holiday tales of all time. Kids will love seeing all the high-flying magic of the circus with a fun, holiday twist!

Why we love it: This show is truly something unique and different for the holiday season. Plus, no driving all the way to Dallas or Frisco to experience wonderful holiday magic. Texas Trust Theater is an intimate setting without a bad seat in the house, so kids of all ages will get to experience the magic of the circus combined with the magic of the holiday season. 

The Light Park (Arlington)- Open evenings through January 1; Starts at $29 per vehicle

Drive through thousands of sparkling Christmas lights in Hurricane Harbor's parking lot! Listen to festive music as you relax in the comfort of your vehicle as you bask in the glow of holiday magic.

Why we love it: Low cost per person if you drive a vehicle that seats seven and fill every seat. Bring your own hot cocoa and Christmas cookies to get the most bang for your buck. 

Radiance: Frozen in Frisco (Frisco) or Radiance at the Ranch (Weatherford)- Open nightly November 18- December 31. Tickets start at $34.99 per person.

There is so much to do at Radiance that it is truly a Hallmark Holiday movie brought to life. Build snowmen from real snow, go snowtubing, see thousands of holiday lights, go ice skating, have a snowball fight and lots more.

Why we love it: This is your one-stop shop for holiday magic. There is truly so much to do you can arrive when the show opens and plan to stay until they turn off the lights!

A Christmas Carol (Granbury)- Weekends in December. General admission tickets start at $39.

Immerse yourself in a live reenactment of A Christmas Carol in a truly delightful way. Follow the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future as actors bring to life the famous tale of Ebenezer Scrooge himself. Grab a cup of hot cocoa to keep you warm on this outdoor adventure.

Why we love it: This experience is truly unique. We did the Sleepy Hollow Experience last year and the kids loved it. Plus who doesn't love the story of Mr. Bah Humbug himself? 

Immersive Nutcracker Experience (Dallas)- Weekends in November and then daily in December. Tickets start at $30.

Watch the magic of the Nutcracker come alive around you as you partake this open space concept. Marvel at the images projected on warehouse walls that will illuminate the famous story of Clara and her wooden friend.

Why we love it: This event allows you to go at your own pace and experience this age-old tale in a truly 21st Century way. We have been to the Van Gogh Experience and have really enjoyed the ambiance and presentation of this immersive experience. 

The Trains at Northpark (Dallas)- Open daily November 12- January 6. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids or seniors.

For 35 years, area residents have enjoyed seeing miniature trains done up for the holidays. Enjoy winter scenes involving some of America's most iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. 

Why we love it: These trains are so fun to see up-close and personal. This event is affordable for everyone and you can go whenever you want to- no need to worry about your time of entry.

Christmas at the Gaylord Texan (Grapevine)- Open daily, November 11- January 1. All events are a la carte, prices vary per activity. Packages available. Use code ARLINGTON to receive half off your ICE admission on select dates.

Head to the Christmas Capital of Texas for a truly magical holiday experience. The Gaylord does the holidays in a big way, fitting for a Texas resort! This year sees the return of crowd favorite ICE, where visitors don parkas and meander through thousands upon thousands of pounds of ice trucked in an meticulously carved and dyed to spread holiday cheer. We can't wait to return to this fun event!

Why we love it: When you visit the Gaylord, you are truly immersed in holiday cheer. There are festive trees and sparkling lights everywhere you turn. The Gaylord has so many holiday offerings- from cookie decorating to snow tubing and everything in between- that the kids will be occupied for hours. Just be sure to bring your checkbook and remind yourself that Christmas only comes once a year! 

Snagged this photo when we saw ICE at the Gaylord in 2019. Can't wait for this event to return! 

SnowDay (Dallas)- Open November 18- January 8. Combo tickets start at $35 for kids and $48 for adults. 

Embark on a whimsical "train ride" to see Santa and get a few photos with the man in red himself before you wander through a winter wonderland. Snap fun selfies, explore festive holiday scenes and generally have a holly jolly good time.

Why we love it: You'll get some fantastic holiday photos at SnowDay. If you are after unique holiday settings for one-of-a-kind photos, this is the spot for you! Plus the Santa photos give you a more unique backdrop than you might find elsewhere. 

Dallas Zoo Lights (Dallas)- Open select nights, December 17- January 1. Tickets start at $14 for kids and $18 for adults.

Zoo Lights returns this year as a walk-through event alight with holiday merriment. See the zoo lit up at night, enjoy live entertainment, sip toasty beverages and more. There will be fun photo opps spaced throughout the zoo and a place to visit with Santa himself. 

Why we love it: Who doesn't love the zoo?! And it's so much fun at night. You may not see all the animals you would during the day, but the lights and sounds of the holiday season more than make up for it. 

Prairie Lights (Grand Prairie)- Open nightly November 24- January 1. $50 per vehicle.

Drive through thousands of holiday lights while your car radio plays the holiday music you know and love. Stop at the holiday village mid-way through your experience for eats and treats, a walk-through village and a visit with Santa himself.

Why we love it: Not only is Prairie Lights nearby in Grand Prairie, it is a relatively inexpensive event when you look at the prices of other activities around DFW. Staying in your own vehicle means you don't need to worry about bundling up if you don't want to and can bring your own snacks. If you do plan to get out at the holiday village, though, be sure and dress for the weather. We love this event!

A sweet Santa snap from Prairie Lights 2021. 

North Pole Texas (Dallas)- Open weekends starting November 24 and running through Christmas. Adults are $43, kids are $36. 

Get ready for a holly jolly Christmastime at the Hilton Anatole. Book a North Pole Texas experience and play yard games, meet with Santa, make crafts and cookies... I could go on! Kids will love running around the expansive yard partaking in reindeer games while adults can nosh on sweet bites and delicious drinks. 

Why we love this event: There is literally so much to do that you won't hear the words "I'm bored" all day. There are a lot of activities for one fee, which is nice. Plus the Hilton is simply a stunning hotel, so you couldn't ask for a better backdrop for holiday cheer. 

More activities worth checking out: Six Flags Holiday in the Park, Enchant Dallas, ChristKindl Market & Lightscape at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. 

What event are you looking most forward to this holiday season? What events would you love giveaways for?

My cool kids hanging with Santa in the summertime.