One of my most treasured memories of the holidays was for our family of 7 to pile into the car after dinner and slowly weave in and out of the Park Cities streets admiring the gleaming Christmas lights. It’s a magical time to soak up the season, and it’s one of the few things that doesn’t change throughout the years. Call me nostalgic, but I do love returning to my favorite homes in hopes of the lights exciting me (and the kids) as they have in years past.

Speaking of years past, did you know that Christmas lights first became “a thing” in 1904 when the first electrically lit Christmas trees showed up in San Diego? The US tradition of stringing them on homes did not become popular until the 1960s, and man, suffice it to say that Dallas certainly took favor to the idea of doing just that.

There are beautiful light displays all over DFW and I’m sharing my very favorite here today. Pack up the car with some hot cocoa & snacks and go for a drive with your family this weekend!

Beverly Drive in Highland Park

The lights are sophisticated and stunning with every home seeming to outdo the next. At 3601 Beverly Drive, you can even drop a letter to Santa in the mailbox. The best news? This wonderful couple writes each and every one back.

4000 block of Armstrong Parkway in Highland Park

Reserve a horse drawn carriage in Highland Park Village or embark in your own vehicle to check out the lights. Streets like Miramar, Gillon, and Euclid Avenues are all worth a visit as well.

The Dallas Arboretum in Lakewood

Holiday at the Arboretum has a new treasure that includes a 50-foot-tall tree animated with more 42,000 lights playing holiday tunes. The holiday festival also features a million lights throughout the gardens, The Christmas Village, DeGolyer House with The Artistry of the Nativity, and The 12 Days of Christmas.

Deerfield Holiday Lights in Plano

The Deerfield neighborhood of northwest Plano hosts a holiday decorating contest that yields magical results: a top-rated winter wonderland you can walk or drive through. You can even book carriage rides in advance. Wander between Preston and Coit Road (enter on Legacy Drive or Hedgecoxe) and take it all in!

Vitruvian Park Lights in North Dallas

Addison’s Vitruvian Park goes all out for the season with 1.5 million sparkling LED lights wrapped around more than 550 trees to create a blazing wonderland.

Radiance at The Ranch in Weatherford

Radiance! is a theme park-style ride in your car that guides guests through the show. Visitors can expect a mile-long light trail of over 3 million lights, animated to favorite holiday tunes.

Christmas Capitol of Texas in Grapevine

Visit the Christmas Capital of Texas, offers a holiday experience unlike any other. With more than 1,400 festive events in just 40 days, the entire city transforms into a winter wonderland full of lights, music, and cheer. Visitors can enjoy magical Christmas train rides, enchanting parades, live performances, and a dazzling display of millions of lights adorning historic Main Street. From snow flurries and holiday shopping to visits with Santa and a variety of themed activities, Grapevine’s Christmas celebration is truly a must-see for families and holiday lovers alike.

Christmas in the Square in Frisco

Frisco’s holiday magic shines brighter than ever this season! Join in Frisco’s favorite holiday traditions, including the spectacular Christmas in the Square, where 180,000 twinkling lights dance to music alongside 200 enchanting snowflakes. Special events abound, from cozy carriage rides, a festive Christmas tree lot, and the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink to visits with Santa and the Merry Main Street Holiday Market. This unforgettable celebration is a must-see for all ages!

And don’t miss more holiday fun at The Star and Frisco’s Light Park—both offering unique ways to experience the magic of the season!

Lightscape in Fort Worth

Located at the Fort Worth Botanical Garden, explore the whimsical nature in winter through music, light, fire, and color.

While these are my highlights around Dallas, I’ve added several more options below around DFW for exploring! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! xo, Christy

Click through to explore more Christmas light destinations around DFW.