The Best Christmas Attractions for College Students in DFW
The Christmas season is fast approaching, and Dallas-area residents don't hold back when it comes to the festivities. As we celebrate the blessed birth of our Lord this Christmas season through ministry and service, we can also spend time with cherished friends and family members enjoying the Christmas festivities in Dallas.
"And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth." - Luke 1:14 ESV
Must-See Christmas Attractions in DFW
Christmas Lights in Dallas
Dallas Zoo Lights
If you're looking for stunning light displays, head to the Dallas Zoo on select nights beginning November 22. You'll walk through themed areas with lighted sculptures and displays that bring the beauty of the zoo to life. Enjoy more than two million lights, fun photo ops, holiday treats, and live music performances while you sip hot cider with family and friends.
Highland Park Carriage Light Tours
Visit one of the best Christmas events in Dallas, where the beauty of Christmas lights is on full display as you take a slow carriage ride through the Highland Park neighborhood after dark. Booking a carriage ride for your friends and loved ones is a lovely way to spend Christmas time together as you reflect on the majesty of the season. Enjoy hot chocolate and baked goods at the pickup location, and bring your favorite Christmas music playlist to stream through the speakers in your carriage.
Prairie Lights
Texas Christmas events are known for their impressive scale. For an example of this magical Christmas cheer, travel to Grand Prairie for their annual Prairie Lights event. With a light tunnel, an animated display, and a walk-through light forest, everyone in your group will be captivated by the sights.
Outdoor Christmas Events in Dallas
Christmas Capital of Texas – Downtown Grapevine
All the fun and brilliance of Christmas is on display in the Christmas Capital of Texas. Take your family ice skating on Peace Plaza or enjoy walking through a Christmas market to buy hand-crafted nativity sets. Carolers, the Parade of Lights, and drone shows make the nights come alive.
Dallas Arboretum
For a daytime Christmas outing, the 12 Days of Christmas and Christmas Village displays at the Dallas Arboretum are the perfect destination. Enjoy the craftsmanship in these intricate builds and head into the DeGolyer House for stunning indoor décor.
Live Nativity in Waxahachie
Bethlehem Revisited is one of the world's most prominent live nativity recreations, and we are blessed to have it so close to DBU. Going beyond the manger scene, Bethlehem Revisited creates street scenes and draws onlookers into the glory of Jesus' birth. Stroll the streets of Bethlehem with your family as you see innkeepers, clergy, and other citizens going about their day. At the top and bottom of each hour, watch Mary and Joseph ride into the city. Visit Herod's Court to have a front-row seat at the parade of the three kings. You can visit this inspirational display on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights in early December.
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags
What could be more fun than enjoying Christmas events at a theme park? There's something for everyone at Holiday in the Park, so don't stay away if you're averse to roller coasters. Roast marshmallows over a fire pit, ride on decorated attractions, and watch one of the live holiday shows!
Indoor Christmas Attractions in Dallas
Christmas at the Gaylord Texan
Whether or not you have out-of-town guests who need a place to stay, make sure to add a visit to the Gaylord Texan hotel to your Christmas list. Their signature holiday attraction, ICE!, gingerbread house decorating, indoor tubing, and dazzling light displays all await guests at this incredible destination.
Trains at NorthPark
In the spirit of service to others and the Lord during this Christmas season, many events partner with Dallas-area charities to help our communities. The Trains at NorthPark is a tradition that has supported Ronald McDonald House Charities in Dallas for more than 25 years. Your ticket purchase gives you a magical, memorable Christmas experience as you delight in the 600 miniature trains. It also gives children and families in need the hope and prayers they deserve through your donation.
Campo Verde Restaurant
Keep your Christmas meals festive by visiting one of the most decorated restaurants in the state: Campo Verde in Arlington. The Mexican food is delicious, the crowd is enthusiastic, and the Christmas décor is unforgettable. You'll leave feeling full and festive, making this one of the best Dallas Christmas events for college students.
Christmas Destinations Beyond DFW
Waco Wonderland
Just an hour and a half away from DFW, a visit to Waco Wonderland is well worth the trip. This three-day event, running December 6-8, includes a tree lighting, a sledding hill, Christmas markets, a Ferris wheel, and musical entertainment.
Salado Christmas Stroll
Approximately two hours away is the village of Salado, and the annual Christmas stroll weekends in December are worth the trip. Along the route, you can view a live nativity, visit a Christmas market, and experience musical performances. Every business on the path has something magical and festive for visitors to enjoy.
Santa's Wonderland in College Station
Three hours away is a Texas-style Christmas celebration at Santa's Wonderland in College Station. You'll experience the unforgettable, unique light displays, Texas Santa, festive food, and winter games at this famous attraction. Visit the petting zoo and see a giant Texas flag made from thousands of lights.
Visiting the fun and festive attractions of the Christmas season is a wonderful way to spend valuable time with friends and family during this most sacred and special time of year.
