Things to do in Dallas this Christmas

In most locations, you can easily find a central location for your holiday celebration. In Asheville, North Carolina, it's at the Biltmore. In San Antonio, it's located on the River Walk. In a small place like my hometown of Thomasville, Georgia, everyone knows how to go downtown for parades, window decorations, and shopping. But in Dallas, it's Christmas everywhere.

Its size and metropolitan configuration allow you to admire the giant trees of East Dallas, experience the legendary downtown parade at the Adolphus Hotel, and experience all of Dallas' ornate parks, shops, and restaurants. There seem to be endless ways to welcome this season. while. It's dazzling and sometimes dizzying, but I found that if I planned my day by neighborhood, I could experience just about everything this city has to offer.

Start at the arboretum

Whether you're traveling with friends, family, or alone, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a must-see. Locals call this 66-acre showplace the city's “crown jewel.” Because it's a flashy place, in true Dallas style. Decorated with over a million LED lights, a 50-foot Christmas tree, and a quaint German village, you'll instantly feel enchanted.

The Arboretum's “12 Days of Christmas” outdoor exhibit consists of a 25-foot-tall sparkling glass gazebo that looks like a snow globe coming to life. Each depicts a classic carol scene (four birds chirping, nine women dancing, 12 drummers drumming), thanks to costumes and sets designed by Dallas Opera. Featuring realistic-looking detailed dolls that twirl, float, and spin. The installation is a 3/4-mile loop, so grab yourself a cup of hot cocoa from his cart (adults can also pour in plenty of Baileys) and enjoy the view.

The path is bright and easy to walk, with magnolia trees bathed in twinkling lights and Christmas music playing. On a recent trip, we saw children dancing and singing to the songs. That said, the kids were left speechless by the magic of it all.

At the end of the exhibit is a Christmas village of 12 chalets that children can go inside and explore on their own. Volunteer vendors pretend to be store owners and help hand out candy and baked goods, as well as mail letters to Santa at the post office. There is also a treasure hunt map for animals hidden on the facades of small buildings. (If you're not traveling with young people, the nearby beer garden is worth a stop.) A new addition to the arboretum, the stunning trees sparkle to the beat of the music and overlook White Rock Lake and the Dallas skyline. Do not miss it.

Discover Downtown Traditions

Just nine miles from there is the Adolphus Hotel, which many refer to as the “Christmas Capital.” Inside his 22-story Beaux-Arts building, built in 1912, is an impressive 25-foot-tall balsam fir surrounded by boxes of Stetson hats and boots. The hotel has a rich history, including hosting Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1991, but is best known for creating the Christmas Parade in 1988.

The annual event (held this year on Saturday, December 2nd) sees more than 450,000 spectators flood the streets to officially kick off the season. At the end of the parade, the pastry chefs from the hotel's French Room restaurant come out onto the balcony wearing toques and put on a show comparable to a coronation or a royal wedding. Regardless of the date, the French Room is a place dedicated to afternoon tea. (Holiday dining reservations open the first Tuesday of October, so mark your calendars for next year.) Other notable hotspots at the hotel include the Cocoa Lounge, His Hot Chocolate bar and a rooftop patio where eggnog is served by the fireplace in a mini cabana. around the pool.

While you're downtown, check out screenings of classic holiday movies like Elf, It's a Wonderful Life, and A Charlie Brown Christmas at the Majestic Theater. Or visit Neiman's Marcus flagship store, experience the store's famous buffet at The Zodiac Restaurant (advance reservations required), or let the kids visit Santa in front of the Baccarat-decorated tree. You can also take photos.

Highland Park Village Window Shop

For fashion lovers, no trip is complete without a stop at Highland Park Village. This outdoor retail and dining center is best known for its designer storefronts like Ralph Lauren, Carolina Herrera, Dior, and Hermès, but you can also enjoy the view without buying anything. The brick-paved area, designated a National Historic Landmark in 2000, is illuminated with more than 1.5 million lights just before sunset.

Admire Texan designs at La Vie Style House, Lela Rose, and Lele Sadoughi. A Dallas institution in the same location for more than 60 years, St. Michael's Women's Exchange is a nonprofit boutique that sells gifts, coffee table books, and entertainment essentials to help those in need. If you get peckish while strolling, Honor Bar, Mi Cocina, and Bird Bakery are great spots for a snack. After dark, book a table on Fachini's patio for a bird's-eye view of the illuminations. Don't miss Chef Julien Barsotti's 100-layer lasagna.

Whatever you do in Highland Park Village, stay there until you see the lights. Book a horse-drawn guided tour with Three Jays Carriage or take a drive through the neighborhood to admire the stately homes dressed up.

Enjoy a meal at Harwood

For a dining experience that's as memorable as the meal itself, head uptown to the Harwood neighborhood. A relatively new development surrounding the Rolex Building, this walkable 19-block area includes the indoor-outdoor Dolce Riviera, the Harwood Arms English pub, Pocofiasco (a combination martini bar and pizza parlor), and more than 16 There are restaurants. Mercat Bistro offers French cuisine and an atmosphere to match the menu. A small table is placed in the mysterious world of gigantic trees that are too magnificent to be real. Or treat the kids by reserving a table for a “musical performance” featuring an animatronic polar bear playing musical instruments. Then stop by Marie Gabriel Restaurant & Gardens to see Uptown's largest tree. It is 80 feet tall and decorated with 3,000 ornaments and her 10,000 lights.

Shop like a local in Park City

For a break from the crowds, drive to Park Cities and check out the lesser-known spots in the retail center along Lovers Lane. Toy Maven on Lovers, one of his three locations in the store, is filled with Hot Wheels, Lego bricks, stick horses, and his kid-sized cowboy hats. Sample House is a one-stop shop for gift wrapping and gifts such as scented candles and dish towels. A few doors down, Interabang Books stocks the latest bestsellers alongside Texas-inspired books for all ages.

This area also includes the original Hudson House Restaurant, with decorative garlands lining the ceiling. Sit in a cozy leather booth and enjoy a cheeseburger and a cold stone fruit martini with notes of peach, orange, and cranberry. (Martinis and oysters are cheaper during happy hour.) For some quiet, head to Rise, an intimate French restaurant serving sweet and savory soufflés. Don't miss the marshmallow soup, which has a tomato and carrot base and is topped with goat cheese marshmallows. For dessert, order the raspberry soufflé. Sit at a table on the patio and listen to carols sung in French from overhead speakers.

The beauty of December in Dallas is that while it may not be possible to see everything the city has to offer in one long weekend, there's always next year and plenty of new traditions yet to be discovered. is.

great place to stay

From family-friendly hotels to lively boutique spots, there's a great choice for every type of traveler.

thompson dallas

If you prefer something trendier, check out this downtown newcomer, Texas' first Thompson Hotel. During his 12 days at Thompson, a gift market will be held in the lobby and unique programs will be offered, including the “Dallas Cowboys Holiday Brunch.”

Hotel Swessan

Opening in June 2023, Harwood's first hotel is perfect for couples and friends looking for boutique service, cool restaurant concepts and stylish interior design.

Omni Dallas Hotel

This spacious, 1,001-room downtown spot is kid-friendly, affordable, and has convenient access to the interstate.

Hilton Anatole

Although it is not within walking distance of local attractions, its extensive facilities make it ideal for families during this busy time of year.

The Adolphus Hotel

This iconic location is booked up seasonally, so we recommend booking your room now for next December.