It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is upon us, and there are plenty of places around Dallas perfect for the whole family. Take the kids ice skating, to holiday parades, or for a stroll through the Zoo to get them in the holiday spirit.
If you are looking for the best kid-friendly activities in Dallas during the holidays, we have compiled a whole list for all ages and interests. Keep reading to find out some of our favorite holiday activities in Dallas!
? Dallas Holiday Parade
There’s no better way to get the kids in the holiday spirit than by watching the 34th annual Toyota Dallas Holiday Parade. A symbol of the start of the holiday season, the parade is packed full of seasonal balloons, entertaining performances and even an appearance by the man himself — Santa!
Mark your calendars for the morning of December 3rd, so you don’t miss this festive event traveling through the streets of the city. This fabulous event is completely free, but tickets are available for bleacher seating along the parade route. This is one of our favorite activities in Dallas to get the kids excited about the holidays!
? Six Flags Over Texas
Celebrate the season with a bit of festive excitement at Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas! From mid-November through the New Year, the amusement park is transformed into a holiday dreamland.
Take the kiddos for a ride aboard The Holiday Express to get a view of the twinkling lights decorating the park as you sing Christmas carols. Grab some delicious holiday treats like peppermint bark and holiday-flavored fudge or roast a marshmallow over a fire in one of four locations around the park.
Don’t miss the shows like the Holly Jolly Holiday Parade, performances by the Jingle Belles, or live music! Everyone young and old will have fun at this event, but this is one of our favorite seasonal activities in Dallas for kids!
SNOWDAY and Santaland are the ultimate holiday experience for all ages. Hop on board the Santaland Express and start the magical journey through an enchanted path filled with starry lights, polar bears, and endless photo ops leading to Santa.
Venture through the other side of the North Pole afterwards. SNOWDAY features unique photo opportunities and fun holiday inspired rooms. Strike a pose and snap your perfect holiday pictures with your family and friends.
@stufftodoindallas Experience SNOWDAY and Santaland ??? in Dallas! #dallastx #santa #holidaytiktok #dfw #dallaschristmas #dallastexas Christmas song “Let’s decorate” – 3KTrack
? The Trains at NorthPark
Choo choo! All aboard! There are so many kid-friendly holiday activities in Dallas, but for the vehicle-obsessed little one, The Trains at NorthPark is a must-visit. Located in the NorthPark Center, this annual exhibit has provided delightful entertainment for the past 35 years.
Watch locomotives chug across 1,600 feet of track rolling from coast to coast on a whimsical rail journey across America — from the autumn foliage of New England to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way, you will see New York City, Washington DC, our hometown of Dallas, and the desert Southwest — and even some interplanetary visitors from Outer Space!
The kids will love this exhibit, but the visit will be even sweeter knowing your tickets benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.
? Hilton Anatole Dallas
Give your kids the ultimate Christmas-themed adventure at North Pole Texas. This outdoor Christmas village is filled with over 40 exhibits, shops and entertainment that kids of all ages will love.
Don’t miss the daily Christmas tree lighting at 5:30 in Peppermint Park; your child could be selected to operate the master switch! Grab a photo with Santa, check the naughty and nice lists, participate in the North Pole Adventure scavenger hunt, break out of the Toy Shop Escape Room and more!
There are countless fun activities, and the experience will be complete with delicious holiday treats and drinks offered around the park. This may be one of your kid’s favorite holiday activities in Dallas!
? Dallas Zoo
The season is merry and bright, and so is the Dallas Zoo! Throughout November and December, the Zoo is covered in more than a million dazzling lights! Your kids are sure to be captivated by the larger-than-life animal lanterns, holiday-themed displays and programmed light shows.
Be sure to visit the jolly old elf at Santa’s workshop, take a ride on the mini-train, and enjoy nightly musical performances. This walk-through event is one of our favorite kid-friendly holiday activities in Dallas!
? Galleria Dallas
If ice skating at the Galleria Dallas isn’t a holiday tradition for your family now, it will be soon! Take the whole family to skate around the massive Christmas tree located in the center of the rink.
Skate time is unlimited, so the kids can skate to their hearts desire. Check out the skate rink website to know when to attend to see the annual grand tree lighting celebration!
? Enchant Dallas
Enchant Dallas has the best of every winter activity you could ask for. Kids will love the twinkling lights and entertaining activities filling this holiday-themed event.
Start your adventure in the spectacular, story-themed Christmas Light Maze as you search for larger-than-life presents, find the 100-foot-tall Christmas tree, and look for special surprises along the way. Ice skate through a dazzling forest of Christmas lights.
Before you leave, visit the village of tiny shops of artisan vendors, specialty crafts, and boutiques. For the little ones, venture to the Little Elves Play Place to join in the reindeer games, make your own ornament, and gather for story time with Mrs. Claus. This is one of our favorite holiday activities in Dallas for the whole family!
Nashville native turned Dallas local since 2021 | Lover of all things food

