The Vitruvian Lights will brighten Addison beginning November 18.
Dallas-Fort Worth has been decking the halls since before Halloween, and places around town are now flipping the switch on their dazzling holiday displays. Lantern Light Festival
Here's our guide to the biggest, brightest, most spectacular Christmas light displays in the area for 2023, listed by attraction type and start date (yep, some start already the first weekend of November). Bookmark and check back often because the list will grow and grow the holidays approach.
Make plans now to pour some hot chocolate, load the family into the car, turn on festive tunes, and revel in these illuminated wonderlands.
The Light Park, Frisco and Arlington, November 3-January 1 The Light Park is a mile-long, drive-thru spectacular that takes guests through millions of lights – including “the longest light tunnel in the world” - synchronized to a music mis by DJ Polar Ice. For the first time it’s in two DFW locations: the parking lot of Hurricane Harbor waterpark in Arlington and the parking lot of Riders Field in Frisco. 5:30-10 pm (weekdays), and 5:30-11 (weekends and Christmas week). Priced per vehicle starting at $29. More information here.
Sugar Lane Lights, Haslet, November 10-December 31 Returning for its second year, this drive-thru display features 1,200 props, including a 50-foot tall Christmas tree decorated with 90,000 lights, a 25-foot tall gingerbread house, and a 16-foot tall snowflake. Guests can also purchase battery-charged LED bracelets that are synced to the show’s music. 12452 Willow Springs Rd, Haslet. Open 5:30-10 pm Sunday-Thursday and 5:30-11 pm Friday-Saturday. Tickets start at $39 per vehicle, available online.
Santa’s Country Christmas, Seagoville, November 11-January 1 (Cars with veterans get in free on Veterans Day, November 11) Now in its sixth year, Santa's Country Christmas drive-thru lights experience is located on Hwy. 175 in Seagoville, 20 minutes from downtown Dallas. The two-mile park includes lights, animals, and music, plus a Christmas Village. Admission is $30 per vehicle, purchased at the door. Open 6-10 pm nightly. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Radiance at the Ranch, Weatherford, November 17-December 30 The four-year-old drive-thru event at the Parker County Sheriff's Posse is a "cavalcade" of 2 million sparkling lights and lanterns animated to favorite holiday tunes across a two-mile path. Actual address is 2251 Mineral Wells Hwy., Weatherford. Hours are 6-9 pm Sunday-Thursday, 6-10 pm Friday-Saturday. Tickets: $25.99-$30.99 per vehicle.
Prairie Lights, Grand Prairie, November 23-December 31 (Sneak peek run/walk-through events: November 18-19) At the famed Prairie Lights at Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie, visitors drive through a dazzling 4 million lights set along two miles of path. Hundreds of displays in shapes of all kinds line and arch over the roads. Concessions and photos with Santa are offered in the Holiday Village at the halfway point. The second half of the drive ends with an always-popular light tunnel. Address is 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy., Grand Prairie. Openly nightly at 6 pm. Admission starts at $50 per car, more information and tickets here.
ChristmasTime in Texas, Joshua, November 23-December 31 (Sneak peek walk-through event: November 18) This three-year-old drive-thru Christmas light park is filled with hundreds of displays spread out across a winding road a mile-and-a-half long. A tent event includes Santa, vendors, concessions, and more. Open nightly, 6-10 pm. The park's address is 5801 County Road 904 Z, Joshua (near County Road 904 & Chisholm Trail Parkway). Admission starts at $35 per vehicle. For more information, visit the website.
Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, November 23-January 7 Texas Motor Speedway opens its gates to the public for the annual drive-thru holiday lighting spectacular around the track. The experience will include over two miles of light displays, with almost 3 million lights, while visitors stay in their warm cars. Note that there is no Santa’s Village or radio synchronization; guests are encouraged to tune in to their favorite holiday music. 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth. Hours: 6-9 pm Sunday-Thursday, 6-10 pm Friday-Saturday.) Tickets start at $35 per vehicle. Check the website for tickets and special themed nights, such as Pajama Night (November 27) and Pet Night (November 29).
Radiance at the Ranch is back for a fourth year in Weatherford. Photo courtesy of Radiance
Holiday at the Arboretum, November 9-January 5 In addition to the Dallas Arboretum’s beloved "12 Days of Christmas" Gazebos, one of the highlights of its magical holiday wonderland is the Dazzling Musical Tree, a 50-foot-tall tree animated with more than 42,000 lights and merry tunes. Guests can also visit the twinkling European-style Christmas Village and its 23-foot Marilyn and Ben Weber Family Christmas Pyramid, decorated with lighting and character movement on every level, and more. Special holiday nighttime hours, 6-9 pm daily. Tickets, $13-$35, are here.
Christmas at Gaylord Texan, November 10-December 31 The Gaylord gussies up with a Texas-sized holiday extravaganza that includes a sparkling array of larger- than-life holiday décor and state-of-the-art light element, snow tubing down frozen slides, a Cirque holiday show, and more. The Grapevine resort’s signature ICE! Experience will feature 2 million pounds of ice carved into How the Grinch Stole Christmas-themed sculptures (adults $28.99; kids, $19.99). For a complete rundown of events, scheduling, tickets, and more, visit the website.
Dallas Zoo Lights, November 17-January 2 Highlights of this walk-through experience include more than 2 million lights across most of the zoo; larger-than-life animal lanterns, elaborate displays, and lighted photo opps; visits to Santa’s Workshop; concessions; musical performances, and more. Open on select nights, 5:30-10 pm. Tickets run $15-$22, with discounts for zoo members; more information and tickets here.
Galleria Dallas, November 17-January 7 The Galleria's 95-foot tree in the middle of the ice rink is getting a makeover this year that will include new branches, LED lighting, and the ability to play animated light shows. The Galleria's popular Santaland and Snowday immersive experience arrive November 17. (For the first time this year, it'll actually snow.) As usual, holiday festivities will really rev up on at 12 pm Black Friday (November 24) with the Grand Tree Lighting Celebration on the ice rink, featuring Olympic figure skaters and a fireworks finale starring Missile Toes, the famed ice-skating Santa. (The celebration will repeat at 12 pm November 25.) Hanukkah will be celebrated on its first night, December 7, with a Menorah lighting led by Rabbi Andrew Paley from Temple Shalom.
Lightscape, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, November 17-January 1 Returning for its second year, Lightscape illuminates the Fort Worth Botanic Garden with newly reimagined light displays and installations along an immersive, mile-long walking path. A new Christmas Village will feature s'mores roasting, cocoa, music, and photos with Santa. Open nightly at 5:30, with last entry at 8:30 pm. Timed tickets, $15-$28, $20 on-site parking passes, and new "anytime access" passes ($50) are available here. Read more about what to expect at Lightscape 2023 here.
Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza at The Star, Frisco, November 17-December 16 Christmas at The Star includes Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza powered by Reliant, a must-see 20-minute show that electrifies The Star with light shows synchronized to music and pyrotechnics, and much more, on Tostitos Championship Plaza. Kicking off with the lighting of The Star’s 67-foot Christmas tree by a Dallas Cowboys alumni, Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza then leads into a holiday performance showcasing the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Admission is free. Find the schedule and more here.
Six Flags Holiday in the Park, Arlington, November 19-December 31 Six Flags Over Texas will transform once again into a winter wonderland featuring more than 2 million twinkling lights, festive shows, Santa’s Village, the Holly Jolly parade, a light show area, concessions, and much more. For ticket pricing and schedule, visit the event website.
Whistle Stop Christmas, Hulen Park, Cleburne, November 20-January 1 Lights illuminate Cleburne in this annual display, but the brightest of all are in Hulen Park. Millions of twinkling lights make the park sparkle. Visitors can take children's train rides in the park and take a driving tour of various decorated homes throughout Cleburne; lights come on every evening at 6 pm, weather permitting. For more information about the lights and events, visit the website.
Daystar Christmas, Daystar Television Network, Bedford, November 23-December 31 Daystar Christmas features over 2 million lights in interactive displays, a life-sized Nativity, kid-friendly Christmas Town, Christmas light maze, and more. Guests are welcome to get out, explore, take photos with Santa, and eat — Daystar’s Scratch Café will be serving holiday treats on certain days throughout the season. The whole event is free and runs 6-11 pm nightly; for schedule and more information, visit the website.
Lights on the Farm at Heritage Farmstead Museum, Plano, November 24-December 30 Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano dazzles with with more than one million twinkling holiday lights and animated yuletide displays. Visitors can walk a quarter-mile trail through the historic property showcasing holiday light creations. There 's also a 20-foot Christmas tree, tastytreats, and visits with Santa. Tickets are $7-$15 and more information is here.
Holiday at the Arboretum runs through January 5. Photo courtesy of Dallas Arboretum
Vitruvian Lights, November 18-January 1 Addison's Vitruvian Park transforms (a week earlier than usual this year) into one of North Texas' most spectacular holiday destinations during Vitruvian Lights, an annual celebration in which 1.5 million sparkling LED lights are wrapped around 555 trees to create a blazing wonderland. A free special kickoff event, with Santa and the Dallas men’s choir Vocal Majority, will take place 6-10 pm November 18. Then the lights will remain on every evening through New Year's Day, 5-11 pm, and it's free to view. The park is at 3966 Vitruvian Way, Addison, west of Midway at Spring Valley.
Christmas in the Square, Frisco, November 18-January 9 Christmas in the Square, one of the largest free choreographed lights and music displays in North Texas, features nightly shows of more than 175,000 lights and festive music nightly, 6-10 pm. The event also features Skate the Square, an outdoor ice-skating rink, as well as a Christmas tree lot. The light show is free to attend.
CityLine Lights, Richardson, November 20-January 5 CityLine Lights at CityLine Plaza in Richardson is aglow with more than half a million lights, including moving icicle-style lights in the trees, overhead lights draped on the plaza lawn, and a lit-up 18-foot Christmas tree. Find it at 1150 State St., Richardson. It's lit up daily and free to take in.
Historic Main Street, Grapevine, November 20-January 7 The Christmas Capital of Texas' historic downtown area will be shining bright with thousands of lights and holiday events. It all kicks off with the 35th annual Carol of Lights and street lighting at 6:30 pm November 20. Then comes the Parade of Lights on December 7. In a little holiday lights twist, there's even a Merry & Bright Christmas Drone Show (December 2, 9, and 16). For a self-guided lights tour, start at Grapevine City Hall, 200 S Main St., Grapevine, park, and go from there. And don't miss the Peace Plaza Ice Rink, opening November 20. Consult a complete schedule on the website.
Fort Worth Stockyards, November 20-January 7 The Fort Worth Stockyards rides in with a whole host of holiday events. The historic district will light up with holiday spirit, beginning with a special tree lighting celebration with Santa at 6 pm November 24. The annual Christmas in the Stockyards Celebration will take place December 3. Returning for its second year: Stockyards Rodeo Rink, a professional ice skating rink, open to the public November 20-January 7.
The Modern Lights, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, November 24-February 4 The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth dresses up for the holiday season by illuminating the trees around their campus with twinkling lights. Passersby can experience a stunning display, and guests can also visit the museum galleries for free until 8 pm on Fridays. A special Dinner with the Modern Lights takes place each Friday, and First Friday at the Modern events are held every first Friday of the month.
Omni PGA Resort, Frisco, December 1-January 1 The luxe 660-acre development in Frisco is debuting its holiday wonderland this year. The resort will be decorated with miles of garland and lights, and 35 different lit-up trees across the property and inside the resort. The most magical of these, they say, will be a 35-foot tree in the Monument Realty PGA District, featuring a custom animated light display set to classic holiday music. An event and hotel package called "Home on the Range for the Holidays" includes live reindeer, festive holiday characters, a photo opportunity with a real longhorn, trips on the Fields Ranch Holiday Express train, and more. A tree lighting starring Dude Perfect will kick off the season December 1. For more information, visit the resort website.
Christmas at Campo Verde Mexican Restaurant, Arlington, ongoing through January 2024 It's rare for a restaurant to make a "best Christmas lights" list, but this spectacle deserves a listing. Enter for the Tex-Mex food (don't miss the white queso dip), stay for the 120,000 lights, 3,000 yards of colorful garland, 50 Santa Clause figures, 30 Christmas trees, and two model trains that chug around the restaurant. Just be prepared for a wait of two hours or more at peak times. Find it at 2918 W Pioneer Pkwy. Arlington.
Historic Downtown Grapevine presents Carol of Lights on November 20. Photo courtesy of Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau
GM Financial Parade of Lights, downtown Fort Worth, November 19 The 2023 GM Financial Parade of Lights will bring more than 100 illuminated floats, thousands of sparkling lights, festive performers, holiday decor, and live music - along with Santa and Mrs. Claus - to downtown Fort Worth. The parade kicks off at 6 pm with TCU head football coach Sonny Dykes as grand marshal. Arrive early for the best viewing spots along the 1.59-mile route (transportation tip: take advantage of Trinity Metro's free rides this month). More information is here.
SMU Celebration of Lights, SMU campus, Dallas, November 27 The cherished university event on the Dallas Hall Lawn includes food, live reindeer, musical performances by SMU students, a caricature artist, and the reading of the Christmas story by SMU president R. Gerald Turner from his family Bible. The highlight of the evening, of course, is the lighting of the Christmas tree and other holiday lights that will dazzle on campus through the holiday season. The free event is open to the public, 7-10 pm.
TCU Tree Lighting, TCU campus, Fort Worth, November 28 The lighting of TCU’s 50-foot tall Christmas tree will take place 6:30-8:30 pm in the TCU Commons. The evening will include refreshments, SuperFrog Santa, fireworks, and concert performances. The free event is open to the public (note there's a clear bag policy). For a map, parking information, and more, visit the website.
Reliant Lights Your Holidays, Dallas Arts District, December 2 Reliant Lights Your Holidays 2023 will feature the lighting of hundreds of thousands of dazzling LED lights around the AT&T Performing Arts Center (which will stay on through the holiday season), plus live performances by The Poylphonic Spree, a holiday drone show, the chance to play in real snow, photos with Santa, and more. The free event runs 5:30-8:30 pm at Sammons Park; register here.
Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place, Fort Worth, December 2-3 The gorgeous historic homes in Ryan Place, a grand Fort Worth neighborhood, get illuminated in spectacular fashion all season, as do the long walks that lead up to them. The beloved annual Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place home tour takes place December 2-3, but these stately homes will stay illuminated through the holidays. Tickets to the home tour are $25-$30.
Denton Holiday Lighting Festival, downtown Denton, December 2 The 35th annual event not only lights up the trees of Denton's Courthouse-on-the-Square lawn but makes a full night of it, with live music and dance performances, refreshments, arts & crafts, horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, and a toy drive for deserving families. The free event runs 3-9 pm around the Denton Courthouse; more info here.
Christmas Lights Celebration and Shopping Stroll, Highland Park Village, December 6 The luxury shopping center is famous for its 1.5 million twinkling holiday lights, and even offers carriage rides to take them all in. Their special Shopping Stroll event allows guests to sip, shop, and stroll while enjoying store promotions, shopping offers, and supporting local charities. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there for photos, there'll be live performances, kid-friendly activities, and more, 4-7 pm.
Fort Worth Community Christmas Tree Lighting in Sundance Square, December 6 The lighting of the 77th annual Fort Worth Community Christmas Tree in Sundance Square Plaza will take place at 6:30 pm. Touted as the tallest live Christmas tree in Texas, the 2023 tree will be an 80-foot Norway Spruce from Northern Michigan. The celebration will include a musical concert by singer Marie Osmond, who will be joined by Fort Worth mayor Mattie Parker and other city leaders for a countdown and tree lighting. Free. The lights will stay on through the holidays.
Arlington Holiday Lights Parade, downtown Arlington, December 9 Parade-watchers can gather in the downtown/university district to watch brightly lit floats parade down the street, then stay for the official Christmas tree lighting. Don't miss pics with Santa both before the parade and after the tree lighting. The free, family-friendly event starts with entertainment at 3 pm, and the parade begins at 6 pm. Find the route and more information are here.
Fairmount Festivus Holiday Light Tour, Fort Worth, December 9 Homes in the historic Fairmount neighborhood of Fort Worth show off their holiday creativity in this decade-old tradition. In partnership with One Safe Place, attendees are asked to bring a nominal donation or an unwrapped toy and, in exchange, will get the Festivus map to guide them through a night of merriment. The family-friendly event is free and runs 6-9 pm, beginning 1100 Hemphill St.
Holidays at the Heard, McKinney, December 10 & 12-16 Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary presents Holidays at the Heard, at which holiday lights and décor accentuate a half-mile Heard nature trail, 5-9 pm. In keeping with the Heard’s role as a nature preserve, this light display is designed to enhance, rather than overpower, the sanctuary’s natural beauty. Live, festive music will be presented in the Heard outdoor amphitheater. Admission is $9-$12; free for children 2 and under.
Old City Park presents 51st Candlelight Celebration, December 16-17 At the 51st Candlelight Celebration, the longest-running holiday celebration in Texas, guests can visit Old City Park to take in the 13 acres of decorated buildings along with local craft vendors, strolling carolers, food trucks, and a whimsical candlelit park in the evening. The event takes place on both Saturday and Sunday, starting at 3 pm. It kicks off with a special "Cocktails by Candlelight" event at 6 pm December 15.
The Burkman Holiday Home of Frisco competed on ABC's The Great Christmas Light Fight in 2021. Photo courtesy of Burkman family
Burkman Holiday Home of Frisco, December 1-25 Two years after their appearance on ABC’s The Great Christmas Family Light Fight, the most famous "Christmas light family" in DFW will be lighting up its over-the-top display of 98,000+ lights. New features for 2023 include more motion/action village pieces, new-and-improved selfie stations, "Sampa's Light Factory," a nightly dance party with a hip-swinging Santa and live dance cam, and more. This year, they're collecting charitable donations for The LiyanaStrong Foundation and for a family friend suffering from a traumatic brain injury. Hours: 5:30-6:30 Superhero Hour (lights will be on at dusk for sensory sensitive individuals) and 6:30-10 for all other visitors, weather permitting. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays until December 18, then open daily until Christmas. The home is at 3809 Hazelhurst Dr., Frisco, on the Frisco/Little Elm border. Follow their Facebook page for updates.
A Junkyard Christmas, Dallas, weekends through the December This TikTok-popular home is family-friendly and pet-friendly. The mini holiday amusement park includes not only festive lights, trees, and decor but activities such as writing letters to Santa, painting ornaments, riding a train, and photos with Santa and the Grinch. Admission is $10 for kids and $20 for adults. Open 5-10 pm Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in December at 2700 Sylvan Ave., Dallas.
Ward Family Lights, Keller, through the holidays Maybe you heard? Preston and Tara Ward won ABC's Great Christmas Light Fight on Sunday, December 3 using something the reality TV competition had never seen before - drones. They'll present their epic "seen on TV" drone show to the public for three nights, December 8-10, at 7 pm and 8:30 pm. The free, family-friendly show will take place at their home, 1729 Sawtooth Oak Trail, Keller (76248), with parking available at Northwood Church. The Wards also run an animated light show at their home, 5:30-11:30 pm nightly. (Out of courtesy for the neighbors, they do not fly the drones each night - just on special occasions.) Follow Preston Ward on social media for more information and updates.
Deerfield Holiday Lights, Plano, December 1-30 The Deerfield neighborhood of northwest Plano hosts a top-rated winter wonderland you can walk or drive through. You can even book carriage rides in advance to see dancing Santas, millions of twinkling lights, and larger-than-life displays. Deerfield subdivision is located between Preston Road and Coit Road. Check the website for maps and important information about traffic flow and parking. The free event runs 7 pm-10 pm on weekdays and 7 pm-11 pm on weekends.
Interlochen Lights, Arlington, December 15-25 The Interlochen neighborhood annually presents Interlochen Lights during the holiday season. Hailed as one of the best neighborhood light shows in Texas, the event allows guests to drive through the neighborhood and pick out favorite displays while they tune into holiday music on radio stations 102.1 FM or 98.7 FM. This is one of the busiest spots in Dallas-Fort Worth during the holiday season, and it's free. The route map is here. This year, the lights will be on from 6-11 pm December 15-25. Watch for updates on their website and Facebook page.
Regents Park Luminary Event, McKinney, December 16-17 This Stonebridge Ranch neighborhood takes advantage of its layout to host a magical event every year. Residents hand fold over 2,500 paper bags each year and line the streets and central park area with luminaries for families to enjoy. Grab a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider and drive or walk through streets lined with traditional luminaries and enjoy the Christmas lights that adorn these Craftsman-style homes. Rumor has it that a certain special guest in his red suit even loves this event so much that he makes a special trip just to enjoy it himself. For updates, follow the Facebook page (highly recommended as this is a weather dependent event). Runs December 16-17.
Wisdom Way Lights, Haltom City, through January 1 The Gonzalez family's choreographed light show first went viral for a "Selena" theme; this year it's getting attention for its tribute to the Texas Rangers' World Series win. The choreographed show includes broadcast game highlights and more, and runs nightly until December 1. Then a "Super Mario Bros." show and two traditional Christmas themes will play through January 1. Visitors can view the shows from from their cars and listen on radio channel 89.7 FM. Wisdom Way Lights runs nightly from 6-11 pm. Find it at 4521 Wisdom Way, Haltom City, and follow Wisdom Way Lights on Facebook and YouTube for updates.
Diamond Loch, North Richland Hills, through December 31 This North Richland Hills neighborhood has dressed up for the holidays for decades. Drive through the cul-de-sac slowly to check out adjacent houses that join forces to present a massive computerized show. The rest of the street decorates nicely to make an enchanted "Whoville" Christmas experience known as #NRHGrinchLights. They grow the show every year, and The Grinch himself may actually pop in occasionally; follow their Facebook page to keep up. It's open daily, 5:30-11 pm. To find it, navigate to the address 6217 Windsor Ct., NRH, 76180. (Enter Diamond Loch from Glenview Drive. On busy weekends, traffic must enter going eastbound on Glenview. Turn east off of Hwy 377/Denton Highway onto Glenview Drive, then, in about 1/2 mile, turn right into Diamond Loch.)
The Browne Family Holiday Light Show, Parker, through January 5 This family has a tradition of turning their Dublin Park Estates home into a destination. The Browne Family Holiday Light Show is a full light show synchronized with music taking place throughout the Christmas season. While the show is free, it is an official drop-off point for Toys For Tots; visitors are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate. The show runs from "dark" to 9 pm Sundays through Thursdays, and "dark" to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, at 2701 Dublin Park Dr. (in Dublin Park Estates), Parker.
Glenbrook Christmas, Bedford, through December 31 The Bedford neighborhood lights up nightly to tell the story of “The Night Before Christmas - In Texas That Is” - along with other festive displays. The entrance to Glenbrook is on Brookside Drive located between Cummings and Forest Ridge. The displays will be on daily, 6-10 pm. Follow the Facebook page for updates.
Lights on Oak Bluff, Sachse, through December 31 This fantastic lights display consistently wins awards from the City of Sachse and the neighborhood HOA. Expect 14,000 individually computer-controlled lights, a 13-foot Megatree, Singing Faces, snowflakes, yard decorations, and synchronization to music, on 92.9 FM. The show runs 6-10 pm nightly (weather permitting), at 4310 Oak Bluff Ln., (in the Woodbridge subdivision) Sachse, 75048. Follow their Facebook page for updates.
Miracle on 134th Street, Celina, through December 23 A Celina family has turned their ginormous property into a holiday amusement park, complete with 2 million lights, a train, carousel ride, Santa's workshop, Sugar Plum Fairy Island, and so so so much more. The Christmas adventure park is a ticketed experience, $25.99 for adults; $19.99 for kids 3-12, with season passes available and free on-site parking. It runs 5:30-9 pm through December 23. Find it at 10455 County Road 133, Celina, 75009. Follow their Facebook page for updates on special photo ops and more.
Kulesz Light Display, Dalworthington Gardens Homeowner Dave Kulesz started a neighborhood tradition when he lit up his property with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights. Surrounding homes got into the fun and now attract visitors from miles around. Kulesz uses the exposure to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease, to which he lost his mother. A sign in his front yard encourages people to make gifts to the Alzheimer's Association. See the lights every night from 5:45-11 pm. Find it on Rushing Meadow Court in Dalworthington Gardens.
'Movie House,' Allen This Allen family home has a fun theme: favorite holiday movies. Thousands of lights and props are set to a choreographed show, complete with music and movie quotes from classic characters like Clark, Buddy, Ralphie and more. About 30 films are represented. You'll find it at 1600 Wagon Wheel Dr., Allen. The show runs nightly. Preview it here.
Light Show, Rockwall This home in The Shores neighborhood of north Rockwall annually puts on a show of twinkling trees and lighted animations that "dance" to music. Visitors can tune their car radios to 87.9 FM to hear the music. Find the home at 1050 Ridge Road West, Rockwall (in The Shores, north of SH66, off SH205). It's up and running nightly, 5:30-10:30 pm, through the holidays.
‘Stay in the Light’ display at Hughes Home, Rockwall Homeowners Brenda and David Hughes have strung 60,000 lights outside their home in a festive display. They call it "Stay in the Light" in memory of their son, Nathaniel, who suffered from depression and passed away in 2019 at the age of 29. The couple is accepting donations for Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County via a donation box in front of their home, 1655 Plummer Dr., Rockwall, in The Shores neighborhood.
Marlowe Home, Plano The Marlowe family, who put up an award-winning display for more than 25 years in Lewisville, has moved to Plano and brought the lights with them. Some 85,000 Christmas lights - spanning trees and figures like elves and gingerbread people - are synched to music that visitors can hear on 89.9FM in their cars. The show runs nightly, 6-11 pm. Find the house at 1000 Clinton Dr., Plano.
Curry Christmas Chaos, North Richland Hills Three houses annually collaborate to present a light show synchronized to music that's anything but "chaos." From start to finish, it's typically over an hour long, and features a mix of pixels and standard LED lights "dancing" to music. Visitors can tune in to 89.9 FM to listen as lots of Christmas trees light up on the lawn. The show runs every night (unless Mother Nature decides differently), 6-11 pm. Find it at 3506 Reeves St., NRH. Follow the Facebook page for more information and updates.
Tell Family Lights, far north Fort Worth, through December 31 The family in this home near Keller Central High School also operates the popular Sugar Lane Lights in Haslet, now it its second year. But their own residential display is still going strong, bigger and better than ever this year, they say. Find the home at 5016 Keating St., Fort Worth, 76244. The choreographed light show is on 6-10 pm daily. From their car, visitors can scan a QR code or visit the website to vote on songs to play. (Make sure to not block anyone’s driveway and be careful driving down the street, they advise.) Follow their website or Facebook page for more information and updates.
Black Family Lights, Keller, through December 31 A computer-controlled Christmas light show syncs to music. The family uses about 45,000 channels of control to make over 1 million possible colors, coordinated to music on 89.5 FM. This year they're turning the animated show into a fundraiser for Love Without Boundaries. Showtimes are 6-10 pm nightly. Find it in the Heritage subdivision, at 8944 Manana St. Keller, 76244.
Laazy H Ranch, Sanger, through January 2 A family ranch has transformed into a mind-boggling, two-acre, drive-by lights display that gets bigger and brighter every year. The lights are on from dusk to 11 pm nightly. It's free to visit. Find it at 9719 Bernard Rd., Sanger.
Santa House, University Park Once hailed "the single best Christmas light display in Dallas," this perennial favorite fills the front lawn with hundreds of lighted blow-mold decorations that homeowner Wayne Smith has amassed over the years. But look up — way up to the roof — and you'll find his distinctly "Dallas" touch: the head of the State Fair's very first Big Tex, restored to his original form as St. Nick in 1949 and donning a Santa hat. Find it nightly at 3629 Southwestern Blvd., Dallas.
The Park Cities The grand homes in the Park Cities neighborhoods of Dallas shine with beautiful light displays, many of which are professionally installed; pick just about any street where you see houses lit top to bottom in twinkling lights, and there are bound to be a dozen more. Be sure to check out Highland Park Village and its 1.5 million lights while you're in the area, and don't pass by SMU without driving down the campus' main drag, Bishop Boulevard, toward the fountain and back.
Kessler Park Historic Kessler Park goes all out, with lots of holiday lights on homes and trees against a backdrop of the Dallas skyline. The holiday decorations are coordinated on various traffic islands in the neighborhood each year. From downtown Dallas, go west on Interstate 30. Take the Sylvan exit, turn south on Sylvan, drive about a half a mile, and turn west on Colorado. You can't miss some of the most majestic oak trees in Dallas, shining bright for the holidays.
Elderoaks Lights, Oak Cliff A Dallas tradition over 30 years strong, Elderoaks sees 96 percent of the homes in the neighborhood participate in a dazzling display. Located along three streets just south of the old Oak Cliff Country Club (Elderoaks Lane, Elderleaf Drive, and Elderoaks Place), the neighborhood scenes celebrate Christmas with homemade decorations that span medieval times to present day. Don't miss the streaming show of Christmas carols. There's no fee to watch, and lights go on at dusk each night.
Ryan Place, Fort Worth The gorgeous historic homes in this grand Fort Worth neighborhood get illuminated in spectacular fashion, as do the long walks that lead up to them. The beloved annual Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place home tour takes place December 2-3, but these stately homes will stay illuminated through the holidays.
Historic Fairmount, Fort Worth You can pick any night to drive around Fairmount and see historic bungalows lit festively for the season. But the best night of all is Festivus, the annual celebration and holiday lights tour. It takes place 6-9 pm Saturday, December 9. Maps of participating homes will be handed out on arrival. Donations of $10 or a toy for One Safe Place are being requested. Watch the historic district's Facebook page for more information as plans develop.
Keller Keller Parks & Recreation has designed a driving or walking tour of its holiday yard decoration winners. The addresses are listed on their Facebook page, and a handy map of the route is here.
This week's hot headlines
Editor's note: A lot happened this week, so here's your chance to get caught up. Read on for the week's most popular headlines. Looking for the best things to do this weekend? Find that list here.
1. 3 Dallas high schools rank among America's best in 2024, says U.S. News. Three Dallas high schools are dominating U.S. News and World Report's prestigious annual list of the country's best public high schools. One has maintained its standing as the best in Texas. The 2024 rankings from U.S. News were released April 23.
2. 2 Dallas-Fort Worth cities make the list of most diverse places in U.S. Living in a multicultural city comes with many benefits. Diverse communities bring new perspectives, greater versatility, and economic boosts, to name a few. And according to a new study by WalletHub, Arlington and Dallas are among the most diverse cities in the nation.
3. Acclaimed ice cream shop closes location in Dallas' Deep Ellum. An acclaimed ice cream chain has closed a shop in Dallas: Jeni's Ice Cream, the Columbus, Ohio-based chain founded by Jeni Britton, has closed its inaugural location in DFW. The shop was in Deep Ellum, at 2649 Main St., where it opened early 2021.
4. 16 best new restaurants in Dallas need your vote to win Tastemaker Award. The countdown is on for CultureMap Dallas' 2024 Tastemaker Awards, our annual awards event honoring the best in Dallas food and drink. It's time to vote for Best New Restaurant. Voting is open now at this link. People may vote once per round, through four rounds of competition.
Lantern Garden 5. California winery uncorks first Texas tasting room in Fredericksburg. A West Coast winery has expanded to Texas: Halter Ranch Texas, originally from Paso Robles, California, has opened a 13,000-square-foot tasting room in the center of Texas wine country, 15 minutes east of downtown Fredericksburg, on a 32-acre patch of land at 8561 US-290.