Twinkle & Shine: Holiday Light Shows

As the saying goes, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…” Christmas music is blaring through the loud speakers at every local store. Holiday gift guides are attached to every marketing email that hits your inbox. Shimmery yard ornaments and lighted garlands are starting to appear at every corner and town square… It’s true. The holidays 2024 are upon us. That means it’s time to start planning your holiday activities. From festive 5Ks to sparkling parades, every city and town in America is likely featuring something fun for the whole family that will stir up some holiday cheer. In DFW, families of all sizes can partake in a number of drive-thru (and walk-thru) light shows, where they can enjoy twinkling lights and festive tunes from the comfort of their vehicle. No need to worry about weather-appropriate clothing or strollers and wagons- just hop in the car, crank up the radio and enjoy these light displays that will leave you ready for Santa himself to pop down your chimney.

Six spectacular holiday light shows in Dallas/Fort Worth 2024

• The Light Park, Arlington & Frisco– Open nightly through January 5, The Light Park has two DFW-area locations as well as several more throughout Texas. Tune your radio and get ready to watch the lights dance in time with the music flooding your car. The Light Park is an affordable way to create some holiday magic this season. 

• Christmas in Color, North Richland Hills– Debuting in the metroplex for the first time, Christmas in Color will be set up at NRH2O Waterpark in North Richland Hills from November 15- December 29. Guests can enjoy millions of holiday lights synced to music from the comfort of their vehicle. Don’t forget to brew some hot cocoa before you go to elevate your experience. 

• Prairie Lights, Grand Prairie– A beloved holiday tradition in DFW, Prairie Lights is a wonderful experience for all ages. Set at Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie, guests can embark on a magical journey through twinkling lights. Halfway through, guests can park and exit their vehicles to meet with Santa, grab some food and walk through a merry wonderland of lights. Prairie Lights is fun for the whole fam from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. 

• Tianyu Lights Festival, Grand Prairie– This lights festival brings thousands of sparkling lights without the Christmas affiliation. Embark on a journey with Koda, whose dreams of Amazon rainforest are missing a few key elements. This experience is meant to be enjoyed on foot, and it includes vendors, a market, food, cultural performances and more. Perfect for the whole family. 

• Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth– Spark a little holiday joy when you drive along the track at Texas Motor Speedway, enjoying countless twinkling lights. Open during the week and on the holidays, this is a fun experience for all. You’ll provide your own holiday music and pets are welcome as everyone stays in their own vehicles. 
• Dallas Zoo Lights, Dallas– See the zoo lit up at night as you wander through twinkling lights enjoying some holiday magic. While this event was enjoyed from your vehicle for several years, this event is now meant to be enjoyed by walking through the zoo. There will be food for sale and activities for all ages as well as a fun holiday area with light displays, crafts and maybe even Santa himself. Ho ho ho!

Happy Holiday season!

Dallas-area lodging

Centrally-located Loyd Park in Grand Prairie is the perfect spot to stay when you head to the Dallas area to enjoy some festive holiday fun. Pick your accommodations, which include yurts, cabins and more, or bring your own motorhome or RV. You’ll enjoy plenty of space to roam along the lake as well as plenty of amenities to make yourself comfortable, including a boat dock, golf cart rentals, free WiFi and so much more. Enjoy the season!