DALLAS — The holiday lights .... are big and bright -- 👏-👏-👏-👏 -- deep in the heart of North Texas...
No matter what holiday you celebrate, we can all agree there's something about colorful lights that adds an extra touch of magic this time of year.
If you're looking for a chance to check out lights in your area, we're keeping tracking of events here! If we missed something in your area, email the info to bhawkins@wfaa.com.
We're dividing the lists by where they're located (near Dallas or Fort Worth), and whether they're a one-time experience or a longer-term event.
Dallas-area holiday lights
Dec. 7
Garland Christmas on the Square - Enjoy a tree lighting event filled with performances by the Salvation Army Band, school choirs and Q The Band. Photo ops, a snow hill, an obstacle course, food vendors and more will also be available.
- Free to attend
- Tree lighting countdown starts at 6:29 p.m.
- Check out transportation/parking options here
Dec. 9
McKinney Rotary Christmas Parade of Lights - Parade floats will light a path in Downtown McKinney to raise donations for the McKinney Rotary Club.
- Free to attend
- Parade starts at 6:30 p.m.
- Free trolley service every 15 minutes from First Baptist Church
Long-term events
Holiday at the Arboretum (Dallas) - Garden transforms into Christmas Village with 12 Days of Christmas and a Dazzling Musical Tree
- Nighttime entries open Monday-Wednesday evenings through Jan. 5
- Entry times are 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Garden closes at 9 p.m.
- Single ticket price range: $11-35.
- Group tickets (15+ people) also available
Dallas Zoo Lights - A wild winter wonderland with 2 million lights, an illuminated art and lights shows, craft activities, Santa's Village and more.
- Open most nights between 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. through Jan. 2
- Non-member ticket price range: $15-22
Carriage rides + holiday lights tour (Dallas) - Live your royal fantasy as you ride in a horse-drawn carriage to check out the lights and homes in Highland Park
- Bookings available throughout December
- Rides start at 6 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. each day
- Prices vary from $50-335
- Different carriages can hold 2-14 people
Lights on the Farm (Plano) - Outdoor trail with 1.5 million lights at the Heritage Farmstead Museum. Includes photo ops, s'mores, hot chocolate, and a visit with Santa.
- Open Thursdays-Saturdays through Dec. 30; times vary by day
- Online ticket prices: $7-12
- Prices at the gates: $10-$15
- Discounted/free tickets for 2 & under, seniors, and military
- Discount available for groups of 20 or more
- Free parking available
Merry & Bright Drone Shows (Grapevine) - 200 drones fill the sky to create Christmas magic over Main Street
- Shows are Dec. 2, 9, and 16 at 8 p.m.
- Dec. 9 show will be at Grapevine City Hall; other two will be at Peace Plaza
- Free to attend
Holiday Lights Spectacular at Vitruvian Park (Addison) - A holiday wonderland of lights to transform the park.
- Lights are on 5-11 p.m. every day through Jan. 1
- Free entry and parking
Drive-through Light Park (Frisco and Arlington) - Celebrate the holidays with a car ride through millions of lights and festive music
- Open Sundays-Thursday 5:30-10 p.m., Fridays-Saturdays 5:30-11 p.m.
- Advance tickets start at $39 per vehicle, $50 at the gate (prices may vary by day)
Prairie Lights (Grand Prairie) - A premiere holiday light park with a drive-thru experience, a walk-thru forest, carnival rides, photos with Santa and more
- Open every night through Dec. 31, 6-10 p.m.
- General admission: $50 per car (prices increases for limo, bus, etc.)
Fort Worth area
Long-term events
Lightscape at Fort Worth Botanic Garden - Popular holiday lights events with 80% newly designed displays for more immersive and magical experiences.
- Open nightly through Jan. 1, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
- Entry times available every 15 minutes
- Regular ticket prices: $28 for adults, $18 for kids 3-12, free for kids 2 and younger
- Prices may vary depending on the day
- Santa available for pictures on Peak Nights before Christmas Day
The Modern Lights (Fort Worth) - Art Museum trees decorated with sparkling lights. Friday dinners and First Friday events also available.
- On view through Feb. 4
Six Flags Holiday in the Park (Arlington) - Celebrate the holidays with dazzling lights, a Selfie Wonderland, Storytime with Mrs. Claus, and much more.
- Open on select days through Dec. 31 starting at 12 p.m.
- General ticket prices start at $45; actual price depends on the day
Radiance! At The Ranch (Weatherford) - Drive-thru lights show designed to dance to classic holidays tunes
- Open every night through Dec. 30 starting 6 p.m. Closing times vary.
- General admission: $29.95 per vehicle
Daystar Holiday Lights Display (Bedford) - Two million Christmas lights celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Includes interactive displays, a life-size Nativity scene, light maze and more.
- Open through Dec. 31, 6-11 p.m.
- Café, Santa photos available on select days
Sugar Lane Lights (Haslet) - Drive-through experience with two million LED lights programmed to music. Attractions also include a 25-foot tall gingerbread house, a 16-foot tall snowflake, six tunnels, and over 1,200 holiday props.
- Time slots available every day through Dec. 30 at 5:30 p.m.
- Closes at 10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays
- Closes at 11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays
- Total prices start at about $45 per car
- Varies by day, time, bracelet upgrade, and purchase protection
Christmastime in Texas (Joshua) - Drive-thru light show with holiday music and food and drinks from local vendors
- Open every day (except the week before Christmas) through Dec. 31, starts at 6 p.m.
- Closing times vary by day
- Prices start at $37 per car
- $10 discount if tickets are purchased at the front gate on Mondays-Wednesdays