Update: This story was revised on Dec. 8, 2023, to add more events
Holiday cheer is in the air as cities and towns across North Texas host tree lightings, parades, festivals, drone shows and more.
Here’s your guide for some of December's top events.
Check websites for schedule changes and other updates, and visit Go See DFW to find more events.
COWBOYS CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA IN FRISCO
FREE - The Dallas Cowboys will celebrate Christmas at The Star with a 20-minute holiday show. A different Cowboys legend and his family will flip the switch at each lighting, including DeMarcus Ware (Dec. 9) and Jerry and Gene Jones (Dec. 15). There will also be pyrotechnics, performances and appearances by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Rhythm and Blue Dancers, Cowboys Rookie Squad, mascot Rowdy and Santa Claus.
Through Dec. 16, Fridays and Saturdays at 6 p.m. at The Star in Frisco, 1 Cowboys Way, Frisco. Free. thestardistrict.com/christmas.
MERRY AND BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DRONE SHOW IN GRAPEVINE
FREE - A fleet of drones will create Christmas magic in the sky over Main Street in an eight- to nine-minute show at Peace Plaza in front of Grapevine Main Station.
Dec. 9 and 16 at 8 p.m. at Peace Plaza, 815 S. Main St., Grapevine. Free. grapevinetexasusa.com.
SANTA’S VILLAGE IN HUFFHINES PARK
FREE - Stroll through a miniature village in the park, stopping at Santa-themed dwellings including Mrs. Claus’ bakery and Santa’s workshop. There’ll be nightly entertainment, interactive activities and photos with St. Nick in Santa’s House. The village will be open Fridays through Sundays.
Dec. 8-10, Dec. 15-17, Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 5 to 9 p.m., at Huffhines Park, 300 N. Plano Road, Richardson. Free. cor.net/departments/parks-recreation.
KIEST PARK HOLIDAY FESTIVAL AND TREE LIGHTING
FREE Have a holly, jolly time at this fest with inflatables, carnival rides, live entertainment and photos with Santa Claus. Visit the hot chocolate station for a warm cup of cocoa and purchase bites from food trucks. The Christmas tree lighting with city of Dallas officials will take place at 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 9 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Kiest Softball Complex, 3080 S. Hampton Road, Dallas. facebook.com/dallasparkrec/events.
ARLINGTON HOLIDAY LIGHTS PARADE AND TREE LIGHTING
FREE - A holiday festival kicks off at 2 p.m. with activities, live entertainment, a parade and tree lighting. The event includes reindeer crafts for kids starting at 2 p.m., live entertainment at Levitt Pavilion starting at 4 p.m., selfies with Santa and a lighted parade at 6 p.m. A tree lighting follows the parade with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch.
Dec. 9 from 2 to 9 p.m. at Founders Plaza, 100 W. Abram St., Arlington. Free. holidaylightsparade.com.
MCKINNEY PARADE OF LIGHTS
FREE - The McKinney Rotary Club hosts the 24th annual parade in historic downtown McKinney. Lighted floats, vehicles, marching groups and costumed characters will be part of the fun. Check the website for the parade route map.
Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. starting on North Kentucky Street, McKinney. Free. mckinneyrotary.org/page/parade-of-lights.
ST. CECILIA GUADALUPE PROCESSION
FREE - A religious procession through the Bishop Arts District will conclude at St. Cecilia Catholic Church (1809 W. Davis St., Dallas). The community is invited to enjoy food and entertainment at the church.
Dec. 10 at 3:30 p.m. beginning at West Davis and Eighth streets, Dallas. Free. cathdal.org/calendar.
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
FREE - A two-day celebration at the newly designated National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in downtown Dallas honors the Virgin of Guadalupe and the recent elevation of the cathedral to national shrine status. On Dec. 11, matachines dancers and music kick off the celebration starting at 7 p.m. Tower bells will play Marian music at 8 p.m. followed by Our Lady of Guadalupe serenades until 10 p.m., when a Spanish-language Mass will be led by Bishop Edward J. Burns. Hot chocolate and pan dulce will be available on the plaza. Activities continue on Dec. 12 with a bilingual Mass at 5 p.m. led by Bishop Burns and a Blessing of the Flowers ceremony at 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 11 from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. and Dec. 12 starting at 5 p.m. at 2215 Ross Ave., Dallas. cathedralguadalupe.org.
VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE CELEBRATION
FREE - The event at La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth’s Tricolor Auto Stage includes ballet folklorico, music and a matachin dance ritual. There will also be a brief religious ceremony.
Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. at La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth, 4200 South Freeway, Fort Worth. Free. lagranplazamall.com/events/la-gran-plaza-de-fort-worth-virgen-de-guadalupe.
CANDLELIGHT AT OLD CITY PARK IN DALLAS
The historic buildings at Old City Park will be decorated and candles will light the walkways at dusk for the 51st holiday festival. Visitors can enjoy strolling carolers, live music, a marketplace, crafts for kids, and food and drink vendors. Santa will be on-site for photos.
Dec. 16-17 from 3 to 9 p.m. at Old City Park, 1515 S. Harwood St., Dallas. Advance purchase admission is $15 for ages 13 and up, $10 for ages 4-12, free admission for children under 4. Prices are $5 more on-site. Tickets are valid for one night only. Oldcityparkdallas.org.
POSADA IN DALLAS
FREE - The Latino Cultural Center will celebrate Posada, a Christmas tradition in Mexico and other Latin American countries that commemorates Joseph and Mary’s search for safe refuge in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. All are invited to join in a traditional Posada procession around the building led by the band La Rondalla Romantica de Dallas. Following the procession, guests will be treated to pan dulce and hot chocolate. There'll be performances on the plaza, including folklorico and matachines dancers and mariachi music.
Dec. 17 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Latino Cultural Center, 2600 Live Oak St., Dallas. lcc.dallasculture.org.
The Go See DFW calendar is a partnership between KERA and The Dallas Morning News.
Norma Cavazos writes about fun things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth for The Dallas Morning News.