Nothing gets us excited for the holidays like millions of magical twinkling lights. Have you noticed the uptick in major holiday light events in recent years? Some of these aren’t in Collin County proper but are too spectacular not to include!
Be sure to check ahead for changes or cancellations.
Arranged by date.
Holiday at the Arboretum | Dallas
November 13 – December 30
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
The 12 Days of Christmas outdoor exhibit comes alive after dark with more than a million lights illuminating the garden, trimming the architecture of the historic homes, and lighting the canopies overhead. Times and admission prices vary by date — see here for details and to purchase tickets.
Dallas Zoo Lights | Dallas
November 17 – January 1 (select nights)
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Last year was a modified, drive-through event, but this year, it’s back to being a walking tour. At night, the zoo becomes illuminated with more than a million twinkling lights. You’ll find glowing silk lanterns, light shows, musical performances, crafts, treats, Santa, and much more along the way. Ticket prices vary by date (premium and non-premium nights).
Radiance! | Frisco
November 18 – December 31
4:00 – 11:00 p.m. (hours vary by day)
Head to Riders Field for this popular (and growing!) annual light spectacular. Add on tickets to Frozen in Frisco with its holiday-themed attractions (and Santa). See link for LOTS more details and info and bundling. Tickets from $34.99.
Lights on the Lake | Little Elm
November 21 – January 2
11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (hours vary by day)
This ongoing event features a spectacular light show, glowing hot air balloons, and holiday attractions like Santa’s Village, live performances, food, vendors, and ice skating. Lots of details at the link! Tickets from $16 when purchased in advance.
Prairie Lights | Grand Prairie
November 24 – December 31
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Drive through a new-and-improved light tunnel and see displays of four MILLION lights. At the halfway point, you can get out of the car to enjoy the Holiday Village with carnival rides, concessions, photos with Santa, a magical walk-through forest, and more! FAQ here. Tickets from $50 per car.
Gift of Lights | Texas Motor Speedway
November 24 – January 1
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Another mega drive-through light trail, more than two miles long and made up of millions of lights. FAQs here. Note: Santa’s Village will not be available for the 2022 – 2023 season. Tickets from $35 per car.
Lights on the Farm | Heritage Farmstead Museum
November 25 – December 30
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
New last year, Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano will once again be bedazzled with more than a million twinkling holiday lights and filled with animated yuletide displays. Stroll and enjoy treats like hot cocoa, kettle corn, and make-your-own s’mores. Kids can even visit and take photos with Santa. Tickets from $7. Santa photos $10.
Vitruvian Lights | Addison
November 26 – January 1
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Addison brings back its annual light extravaganza, transforming Vitruvian Park into a colorful wonderland. The 12-acre park has walking paths and a large pond that reflects all the lights, making it super dreamy. You can also opt to view the lights by car; see here for the best route. Free!
Deerfield | Plano
~December 1 – 30
7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
This Plano neighborhood fully embraces an over-the-top Christmas aesthetic. Located in Northwest Plano between Preston and Coit. Check the link for tips on how to best navigate this residential neighborhood, including where to enter. Free!
The Colony Christmas Spectacular | The Colony
December 3 – January 1
5:30 – 10:30 p.m.
This light installation is choreographed to music, so tune your radio to 99.9 FM. Lights are on nightly. Free!
✨Don’t forget that lots of areas in and around Collin County have beautiful lights up all season long: Watters Creek, Frisco Square, Historic Downtown McKinney, Legacy West, Shops at Legacy, The Star in Frisco, Historic Downtown Grapevine . . . Enjoy the glow!
