50+ Free Holiday Activities for Families in Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW)
Collin County favorites + the best of Dallas, Fort Worth, and nearby suburbs.
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Collin County •
Dallas •
Fort Worth & Mid-Cities •
Denton & North Suburbs •
Free Indoor & Arts •
Everyday Free Family Fun •
Tips
Collin County: Free Holiday Events & Light Displays
1) Deerfield Holiday Lights — Plano
Northwest Plano neighborhood famous for over-the-top house displays. Walk or slow-cruise — free.
Tip: Bring your own snacks + hot cocoa; go on weeknights to avoid traffic.
2) Christmas in the Square — Frisco
Nightly choreographed light + music show (FM sync). Free to watch.
3) Home for the Holidays: A McKinney Christmas
Three-day downtown festival + tree lighting. Street entertainment; festival admission free.
4) McKinney Rotary Christmas Parade of Lights
Evening parade through the square. Spectating is free.
5) Merry Main Street — Frisco
Tree lighting, performances, and holiday activities; free to enjoy.
6) Allen Holly Jolly Celebration & Tree Lighting
Tree lighting, live entertainment, kids’ zone; free entry.
7) Celina Christmas on the Square
Charming downtown festival; free admission with carolers and lights.
8) Prosper Christmas Festival
Parade, tree lighting, kids’ activities; free to attend.
9) Fairview Town Center Tree Lighting
Stage shows and lights; free event.
10) Downtown Plano Dickens Nights
Seasonal downtown evenings with music + lights; free to stroll.
11) Allen USA Winter Warm-Up Pop-Ups
City pop-up holiday activations; free family fun.
12) Frisco Public Library Holiday Happenings
Storytimes, crafts, performances; free programs.
13) McKinney Library Holiday Crafts & Storytimes
Age-friendly sessions; free.
14) Wylie Arts Festival & Tree Lighting
Arts booths, parade/tree lighting; free event.
15) Murphy Christmas in the Park
Tree lighting, live music, Santa arrival; free.
16) Richardson CityLine Holiday Tree Lighting
Lights, live music; free to enjoy.
17) Anna Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Small-town parade + tree lighting; free.
18) Melissa Christmas on the Square
Community carols + tree; free.
19) Princeton Christmas Tree Lighting
Performances + lights; free.
20) Farmersville Christmas on the Square & Parade
Downtown lights with small-town charm; free.
Dallas: Free Parades, Tree Lightings & City Nights
21) Dallas Holiday Parade
Massive morning parade; curb viewing is free.
22) Klyde Warren Park Tree Lighting
Stage shows, crafts, visits with Santa; free.
23) SMU Celebration of Lights
Carols + campus lighting; free and magical.
24) Highland Park Village Holiday Lights
Upscale stroll through iconic storefront lights; free.
25) Bishop Arts District Holiday Walk
Seasonal evenings with lights and performers; free.
26) Galleria Dallas Holiday Tree & Performances
Skating show viewing (from railings) + tree splendor; free.
27) NorthPark Center Holiday Performances
Choirs, school groups, and displays; free.
28) Dallas City Hall & Pegasus Plaza Lightings
City tree and plaza activations; free.
29) Bass Pro Shops “Santa’s Wonderland”
Walk-through displays + free photo with Santa (reserve online).
Fort Worth & Mid-Cities: Free Holiday Staples
30) GM Financial Parade of Lights
Evening parade; free curb viewing.
31) Sundance Square Christmas Tree
Iconic tree, live music; free.
32) Stockyards Christmas
Cowboy Christmas vibe; tree + live music; free areas to enjoy.
33) Arlington Holiday Lights Parade
Community parade + tree lighting; free.
34) Hurst Tree Lighting & Santa
City tree + performances; free.
35) Euless Parade of Lights
Evening parade; free.
36) Bedford Christmas Tree Lighting
Music, lights, and family activities; free.
37) North Richland Hills Holiday Magic
Big community festival; free admission.
38) Southlake “Home for the Holidays”
Market + stage shows; free entry.
39) Colleyville Christmas Tree Lighting
Food trucks, performances; free.
40) Irving Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Parade + performances; free.
Denton & North Suburbs: Free & Festive
41) Denton Holiday Lighting Festival
Courthouse square lights, music; free.
42) Lewisville “Holiday Stroll”
Parade + tree; free.
43) Coppell Parade of Lights
Community parade; free.
44) Flower Mound Lakeside Lights
Neighborhood lights + town parade; free.
45) The Colony Christmas Spectacular
Nightly animated light show; free.
46) Little Elm “Lakefront Lights”
Lakefront lights & selfie spots; free to stroll.
Free Indoor & Arts (Great for Cold Nights)
47) Dallas Museum of Art
Family programs + galleries; free entry.
48) Amon Carter Museum of American Art
Always-free admission; kids’ activities often scheduled.
49) Kimbell Art Museum
Permanent collection is free; great indoor stop.
50) Crow Museum of Asian Art
Free admission; calming galleries; perfect stroller stop.
51) George W. Bush Presidential Museum (Community Free Days)
Watch for free day announcements around the holidays.
52) Free University & Church Holiday Concerts — DFW-Wide
Look for “Lessons & Carols,” choir concerts, and student ensembles.
Everyday Free Family Fun
- Arbor Hills Nature Preserve (Plano)
- Downtown McKinney Window Walk
- Frisco Commons Park After-Dark Walk
- White Rock Lake Loop (Dallas)
- Highland Park “Beverly Drive Lights”
- Grapevine Main Street Lights
- Bishop Arts Holiday Window Walk
- Lakeside DFW Waterfront Lights
- Downtown Plano Arts District Lights
- Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm (Allen)
Make the Most of Free Events (Parent Hacks)
- Pack snacks and cocoa for car rides.
- Go on weeknights to beat crowds.
- Arrive early; bring a stroller or wagon for littles.
- Dress in layers; bring blankets for parades.
- Bookmark this guide — events repeat every year!
Made with love in Plano, Texas by Boy Mom Society.
