Looking for some Christmas family fun in Dallas? Check out the Dallas Arboretum! Gardens in the winter? At Christmas, the Dallas Arboretum pulls out all the stops, Christmas style. You won’t want to miss it – here’s a sneak peek:
12 Days of Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum
This is our second year to visit the 12 Days of Christmas exhibit, both times were just as magical (but hint – go at night – so enchanting!) Through-out the garden, the 12 days of Christmas are re-created in carousels. Stroll the garden and live each day.
Our visit this year, consisted of just our 2 younger boys – 4 and 5-years old. They loved running thru the garden, finding the next number and singing along to Christmas songs that played at each exhibit.
The Artistry of the Nativity
- Tour of DeGolyer House Exhibit
- Daily, November 27 – January 3
- 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The DeGolyer House is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with guided tours. Daytime tours of the DeGolyer House’s exhibit, The Artistry of the Nativity, showcase the Harrington and George Dvorsky collections of crèches from around the globe.
- Wednesday Evening Dinner
- Wednesdays, Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
- 7 p.m. seatings
On select Wednesday evenings during the holiday season, Restaurant DeGolyer is open from 6 to 8 p.m.
In special celebration, Restaurant DeGolyer will be open for reservation-only dinners on Wednesday evenings for guest to enjoy an elegant dinner and tour The Artistry of the Nativity. The three-course elegant dinner is $52 per person, excluding alcohol.
Here are the hours of the exhibit:
The 12 Days of Christmas
Daytime exhibit
Daily, November 8 – January 3
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Daytime general admission is regular admission, parking and free for Arboretum members.
The 12 Days at Night
Special evening showings
- Sundays – Thursdays, November 8 – January 3
- Special Weekend Nights: Nov. 27 & 28, Dec. 4 & 5, Dec. 11, Dec. 18, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2
- 6 – 9 p.m.
The Arboretum is open for special lighted nighttime showings. A variety of holiday music is provided throughout the garden. Seasonal sweet and savory treats and hot beverages for children and adults are available for purchase.
- Adults: $20 non-members; $12 members
- Seniors: $15 non-members; $10 members
- Children ages 3-12: $10 non-members; $9 members
- Children under 3: Free.
- Parking is included with admission.
Dallas Arboretum Discounts
November 15-19: $10 per ticket for children, adults and seniors.
Military and First Responder Mondays
November 16 – December 28
Active and retired military members and first responders with identification receive free admission during the day and night on Mondays. Offer available only on site at the ticket booth.
Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) Wednesdays
November 11 – December 30
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Buy one, get one free admission. Valid for general garden admission only. Limit one per customer. Tickets can only be purchased onsite and are valid for daytime only.
C.C. Young Senior Thursdays
November 12 – December 31
Tickets on these Thursdays are $11 for day or evening admission for those 65 and older along with a 20% discount that day at the Hoffman Family Gift Store. Daytime tickets cannot be used again at night. Tickets can only be purchased onsite.
Special Daytime Holiday Festivities
Saturdays and Sundays, November 28 – December 20
Noon-4 p.m.
Enjoy visits with Santa, a live reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Free Parking After 3 p.m.
Monday – Friday
Wednesday, Oct. 21 – Wednesday, Nov. 25
Self parking is free for guests who arrive after 3 p.m. Valet parking not included.