Zoom down frozen slides, creep through icy tunnels, and more at ICE! Photo courtesy of Gaylord Texas at Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center.
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Dallas-Fort Worth for Kids
Balloon Museum Dallas Soars to New Heights
Highland Park has some of the best Christmas light displays in DFW. Photo by Gabby Cullen
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Dallas-Fort Worth
The Gaylord Texan is one of the most festive hotels in DFW. Photo courtesy the Gaylord Texan
Christmas Towns & Festive Hotels Near Dallas-Fort Worth That Will Blow Your Mind
College Station is perhaps the closest Christmas town to Houston. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland at College Station, Facebook
Top 10 Christmas Towns in Texas to Light Up Your Holiday Season
Autumn at the Arboretum is one of the best fall festivals in DFW!
GUIDE
Dallas-Fort Worth Fall Day Trips Guide: Farms, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2025
Between locations in Frisco, McKinney, Grapevine, and Arlington, there’s bound to be an adorable PeeknPlay indoor play space near you. Photo courtesy of PeeknPlay
19 Indoor Playgrounds in Dallas & Fort Worth Kids Will Love
You can count on Texas Skatium for a fabulous indoor birthday party! Photo by Gabby Cullen
Best Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids in Dallas
Kids Kingdom in Rowlett is one of the best playgrounds in Dallas Fort Worth
The Best Playgrounds in Dallas & Fort Worth
Dogwood Canyon Nature Preserve is one of the most popular Ozark tourist attractions.
The Gateway to the Ozarks Needs to Be on Your Travel Bucket List
Enjoy the courtyard with ducks and turtles at Northpark Center. Photo by the author
75 Free Things to Do in Dallas and Fort Worth With Kids
Kalahari Resorts is one of best things to do in Round Rock, TX. Image courtesy Kalahari Resorts
The Best Things to Do in Round Rock, TX With Kids
Fritz's Adventure in The Colony is a climbers dream destination! Photo courtesy Fritz's Adventure
Newly-Opened Fritz's Adventure Is All About High-Energy Fun
Looking for something to do in Dallas today? Boy howdy, have we got you covered!
60 Things to Do in Dallas and Fort Worth with Kids Before They Grow Up
With an indoor water park kept at a warm 84 degrees year-round, your pack can enjoy a world of fun at Great Wold Lodge.
10 Family-Friendly Hotels in Dallas and Fort Worth With Perks for Kids
The USS Lexington was a WWII aircraft carrier that now welcomes visitors aboard. Photo courtesy of Travel Texas
Ultimate Texas Bucket List: 100 Things To Do With Kids in Texas
Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
Best Texas Road Trips for Families
​Galveston's Schlitterbahn is an indoor waterpark near Houston. Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn in Galveston Island
The Best Indoor Waterparks in Texas
Christmas in the Garden returns to DFW! Photo courtesy of Forth Worth Botanical Garden
Christmas in the Garden, Dallas Children's Theater, and More Things to Do in DFW This Weekend

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in Dallas-Fort Worth: Turkey Trots, Home for the Holidays, and More Things To Do

The YMCA Turkey Trot is a Dallas Thanksgiving tradition. Photo courtesy of YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas
The YMCA Turkey Trot is a Dallas Thanksgiving tradition. Photo courtesy of YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas
11/25/25 - By Gabby Cullen

Looking for the best things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth on Thanksgiving weekend 2025? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this Thanksgiving weekend.

Whether you're a Turkey Trot kind of family or a "bring on the Christmas lights" kind of family, Thanksgiving Weekend 2025 is full of fun for North Texans. Make your way to downtown Dallas on Thanksgiving morning to participate in the beloved YMCA Turkey Trot, head to the Crescent Club in Uptown for a sumptuous Thanksgiving brunch, or welcome back Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie. As for the rest of the weekend, it's all about Home for the Holidays in McKinney's historic downtown square, Home on the Range at PGA Frisco, Christmas at the Anatole, and Lights on the Farm in Plano.

For a special treat, enjoy North Texas Ballet's annual Christmas performance of The Nutcracker or the Fort Worth Symphony's Home for the Holidays! concert.

Want even more fun things to do this weekend? Our Dallas-Fort Worth Events Calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week— and you can filter by age, location, or even free events!

Not on our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for free and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Thanksgiving Weekend 2025 in Dallas-Fort Worth

North Pole Express Highland Park

Park Cities
Now through Sunday, January 4, 2026
Step aboard the North Pole Express, a magical double-decker journey through the sparkling streets of Highland Park. Your Golden Ticket to the North Pole is your boarding pass to this enchanting holiday experience, where festive décor, cozy booth seating, and joyful Christmas music set the scene. Along the way, meet The Jolly Santa, The Cheerful Elf, and The Whimsical Conductor as they fill the ride with laughter, storytelling, and heartwarming holiday cheer. Guests will sip indulgent hot chocolate, enjoy a sweet cookie treat, and take home keepsakes like a Christmas Hat of Cheer and a Golden... READ MORE

North Pole Express Grapevine

Grapevine
Now through Sunday, January 4, 2026
Get ready for a heartwarming holiday adventure the whole family will love! Step inside a cozy, twinkling double-decker bus where joy and magic shine bright—it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season together. Your Golden Ticket brings you face-to-face with Santa, his Cheerful Elf, and the Whimsical Conductor, who fill the ride with stories, songs, and giggles for kids and grown-ups alike. Sip delicious hot chocolate, enjoy a freshly baked cookie, and take home special keepsakes—Christmas Hat of Cheer, sleigh bell, and North Pole sticker—to remember the ride to the North Pole. READ MORE

Disney On Ice presents Mickey's Search Party

Allen
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, November 26 - 30, 2025
Join Mickey Mouse and his Disney friends on adventures filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics, and unexpected stunts! READ MORE

YMCA of Dallas Presents: Dallas Turkey Trot

Downtown Dallas
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Get your steps in before enjoying Thanksgiving dinner at this Dallas holiday tradition. If you've got a stroller, sign up for the Tot Trot. If you've got a baby, the Diaper Dash is just the thing. Older kids can run the 5K, and everyone will have fun in the free Family Zone that features games, music, and a picture with the giant turkey! If you're feeling creative, costumes are encouraged! READ MORE

Thanksgiving Brunch at The Crescent Club

Uptown
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Give thanks in style this year at The Crescent Club, perched on the 17th floor of 200 Crescent Court. Enjoy sweeping skyline views and a decadent Thanksgiving Brunch buffet prepared by our award-winning culinary team. Usually reserved for members, The Crescent Club opens its doors to all for this special holiday celebration. READ MORE

Prairie Lights

Grand Prairie
Opens Thursday, November 27, 2025
One of North Texas's premier drive-thru light parks, featuring almost 4 million lights along a two-mile path, is back and better than ever. The popular light tunnel will return, among other popular attractions, including a reimagined magical forest, free carnival rides, photos with Santa, shopping, and more. READ MORE

Fort Worth Symphony Presents: Home for the Holidays!

Sundance Square
Friday & Saturday, November 28 - 29. 2025
Don’t miss one of Fort Worth’s favorite holiday traditions! The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and special guest artists bring you merry music and moments, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Get ready to sing-along to classic Christmas carols, hum holiday tunes, and snag a photo with Santa at Home for the Holidays. READ MORE

Texas Ballet Theater Presents: "The Nutcracker"

Dallas Arts District
Select dates from Friday, November 28 - December 7, 2025
Dallas's premiere ballet company brings the wonder and magic of Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and Ben Stevenson, O.B.E.’s captivating choreography awaken your holiday spirit this Christmas. If you're bringing kids to a matinee performance, don't miss the Kingdom of Sweets! Get a closer look at the ballet from 1-2pm 1-2 pm in the Ballet Interactive area: touch a tutu, hold a pointe shoe, and even meet a real ballerina! READ MORE

Home for the Holidays: A McKinney Christmas

Downtown McKinney Square - FREE
Friday - Sunday, November 28 - 30, 2025
Join friends and loved ones in historic downtown McKinney for a hometown holiday celebration. Write letters to Santa, ride the carousel, watch the tree lighting on Friday, November 28, enjoy children's crafts, and much more! READ MORE

Dallas Theatre Center Presents: "A Christmas Carol"

Dallas Arts District
Select dates from Friday, November 28 - Saturday, December 27, 2025
Bah Humbug! Take a magical Christmas Eve journey with everyone's favorite miser. With three spirits, nostalgic memories of the past, and haunting visions of what's to come, Scrooge’s journey is a spectacle of wonder. Prepare for dazzling visuals, enchanting melodies, and a heartwarming tale that celebrates the transformative power of the holiday spirit. READ MORE

Grapevine's Hometown Christmas

Grapevine
Opens Friday, November 28. 2025
Experience the charm and spirit of a classic American town welcoming the holiday season. Take a walk down memory lane and visit the town Christmas tree, carolers, sweets shop, reindeer stables, and floral shop. New this year, the Hometown Christmas exhibit has expanded and offers new experiences both inside the Grapevine Tower Gallery and outside at the neighboring Settlement to City Museums. READ MORE

Lights on the Farm at Heritage Farmstead Museum

Plano
Select dates from Friday, November 28 - Sunday, December 28, 2025
Come to the farm for a dazzling light show! Now in its fifth year, this popular holiday attraction features over 1 million lights spread across a 1/4-mile walk through the museum. Meet Santa Claus, sip hot chocolate, snack on popcorn, and enjoy holiday music. READ MORE

City of Flower Mound Presents: Old Settlers Christmas

Flower Mound - FREE
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Step back in time and immerse yourself in cherished holiday traditions from the Texas frontier, and witness engaging demonstrations like butter churning and corn shucking. Participate in heartwarming family activities, from lively Christmas caroling to crafting delightful tree decorations, and savor time-honored favorites like warm cider and classic popcorn balls. READ MORE

Home on The Range for The Holidays at PGA Frisco

Frisco - FREE
Saturday, November 29, 2025
It's all about family fun on the range! See real reindeer from the North Pole and a real longhorn from right here in Texas, take a ride on the Fields Ranch Holiday Express Train, write and mail a letter to Santa, meet and greet life-size toy soldiers, cozy up to watch a beloved holiday film on the big screen, and take complimentary photos with Cowboy Santa. READ MORE

Frostival at Howell Farms

Arlington
Opens Saturday, November 29, 2025
Wander through a festive world of lights, joy, and family fun! Sip hot cocoa, meet Santa and his reindeer, ride the 200-foot holiday slide, watch the Fire & Ice Show, and so much more. READ MORE

Cliburn Family Concerts: The Polar Express Holiday Concert

The Stockyards
Saturday & Sunday, November 29 - 30. 2025
A holiday tradition deep in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards, this one-of-a-kind show features dynamic narration and illustrations from Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved classic book, The Polar Express, with accompanying, hopeful musical interludes and a few surprises. Follow up the concert with a skate around the rink, watching the daily Cattle Drive, and other classic Stockyard activities!  READ MORE

Christmas at the Anatole

Dallas Design District
Opens Saturday, November 29, 2025
Enjoy ice skating, holiday train rides, bounce houses, access to Santa's Workshop craft station, cozy story time with Mrs. Claus, and much more! If you're staying as a guest, snag a spot at breakfast with Santa and don't forget the festive bites and glass chalets! READ MORE

Epic H20lidays at Epic Waters

Grand Prairie
Opens Saturday, November 29. 2025
Who doesn't want to mix a little summer fun with their Christmas season? Texas's largest indoor waterpark transforms into a merry wonderland filled with seasonal activities like letters to Santa, themed crafts, scavenger hunts, and live performances, all alongside your favorite waterpark attractions! READ MORE

Casa Mañana Presents: "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" Sensory-Friendly Edition

Fort Worth Cultural District
Sunday, November 30. 2025
Join Rudolph, Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius, and the Abominable Snow Monster on an unforgettable adventure. This festive and joyful musical is filled with all the songs you know and loved as a kid, and now your kids will experience the fun for themselves. This sensory-friendly performance features a more relaxed environment, including muted production elements such as lights and sound. A quiet room will be available to audience members. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Gabby Cullen
Gabby Cullen has over 15 years of media experience, starting in public relations before moving to the editorial side in 2009. With a decade of expertise in parenting and lifestyle, she balances her work as an editor and writer while navigating life as a mom of two. An avid reader and true crime podcast fan, Gabby lives in Dallas, TX with her family. Find her on Instagram and Threads @gabbycullen.
Recent Articles By Gabby Cullen:
Read more articles by Gabby Cullen.