Nothing signals the start of the yuletide season more than the opening of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s annual event, Holiday at the Arboretum.
Get into the holiday spirit with a stroll through the garden where you can take in twinkling lights, classic exhibits and new one-of-a-kind after-dark installations.
Check the Arboretum’s websites for daily updates, and visit Go See DFW for more holiday events.
NEW EXPERIENCES IN THE GARDEN
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This year, the garden is teaming up with Aurora, a Dallas public arts organization specializing in light, video, and sound art, and Lightware Labs to reimagine its annual holiday event with new light-filled additions.
The unique after-dark experience called Night Glow by Aurora transforms selected spaces in the garden into living canvases using state-of-the-art projection mapping and immersive design.
Make your way to these four spaces to experience the artist-curated installations there:
The Drift Way in the Paseo Extension: An illuminated walkway to the Christmas village that mimics drifting snow.Frost in Blossom in the Lay Family Garden: Frozen petals shimmer and return to life, symbolizing growth and resilience.Well of Renewal in the Secret Garden: A meditative experience where light and sound come together to represent nature’s cycles.Heritage Eternal at Camp House and Fogelson Fountain: Greenery, gold tones and classic holiday motifs are blended together to create a yuletide experience.
Visitors 21+ who want a little extra “spirit” in their holiday can make a stop at the Mistletoe Lounge. The pop-up bar features cozy seating, festive cocktails, and views of Night Glow. The experience is $30 and includes two drinks and a holiday keepsake.
ARBORETUM HOLIDAY FAVORITES ARE BACK FOR 2025
The classic 12 Days of Christmas exhibit returns to the garden for its 11th season. The installation depicts the famous carol in twelve 25-foot glass gazebos, which are filled with mechanical mannequins, holiday music, and elaborate props. The gazebos are situated throughout the garden and are spaced fairly far apart, so be sure to wear your walking shoes. The decorated paths make for a festive stroll.
Also returning this year is the Neuhoff Christmas Village. The Bavarian hamlet, inspired by European Christmas Markets known as Christkindlmarkets, features artisan shops, live entertainment and interactive experiences such as a toy shop scavenger hunt and a visit to Santa’s house. Jump inside Santa’s sleigh for a fun, family photo.
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The centerpiece of the village is a 23-foot German Christmas Pyramid created by 15 artisans from the Erzgebirge region (Ore mountains) of Germany. These artists spend 2,150 hours designing and carving each figure by hand. Each of the four levels spins and is illuminated by four candles.
Details: Nov. 12-Jan. 4 at Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Rd., Dallas . Admission ranges from $15 to $40, Mistletoe Lounge is an additional $30 per person, parking is $15. dallasarboretum.org.
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