See the splendor of the 30-foot-tall tree at the center of the property and the twelve 25-foot-tall Victorian-style gazebos depicting scenes from the traditional carol. This display is sure to warm the hearts of guests this season.

The garden re-opens for evening hours for The 12 Days of Christmas at Night exhibit from November 13 through December 31, Wednesday through Sunday from 6-9pm.

Inspired by the European Christmas Markets, or Christkindlmarket, The Christmas Village is comprised of charming shops and façades that represent a quaint European hamlet.

The village houses vary in size, and the heights range between 16 to 19 feet. Each house is themed and large enough so that several children and adults can enter at a time and experience that particular business. The interior walls of each house feature illustrations and embellishments appropriate for that business. For example, the Bakery walls show baked goods and a wood-burning stove, and the Music Shop features paintings of shelves filled with instruments.

During the day, children can learn, have fun and explore these houses at their own pace. At night, the Christmas Village is lit by a holiday glow of lights, which are in addition to close to 1 million lights decorating the Arboretum. During the weekends and evenings, there are also volunteers dressed as the shopkeeper in each store, many of whom will pass out a sample of their wares, such as a piece of candy at the candy shop.

Christmas Village Shops

• Bandstand
• Bakery
• Bookstore
• Butcher
• Candy Shop
• Carpenter
• Clock Tower
• Cobbler
• Doctor’s Office
• Flower Shop
• Hat Shop
• Music Shop
• Post Office
• Santa’s House

Friendsgiving

November 21, 6-8 p.m.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with your besties and our “Friendsgiving” menu inspired by the beloved TV show. Begin with appetizers of Chandler’s mac & cheese bites and mini grilled cheese sandwiches. Then feast on the traditional Thanksgiving meal including turkey, several delicious sides that of course includes, sweet potatoes with “marshmallows in concentric circles.” Finally, ending with “Not-Rachel’s Trifle.” Wine pairings are included. Plus a Friends trivia contest by Sporcle.

Register Here

Choux Pastry Class
Presented by My French Recipe

November 23 • 6-8pm, $70 (nonmember $80)

Our French chef teaches simple recipes featuring profiteroles, éclairs and gougères. Learn all the secrets to succeed with choux pastry (pâte à choux). Each attendee leaves with a recipe booklet, too.

Register Here

Chocolate Painting Class
Presented by Yelibelly Chocolate

November 24 • 6-8 pm, $75
Make a chocolate masterpiece on canvas with this chocolate painting class presented by Yelibelly Chocolates. Enjoy a glass of wine, and have fun finding one’s inner chocolate artist.

Register Here

Holiday Cookie Decorating Class
Presented by Creative Cookies & Pops

November 30 • 11 am-2 pm, $60
Learn the tricks of the trade to create a perfectly decorated set of scrumptious sugar cookies. Each attendee leaves the class with half a dozen cookies that are tiny works of art.

Register Here

Paint A Keepsake Holiday Ornament with Anne Gunthner
December 5, 6-8 pm, $65, *NEW location: Green Classroom

Create a one-of-a kind painted holiday glass ball ornament. Anne Gunthner demonstrates and works with each participant to create a beautifully hand-painted glass ornament of a house or personal animal portrait. Those interested in painting a portrait are asked to bring a good quality photo for reference. All materials are included for this handmade keepsake treasure. 

Register Now for Keepsake Class

Battle of the Wines
Presented by Gil’s Elegant Catering

December 1 • 3-5 pm, $35
These two classes focus on a type of wine, and include six samples of distinct wines from different regions and charcuterie displays. Participants interact, learn and vote for their favorite wine.

Register Here

Boozy Hot Tea, Hot Toddy & Hot Chocolate Cocktail Workshop
Presented by Bar and Garden Dallas

December 7 • 3-5 pm, $60
Learn to create a hot toddy, a hot tea cocktail and a boozy hot chocolate. These cocktails can be made to serve one or an entire group. Attendees get to take home chocolates, tea, and a mug in addition to their holiday cocktail knowledge.

Register Here

Champagne Infused Macarons
Presented by My French Recipe

December 8 • 3-5 pm & 6-8 pm, $80
My French Recipe teaches attendees to bake macarons in this hands-on class. This special holiday class features champagne infused ganache macarons. Each person goes home with a gift box of macarons and a recipe booklet.

Register Here

Organic & Natural Wine | Winter Wellness Demonstration
Presented by Bar & Garden Dallas
December 14 | 1-2pm, free with admission

Wine is usually thought of as an artisanal product, however modern winemaking often employs additives that make it anything but. Join us as we discuss and taste low intervention, beautifully made wine and why it matters to both our bodies and the planet. We will also explore ways to stay well during the winter party season. Drink Better, Feel Better, Naturally. 

We will have 6 wines open to taste, each showcasing the myriad of styles of natural & organic wine. 

Chocolate Making Class
Presented by Yelibelly Chocolates

December 20 • 6-8 p.m., $70
This hands-on chocolate class teaches participants how to create flavor-infused chocolate ganache, work with liqueur infusions and prepare truffles and bonbons. Each student has the opportunity to sample a variety of chocolate, experiment with different flavors and take home boxes of their own handmade chocolates.

Register Here

In the historic DeGolyer House elegantly decorated for the holidays, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden debuts “Christkindlmarket Treasures,” a collection from Junior League of Dallas members and Mary Templeton from November 29 to December 31. Displayed together for the first time, the Dallas Arboretum showcases more than 500 nativities, angels and nutcrackers, wooden Santas and Christmas trees. Each room in this historic home showcases a collection of treasures typically found in European Christmas markets. The elaborate décor provides a unique and magnificent experience for guests to enjoy daily and on Wednesday evenings, beginning November 29.   

Bring your family and friends together and create an annual tradition – holiday tea at the Restaurant DeGolyer, lavishly decorated for the season! Reservations required. Call 214-515-6511 to reserve your seat now.

Join us for our annual Holiday Dinner! Dinner is served in the beautiful holiday-decorated DeGolyer Restaurant. It is $59 per person ages 2 and up. You must purchase nighttime admission tickets to take advantage of the dinner. Payment will be made to hold the reservation but menu selections can be made 7 days in advance. Please call 214-515-6511 or email teas@dallasarboretum.org for more information.

Soup or Salad (Choose One)

Friché Garden Salad with Julienned Vegetables

Choice of Roquefort, Ranch or Champagne Vinaigrette Dressings

Classic Caesar Salad

Romaine Heart with Aged Parmesan and Toasted Croutons

Potato and Leek Soup with Crème Fraîche, served with Herbed Biscuit

Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto Gremolata, served with Herbed Biscuit

Entrees (Choose One)

Chicken Picatta with Artichokes and Capers, served With Wild Rice and Fresh Vegetables

Beef Tenderloin Medallions with Green Peppercorn Sauce, served With Rosemary Potatoes and Vegetables

Fettuccine Primavera Alfredo with Shrimp in a Lemon Cream Sauce, Parmesan and Pecorino Cream Sauce

Kale and Garbanzo Cake with Tomato Sauce, served With Wild Rice and Vegetables (Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free)

Dessert (Choose One)

Hazelnut Roulade with Caramel Sauce

Molten Lava Cake with Wild Cherry Sauce

Strawberries Romanoff

NY Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce

Santa is back in the garden in the perfect holiday setting – Once The Christmas Village opens Santa will move to his home away from the North Pole in our newest exhibit. Share your Christmas wish with the jolly old man, and take a photo to commemorate the occasion. Keepsake family photos are available for a donation to the Volunteer Advisory Board.

• White Rock United Church, December 5 and 8 at 7pm
• Mesquite Children’s Chorus, December 13 at 7pm
• Lakewood Victorian Chorus December 14 at 7pm

The 12 Days of Christmas
Daily, 9am-5 pm, November 9-December 31
Adult: $15, Seniors (65 or older): $12, Children (2-12 years): $10

Enjoy elaborately decorated Victorian-style gazebos on display every day during the holiday festival.

The 12 Days of Christmas at Night
Featuring More Than One Million Lights
Sponsored by Reliant
Wednesday-Sunday, November 13 – November 27, 6-9 pm
Adults: $20, Seniors: $15, Children: $10 (ages 2-12)
November 29 – December 29, 6-9 p.m.
Adults: $23, Seniors: $18, Children: $11(ages 2-12)
Ages 2 & under: Free

The garden is open late five nights a week for a special, lighted night-time experience. In special celebration, Restaurant DeGolyer is open for reservation-only dinners on December 4, 11, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, and 29 at 7 pm.

Café on the Green
Daily 11 am-3 pm

Enjoy special holiday drinks including pumpkin lattes, frosted mints, mulled wine and Mexican Hot Chocolate, as well as holiday eats, which include pumpkin bars, holiday paninis and soup served in sourdough bread bowls.

Holiday Tea
Daily, 11 am & 2 pm

Holiday Tea is served inside the charming and historic DeGolyer House lavishly decorated for the holidays, where guests can indulge in a seated, three-course tea experience. Tea prices begin at $49 per person and include parking and admission. Raise a glass to the most wonderful time of the year by adding champagne service for $59 per person. Reservations are required. Call 214-515-6511. Ages 13 and up are permitted in the tea room.

Hoffman Family Gift Store Events:
November 16- Book Signing: Cowboy Christmas, Caryn Southerland, 11 am-3 pm
November 30-Book Signing: Texas Ingenuity, 11 am-3 pm

Visits with Santa
Wednesday Evenings 6-9 pm, November 13-December 18
Saturday & Sunday Noon-4 pm, November 30-December 22, Pecan Grove

Bring the kids to share their Christmas wishes with the Jolly Old Man, and take a keepsake photo to commemorate the occasion. The Dallas Arboretum Volunteer Advisory Board provides the commemorative pictures for a donation.

Ugly Sweater Contest
Every Thursday Evening 6-8 pm
Orientation Theatre

Wear a favorite ugly or tacky Christmas sweater, and enter the contest for a chance to win two Cool Thursday Concert tickets.

 
Window to the Wild–12 Birds of Christmas
 December 14, Noon-2 pm, Jonsson Color Garden

Enjoy a 2-hour meet-and-greet program with birds and their trainers from Window to the Wild.

A Texas Kind of Christmas Author Speaker Series
November 23, 11 a.m., Rosine Hall

Join us for a special presentation by the three authors of A Texas Kind of Christmas, a holiday-themed collection of three connected stories set in 1859 in Dallas and based on the true history of the St. Nicholas Hotel, one of the most fashionable grand hotels of its time. The authors include Jodi Thomas, a New York Times bestselling author, Cecile Bonaduce and Rachael Miles. Their presentation is followed by a Q&A and a book-signing for guests who bring their beloved books.

Outdoor Movie Party: White Christmas
Presented by Alamo Drafthouse
November 23, 6:30-8:30 pm, Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn

Spark holiday cheer with this timeless classic starring Bing Crosby. This show-stopping musical keeps everyone dancing and singing along, so bring blankets and bundle up with the entire family to enjoy a memorable evening.

Paint A Keepsake Holiday Ornament with Anne Gunthner
December 5, 6-8 pm, $65, Green Classroom

Create a one-of-a kind painted holiday glass ball ornament. Anne Gunthner demonstrates and works with each participant to create a beautifully hand-painted glass ornament of a house or personal animal portrait. Those interested in painting a portrait are asked to bring a good quality photo for reference. All materials are included for this handmade keepsake treasure. 

Register Now for Keepsake Class

Family and Homeschool Holiday Camps
November 25 and December 23, 10am-12pm | 2-4pm, Education Classrooms

The NEWEST addition to our family programming at the Dallas Arboretum, Holiday Camps are 2 hour sessions throughout the year that feature hands-on discovery around science topics related to seasonal holidays. Join us for Thanksgiving STEM on November 25 or Christmas Village on December 23. Classes also include full access to the Main Garden and Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden (March-December). Classes are designed for parents and children, Kindergarten-5^th grade.

Register for Family Holiday Camps | Register for Homeschool Holiday Camps

Every Day, 10 am-4 pm

Try three free different samples featuring a dish using a vegetable, fruit or herb growing in the garden. Click here for past, current and future recipes.

DEMONSTRATION COOKING

El Centro College Cooks, Every Monday, 11 am-Noon

Participate in this popular cooking demonstration, taught by talented chefs from El Centro’s nationally recognized culinary school. Two recipes are demonstrated each month followed by samples.

November

Brussel Sprout Caesar Salad and
Roasted Fennel and Cauliflower Soup

December

Kale and Fruit Salad and
Warm Leeks with Chunky Vinaigrette 

Learn to Grow Horticulture Presentation

Select Fridays, 11 am-Noon

Presented by the North Texas Master Gardeners and the Dallas Arboretum Horticultural Staff

November 15: Cold weather is upon us! Learn how to prepare your garden for a hassle-free winter

Location: Sewell Board Room

December 6: The holidays are here–utilize materials from your own garden to create beautiful and easy decorations.

Location: Sewell Board Room

Daily Harvest

Every Tuesday & Thursday, 10:30 am

Join our Horticulture staff as they harvest produce in the garden and provide tips.

Chef-tastic Cooking Series, Wednesdays & Saturdays, 11 am-Noon

Watch a demonstration from local chefs as they show how to make one of their signature dishes with a small taste for attendees to try.

November 20: Let’s Talk Turkey with Chef Jayson Jones

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, family and of course, food. In the spirit of the season, please join us with Chef Jayson Jones from Gil’s Elegant Catering as we talk turkey. Together, we will prepare you for your holiday feast with a discussion and an interactive tasting of turkey prepared three ways. Multiple preparation methods will be covered; including different ways of brining, types of seasonings, and the use of injections.  We will also discuss roasting, smoking and frying your turkey, efficiently and safely.  So, if this is your first try at a turkey or you’ve cooked them for years; we’ll make sure its tender, moist and delicious.  Are you ready to make turkey the star of your holiday feast?

November 23: Bisous Bisous Patisserie
November 25: Full Circle Bakery
November 27: Vestals Catering
December 7: Casa Masa with John Hernandez 

John Hernandez grew up making tamales in the southeast Texas town of El Campo. At just 8 years old, he would help his grandmother, Emilia, make tamales that she sold in front of her home on weekends. As a teenager, he worked at his family’s Tex-Mex restaurant where he began experimenting with a variety of tamale fillings and masa flavors. You can find him at his CASA MASA pop-ups at local breweries, bars, and retail stores throughout DFW. There is a tamale for everyone’s taste from savory to spicy, vegan or sweet, and to the always popular, Abuela’s, his grandmother’s recipe. Today he uses the same techniques and masa recipe he learned from his grandmother.

December 11: Brunchaholics
December 14: Greenville Avenue Pizza Company
December 18: Bam’s Vegan
December 21: YeliBelly Chocolates
December 28: Ocean Prime Dallas

Join us throughout the winter with this series that highlights national days where guests can watch a cooking demonstration with samples. Enjoy unique and tasty products also available for purchase.

November 23: Espresso Day: Chef Andrea Meyer of Bisous Bisous Patisserie (11am)

November 26: Cake Day: And I Like It Cheesecake (11am sale) & Cake4One (2pm)

December 10: Beer Day: Empanada Cookhouse (1pm) & Custom Café Foods (3pm)

Learn tips from some of the best bakers and pastry chefs as they demonstrate popular holiday baked goods followed by a small sample for attendees to enjoy.

November 22: Sugar Fang Vegan Bakery

November 29: La Casita Bakeshop

December 6: Empire Baking Company

December 13: Pastry Chef Kristen Massad of Joy + Oliver Blog

Join Pastry Chef Kristen Massad of Joy + Oliver blog as she demonstrates how to make a fun and festive recipe that the kids can help with in the kitchen—holiday chocolate bark!

December 20: La Casita Bakeshop

December 27: Carol Pock

Enjoy engaging presentations from world travelers who have trekked through countries across the world and have interesting stories and inspiring photos of their adventures to share. Destinations featured include Iceland and European Christmas Markets.

December 5 Andy Luten, Iceland

December 12 Michael Hamilton, German Christmas Markets

December 19 Braxdale Travel, European River Cruises

Guests 21 & over can enjoy complimentary samples from local breweries at the Three Sisters Lagoon Overlook.

November 16: Franconia Brewing

November 17: White Rock Ale House & Brewery

November 23: Steam Theory Brewing

November 30: Peticolas Brewing

December 1: 3 Nations Brewing

December 7: Bishop Cider

December 8: Pegasus City Brewery

December 14: Denton County Brewing Company

December 15: Old Town Brewhouse

December 22: Bishop Cider

Learn how to make unique holiday décor, gifts and how to store decorations.

November 17: Watch and learn how Mia Fiori Florist creates a chic, bohemian inspired centerpiece for Thanksgiving

November 24: Learn how to make thoughtful and homemade watercolor gift tags from artist Anne Gunthner

December 1: Ruibal’s teaches how to use live plants as tree decoration and how to make ornaments from plants

December 8: Florist Mia Fiori shows how to construct a holiday centerpiece full of texture for holiday parties

December 22: Holiday designer Michael Hamilton shows how to properly store treasured decorations

December 29: Bee Organized shares tips on best ways to take down décor to be organized for next holiday season

Join experts from local florist shops as they show creative ideas to make floral arrangements, wreaths and more.

November 19: Redenta’s Garden
November 26: Ruibal’s
December 3: Redenta’s Garden
December 10: McShan Florist
December 17: Avant Garden
December 24: Ruibal’s
December 31: McShan Florist

Garden to Table Dinner, Presented by Gils Elegant Catering

Day 1: Partridge in a Pear Tree

Given in the name of Jeanne R. Johnson

The Pear Tree has gold branches sprinkled with rhinestones, green mirrored leaves, and gold, rhinestone encrusted pears. The partridge sits “center stage,” intricately painted and adorned with rhinestones. The tree revolves with the partridge in it.

Day 2: Two Turtle Doves

The Two Turtle Doves cuddles on an arrow that pierces a heart-shaped cage suspended from the roof of the gazebo. The feather-tailed turtle doves are intricately painted and covered with rhinestones. The outer cage of crystal beading is decorated with fleur de lis banding on top and bottom.

Day 3: Three French Hens

Day three reflects the native countryside of the Three French Hens. White and gold oval French mirrors bolster Victorian perches for the hens, and this base turns. The hens, black-and-white with red accents,sits in gold straw nests.

Day 4: Four Calling Birds

Sponsored by A Friend of the Dallas Arboretum

The Four Calling Birds sit on filigreed, jeweled, Victorian hanging bird perches within an inner oval cage made of iridescent bead strands. The calling birds are multi-colored, with feather plumes and long tails.

Day 5: Five Golden Rings

In honor of Great Grandparents Dolph and Evelyn Bosley and their 5 Gold Rings

The Five Golden Rings feature a Victorian circus with a ceiling draped in red and white fabric to mimic a circus tent. The center circus ring has a pedestal with oval mirrors on which a white bear wearing a vest and collar balancing a spinning gold ring on his nose. The bear is surrounded by four seals wearing ruffled collars that are seated and balancing spinning bedazzled gold rings on their noses.

Day 6: Six Geese A-Laying

The Six Geese A-Laying is set in a snow-covered forest. Snow-flocked trees of varying sizes sit on a mirrored floor that turns. Snow and rhinestone “rocks” are piled high around the edges of the gazebo. Two geese are sitting on nests, two are standing in their nests to reveal golden eggs, and two are nested in the trees. The geese have feathered and rhinestones heads and necks, and feathered bodies.

Day 7: Seven Swans A-Swimming

Sponsored by Phyllis and Tom McCasland

The seven swans float in a snowy, ice crystal palace. The gazebo feature a pond with a tiered fountain and frozen water and icicles in the center of a mirror, or “frozen” pond. The swans, six white and one with black feathers with small crowns on their heads, are around the fountain.

Day 8: Eight Maids-A-Milking

Sponsored by Kathy and Gene Bishop

This gazebo feature a truly spectacular English barn divided into four wedge-shaped stalls. There are four intricately painted cows and four beautifully costumed maids sitting on stools while milking. Four other maids are carrying pails.

Day 9: Nine Ladies Dancing

In Honor of Chloe Simone Shea. Given by Holly & Tom Mayer, Maile and Charles Shea

Nine Ladies Dancing feature a Victorian ballroom. The ladies are costumed in beautiful Victorian beaded gowns and have elegant period hair styles. All of them move around the gazebo, and four make complete turns.

Day 10: Ten Lords A-Leaping

This gazebo features ten ice-skating lords. The mirrored floor is a frozen pond. The lords are dressed in Victorian outerwear and ice skates, and all will be skating.

Day 11: Eleven Pipers Piping

Sponsored by a Friend of the Dallas Arboretum

The pipers are dressed as Scottish bagpipe players in red and green tartan plaid. Each piper plays bagpipes. The ceiling is draped in green and red tartan to match the pipers’ kilts, and a circle of horns adorned with roping and tassels will suspend from the ceiling over the pipe major. The pipers also move in this gazebo.

Day 12: Twelve Drummers Drumming

Sponsored by Myron K. Martin

This gazebo is a spectacular choice to the exhibit. The drummers are dressed in white pants with red and gold piping, red jackets and red hats with gold trim. They move in concentric circles, with one set moving clockwise and another set moving counterclockwise.