Holiday at the Arboretum
Featuring the 12 Days of Christmas and Christmas Village.
Presented By
Dates
November 10–December 31
About
Holiday at the Arboretum, presented by Reliant, is Dallas’ favorite holiday tradition! Stroll the garden to see the 25-foot-tall elaborately decorated Victorian-style gazebos that represent each of the 12 Days of Christmas. In the evenings, the garden comes to life for a beautiful nighttime experience aglow with over one million lights. Enjoy our Christmas Village, visits with Santa Claus, entertainment, shopping, food & beverage options and the NEW 50-foot tall Dazzling Musical Tree with 42,000 lights and holiday tunes.
Opening night on November 10 is presented by GFF Architects.
A Winter Celebration Featuring:
- Over One Million Lights
- Our Renowned Christmas Village
- Cooking Demos
- Children’s Activities
- Music & Entertainment
- + More!
Texas’ Best Christmas Event
– Southern Living Magazine
About
Holiday at the Arboretum features The Pauline and Austin Neuhoff Family Christmas Village, The 12 Days of Christmas, a stunningly decorated DeGolyer House, with The Artistry of the Nativity, and our NEW treasure, the Dazzling Musical Tree, a 50-foot-tall tree animated with over 42,000 lights and merry holiday tunes.
Join us November 9 as we kick off a magical holiday season at the Dallas Arboretum! Our official opening is a members-only event from 6-9pm. Then, on Wednesday, November 10, Holiday at the Arboretum opens to the public during the day, and nights continue throughout the season with the return and further expansion of our Christmas Village.
Also new this year, we’ve extended our evening hours of Fridays and Saturdays until 10pm.
The Christmas Village is wonderful during the day, but it’s magical at night with lighted trees, shop owners passing out samples and live entertainment. Each house is individually designed for the Arboretum, with the Christmas Village as an attraction for everyone. Santa Claus even has his own house and a sleigh for photo opportunities! He is with us select nights in November, and then after Thanksgiving, he is here every night and Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Our German-built authentic Christmas Pyramid that includes animation on every level returns along with our tavern for delicious food and drinks with a larger biergarten and performance area.
Each day, and every Monday-Wednesday evening, beginning November 9 (November 10 to the public), you are invited to visit our historic DeGolyer House, elaborately decorated by renowned designer Michael Hamilton, with the return of our beloved theme, The Artistry of the Nativity.
We continue to have timed ticketed entry for the garden, so we encourage you to reserve your preferred dates early. After your visit to The Christmas Village, we invite you to stroll the garden, and continue to enjoy the Victorian-style gazebos that represent each of The 12 Days of Christmas.
The gazebos come to life at night, daily beginning November 9, except for Thanksgiving Day (closed) and December 24 (closes at 5pm). Holiday at the Arboretum features over a million lights throughout the garden, trimming the historic homes and our 30-foot-tall spruce tree in the center of the garden. It’s the perfect place for getting you in the holiday spirit!
Daytime Admission
Includes admission to Holiday at the Arboretum and our Christmas Village. Both members and non-members are required to reserve tickets in advance.
| November 10–December 31 |
|
| Adult (13-64) | $17 |
| Senior (65+) | $14 |
| Child (2-12) | $12 |
| Members | Free |
Holiday at the Arboretum at Night Admission
Includes admission to Holiday at the Arboretum at Night and our Christmas Village. Both members and non-members are required to reserve tickets in advance.
| Nov. 14–Dec. 30 Sunday-Tuesday • 6–9pm |
Nov. 14–Dec. 30 Wednesday-Thursday • 6–9pm |
Nov. 14–Dec. 30 Friday–Saturday • 6–10pm |
|
| Member Adult (13-64) | $12 | $13 | $13 |
| Member Senior (65+) | $10 | $11 | $11 |
| Member Child (2-12) | $10 | $11 | $11 |
| Non-member Adult (13-64) | $15 | $25 | $35 |
| Non-member Senior (65+) | $14 | $18 | $18 |
| Non-member Child (2-12) | $13 | $15 | $15 |
Event Overview
Daily Programming
With beautiful sights and free and repeating activities happening daily, the Dallas Arboretum is your home this winter.
Seasonal Tastings
Daily • 10am–4pm
Ruthie Pack Tasting Plaza
Try three different samples featuring a seasonal vegetable, fruit or herb growing in A Tasteful Place garden. Visit dallasarboretum.org/recipes for past and current recipes.
Dallas College Cooks
Mondays at 11am
Participate in this popular demonstration cooking class taught by a chef instructor from the college’s nationally recognized culinary school. Two recipes are demonstrated each month. Visit dallasarboretum.org/recipes
November Braised Leeks with Roasted Garlic; New Orleans Collard Greens
December Good Luck Braised Cabbage; Parsley, Celery and Mushroom Salad
Tasteful Tuesdays
Tuesdays at 11am
Join Dallas’ floral and horticulture experts as they show you how to create tasteful centerpieces and seasonal arrangements for your family and guests to enjoy.
November 16 Casa de Avella Floral Design crafts gorgeous autumn arrangements
November 30 Dr. Delphinium makes the perfect holiday arrangements for your December gatherings
December 2 Lil’ Red Flower Truck, demonstrates their signature holiday arrangements
December 7 Uptown’s chic new florist Token Flowers arranges tastefully modern holiday flowers
December 14 Bishop Art’s Oasis Plants shows how to care for your indoor plants during winter
December 21 Latina-owned Plant & Sip demonstrates winter succulent plant care
Daily Tastings Cooking Demo
Tuesdays at 1pm
Join our Chef Isabel as she demonstrates how to prepare the week’s featured recipes that are inspired by fresh, seasonal ingredients straight from our garden.
Chef-tastic Cooking Series
Select dates at 11am
See how pro chefs, seasoned bakers and rising Instagram stars perfect their recipes and sample some fruits of their labor. The series features a demonstration from renowned chefs and bakers as they take center stage in our A Tasteful Place kitchen.
November 26 Dallas Farmers Market favorite Krav’s makes Ghanan pie dough balls – they’ll be your new fave treat!
November 28 Demarcus with Granny’s Scratch Kitchen makes his signature Peach Cobbler Pie, followed by a vendor sale.
December 4 The Jelly Queens prepare their signature Cranberry Cake, perfect for dessert or a family breakfast treat!
December 5 Healthy Holiday Sides with nutritionist and author, Cindy Kleckner, RD
December 9 Midnight Kreations, cooks delectable holiday treats for you to enjoy
December 16 Great Galettes returns to create their namesake dessert, French galettes
Learn to Grow Horticulture Presentations
Select Fridays at 11am
Enjoy special tips and presentations on winter gardening and harvesting, presented by the North Texas Master Gardeners and the Dallas Arboretum Horticulture staff.
November 19 Container Gardening: many people don’t have large gardens, but that shouldn’t stop you from growing! You can grow almost anything in a container, adding color and texture to your outdoor space, no matter the size. Learn what to plant, how to plant, and how to keep your containers thriving year round!
December 10 Slow Food DFW Celebration with the Farmer Kim. Learn what it means to mindfully grow, prepare and enjoy a nourishing meal with family and friends.
December 17 Plant Propagation: we all like an assortment of plants in our gardens, but buying new plants every year can get expensive. Learn how to save money by growing your own plants, using seeds, cuttings and other methods of propagation!
Seasonal Programming
Come to one of our many seasonal activities happening this holiday season!
Visits With Santa
Monday-Friday
November 29-December 17 • 6-9pm
Saturday-Sunday
December 4-23 • 12-3pm and 6-9pm
December 24 • 12-3pm
Santa is back in the garden in the perfect holiday setting – The Christmas Village. 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 during daytime Santa hours on Saturdays and Sundays.
Holiday Entertainment in the Christmas Village
Nothing says holiday like live music in the garden. Enjoy the live performances from local schools, churches and community groups as well as local professional performers in The Christmas Village. All performances are included with your Holiday at the Arboretum ticket.
November 12–18 Accordionist Paul Salvie (6–9pm)
November 19 Window to the Wild bird show (6–8pm)
November 20 Calvary Bible Church Choir (6–9pm)
November 21 Window to the Wild bird show (6:30–8:30pm)
November 23 Dallas Piano Academy (6–7pm)
November 24 Kenny Haddox (6–9pm)
November 26 Carly Carroll, singing pianist (6–9pm); Juggler DK Hernando (6:30–8:30pm)
November 27 Juggler DK Hernando (6:30–8:30pm)
November 28 Carly Carroll, singing pianist (6–9pm)
December 4 Accordionist Paul Salvie (6–9pm); Juggler DK Hernando (6:30–8:30pm)
December 5–8 Accordionist Paul Salvie (6–9pm)
December 9 Wylie High School Choir (6:30–9pm)
December 10 Lakewood Presbyterian Varsity Victorian Chorus (6:30–9pm)
December 11 Berkner Ramblers (12–12:30pm); Accordionist Paul Salvie (6–9pm); Juggler DK Hernando (6:30–8:30pm)
December 14 John Lefler, acoustic pop/folk (6–9pm)
December 15 St. Philip & St. Augustine Catholic Academy Choir (6–7pm); Lavon Drive Baptist Church Choir (7–8pm); Coram Deo Academy Flower Mound Choir (8–8:30pm)
December 16 Mesquite High School Choir (6–9pm)
December 18 Caroling with Holiday Cheer (6–9pm); Juggler DK Hernando (6:30–8:30pm)
December 19 St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church (6–9pm); Juggler DK Hernando (6:30–8:30pm)
December 20 Carly Carroll, singing pianist (6–9pm)
December 21 John Lefler, acoustic pop/folk (6–9pm)
December 22 Corey Breedlove, jazzy acoustic pop (6–9pm)
December 23 Juggler DK Hernando (6:30–8:30pm)
December 26 Juggler DK Hernando (6:30–8:30pm)
Weekend Entertainment at Jeanne’s Pavilion
Select Dates • 12–2pm
Join us in the Shadow Garden at Jeanne’s Pavilion for acoustic performances each weekend of Holiday at the Arboretum. Grab a lunch or bring a blanket for these intimate performances.
November 20 & 21 Cool Side of Easy, acoustic guitar
November 23 & 26 Corey Breedlove, jazzy acoustic pop
November 28 Corey Breedlove, jazzy acoustic pop
December 4 New Song Music Academy (11am–2pm)
December 5 Arabesque Studio of the Dance
December 11 St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church Choir; Singing Girls of Texas (2–2:30pm)
December 12 Corey Breedlove, jazzy acoustic pop
December 18 Calvary Bible Church Choir
December 19 Kenny Haddox, acoustic pop (11am–12:30pm); Abiding Grace Choir (1–2pm)
December 20 Christian Levens
December 21 WRUMC Choir
December 22 Lee Harbaugh
December 23 Carly Carroll, singing pianist
December 27 Christian Levens
December 28 Lee Harbaugh
December 29 Corey Breedlove, jazzy acoustic pop
December 31 Lee Harbaugh
Holiday Tea
November 8 to December 31 at 11am & 2pm
Bring your family and friends together and create an annual tradition – holiday tea at the Restaurant DeGolyer, lavishly decorated for the season! Reservations required. Learn more here.
Holiday in the DeGolyer House
Daily starting on November 26 from 10am–4pm
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings starting on November 9 at 6–8:30pm
Visit the DeGolyer House to view its magnificent transformation into a stunning holiday home featuring The Artistry of the Nativity.
Holiday Vendor Market
December 11 from 10am–3pm
Main Entry Plaza
Join your favorite local vendors for a delectable array of holiday treats and artisan gifts as you stroll through the stunning garden. We have over two dozen vendors featuring jewelry, ornaments, holiday treats and more. Enjoy Holiday at the Arboretum and complete your shopping.
Seasonal Classes
Register for these delightful & interactive seasonal classes!
Holiday Brunch Boards Class with Amor y Queso
December 11 from 10–11:30am
$80 per pair ($75 per member pair)
Each pair will create their own holiday-themed charcuterie board with wholesome ingredients. Amor y Queso will provide hands-on tips and tricks as you build your boards.
Bar & Garden Holiday Wines & Recharge
December 12 from 1–3pm
$89 per couple ($79 per couple for members)
Julie Buckner Lane, founder of Bar and Garden Dallas, helps you savor the holiday bustle. Enjoy a wine tasting and educational class sampling six varieties of seasonal wines, and make and take home a delicious and refreshing electrolyte drink to recharge after your holiday party (or workout).
Perfect Holiday Dinner Rolls with La Casita Bakeshop
December 19 from 1–3pm
$89 per couple ($79 per couple for members)
Best of Big D Bakery and “wonderland of sweets” La Casita Bakeshop helps you create the quintessential holiday baked good for your dinner table: the perfect herbed dinner rolls. Learn hands on how to make rolls, so you can make them for ever every family holiday plate!
Sponsors
12 Days of Christmas Sponsors
Day 1: Partridge in a Pear Tree
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.