In December, everything comes to a standstill, but not in Dallas. Here, the standstill is just a pause before a flash of light. When Christmas tree lights appear on the streets, shop windows fill with lights, and the air is filled with the scent of pine and cinnamon, it means that the Christmas village is opening its doors again.

Christmas in Dallas is not a museum reconstruction of winter traditions but a living history created by the residents themselves. Every house, every shop, and every smile at the parade becomes part of the overall story. Although the official name “Christmas Town” is recent, the spirit of this name has always been here.

How it All Began

The story began with a question: “Why not us?”

A few years ago, a group of concerned residents, volunteers, city officials, and local business owners decided that Dallas deserved to be a place with a Christmas atmosphere no worse than in the movies. Thus, the idea was born to turn the city into a real winter wonderland.

Without a big budget or an outside producer, but with the belief that there can never be too much coziness and magic.

What Does the Christmas Village Include?

Although the holiday lasts only one day in 2024, December 7, preparations begin long in advance, and the list of events is constantly expanding.

Lighting the Christmas tree

It is impossible to imagine Christmas without a Christmas tree, and in Dallas, it is lit with special meaning. This usually takes place in the city center, accompanied by music, the clapping of mittens, and the exclamations of children. The light at the top is not lit by pressing a button, but seems to be lit by the combined effort of everyone standing nearby and counting in unison.

For many, this is the beginning of December.

Christmas parade

In the evening, the streets fill with movement. Cars decorated with garlands, mini-fleets with themed scenes, school brass bands, children in costumes, and dogs in costumes all line up in a festive procession and march through the city center to the applause of residents.

The parade is a collective performance where spectators and participants are on the same side of the holiday. Even the cool air doesn’t get in the way: you can warm your nose with cocoa and your soul with the feeling of togetherness.

Christmas light contest

This contest shows that the creative energy of the city’s residents extends to their own homes. Those who participate transform their facades into full-fledged light installations: some opt for minimalism and classic wreaths, while others go for explosions of color and animation.

The organizers (in particular, the Homesmart Realty team) support the idea that Christmas lights bring neighbors together. Even if you don’t participate in the contest, you can still participate just by walking by and smiling.

Find the Gnome game

Perhaps the most intriguing entertainment for children and adults alike. Small gnome figures are hidden around the city, and the task of the participants is to find them all. Each one has its own “character,” its own place, and its own clue, and the participation itself becomes an adventure that fills walks with excitement and childlike wonder.

Inspiration from Oregon traditions

Christmas in Oregon is not about snowstorms and closed roads. Here, December is mild but rich in atmosphere. In small towns, as in large ones, Christmas traditions are honored and developed.

Celebrations often include:

  • Markets with goods from local farmers and artisans
  • Theatrical performances in the spirit of “The Nutcracker”
  • Horseback riding or retro wagon rides
  • Charity events, collecting gifts for families in need
  • Street concerts by choirs and school ensembles

Dallas fits into this context, but goes a step further by turning Christmas into more than a formal list of events, but a story where everyone can feel needed.

How to Participate?

Details about the schedule, exact addresses, and conditions for participation are published closer to the date, but for local residents, there is a simple rule: if you want to be part of it, come.

You can offer your help, make a donation, become a volunteer, decorate your home, go out on the day of the parade, or even just smile at your neighbor who hangs up their Christmas lights in the morning.

Holidays are always a choice. And in Dallas, that choice is made together.

If you are a visitor from outside Dallas and are wondering how to spend the beginning of December, come on over. Even if you only stay for a couple of hours, you will take away more than a photo of a Christmas tree or a paper cup of mulled wine.

You’ll take home the feeling that a small city can be a real Christmas town without decorations, but with genuine warmth. And that the holiday doesn’t start on a date, but with the desire to create it.