There are certain holiday traditions that make Dallas feel like home, and Holiday at the Dallas Arboretum is one of them. From the illuminated gardens overlooking White Rock Lake to the Christmas Village and beautifully decorated DeGolyer House, it's a wonderful way to celebrate the season without leaving the city.
But 2026 is an especially meaningful year to visit. The Dallas Arboretum has announced that this will be the final season for its beloved 12 Days of Christmas gazebos, a holiday tradition that has delighted Dallas families since 2014.
Whether you're planning a family outing, entertaining relatives visiting for the holidays, or looking for a festive date night, here's what to know before you go.
When Is Holiday at the Dallas Arboretum in 2026?
Holiday at the Arboretum runs from November 11, 2026, through January 3, 2027, at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, located at 8525 Garland Road in East Dallas.
There are two main ways to visit:
Daytime Admission: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A daytime visit is ideal for families with younger children, guests who prefer exploring the gardens in daylight, or anyone hoping to enjoy the holiday displays at a relaxed pace.
Holiday at Night: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The evening experience is when the gardens take on an entirely different atmosphere. Illuminated displays, seasonal decorations, and the Christmas Village create the festive setting that many Dallas residents look forward to each year.
Daytime and nighttime experiences require separate admission. The gardens close between 4 and 5 p.m. to prepare for evening visitors.
The Arboretum is also closed for daytime admission on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day, although special evening admission is offered.
For dates, availability, and tickets, visit the official Holiday at the Arboretum website.
Why 2026 Is a Special Year for Holiday at the Arboretum
If you've been telling yourself you'll visit the 12 Days of Christmas display one of these years, this is the year to make it happen.
The Arboretum's twelve elaborate, glass-enclosed gazebos bring the familiar Christmas carol to life through beautifully detailed, seasonal scenes. Each represents one of the twelve days, creating a walking experience that has become part of countless family holiday traditions.
The exhibit first debuted in 2014, and the Arboretum has announced that the 2026 holiday season will be its final presentation.
For families who have visited year after year, this is a chance to revisit favorite memories. For those who have never experienced the display, it's an opportunity to see a distinctive Dallas tradition before it ends.
Importantly, this farewell applies to the 12 Days of Christmas gazebos, not the Arboretum itself or all future holiday programming.
What Can You See at Holiday at the Arboretum?
The 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos
These are the centerpiece of this year's celebration.
The twelve glass-sided structures are positioned throughout the gardens, giving visitors an opportunity to walk from one beautifully decorated scene to the next.
The displays are enjoyable during the day, when you can appreciate the details, but there's something especially memorable about seeing them illuminated after dark.
If you're visiting with children, consider making a game of identifying each verse of the song as you move through the gardens.
The Christmas Village
The Christmas Village adds an inviting, storybook atmosphere to the experience.
With charming holiday architecture, lights, and seasonal activities, it's a natural place to slow down and enjoy the festivities.
Santa visits are scheduled on select dates, making this a popular stop for families hoping to add a Christmas photo to their holiday traditions.
If meeting Santa is a priority, check the Arboretum's event calendar before purchasing tickets. His appearances are not necessarily offered during every admission period.
Holiday Decorations at the DeGolyer House
One of the Arboretum's most recognizable historic buildings, the DeGolyer House, becomes part of the holiday celebration with seasonal décor throughout its interior.
The house offers a different experience from the outdoor light displays, with architectural details and beautifully arranged decorations creating a more traditional holiday setting.
Check the house's opening schedule for your selected date, since access and programming can vary.
Is It Better to Visit the Dallas Arboretum During the Day or at Night?
This depends on who you're bringing and the experience you're hoping to have.
For families with younger children: Daytime can be a great option. You'll have better visibility along garden paths, more flexibility for stroller breaks, and an opportunity to see the details of the displays without keeping little ones out late.
For couples or groups of friends: I'd lean toward an evening visit. The illuminated gardens feel especially festive, and it's easy to turn the outing into a holiday date night or an evening with friends.
For visiting grandparents or anyone who prefers a slower pace: Consider a daytime visit. You can appreciate the gardens and holiday decorations without navigating the grounds after dark.
For holiday photographs: Daytime provides natural light, while an evening visit offers the glow of illuminated decorations. Choose based on the photos you want and the comfort of your group.
Because this is the final season for the gazebos, it's worth choosing a date early rather than waiting until the last few days of December.
How Much Are Dallas Arboretum Holiday Tickets in 2026?
The Arboretum offers different prices depending on admission type and date.
Ticket Type2026 PriceDaytime adult admission$21.95–$25.95Daytime children ages 3–12$17.95–$21.95Holiday at Night, general admission ages 3+$35–$40Holiday at Night, members$20–$25Night Owl admission, 8:30–10 p.m.$15Holiday Cheer admission, select dates$12Children under 3Free
The Night Owl ticket is an option for visitors who don't need an entire evening. Admission begins at 8:30 p.m., and tickets are available online only.
The Arboretum is also offering $12 Holiday Cheer evening admission on November 26, December 24, December 25, December 31, and January 1.
If your family has flexibility with its holiday schedule, these discounted dates are worth considering.
Members receive complimentary daytime admission, but evening tickets are still required. The Arboretum also notes that walk-up pricing for regular Holiday at Night admission is $4 higher than advance online pricing.
Always confirm the final ticket and parking total directly through the Arboretum before purchasing.
Parking, Walking, and Other Tips Before You Go
The Dallas Arboretum sits along Garland Road on the eastern side of White Rock Lake. It's convenient to Lakewood, Casa Linda, Forest Hills, and surrounding East Dallas neighborhoods, but holiday traffic and parking can make a little advance planning worthwhile.
The Arboretum lists general parking at $15 per vehicle, with complimentary parking benefits for members. Visitor parking includes the main entrance at 8525 Garland Road and the parking garage at 8720 Garland Road. Check your ticket instructions for the appropriate entry location.
A few details that can make your visit more enjoyable:
Wear comfortable shoes. The Arboretum spans 66 acres, and visiting several displays involves walking.
Bring layers for evening visits. Dallas temperatures can change quickly after sunset, particularly on windy or damp evenings.
Plan ahead for younger children. Strollers and wagons are permitted, which can make longer visits easier.
Consider mobility needs. Complimentary wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but trams and golf carts are not available to transport guests during evening hours.
Check special event times. Santa visits, workshops, and seasonal activities may have specific schedules or separate registration requirements.
You can find additional information in the Arboretum's visitor FAQs.
Make It a Holiday Evening in Lakewood and East Dallas
One of the things I love about living and working in East Dallas is how easy it is to make a simple local outing feel like a special occasion.
A trip to the Arboretum doesn't have to be the only thing on your calendar.
Consider meeting friends for dinner in Lakewood before heading to see the lights. Cane Rosso, Hudson House, and Mi Cocina are among the neighborhood favorites that make it easy to create a full evening close to White Rock Lake.
We've shared more ideas in our guide to The Best Restaurants Near White Rock Lake.
If you're planning a daytime visit, you could begin with coffee at White Rock Coffee, enjoy a walk near the lake, and then head to the gardens.
Our recent article, A Perfect Fall Saturday in Lakewood: White Rock Lake, Coffee, and Neighborhood Stops, shares more ideas for spending a relaxed day in the neighborhood.
Why the Dallas Arboretum Is Part of What Makes East Dallas Special
The Arboretum is more than a seasonal attraction. It's one of the amenities that helps define life around White Rock Lake.
For residents of Lakewood, Forest Hills, Casa Linda, and nearby East Dallas neighborhoods, having gardens, trails, parks, and neighborhood restaurants close to home creates opportunities to enjoy the outdoors throughout the year.
It's also something I encourage buyers relocating to Dallas to think about when choosing where to live.
A home isn't just about square footage or finishes. It's also about what your weekends look like, where you take visiting family, and how easily you can enjoy the things that matter to you.
For some, proximity to White Rock Lake and the Arboretum is a meaningful part of that decision.
If you're comparing communities, our article Where to Live in Dallas Based on Your Lifestyle looks at how different neighborhoods support different daily routines.
You can also browse our Dallas neighborhood guides for more insight into Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Forest Hills, and other established Dallas communities.
Why Work with Mysti Stewart and the Mysti Stewart Group?
At the Mysti Stewart Group, we believe that understanding a neighborhood means understanding more than its real estate market.
It's knowing the local restaurants, traditions, parks, schools, and experiences that make a community feel like home.
With deep experience in Lakewood, Lake Highlands, East Dallas, the Park Cities, Preston Hollow, and surrounding neighborhoods, our Compass team helps clients make thoughtful decisions about where and how they want to live.
Whether you're relocating to Dallas, searching for a new home, or preparing to sell, our goal is to provide the local knowledge and personalized guidance that make the process easier.
Learn more about Mysti Stewart and the Mysti Stewart Group.
Final Thoughts
Holiday at the Dallas Arboretum is one of those local traditions that reminds us why we love living in Dallas.
It's an opportunity to enjoy the season, spend time with people we love, and appreciate a beautiful part of our city.
And with the 12 Days of Christmas gazebos making their final appearance in 2026, this year feels particularly special.
My recommendation? Put a date on the calendar, purchase tickets in advance, and give yourself time to enjoy it. The holidays always seem to move faster than we expect, and some traditions are worth making time for.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Holiday at the Dallas Arboretum start and end in 2026?
Holiday at the Arboretum begins November 11, 2026, and continues through January 3, 2027. A members-only preview is scheduled for November 10.
Is 2026 really the last year for the 12 Days of Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum?
Yes. The Arboretum has announced that 2026 will be the final season of its 12 Days of Christmas gazebos, which debuted in 2014. This announcement is specific to the gazebo exhibition.
Do daytime tickets include Holiday at Night admission?
No. Daytime admission runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while Holiday at Night runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Separate tickets are required for the evening experience.
Is the Dallas Arboretum holiday event good for toddlers and young children?
Yes. Families can enjoy holiday displays, the Christmas Village, and Santa visits on select dates. Strollers and wagons are permitted, and children under age three receive free admission. Daytime visits may be easier for families with younger children who have early bedtimes.
Where should visitors park for Holiday at the Arboretum?
The main entrance is located at 8525 Garland Road, with a parking garage at 8720 Garland Road. General parking is listed at $15 per vehicle, and membership benefits may include complimentary parking. Check the Arboretum's website and your ticket instructions before arriving.
