Arlington’s Christmas season is always a festive time. There is plenty to see and do with the Interlochen Christmas Lights, Six Flags Holiday in the Park, the downtown Holiday Lights Parade, and many other special events. Here are some well-loved Christmas traditions in Arlington and a few other things that may help make your holiday season merry and bright.
Interlochen Christmas Lights
It wouldn’t be Christmas in Arlington without Interlochen! Since 1976, this unique neighborhood in northwest Arlington has taken Christmas lights to another level. Not everyone joins in the festivities, but over 200 homes usually participate, and there’s likely some friendly competition amongst the neighbors. They give out awards, including a “Griswold” award that surely comes with bragging rights. The competition may be fierce, but there’s also a neighborhood spirit to pull together and create something special.
When I was a kid, the family would pile in the car to see the lights and displays. We would join the long line of cars and slowly snake through the neighborhood, with each home seemingly more decorated than the one before it. Even a Scrooge or Grinch will be awed by this neighborhood’s impressive array of Christmas spirit. Nowadays, my wife and I try to make this one of our annual holiday traditions, too. This event can get very crowded, especially on the weekends, and is a popular tradition for many DFW families.
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags
Six Flags amusement park transforms into a winter wonderland for the holidays. There is fun for the whole family with festive experiences, shows, events, shopping, food, drink, and, of course, roller coasters. Millions of lights and other decorations create an unforgettable experience, making Holiday in the Park a fun Christmas tradition in Arlington.
One of my most vivid memories of Christmas is the mugs of hot chocolate at Six Flags. As a kid, my family would go there and get hot chocolate in their souvenir take-home mugs. The hot chocolate was decadent and delicious, with whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top. We had quite a collection of these mugs at home—and to my surprise, there was at least one survivor when I was at my Dad’s recently for Christmas. This mug is nearly 30 years old, and when I saw it, it instantly brought back memories!
Arlington Holiday Lights Parade & Christmas Tree at Levitt Pavilion
The Arlington Holiday Lights Parade began in 2002. It has changed names over the years but remains a festive part of Arlington’s holiday season. The parade travels through downtown, often with more than 100 entries, and thousands of spectators filled with holiday cheer line the streets to watch. Other festive events are held before and after the parade in the downtown area, and the celebration climaxes with the lighting of the 65-foot Christmas tree at Levitt Pavilion.
Campo Verde Restaurant
One of my favorite local restaurants is Campo Verde, which opened in 1983. Every day here feels like Christmas, as the inside of the restaurant is decorated year-round with Christmas lights. I’m not talking about a strand of lights here and there—they have lights and decor everywhere! They somehow put up even more lights during the Christmas season, which joyfully (or inexplicably) stretches from October through March. You have to see it to believe it. This place can get crowded during the holidays, especially on the weekends, so consider a weekday visit for a shorter wait time.
The lights are festive and bright, but don’t forget to eat! Campo Verde has tasty comfort food with a menu of Tex-Mex and Southwest specialties. I like their food, especially the chimichangas, and think it has improved. Admittedly, not everyone is a fan of the cuisine, but to each their own. Visit Campo Verde and grab some Tex-Mex, chips and salsa, and a margarita in a festive setting. ¡Feliz Navidad, amigos!
Decorator’s Warehouse
Their website says it’s “one of the largest Christmas stores in the world.” I can’t confirm that, but it’s definitely huge. For many, going to Decorator’s Warehouse is a Christmas tradition in and of itself, and rumor has it that Santa’s elves even shop there to decorate the North Pole. They have everything you need—trees, decorations, lights, gifts, and much more. The vast store has more than 20 different themes to help inspire your decorating at home.
Diane Cravens Holiday Tour of Homes
The inaugural holiday home tour was held on December 10th of this year. It was a great success, and plans are underway to make it an annual event. The home tour featured four homes festively decorated for the holidays, including Fielder Museum, home of the Arlington Historical Society. Guests could enter the homes, visit with the homeowners, and enjoy the beautiful decorations. The Junior League of Arlington and Arlington Historical Society partnered on the event, and both were proud and excited to bring this festive new tradition to Arlington’s Holiday Season.
Kringle Village at Knapp Heritage Park
A Christmas event growing in popularity is the Kringle Village at Knapp Heritage Park, presented by the Dance Theatre of Arlington. With entertainment, a holiday gift market, hot tamales for sale (and frozen ones you can take home), an appearance by Santa, and more, it’s a fun and festive event for the whole family!
Symphony Arlington
Symphony Arlington’s annual Christmas show is a great way to enjoy culture and holiday cheer. The symphony usually performs a few pieces of classical music and then a selection of holiday favorites. The evening also includes Christmas carols, with the audience invited to sing along. Head to Downtown Arlington and catch the performance at Arlington Music Hall.
Texas Christkindl Market
The Texas Christkindl Market has been an annual event in Arlington’s Entertainment District since 2011. Modeled after similar events in Germany, the event features an outdoor area with vendor stalls. Many items for sale are handmade or unique and would make a special gift. Food and entertainment are also available, while kids, adults, and even your furry friends can visit with Santa. Unfortunately, the event has diminished in size over the years and has yet to regain its pre-COVID glory. However, it’s still a fun holiday experience in Arlington. Frohe Weihnachten!
Texas Christkindl Market Facebook page
Wreaths Across America
First observed in 1992, this is a special and poignant event where volunteers place a live balsam fir wreath at every Veteran’s headstone. While more than 3,000 cemeteries participate nationwide, Arlington Cemetery and the adjacent Parkdale Cemetery joined the tribute in 2022 and continued the tradition in 2023.
Wreaths Across America Facebook page
Darkest Night at Division Brewing
Division Brewing in Downtown Arlington goes to the dark side on December 21st to celebrate the winter solstice, the longest (and darkest) night of the year. The celebration began in 2018 and is an annual event featuring plenty of stouts, porters, and other dark beers to enjoy. I plan to attend this year for the first time, and as a lover of dark beers—especially stouts—it should be quite the night.
Cooper Street Antique Mall
We all have people on our shopping list who have everything. Head to the largest antique mall in Arlington when you need unique gifts. At over 50,000 square feet and aisles filled with treasures, you’ll surely find something for everyone on your list. But, if your shopping list needs something other than antiques, Arlington has plenty of other small businesses where you can find that perfect gift.
Mission Arlington
Christmas is a joyous time for many people. For others, it can be a very challenging time of year. Volunteering or donating to help others less fortunate may be one of the best ways to enjoy the holiday season.
Mission Arlington is a remarkable resource for the community, especially around the holidays. They accept gift donations through Christmas Eve, and folks in need can visit Mission Arlington to help their kids have a special Christmas. Volunteers even wrap the presents. More than 30,000 children typically receive gifts through their Christmas Store!
Arlington has plenty of things to see and do to get you in the holiday spirit. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Arlington, Texas!
Blog post and photos (except where noted) by Jason S. Sullivan, 12-24-23
Jason S. Sullivan 
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