Dallas Christmas Market 2024 and Texas Christkindl in Arlington

The Dallas Christmas Market and holiday events in the city centre vary each year, creating a fun experience. There are several festive attractions in the city centre and the popular Texas Christkindl Market in nearby Arlington.

In this guide, I’ll get into all the essential details, including 2024 dates, opening times and local specialties.

Dallas Christmas and Holiday Events in Downtown

Dates and Locations

Dallas Wanderland dates: 16th November to 5th January 2025 (confirmed).
Location: Dallas city centre.
Opening times: Various. View the event schedule here.
Book Fair: Taschen Library at The Joule – 16th November.
Great Tree Lighting: The Adolphus – Friday 6th December.
Dallas Holiday Parade: Main Street Garden – Saturday 7th December at 7am.
Santa, crafts and games: Klyde Warren Park – Saturday 7th December.
Stocking Stroll: Main Street Garden – 21st December at 3pm.
Ferris wheel: Main Street Garden.
Ice skating: Omni Dallas – 22nd November to 5th January.
Recommended tour: See the highlights on this small group van tour of Dallas.
Where to stay: Kimpton Pittman Hotel is a highly-rated hotel in Downtown Dallas.

Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington

Texas Christkindl Market dates:
22nd to 24th November and 29th November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed). Verify the schedule here.
Location: North Plaza at Globe Life Field, Arlington.
Opening times: 11am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Santa: Yes. Photos with Santa are available.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, some options. You’ll find more vegan options at the food trucks in downtown.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Not recommended.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Free parking is available in Lot B, except on the 7th, 9th and 22nd December.
Specialities: Texas BBQ, spicy chili bowls, pecan pies, tamales, local craft brews.

Convenient Hotels

For proximity to both the Downtown Dallas Christmas Market and Christkindl Market in Arlington, staying in the Downtown Dallas area is ideal.

This central location provides easy access to festive events and the broader city attractions. Consider booking at the Kimpton Pittman Hotel, known for its eco-friendly ethos and prime location.

Recommended Tours

I suggest this small group van tour of Dallas, where you can uncover many of the city’s highlights at a reasonable cost. It’s a good choice if you’re visiting Dallas for the first time.

On a city tour, you’ll be introduced to standout sights, including the renowned Reunion Tower, the striking Pioneer Plaza, and the historic Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.

Alternatively, you might like this Tex-Mex food tour to gain insight into Dallas’s local culture through its food.

What to Expect

At Downtown Wanderland, you can visit with Santa, enjoy Happy Hours and get delicious food from Dallas’s best food trucks. Music, movies, food trucks and pop-up shops line the streets.

Engage in holiday crafting, use the complimentary gift-wrapping stations, enjoy special happy hours, and even get a chance to take photos with Santa.

The traditional German-style Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington is inspired by the German sister city Bad Königshofen and partner city Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Local Specialties

• Texas chilli: A renowned spicy stew containing chilli peppers, meat (optional), tomatoes and beans.
• Tamales: Steamed parcels, filled typically with meats, cheese, or chillies.
• Smoked turkey legs: Often seen at Texan fairs during the holidays.
• Sopapillas: Crispy pastries served with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a drizzle of honey.
• Bratwurst: Representing the more traditional market foods, these German sausages are typically grilled and served in a bun with mustard or sauerkraut.
• Pretzels: Another German import, these twisted bread treats are either salted, stuffed with cheese, or even sweetened with cinnamon and sugar.
• Hot chocolate with chilli: The rich chocolate and spicy chilli combine warmth and a slight kick.
• Vegan BBQ sliders: Made from plant-based proteins and topped with a vegan coleslaw, they capture the essence of Texas BBQ in a vegetarian-friendly format.
• Roasted chestnuts: A winter classic in many parts of the world.
• Glühwein: Classic mulled wine spiced with cloves, star anise and citrus.
• Apple cider: Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions are available.

Gifts and Stocking Fillers

• Handmade cowboy boots: Dallas is the ideal city to pick up artisan-crafted cowboy boots.
• Texas Star ornaments: Drawing from the state’s iconic lone star symbol, these ornaments often incorporate rustic materials such as wood or metal.
• Leather goods: The Texas region is known for its artisan leather products, including wallets, belts, and journals that fuse functionality with style.
• Scented candles: Often with fragrances like Texas bluebonnet or southern pecan pie, capturing the essence of the state.
• Local artwork: The city is a hub for arts. Look for prints, paintings, and crafts encapsulating Texan landscapes or urban Dallas scenes.
• Texan hot sauce: Texas has a love affair with spice. Bottled hot sauces from regional chilli varieties make for a fiery stocking filler.
• Wooden toys: A nod to the more traditional European offerings, some stalls feature hand-carved wooden toys and puzzles.
• Gourmet food hampers: Showcasing local produce, these hampers might include Texas honey, artisanal cheese, or pecan treats.

Sustainable Holiday Tips

• Eco-friendly accommodation: Dallas has seen an increase in hotels implementing green initiatives. Book a place that relies on renewable energy sources, like solar or wind power, for a lower-impact stay.
• Mindful eating at markets: When enjoying the festive treats in Dallas and Arlington, be conscious of portion sizes to reduce food waste. Vendors often serve generous helpings; consider sharing dishes to experience a variety without wasting.
• Ethical shopping: While buying many gifts and souvenirs is tempting, focus on purchasing things you’ll cherish or are certain you’ll use. Supporting local artisans directly is also a sustainable choice, ensuring your money returns to the community.
• Sustainable diets: Embrace local, plant-based options when dining out. Texas may be known for its beef, but the big urban areas have excellent vegan and vegetarian scenes.
• Green transport: While Dallas is known for its car culture, consider using the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) to get around the city. It’s efficient and reduces the number of vehicles on the road. Walking or renting a bike is a sustainable way to explore for shorter distances, like those in Downtown Dallas or between attractions in Arlington.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.