Holiday at the Arboretum, Featuring 12 Days of Christmas
and “The Artistry of the Nativity” in The DeGolyer House
November 9-December 3
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum.
From November 9 to December 31, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden welcome everyone to enjoy Holiday at the Arboretum.
The 12 Days of Christmas
Stroll through the garden and see the Victorian-style gazebos come to life, featuring each scene from the traditional carol, The 12 Days of Christmas. Each gazebo features movement to depict the different beloved characters such as the Three French Hens, Twelve Drummers Drumming and Seven Swans a Swimming, to name a few.
The garden will reopen for extended hours Wednesday through Sunday from 6-9 p.m. Enjoy more than 500,000 lights throughout the Arboretum, trimming the historic homes and featuring a 30-foot-tall spruce tree in the center of the property. The DeGolyer House features “The Artistry of the Nativity.” The house is open daily during garden daytime hours and on Wednesday nights.
The Artistry of the Nativity
The exhibition in the historic DeGolyer House returns with “The Artistry of the Nativity,” with 500 crèches from over 50 countries representing so many cultures from around the world. Each of the 500 crèches is made out of unique materials including cork, Waterford crystal, horns, seeds, corn husk, glass, adobe, paper-mache, wood and coconut shells. In addition to the crèches, every room in the DeGolyer House will be elaborately decorated in holiday décor.
Daily & Seasonal Programming for the Main Garden:
The 12 Days of Christmas
Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
November 9-December 31
Adult: $15, Seniors (65 or older): $12, Children (2-12 years): $10
Enjoy elaborately decorated Victorian-style gazebos on display every day during the holiday festival.
The 12 Days of Christmas at Night featuring 500,000 lights
Wednesday-Sunday, 6-9 p.m.
November 14-December 30
Adults: $20, Seniors (65 or older): $15 Children (2-12 years): $10
The garden will be open late five nights a week for a special, lighted night-time experience.
In special celebration, Restaurant DeGolyer will be open for reservation-only dinners on November 28, December 5, 12, 19, 20, 21, 27 & 28 at 7 p.m.
The DeGolyer House “The Artistry of the Nativity“
Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., November 24-December 31
Wednesday evenings 6-9 p.m., November 29-December 30
Visit the historic DeGolyer House this holiday season to view magnificent nativity collections on public display for the first time throughout the elaborately decorated house.
Holiday Tea
Daily, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Bring family and friends together and create an annual tradition with holiday tea at Restaurant DeGolyer, lavishly decorated for the season. Reservations required. Call 214-515-6511. Ages 13 and up are permitted in the tea room.
Daily Live Holiday Music
Through December 30
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Val Late Garden
Pack a picnic to cozy up on a blanket and listen to beautiful holiday music performances by local singers and songwriters. Enjoy some eggnog as you hum to familiar songs like Jingle Bells.
Holiday Music and Sweets
Wednesday-Sunday evenings, 6-9 p.m.
Through December 30
Café on the Green
Enjoy warm holiday-inspired drinks, food, and desserts while listening to holiday tunes from local choirs and musicians. Menu items include: warm chestnut soup, potato and leek soup, roasted tomato soup, all-beef Chicago hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, 12 Days of Christmas- themed warm cookies, mulled wine, hot mulled apple cider, Belgian hot chocolate, hazelnut and cinnamon coffee, local artisan microbrews, imported and domestic beers, and a selection of red and white wine and champagne.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest
Every Thursday evening, 6-8 p.m.
Through December 30
Virginia and Algur Meadows Orientation Theater
On Thursday nights, guests are encouraged to wear a favorite ugly or tacky Christmas sweater. Stop by the orientation theater when entering the garden to show off the sweater and check-in for a chance to win two Cool Thursdays Concert tickets.
Live Music provided by local choirs and ensembles
December 1 Texas Pride Music Festival, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
December 2 Swing Anoba Jazz Ensemble, 12-2 p.m.
White Rock United Methodist Church Choir, 7-8 p.m.
December 5 White Rock Montessori Choir, 7 p.m.
December 6 Asterois Chamber Music, 7-9 p.m.
December 7 St. Paul Choir, 7-7:30 p.m.
Salvation Army Texas Divisional Brass Ensemble 7:30-8:30 p.m.
December 9 First United Methodist Cedar Hill Choir, 7-8 p.m.
December 12 Dan D. Rogers Elementary School, 7 p.m.
December 13 Dallas Police Department Choir, 7-9 p.m.
December 14 Mesquite Children’s Choir, 7-7:30 p.m.
Reliant Santa Hats
November 29, December 5, 13, 14, 23, 6-9 p.m.
Available at the main ticket booth only
Get festive with a Santa hat, given to guests who enter the garden on select nights. These hats light up and make the perfect picture opportunity while enjoying the 12 Days of Christmas exhibit at night.
Dallas Arboretum Discounts
BOGO Wednesdays*
Every Wednesday through December 26
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Buy one, get one admission every Wednesday.
C. C. Young Senior Thursdays
Every Thursday through December 27
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Seniors 65 and older get in for $11 general garden admission on Thursdays and receive a 20 percent discount in the Hoffman Family Gift Store. Discount available at ticket booth only.
