#dallassights

Some of the biggest lights displays in the Dallas area let you take a carload of people for one price, and I guess that’s a great way to go - for families. But it’s “just me,” so it seems like a splurge, especially when I have to shoot photos through the car window.

Dallas also has several great Christmas lights tours, but some of them make a big dent in your wallet. I tried one for the first time last year, and it was great, but there’s no way I’m getting in a bus with other people this year, even if it’s only half full. 

Luckily, the tour company, Dallas by Chocolate is offering special tours this year that you do in your own vehicle, with treat stops along the way. I’m a big fan of Jeanine Stevens and her company that’s been shining a light on local businesses with Dallas food tours year-round, since 2011. Check them out if that’s the way you want to go.

Still, my favorite way to see the lights has always been behind the wheel of my car, armed with Google Maps and copious notes from years of lists from D Magazine, Dallas Morning News, and local blogs. 

Here’s my list of some super fun Christmas lights you can see in Dallas neighborhoods for free, and on your own schedule.

I’ve mapped out a route to take you through up to five (not Highland Park) neighborhoods in a single evening. If you want to go to Highland Park and University Park for more, there’s a list of the highlights at the very bottom of this post!

Swiss Avenue Historic District

Stop 1

Overview: Simple, yet elegant, low traffic most of the time, in  a scenic neighborhood of historic homes.

Map Pin: I started at Aldredge House, at 5500 Swiss Avenue. You can drive down Swiss for 3-4 blocks each direction and then make the circle to go down the other side.

What you’ll see: Stately homes, mature trees (mostly not wrapped with lights), and classic yard decorations and Christmas lights that outline the architectural elements of the houses.

When to go: Of the Dallas neighborhoods known for Christmas lights, this one provides the least crowded drive through experience, so you can come any time. It’s also pretty during the day when it’s not lit up, so give that a try if you’re not a fan of nighttime driving.

Pro Tip: Pics from the passenger side may come out better, so if you’re traveling solo, you may want to get out of the car and walk around for a better vantage point. Otherwise, after pulling over, you’ll have to snap pictures across the wide, grassy median to the opposite side of the street. 

Tour Tip: If you’re not going to Electrict Lizzieland, head North on Skillman or Matilda to exit the Swiss Avenue neighborhood. Avoid driving down Greenville Avenue unless you want to get stuck in traffic (bad) or stop for to-go dinner/drinks/snacks for the rest of the tour(not bad at all.)

Electric Lizzieland (pic coming soon)

Stop 2

Overview: One house with lots of lights and glitter, a bit of a wild take on Christmas, but 100% family-friendly.

You will want to get out of the car for this one, so bring your mask. It can be a little crowded, due to a smaller window of time each evening the display is turned on. 

What you’ll see:  If you took the Christmas decorations from 10 or so houses and put them all on one house, it might look like this. A yard full of playful snowmen and candy canes, rooftop scenes with lighting, and lots more. Head toward the porch to get a close-up of brightly-painted and glittered plywood panels and a tree-covered walkway with hundreds (maybe thousands?) of lights. 

When to go: Lights are on from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.(don’t expect precision on the timing) most nights. When there’s inclement weather, the lights will be off. You can check the status on their Facebook page before you go.

Map Pin: Electric Lizzieland 

If you want to check out other homes in the neighborhood, you can choose a starting point on Newell Avenue between Santa Monica and Lindley. 

Joy Triumphant at Abrams and Trammell 

Stop 3

Overview: A hodgepodge of everything from traditional Christmas to nerdy and nostalgic on a large corner lot with high visibility.

What you’ll see: Every passerby will see the word Joy lit up in giant letters and some fun inflatables. Look a little closer and you’ll find a dinosaur, maybe a Kip’s Big Boy, and lots of other quirky lawn decor.

I call it Joy triumphant because when some of his inflatables were stolen or vandalized, people wrote notes and cards to the homeowner, and some even sent money, which he did not want. Sharing Christmas spirit is what matters to him, and he just keeps doing it with his wacky and joyous lawn.

When to go: Any time. The intersection gets moderate to high traffic, so you’ll need to pull over on a side street  and “zoom with your feet” to view more closely. Please do not attempt to take this photo while driving!

Map Pin: 32.84483, -96.75293

Hit the Highlights in the M Streets

Stop 4

Overview: A neighborhood with lots of Tudor houses, largely occupied by affluent young professionals with children, with lights ranging from simple to “we just threw a little bit of everything out there.” 

What you’ll see: A wide variety of decorations, many with high kid-appeal. Not every house is lit or decorated, and on those that are, you’ll see everything from elegance to extravaganzas and inflatables.  Map Pin and Points of Interest: 2.826532972222225, -96.77127899999999 The map pin and the second photo shown above are for a house that sits next to one of the more exuberant ones (though not the one pictured above it.) The lights above the window say “Bah, humbug.” I found it hilarious to see them side by side. 

Other interesting homes from previous years were in the 5600 Block of Vickery, on Marquita between Matilda and Delmar, and in the 5800 block of Mercedes.

When to go: Some houses turn their lights off by 9, others are on all night. There aren’t “lines” like in Highland Park, but the narrow streets can be hard to navigate with cars parked on the street.

From here, it makes sense to head over to Highland Park, but if you do, you’ll miss my favorite Christmas lights neighborhood. It’s not too far out of the way, and then you can circle back to Highland Park.

12 Days of Christmas at Timberhollow Circle

Stop 5

Overview: Understated, “old school” yard decor of painted plywood with floodlights and the occasional extravaganza mixed in.

What you’ll see: Each of the 12 Days of Christmas are represented, in order at neighboring houses on Timberhollow Circle. Most are very understated, but cute, and at least one is absolutely stunning. 

I also enjoyed driving through the neighboring streets for beautiful and thoughtful decorations including nativities, smaller inflatables, and smaller light displays.

When to go: Any time, just not too late at night; it’s a quiet neighborhood. 

Map Pin: 32°53'26.3"N 96°44'33.2"W

This is my favorite neighborhood for drive-through Christmas lights. Here are pics from two other homes on Moss Haven.

And I guess I’m just giving away my age, but this is my favorite house of all. It’s also on Moss Haven Drive.

Highland Park Highlights Here are some Highland Park highlights I transcribed from an infographic posted by Snow Day on Instagram and from my previous trips.

Highland Park/University Park Highlights 6767 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas 6920 Turtle Creek Blvd 6767 Druid 4316 Edmondson 3200 block and 3600 block (or really ALL) of Beverly Drive 4345 Rheims 4401 Lorraine Further North

3700 Block of Southwestern -  All the Santas. This isn’t even all of it!

6767 Hunters Glen (This is an enormous home with yard lights for nearly a full block. The two pics below only capture a portion of it!)