Holiday at the Arboretum Presented by Reliant Returns with a Reimagined Experience

By Editor | October 31, 2025 |

Expanded hours, new immersive light installations, and beloved traditions will make 2025 the most magical holiday season yet.

DALLAS, TX (October 31, 2025) — The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden invites guests to experience the wonder of the season at Holiday at the Arboretum presented by Reliant running November 12, 2025, through January 4, 2026, with a members-only preview on November 11.

This year’s event blends beloved holiday traditions with bold new features, offering visitors an immersive, light-filled experience that celebrates beauty, innovation, and the joy of connection.

“Holiday at the Arboretum is one of Dallas’s most cherished traditions,” said Sabina Carr, President/CEO of the Dallas Arboretum. “For 2025, we’ve reimagined the experience through the artistry of light. Night Glow by AURORA transforms the garden into a living canvas of color and movement, while keeping the warmth and spirit that guests have loved for more than a decade.”

“At Reliant, brightening lives in the communities we serve is at the heart of what we do,” says Andrea Russell, senior vice president, Reliant. “From powering homes to supporting local events like Holiday at the Arboretum, we’re committed to spreading light and joy across Texas. This year’s immersive displays and timeless holiday classics are sure to brighten the season and usher in some holiday magic for visitors of all ages.”

A Festival of Light, Art, and Tradition

New for 2025, this dazzling installation created in collaboration with AURORA and Lightware Labs, brings state-of-the-art projection mapping and immersive design to the Arboretum’s most beloved spaces.

Guests can journey through four distinct environments:

The Drift Way (Paseo Extension): A softly illuminated walkway that evokes drifting snow, guiding visitors toward the warmth of the Christmas Village.
Frost in Blossom (Lay Family Garden): A poetic landscape where frozen petals shimmer and return to life, symbolizing growth and resilience.
Well of Renewal (Secret Garden): A meditative experience centered in the Secret Garden, blending light and sound to represent nature’s cycles.
Heritage Eternal (Camp House and Fogelson Fountain): A glowing tribute to tradition, blending greenery, gold tones, and classic holiday motifs.

Together, these installations create a breathtaking narrative of light and renewal under the winter night sky.

Returning Favorites

Guests will also rediscover the Arboretum’s signature displays, each offering its own timeless magic:

The 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos
Now in their 11th year, these 25-foot Victorian-style gazebos depict scenes from the classic carol in stunning detail. Each structure features hand-painted mannequins, intricate costumes, animated elements, and festive music. The 12 Days of Christmas exhibit continues to be the centerpiece of the Arboretum’s holiday tradition.
New for 2025: Days 8 and 9 are now adjacent in DeGolyer Commons for improved guest flow.

The Christmas Village
Inspired by traditional German markets, the Pauline and Austin Neuhoff Family Christmas Village immerses visitors in Bavarian charm. The centerpiece 23-foot German Christmas Pyramid, handcrafted over 2,100 hours, anchors the marketplace, surrounded by artisan shops, festive treats, and live entertainment.

New interactive experiences include:

A Toy Shop Scavenger Hunt with collectible ornaments and patches
Weekly recipe cards at the Bakery curated by Garden Chef Madison Larmeu
Santa’s House, the Post Office, and Candy Store, each offering themed giveaways for kids

DeGolyer House: “Merry Monochromatic”
Designer Michael Hamilton, marking his 25th year with the Arboretum, presents an elegant new theme that blends traditional holiday decor with modern color blocking and texture. The historic home will be open daily and on an expanded schedule of evening hours.

New Additions & Enhancements for 2025

Extended Hours: Open nightly until 10 p.m.
Night Owl Tickets: $15 general admission after 8:30 p.m.
Mistletoe Lounge: A 21+ pop-up bar featuring cozy seating, festive cocktails, and sweeping views of Night Glow (includes two drinks and a holiday keepsake).
Streamlined Pricing: Simplified peak/non-peak ticketing and member discounts.
Improved Navigation: Enhanced signage, mobile guidance, and additional guest services staff.

Special thanks to presenting sponsor Reliant® Energy.

About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden:
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. The Dallas Arboretum is also home to the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. The garden is open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Holiday daytime tickets range from $17.95–$25.95, and admission is free for Arboretum members and children under two. On-site parking is $15 per vehicle, plus tax and fees. Evening tickets range from $20-$25 for members and $35–$40 for general admission. The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.

Posted in News

Breaking News

Holiday at the Arboretum Presented by Reliant Returns with a Reimagined Experience

Leave a Comment

Breaking News

Leave a Comment

Related Posts

UT Tyler School of Nursing Hosts Helicopter Simulation Center Ribbon Cutting

AAA Texas: Prices Continue to Climb as Crude Oil and Spring Travel Demand Push Higher

East Texas Man Charged with Possession of Child Pornography

Camp Invention’s Fun, Action-Packed Summer STEM Program Coming to Hallsville Independent School District

Gilmer Job Fair