This November: Fall Magic Meets Holiday Cheer

November in North Texas is that sweet spot between pumpkin spice and Christmas lights — where the air is crisp, the food tastes better, and the calendar fills with can’t-miss local fun. Whether you’re ready for a new tradition, hunting for a weekend adventure, or just looking for a reason to get out of the house, DFW is bursting with events worth adding to your list.

Here are this month’s top things to do around Dallas-Fort Worth — from outdoor concerts and food festivals to parades, lights, and full-on holiday magic.

Cool Thursdays Fall Concert Series

📅 November 6 at 6 PM
📍 Dallas Arboretum
Kick off the month with live music and lake views at one of Dallas’ most beloved traditions. The Cool Thursdays Fall Concert Series combines great tunes, cool breezes, and the beauty of the Arboretum at sunset. This week’s concert features Emerald City Band. Expect an electrifying mix of pop, R&B, funk, Motown, and rock hits that’ll have everyone on their feet.
👉 Tip: Pack a picnic or grab dinner from one of the onsite vendors and enjoy a perfect fall evening under the stars.
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Scarborough’s Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival

📅 Saturdays, now through November 15
📍 Scarborough Fairgrounds, Waxahachie
From the producers of Scarborough Renaissance Festival comes a brand-new fall experience filled with enchantment and adventure. Step into an immersive world of magic, mischief, and autumn wonder, complete with costumed characters, artisan crafts, and themed entertainment. Wander through fantasy realms, watch live performances, and enjoy fair-style eats with a whimsical twist.
👉 Tip: Dress up and embrace the magic — costumes make it even more fun!
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Carrollton’s 15th Annual Festival at the Switchyard

📅 November 8, 11 AM–10 PM
📍 Downtown Carrollton
This free, family-friendly festival brings together food, fun, and some serious musical talent. Headlining the main stage are Rick Springfield, Spin Doctors, Sixpence None the Richer, and Alien Ant Farm — yes, all in one day! Beyond the stage, you’ll find rows of food vendors, artisan booths, carnival rides, inflatables, and a craft zone for kids.
👉 Tip: Bring your lawn chairs, stay for the headliners, and soak up the small-town charm that makes Carrollton’s downtown so special.
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Fort Worth Greek Festival

📅 November 7-9
📍 St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Fort Worth
Get a taste of Greece right in the heart of Cowtown! The 57th Annual Fort Worth Greek Festival features authentic cuisine, pastries, music, and traditional dancing — all inside a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Take a tour of the gorgeous St. Demetrios Church, shop handmade gifts, and enjoy a plate (or two) of spanakopita and souvlaki.
👉 Tip: Don’t skip the dessert line — the baklava alone is worth the trip.
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The Big Dill: World’s Largest Pickle Party

📅 November 8, 11 AM–8 PM
📍 Texas Live!, Arlington
If you’re looking for something quirky and unforgettable, this is it. The Big Dill brings the ultimate pickle-themed celebration to Texas Live! with unlimited samples from top brands, live music, pickle-inspired eats, carnival rides, and yes — a mechanical pickle ride. Celebrate National Pickle Day with everything from pickle pizza to frosty pickle lemonade.
👉 Tip: Arrive early to snag limited-edition pickle merch and catch the pickle costume contest.
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Tarrant County Veterans Day Parade

📅 November 11, 11 AM–12:30 PM
📍 Sundance Square, Fort Worth
Honor the heroes who’ve served our country at this heartfelt Fort Worth tradition. The annual Veterans Day Parade features marching bands, military vehicles, and floats that salute service members from every branch. It’s a moving reminder of what community, gratitude, and patriotism look like in action.
👉 Tip: Get there early for the best viewing spot — and bring a flag to wave!
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Holiday at the Arboretum

📅 November 11 – January 4, 2026
📍 Dallas Arboretum
The Arboretum transforms into a winter wonderland as Holiday at the Arboretum returns, featuring the iconic 12 Days of Christmas gazebos, the European-style Christmas Village, and the new Night Glow after-dark light experience. It’s a dazzling blend of art, nature, and festive spirit that’s perfect for all ages.
👉 Tip: Visit after sunset to see the new illuminated installations light up the gardens.
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Winter’s Night: The Music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra

📅 November 14–15, 3 PM & 7:30 PM
📍 Palace Arts Center, Grapevine
Get ready for a breathtaking tribute to the legendary Trans-Siberian Orchestra. This spectacular show combines dazzling lights, powerful music, and festive visuals that capture the magic of the season. Perfect for anyone who wants to kick off their holidays with a little rock-and-roll Christmas energy.
👉 Tip: Grab tickets early — this one always sells out fast.
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Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire

📅 November 14–16
📍 Dickies Arena, Fort Worth
Get ready for high-octane family fun! Feel the roar as fan-favorite trucks like Bigfoot, Mega Wrex™, and Tiger Shark™ light up Dickies Arena in a high-energy spectacle, with glowing paint, fire effects, and stunts that defy gravity. Featuring Bigfoot’s 50th Anniversary celebration and a transforming robot show, this one’s a must for kids (and kids at heart).
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GM Financial Parade of Lights

📅 November 23, 6–8 PM
📍 Downtown Fort Worth
Fort Worth’s holiday kickoff event returns with over 100 illuminated floats, giant balloons, and marching bands. Arrive early to enjoy shopping, dining, and live entertainment downtown before the lights take over. It’s one of the city’s most beloved (and photogenic) holiday traditions!.
👉 Tip: Come early for shopping, dining, and pre-parade fun downtown.
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Carol of Lights

📅 November 24, 4–8 PM
📍 Grapevine City Hall
When Grapevine flips the switch, Christmas officially begins! The Carol of Lights transforms Historic Main Street into a sparkling wonderland filled with live performances, activities, and family fun. Bring your camera — this event lights up the “Christmas Capital of Texas.”
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YMCA Turkey Trot

📅 November 27, 8–11 AM
📍 General Worth Square, Fort Worth
Start Thanksgiving morning on a high note at the annual YMCA Turkey Trot. Choose from a 1K Gobbler Trot, 5K, or 8K while running, walking, or jogging with thousands of others in the festive crowd. Strollers and dogs are welcome — making it a true family tradition.
👉 Tip: Arrive early for warm-up music and pre-race fun downtown!
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Santa’s North Pole Express

📅 November 28 – December 30, 10 AM–8:30 PM
📍 Downtown Grapevine
Step aboard a vintage train and experience the joy of Christmas through the eyes of a child. With cozy holiday décor, appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and cheerful surprises along the way, the North Pole Express is one of Grapevine’s most magical experiences.
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Cirque Étendue Presents: Lumière D’Hiver

📅 November 28 – December 21
📍 United Performing Arts Company, Pantego
This world-class theatrical-circus performance blends acrobatics, dance, and storytelling into one breathtaking holiday show. Lumière D’Hiver follows a young dancer rediscovering her Christmas spirit through friendship and love — all set against stunning choreography and shimmering lights. Don't miss this unforgettable experience for all ages!
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Christmas in the Garden

📅 November 21 – January 4, 2026
📍 Fort Worth Botanic Garden
As twilight falls, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden transforms into a glowing dreamscape of lights, sound, and color. Presented in partnership with Sony Music, this immersive experience features illuminated trails, synchronized displays, and magical photo ops at every turn. Perfect for family photos or a cozy date night under the lights.
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Classic Christmas Movies at the Palace Theatre

📅 November 21 – December 27
📍 Palace Theatre, Grapevine
Step back in time with screenings of timeless holiday favorites in Grapevine’s beautifully restored historic theatre. It’s a cozy, nostalgic way to enjoy the season with family, popcorn, and a touch of old-school Christmas charm.

November 21, 7 PM - Miracle on 34th Street
November 29, 3 PM - Elf
November 29, 7 PM - Home Alone
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Harry Potter: The Exhibition

📅 Now through January 31, 2026
📍 Dallas
Step into the Wizarding World like never before with this interactive journey that brings the magic of Hogwarts to life. Explore authentic costumes and props from all eight Harry Potter films and the Fantastic Beasts series, and get hands-on with spell-casting, potion-making, and Quidditch challenges. Each room is filled with jaw-dropping detail, transporting fans straight into the stories they love — from the Great Hall to the Forbidden Forest. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a new Muggle to the magic, this is a must-see experience for all ages. — and yes, Butterbeer is available.
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Game of Thrones: The Exhibition

📅 Now through April 5, 2026
📍 Arlington Museum of Art
Winter is here at the Arlington Museum of Art! Enter the world of Westeros at the Game of Thrones Exhibition, where more than 60 original costumes and props from all eight seasons are on display. See intricate armor, royal gowns, and behind-the-scenes artistry that brought the Seven Kingdoms to life. A must-see for fans who want to relive the epic drama up close.
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Final Thoughts

From glowing gardens and festive parades to concerts, circuses, and cultural celebrations, November in DFW truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re soaking up the fall vibes or diving headfirst into holiday magic, there’s no shortage of ways to make memories right here at home.

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