Winter is one of the most wonderful times of the year, but if you’re wondering what to do in Dallas this January, we’ve got you! We have a sensational list of places to visit, and events to attend that will keep the fun going all month long.
Here’s what to do in Dallas this January 2025:
Attend a Holiday Event with no Crowds
Just because Christmas and New Year have passed by doesn’t mean that you still can’t enjoy the excitement of the season.
Here are some of the top holiday events and spots to check out this January:
- Dallas Zoo Lights: Going on through January 4th, visitors can embark on an animal-filled adventure while soaking in the dazzling display of over two million twinkly lights, enjoying musical performances, and indulging in tasty holiday treats!
- Leela’s Wine Bar: The magic of winter comes alive at both the Lower Greenville and Uptown locations of this whimsical wine bar and pizza restaurant. Indulge in their mouth-watering fare and festive cocktails while discovering some joy this January! The holiday pop-up won’t be available for much longer, so make your reservation ASAP.
- Gingertown Dallas at NorthPark Center: Benefiting the Children’s Craniofacial Association (CCA), this event features one of the largest gingerbread house exhibits in North Texas, but you can only see it through the first day of the new year, so schedule your visit fast before it’s too late!
- The Trains at NorthPark: Another magical holiday event that goes through January 5th, kids and adults alike can enjoy this iconic tradition that benefits the Ronald McDonald House. This train exhibit features miniature trains rolling across 1,600 feet of track through the major metroplexes of the nation.
- Festival of Lights at Texas Discovery Gardens: Larger-than-life lanterns, over a million lights, and endless photo opportunities await you at this enchanting event that goes through March of 2025.
Soak in the Views at a Rooftop Bar
Is there anything better than drinks with a view? This January, another incredible way to enjoy your downtime is at one of the many relaxing rooftop bars. Some of the top spots to visit include:
- Happiest Hour: The name says it all! When you visit this Dallas sports bar, you’ll find an exciting space to unwind that features captivating city views, larger-than-life snacks, a wide assortment of brews and cocktails, and live music on the weekends.
- HG Sply Co.: Yet another amazing spot to soak in the sights of the city, this rooftop bar in the Knox/Henderson neighborhood is known for its radiant red tables, fire pits, twinkly lights, and breathtaking views.
- Sunset at the Granada: Don’t miss this glorious gem on Lower Greenville! This bar, eatery, and entertainment venue is the whole package, including its sensational rooftop patio.
- The Rooftop Restaurant at RH Dallas: This swanky spot is essentially a chic mix of a garden scape and wine lounge all in one! With curated wines, fancy food, and fabulous views, it’s hard to beat this exceptional experience.
Stop by the Dallas Museum of Art
It’s described as a place of wonder and discovery! The Dallas Museum of Art is another wonderful place to escape the cold while also enjoying an artistic journey through the ages. The museum’s newest exhibition, Nature and Artifice: Works on Paper from Dürer to Rembrandt, opens on January 19th and will feature rarely seen works of conflicts between humans and the natural world.
And for the folks wondering what to do in Dallas this January on a more regular basis, you can also sign up for their many literary and performing arts presentations, gallery talks, family workshops, and more!
Visit the Dallas Arboretum
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a spectacular spot to visit during the winter months. While the flowers may have lost their luster, they still make sure that there’s a bit of magic in the air for everyone to enjoy.
Their annual Holiday at the Arboretum goes through January 5th, and it’s a mesmerizing event, especially in the evening hours! Guests can visit their Christmas Village and marvel at their 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos. They also offer fantastically fun kid’s activities throughout the month at the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden.
Lastly, for the aspiring chefs out there wondering what to do in Dallas this January, you can also sign up for cooking and art classes at A Tasteful Place, their 3.5-acre potager garden, pavilion, and kitchen. They have classes coming up on Saturday, January 11th, and Saturday, January 18th, but spots are limited, so make sure to sign up in advance.
Get Discounts at Dallas Winter Wonderlands
Holiday-themed events are fantastically fun, as long as the crowds don’t serve as a Scrooge. Thankfully, a few of these events continue into the new year, allowing folks to enjoy the excitement without the lines and, in some instances, at a lesser price!
- Snowday: This picture-perfect event will take place at the Galleria Dallas Mall through January 5th. It features endless photo-worthy moments in the magical and imaginative rooms throughout the exhibit. Rates are discounted on Mondays and Tuesdays, which means you have four opportunities after the Christmas holiday to enjoy better prices.
- Dallas Ice Rink at Omni Downtown: While rates aren’t discounted, you’ll likely find fewer skaters on the ice once the holidays are through! Show off your best moves through January 5th.
- Visit Klyde Warren Park: Everyone in Texas knows that bigger is always better, and what’s better than a 48-foot Christmas tree? This is another sensational sight that can be found at Klyde Warren Park through January 7th! Whether lit up or not, this is a perfect place for a winter photo op!
Attend a Cool (But Not Cold!) Event
And for those folks looking for what to do in Dallas this January that doesn’t involve holiday-themed activities, we have an awesome assortment of events to keep you engaged all month long.
- Attend the First Responder Bowl: UNT and Texas State face off on January 3rd at Gerald J. Ford Stadium for the FCS college bowl.
- First Fridays in Deep Ellum: Head to the PLAZA on Friday, January 3rd, for live music, artisan vendors, food, and fun! This event only happens once a month, so it’s something you won’t want to miss out on.
- Go to a Dallas Stars Game: With 7 home games happening in January, you have ample opportunities to root for the Stars!
- Cheer on the Mavericks: Basketball fans have nine chances to sit courtside and watch the Mavs in January! This is another fantastic way to escape the cold and enjoy the excitement of the game.
- Brick Fest Live: Happening one weekend only, Lego lovers have the chance to assemble for a legendary event that involves hands-on building zones, brick derby races, and the opportunity to get up close and personal with LEGO Masters from the hit television show!
Stay Warm with Winter Comfort Food
Warm, savory food always seems to taste better in the cold winter months. Here are some of the best Dallas spots to get some winter comfort food this January:
- The Rustic: From wild boar chili and Texas tamales to burgers and peanut butter pie, you’re sure to be smiling after a meal at The Rustic! Best of all, they also have regular live music, drinks, and events to enjoy!
- Pecan Lodge: Texas and barbeque go hand in hand, and Pecan Lodge will certainly not disappoint! Brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork, and beef ribs will keep you warm and full on any chilly winter’s day.
- Fogo de Chao: Speaking of meat, you can never go wrong with a Brazilian steakhouse! The juicy cuts of pork, chicken, and beef are paired with warm pão de queijo, seasonal soups, mashed potatoes, and caramelized bananas. Talk about a wonderful way to warm up after being in the winter air!
- Wabi House: Hot ramen, warm sake, and goma crème brûlée are another delectable combination on a cold January day!
- Katy Trail Ice House: On top of the terrific tree-clad beer garden, this classic Dallas spot also offers visitors dark beer venison chili and chicken & sausage gumbo, both perfect for a cold afternoon or evening.
- Henry’s Majestic: Another Big D fan favorite is the super low-key Henry’s Majestic. Menu items include a juicy rotisserie chicken, maple bourbon meatballs, braised pork tacos, and elote, all ideal for warming up after a busy week.
What’s Next in Dallas?
For those families wondering what to do in Dallas this January and this year with their kids and teens, make sure to also mark your calendars for the DFW Camp Expo!
This will happen on back-to-back Saturdays in February. Parents can discover the many camps available in the DFW region, meet organization leaders, snag some freebies, find out about event deals, and plan the best spring and summer ever for their kids!
Make sure to reserve your free tickets to this fun event, which this February.
Get your Free Tickets while supplies last.
