December in North Texas hits a different gear. The big rush of November events slows just enough for the best parts of the season to shine through: local holiday markets with makers and artisans you can meet in person, and home light displays that remind you just how creative — and festive — your neighbors can be.

If you're looking for that cozy, community holiday feeling, this list brings together the markets worth visiting and the neighborhood displays worth driving to.

 1. December Holiday Markets & Christmas Craft Fairs

 CityLine Merry Market – Richardson

Dec 12 & 13

• 70+ local makers and vintage vendors

• Ornament decorating, bracelet making, hot cocoa stations

• Evening lights and a high-energy atmosphere

• Free parking, great for families

 Texas Christkindl Market – Arlington

Open through Dec 23
One of the largest open-air European Christmas markets in the state.
Expect:

• Artisan goods in wooden chalets

• German treats, décor, ornaments

• Live performances

• Free admission

 Christmas Market at the Creek – Allen

Dec 6
Small, charming, local.

• Handmade crafts

• Holiday décor

• Jewelry, boutique items

• Family-friendly and easy to browse

 CityLine Boho Merry Market — Richardson

(Part of the broader Merry Market weekend)
Curated vintage goods, maker booths and artisan gifts with a modern aesthetic.
If you’re into unique finds, this one delivers.

 2. Holiday Home Light Displays (DFW + Northern Suburbs)

These are the displays people drive to every year — some neighborhood traditions, some iconic individual homes.
Perfect for a DIY cocoa-and-car-caravan night.

 Prosper & Celina

• Cypress Neighborhood, Light Farms (Celina)

• 4332 Switchgrass St, Celina

• 891 Bridgeport Dr, Prosper

• Beechwood Dr in Whitley Place, Prosper

• 4751 Crossvine Dr, Prosper

 McKinney Favorites

• Tucker Hill Neighborhood

• Village of Eldorado

• 8601 Wadkins Court

• 8624 Palermo Way

• 8701 Tricreeks Drive

• 10504 Canyon Lake View

• 9105 Regal Oaks Dr

• 9612 Sleepy Hollow Dr

 Plano, Allen & Frisco

• 1520 Harvest Run Drive, Allen

• 706 Pulitzer Lane, Allen

• 2709 Westridge Dr, Plano

• 6942 Walnut St, Frisco

• 11406 Creekwood Dr, Frisco

• 12071 Hill Creek Trail, Frisco

 Wider DFW Light Displays

These draw crowds from all over the metroplex:

• Gingerbread House – 8601 Wadkins Court, McKinney

• 615 E Avenue F, Midlothian

• 1555 Glenhill Ln, Lewisville

• Bridlewood Light Show – 125 Stewart Bend Ct, Azle

• 2625 Rolling Meadows Dr, Rockwall

• 3724 Vitruvian Way, Addison

 Why These Traditions Matter

Holiday markets and neighborhood lights don’t just “celebrate the season” — they help shape the feel of our communities. They give families, neighbors and newcomers an easy way to share the holidays together and enjoy what’s unique about living in North Texas.

As a local REALTOR, I love how these traditions connect people and showcase the heart of our communities.