Dallas Christmas Market 2026 and Texas Christkindl in Arlington

The Texas Christkindl Market is one of the few authentic German-style markets in the American South, modelled directly on Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt with traditional wooden stalls, Glühwein, and Schmalzkuchen. It runs in Arlington rather than Dallas proper, which surprises first-time visitors, but the dedication to German market traditions is genuine and well-executed.

Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington

Dates

Status: Confirmed
Dates: 20th to 23rd November and 27th November to 23rd December 2026
Last checked: July 2026
Source: Texas Christkindl Market

Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes.

Location: 1650 E Randol Mill Road, Arlington, TX
Opening times: 11am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Santa: Yes. Photos with Santa are available.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, some options. You’ll find more vegan options at the food trucks in downtown.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Not recommended.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Specialities: Texas BBQ, spicy chili bowls, pecan pies, tamales, local craft brews.
Recommended tour: See the highlights on this small group van tour of Dallas.
Where to stay: Kimpton Pittman Hotel is a highly-rated hotel in Dallas.

Convenient Hotels

Staying in Downtown Dallas is ideal for easy access to festive events and other city attractions. I recommend the Kimpton Pittman Hotel in this area.

Recommended Tours

I suggest this small group van tour of Dallas. On a city tour, you’ll be introduced to popular sights, including the Reunion Tower, Pioneer Plaza, and the historic Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.

Alternatively, you might like this Tex-Mex food tour to gain insight into Dallas’s local culture through its food.

Planning a wider trip? See the full guide to the best Christmas markets in the USA.

What to Expect

The traditional German-style Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington is inspired by the German sister city Bad Königshofen and partner city Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Local Specialties

• Texas chilli: A renowned spicy stew containing chilli peppers, meat (optional), tomatoes and beans.
• Tamales: Steamed parcels, filled typically with meats, cheese, or chillies.
• Smoked turkey legs: Often seen at Texan fairs during the holidays.
• Sopapillas: Crispy pastries served with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a drizzle of honey.
• Bratwurst: Representing the more traditional market foods, these German sausages are typically grilled and served in a bun with mustard or sauerkraut.
• Pretzels: Another German import, these twisted bread treats are either salted, stuffed with cheese, or even sweetened with cinnamon and sugar.
• Hot chocolate with chilli: The rich chocolate and spicy chilli combine for a warm, slightly spicy kick.
• Vegan BBQ sliders: Made from plant-based proteins and topped with a vegan coleslaw, they capture the essence of Texas BBQ in a vegetarian-friendly format.
• Roasted chestnuts: A winter classic in many parts of the world.
• Glühwein: Classic mulled wine spiced with cloves, star anise and citrus.
• Apple cider: Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions are available.

Gifts and Stocking Fillers

• Handmade cowboy boots: Dallas is the ideal city to pick up artisan-crafted cowboy boots.
• Texas Star ornaments: Drawing on the state’s iconic Lone Star symbol, these ornaments often incorporate rustic materials such as wood or metal.
• Leather goods: The Texas region is known for its artisan leather products, including wallets, belts, and journals that fuse functionality with style.
• Scented candles: Often with fragrances like Texas bluebonnet or southern pecan pie, capturing the essence of the state.
• Local artwork: The city is a hub for the arts. Look for prints, paintings, and crafts encapsulating Texan landscapes or urban Dallas scenes.
• Texan hot sauce: Texas has a love affair with spice. Bottled hot sauces from regional chilli varieties make for a fiery stocking filler.
• Wooden toys: A nod to the more traditional European offerings, some stalls feature hand-carved wooden toys and puzzles.
• Gourmet food hampers: Showcasing local produce, these hampers might include Texas honey, artisanal cheese, or pecan treats.

Sustainable Holiday Tips

• Eco-friendly accommodation: Dallas has seen an increase in hotels implementing green initiatives. Book a place that relies on renewable energy sources, like solar or wind power, for a lower-impact stay.
• Mindful eating at markets: When enjoying the festive treats in Dallas and Arlington, be conscious of portion sizes to reduce food waste. Vendors often serve generous helpings; consider sharing dishes to experience a variety without wasting.
• Ethical shopping: While buying many gifts and souvenirs is tempting, focus on purchasing items you’ll cherish or that you’re sure you’ll use. Supporting local artisans directly is also a sustainable choice, as it ensures your money returns to the community.
• Sustainable diets: Embrace local, plant-based options when dining out. Texas may be known for its beef, but the big urban areas have excellent vegan and vegetarian scenes.
• Green transport: While Dallas is known for its car culture, consider using the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) to get around the city. It’s efficient and reduces the number of vehicles on the road. Walking or renting a bike is a sustainable way to explore for short distances, such as Downtown Dallas or between attractions in Arlington.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

—

Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.