Garland, TX — The City of Garland and Visit Garland invite families from across North Texas and beyond to kick off the holidays with Downtown Garland’s Christmas on the Square on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 5 to 9 p.m. The celebration features the city’s official Christmas Tree Lighting, live entertainment, an ice skating rink, plus hands-on activities for kids, artisan shopping, visits with Santa, and plenty of holiday treats from downtown eateries and food vendors.
“Christmas on the Square has become one of Garland’s most beloved traditions,” said [NAME], [TITLE], City of Garland. “From the first tree-lighting spark to the last song of the night, we want families to experience a full evening of holiday magic in our revitalized downtown.”
Big Moments on the Square
Guests can look forward to a packed evening of performances and special experiences, including:
● Tree Lighting Ceremony – 6:30 p.m.
The official Downtown Garland Christmas tree will shine to life, washing the Square in the glow of thousands of lights.
● Garland Square on Ice – All Evening
Just steps from the Square, Garland Square on Ice offers a full-sized outdoor ice-skating rink surrounded by festive lights, open throughout the holiday season from November through January.
● Joe Vega – Winter Wonder-Rave
Dallas-based DJ Joe Vega brings more than 20 years of experience to the Winter Wonder-Rave, transforming the Illuminated Dance Floor in front of the main stage into a high-energy holiday dance party.
● Olympic Skater Ashley Cain
Olympic pairs skater and two-time U.S. national champion Ashley Cain will perform three special routines at 5:00, 6:35, and 8:15 p.m. on the ice rink where she’ll share the artistry and athleticism she honed on the world stage and during her Disney on Ice touring career.
● Live Music & Caroling
At 7:55 p.m., costumed Christmas carolers will fill the Square with classic holiday songs, followed by the Garland Symphony Brass Band at 8:30 p.m. with a program of timeless holiday classics.
Family Fun from Snow Hill to Santa
From toddlers to grandparents, there’s something festive around every corner of Downtown Garland Square:
● Photos with Santa complete with a cheerful, interactive experience and keepsake holiday pictures.
● Real live reindeer give families a picture-perfect glimpse of Santa’s “team.”
● Snow Hill & Sleigh Slide obstacle course and other attractions turn the Square into a playful, wintry playground.
● Lighted Tunnel & Snowflake Photo Ops for those can’t-miss holiday photos under twinkling lights.
● Cookies and Red Hatter Paper Hat Decorating for the kids who can get creative with icing, sprinkles, and festive craft supplies.
● Ana the Elf Scavenger Hunt beginning at the Garland Visitor Center invites kids to find five life-sized Ana cutouts, collect stamps, then meet Ana the Elf in person for a special treat and autograph.
● Arctic Blast storefront contest with downtown businesses showcasing frosty, festive window displays. Visitors can vote for their favorites via QR code from Nov. 28 through Jan. 4.
● The Urban Market is a festive open-air shopping experience featuring local vendors and unique gifts.
● Food Vendors and Downtown Restaurants will serve everything from sweet treats to hearty holiday favorites.
● Exclusive “Merry & Bright Garland Christmas” Merchandise includes Garland-themed T-shirts available for sale at the Garland Visitor Center to commemorate the evening.
● Toy Drive with Garland Fire Fighters The Garland Fire Fighters Association and Garland Fire Department will be on-site collecting new, unwrapped toys for their annual toy drive. Visitors are encouraged to bring a donation and look for the fire engine at the event.
Getting There, Parking, Event Details
Whether you’re driving your family and taking DART, we’ve got a spot for everyone. Check out our parking guide for more details about where to park, the DART stop, and parking lot shuttle service.
Event: Garland Christmas on the Square
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Garland Square
For more information, including updates on entertainment, vendors, and parking, visit the event page and follow Visit Garland on social media for the latest holiday news.
About the City of Garland
The City of Garland is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in Texas. Founded in 1891, Garland has grown into a dynamic community known for its diversity, family values, and vibrant cultural scene. The city’s downtown district continues to expand as a destination for entertainment, dining, and events that celebrate local heritage. For more information about the City of Garland, please visit www.garlandtx.gov. For more event information, visit VisitGarlandTX.com or follow @VisitGarlandTX on social media.
Media Contact:
Maureen Wiegert
Maureen@allynmedia.com
(214) 929-4173
