December in Dallas is the same every year. A stroll past the 12 Days of Christmas display at the Arboretum (don’t miss them this year, it’s their final season), and an endless gift list with one stubborn blank. You know who it is. They own everything and swear they want nothing.
Candlelight Christmas concerts are the answer for them. This year, Dallas is hosting candlelit concerts played live by string quartets at 4 beautiful venues:
📍The Hall of State in Fair Park
📍The First Presbyterian Church of Dallas in the Farmers Market District
📍HALL Arts Hotel in the Arts District
📍The Joule in the Central Business District
18 December 2026 18:30
The Hall of State
17 December 2026 18:30 + more dates
First Presbyterian Church of Dallas
13 December 2026 19:45
The Hall of State
17 December 2026 20:45 + more dates
First Presbyterian Church of Dallas
19 December 2026 18:30
HALL Arts Hotel
26 December 2026 18:30
The Joule
20 December 2026 19:00
The Hall of State

Christmas Classics at The Hall of State and First Presbyterian Church
For the friend whose festive playlist starts on November 1. This eclectic holiday mix runs from Tchaikovsky’s “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” to “Feliz Navidad”, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “Last Christmas”, all reimagined for a string ensemble. Did you know that Christmas staple “Carol of the Bells”, which also features on the setlist, was originally a Ukranian New Year song about a swallow?
18 December 2026 18:30
The Hall of State
17 December 2026 18:30 + more dates
First Presbyterian Church of Dallas
Candlelight carols across Dallas: Christmas Carols on Strings
The traditionalist who knows every carol by heart may be more drawn to this concert. Expect beloved pieces such as “Silent Night”, “In the Bleak Midwinter”, and “Do You Hear What I Hear”, artfully performed by the talented string quartet. At the HALL Arts Hotel, the program runs as Holiday Carols on Strings, and setlists vary slightly so you can make sure to catch your favorites.Fun fact: “Silent Night” was first played in Austria in 1818 on guitar, if you can imagine that!
13 December 2026 19:45
The Hall of State
17 December 2026 20:45 + more dates
First Presbyterian Church of Dallas
19 December 2026 18:30
HALL Arts Hotel
26 December 2026 18:30
The Joule

A Nutcracker concert at The Hall of State
If you know someone who’s seen the ballet too many times to count, this is an exciting option. Here, Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite” shares the bill with his own “The Skaters’ Waltz” and “December”, as well as Debussy’s “The Snow Is Dancing.” Featuring music from centuries past, this Christmas Special by Candlelight honors the long history of music associated with the holiday.
20 December 2026 19:00
The Hall of State
Christmas gift ideas for the person who has everything
Not sure which night fits them best? With the Candlelight gift card, leave the choice to them: they pick both the program and the date. It works for any Candlelight concert in the US, and never expires.
Make it a night out together
Each concert runs for about an hour, with the musicians sharing stories about the pieces throughout. Doors open 45 minutes before the concert begins and there’s no late entry, so leave enough time to take your seat. Guests must be 8 or older, and anyone under 16 needs an adult with them.

FAQ
Where are the Candlelight Christmas concerts in Dallas?
Concerts are held at the Hall of State (classics, carols, and the Nutcracker program), First Presbyterian Church of Dallas (classics and carols), HALL Arts Hotel (carols) and The Joule (carols).
How long is a Candlelight concert?
About 60 minutes. Doors open 45 minutes before the concert, and late entry isn’t permitted.
What should I wear?
There’s no dress code. Most guests go smart casual.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Guests must be 8 or older, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
How does the Candlelight gift card work?
The recipient chooses the concert and date on the Fever app. The card is valid for any Candlelight concert in the US and has no expiry. To redeem it, open the Fever app and go to Profile → Vouchers → Add voucher code.
Some gifts go under the tree. This one goes in the calendar.