November in Dallas hits that perfect balance: cool mornings, sunny afternoons, and a calendar full of concerts, parades, and good food. The air smells like barbecue and cinnamon, the city starts to glow with early holiday lights, and Texans everywhere are ready for football, festivals, and fall fun. Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or planning a family trip, Dallas in November is pure energy wrapped in Southern charm.

Where to stay in Dallas ?

Food, Wine, and Fall Flavor

Dallas knows how to eat, and November proves it. The Dallas Arboretum’s Autumn at the Arboretum wraps up early in the month, covering the gardens with pumpkin displays and cozy fall treats. Food lovers flock to the Dallas Holiday Parade of Treats, Taste of Dallas, and neighborhood fall markets full of local vendors and homemade desserts.

For wine lovers, the Dallas Uncorked Fall Tasting and North Texas Wine Festival offer the chance to sip and savor under the stars. And for the ultimate local experience, visit the Dallas Farmers Market on a weekend: food trucks, live music, and Texas-sized flavor all in one place.

Music, Culture, and Creative Energy

The arts come alive this month, from jazz to country and everything in between. The Deep Ellum Arts District stays buzzing with live shows and outdoor performances, while the Dallas Symphony Orchestra fills the Meyerson with holiday previews and classical favorites.

Catch big-name concerts at the American Airlines Center, or wander through Klyde Warren Park’s Music in the Park series for free performances surrounded by city lights. Art lovers can’t miss the Art of the Guitar Festival or the Dallas Museum of Art Late Nights, when the museum stays open after dark for talks, music, and wine.

Sports and Stadium Energy

If Dallas has a season, it’s football season. The Dallas Cowboys take over AT&T Stadium, while college fans fill bars and tailgates for rivalry games. The State Fair Classic Thanksgiving Game is a local tradition, blending football, marching bands, and family fun.

Not into football? Catch a Dallas Mavericks basketball game downtown, or join locals at the Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving morning, a city tradition that’s as much about community as it is about running.

Family Fun and Outdoor Adventures

With perfect fall weather, November is the ideal time to explore the outdoors. Head to White Rock Lake for a bike ride, take the kids to the Dallas Zoo Lights kickoff, or spend an afternoon wandering through the Dallas Arboretum’s gardens.

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science and Children’s Aquarium are great for family days, while Trinity Groves and Bishop Arts District make perfect spots for casual meals and people-watching.

Festivals, Fairs, and Local Spirit

Dallas loves a good celebration, and November is full of them. The Texas Veggie Fair returns with vegan food and live music in Reverchon Park, while Diwali Mela Dallas lights up the Cotton Bowl with fireworks, dancing, and food from across India.

The Chi Omega Christmas Market and Dallas Holiday Expo mark the unofficial start of the festive season, with hundreds of local artisans selling handmade gifts. And for a little Texan flair, the Lone Star Film Festival in nearby Fort Worth brings five days of movies, Q&As, and red-carpet charm to the Metroplex.

Early Holiday Magic

By mid-November, Dallas starts to sparkle. The Dallas Holiday Parade marches through downtown with floats, dancers, and marching bands, while the Galleria Dallas Tree Lighting stuns crowds with its massive indoor Christmas tree.

Vitruvian Lights in Addison switch on near Thanksgiving, surrounding the park in millions of twinkling bulbs: perfect for an evening stroll or family photos. Downtown, Klyde Warren Park’s Tree Lighting Celebration brings Santa, hot cocoa, and live carols to the heart of the city.

Day Trips and Hidden Corners

If you’ve got time to explore, November is perfect for short trips beyond Dallas. Spend a day in Grapevine, the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” where the decorations go up early, or head to McKinney’s Historic Square for antique shopping and local cafés. Fort Worth’s Stockyards are just 40 minutes away: all cowboy hats, live music, and rodeo fun.

Experience Dallas Like a Local With HomeExchange

The best part of Dallas isn’t just its skyline or events, it’s the people. With HomeExchange, you can live like a local while saving on accommodation. Swap homes with Dallas families and stay in a real neighborhood: a modern loft in Deep Ellum, a cozy home near White Rock Lake, or a family house in Oak Cliff with a backyard made for Texas sunsets.

You’ll share stories with neighbors, discover the best taco stands, and come home to a place that feels yours. Because in Dallas, hospitality isn’t a gesture, it’s a way of life.

Dallas in November at a Glance

Category Events & Highlights Why Go
Food & Drink Taste of Dallas, Wine Festivals, Farmers Market Southern comfort and local flavor
Music & Arts Deep Ellum shows, DMA Late Nights, Symphony events Creative energy and local talent
Sports & Fun Cowboys games, Mavericks, Turkey Trot Stadium thrills and community spirit
Family & Outdoors Zoo Lights, Arboretum, White Rock Lake Perfect weather for exploring
Holiday Magic Parade, Vitruvian Lights, Tree Lightings Early sparkle and festive charm