What is the DeGolyer Estate?

A historic 1940s Spanish Colonial Revival mansion on the Dallas Arboretum grounds, known for its architecture and spectacular holiday lights.

When does the holiday lights event happen at DeGolyer?

The Dallas Arboretum holiday event typically runs November through January with evening light displays centered on the DeGolyer Estate.

The estate is part of Dallas Arboretum admission year-round. The holiday lights event has separate evening pricing , book in advance as it sells out.

Is it good for young kids?

Holiday lights: excellent for all ages. History tours: better for kids 7 and up who can appreciate the architecture and stories.

Do I need a Dallas Arboretum membership to visit?

You need arboretum admission, which a membership covers. Holiday event tickets are separate even for members.

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Dallas DeGolyer Estate

Name: Dallas DeGolyer Estate
Address: 8625 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX, 75218, US
Telephone: +1 214-515-6500
Rating: 4.7

Rating

4.7(215)

Family of 4

$0 general access as part of Dallas Arboretum; holiday lights event ~$20, $30/person

Duration

1, 2 hours

Best Ages

7, 16

About

The DeGolyer Estate is an elegant Spanish Colonial Revival mansion built in 1940 on the shores of White Rock Lake, now part of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden grounds. For families, it has two distinct personalities: as a historic house and garden landmark open year-round through the arboretum, and as the spectacular centerpiece of the Dallas Arboretum's annual holiday lights celebration.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Limited

Nursing / Changing

Limited

Kid Meals

Not Available

Setting

Indoor & Outdoor

Rainy Day

Not ideal

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

November, January for the holiday lights event; spring for garden exploration

Wait Times

Minimal outside of holiday events; holiday lights can have long car lines

Nearby Food

Dallas Arboretum on-site dining; Casa Linda shopping center 5 minutes away

Why Kids Love It

The DeGolyer Estate is a grand 1940s mansion on the grounds of the Dallas Arboretum. Kids are fascinated by the architecture and history, and during the holiday season it becomes one of Dallas's most spectacular decorated homes, full of themed rooms and elaborate displays that make it feel like stepping into a Christmas storybook.

Pro Tips from Parents

The annual Dallas Arboretum holiday lights event uses the DeGolyer Estate as its centerpiece , worth every penny
Guided tours of the estate are available and surprisingly engaging for curious older kids
The estate grounds overlook White Rock Lake , a beautiful spot for photos
Younger kids (under 6) will appreciate the holiday lights best; the architecture and history tour is better for older kids
Book holiday event tickets well in advance , it sells out most weekends