IllustrationLights at Interlochen
More than 200 houses in one Arlington neighborhood, decorated by the residents themselves — 2025 was the fiftieth year — and the reason people wait in line for over an hour to get in. The city treats it as an event: police traffic control, one way in, and a two-mile loop you drive at a crawl.
What's there
- 200+ houses decorated by residents
- Two-mile loop
- Free
- A North Texas tradition since the 1970s
What visitors sayGoogle 4.3 ★ · 772 reviews
For many North Texas families it's a childhood tradition they now bring their own kids to. Visitors praise the police traffic control and say the line, though long, moves steadily; the full loop takes about an hour to an hour and a half at a crawl. Some residents sell hot chocolate as you pass. A few long-time visitors feel it's less spectacular than it used to be, and not every house takes part.
Worth it and free — as long as you're in line before the 6 pm opening. Arrive at 8 on a weekend and you'll mostly be looking at taillights.
- 2025 season
- Dec 13 – Dec 25
- 6 – 10 pm
- Last year's dates — this year's aren't out yet.
- Cost
- Free
- Start at
- Randol Mill Road at Westwood Drive — the only way in
Getting in and parking
- Enter only from Westwood Drive at Randol Mill Road. Every other street into the neighborhood is closed.
- From westbound I-30: Fielder Road exit, south to Randol Mill, right to Westwood.
- From eastbound I-30: Eastchase Parkway exit, south to Meadowbrook, left to Randol Mill, right to Westwood.
- Keep right the whole way — the left lane is kept open for emergency vehicles and residents.
Worth knowing
- The wait to get in is usually over an hour, and the loop itself takes about another hour.
- Be in line before 9 pm, and go on a weeknight if you can: weekends are the heaviest.
Checked 2026-09-23 · City of Arlington
