When planning holiday activities for the family, be sure to include The 12 Days of Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. As Dallas' newest holiday tradition, this $2 million blockbuster exhibit features a dozen 25-foot-tall Victorian-inspired gazebos elaborately decorated to resemble the beloved Christmas carol located in the 66-acre garden. 

In addition to The 12 Days of Christmas, here are 12 more reasons why the Dallas Arboretum is the best place to visit this holiday season.

1. The 12 Days of Christmas - Spend the day this season with a friend or loved one exploring Dallas' newest holiday tradition. Celebrate the holidays like never before with this centerpiece exhibit featuring an elaborate collection of 25-foot Victorian gazebos filled with the charming costumed characters and whimsical animals made famous by the beloved Christmas carol.

2. The 12 Days at Night - During the evening, the garden remains open for extended hours from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. to showcase the beautifully illuminated gazebos for magical viewing. Visitors will be even further immersed in the Victorian-era holiday theme as they enjoy strolling carolers and holiday themed treats. Some evenings have sold out, and pre-purchased tickets are required.

3. Lunch with friend and family at Restaurant DeGolyer – Nestled inside the DeGolyer House, the Restaurant DeGolyer menu features delicious meals inspired by the recipes of James Sparks, executive chef at Gil's Elegant Catering. Both indoor and outdoor dining is available. 

4. Tour the Byers' Choice Ltd. Christmas Carolers in the DeGolyer House - The historic DeGolyer House has been transformed into a Victorian-inspired and Dickens-themed Christmas display lavishly decorated throughout with a collection of Byers' Choice Ltd. Christmas Caroler figurines. This abundant private collection has been generously donated for display at the Dallas Arboretum by Kim and John Semyan. Tours available daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

5. Holiday Seated Tea - Enjoy an elegant, three-course holiday tea, a tradition for many. Prices range between $47 and $57 and include parking and admission to the garden. Guests 12 years old and up are invited to tea. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 214.515.6511 or purchased online.

6. Hoffman Family Gift Store – Located just inside the main entrance, the Hoffman Family Gift store features a variety of unique holiday gifts and one-of-a-kind mementos. All proceeds benefit the Dallas Arboretum and its education and research programs. Present your Dallas Arboretum members card to receive 10% off store and online purchases.

7. Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden – The holiday fun at this eight-acre scientific children's garden is for all ages with hands-on exhibits, activities and labs all day long. While there, children are encourage to grab a Passport to Adventure to find all The 12 Days of Christmas stops.

8. Holiday Weekend Events – It's a great time to capture family photos while visiting Santa, a live reindeer or Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through December 21.

9. Behind the Scenes – The Dallas Arboretum Horticulture staff is planting more than 500,000 bulbs for the 31st annual Dallas Blooms festival starting on February 28. See how they get the beds ready and plant all these bulbs. They are planting most mornings.

10. What’s in Bloom – Winter isn't just about snow and presents, but also about beautiful winter plantings, including pansies, violas and a new addition this season, Dinosaur Kale.

11. Birds in Paradise – Don't miss the final days of the Bird House exhibit. Learn how birds find their prey, build a nest, migrate and much more. These playhouse-size bird houses are located in the Lakeside Exhibit Area.

12. Purchase a gift of membership and/or a concert subscription – Membership is the best value for receiving exclusive offers, including free admission, free parking, invitations to members-only events and more. Members also receive a large discount on Cool Thursdays spring/summer and fall concert subscriptions to the sell-out series by White Rock Lake.

For more information about the Dallas Arboretum, visit http://www.dallasarboretum.org/.