Friday
City of Allen annual Christmas Tree Lighting -according to their website, join the City of Allen for the grand lighting of its 35-foot Christmas tree featuring more than 20,000 lights. Expect surprises, live entertainment and even a visit from Santa and his elves. All ages are welcome!Fun begins at 6:30 p.m. Tree Lighting 7:15 p.m. Conclusion 8:30 p.m.For more information, contact Tony Hill, Resource Development Manager at ahill@cityofallen.org or 214.509.4712. See http://www.cityofallen.org/Calendar.aspxEID=3156&month=12&year=2015&day=4&calType=0
Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets – 7:30pm – American Airlines Center
Dickens in Historic Downtown Plano – according to their website, each holiday season, Historic Downtown Plano embraces the spirit of Christmas with Dickens in Historic Downtown at Haggard Park. Enjoy caroling, storytelling, performers, food, shopping, a visit from Santa Claus, a tree-lighting ceremony and visit the Interurban Railway Museum. Entertainment will include singing and dancing by local dance companies, high schools and church groups.The event runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The tree lighting takes place at 7 p.m. in Haggard Park.A variety of food vendors will offer an assortment of tasty treats including hot drinks, kettle corn, corn dogs, funnel cakes, and a food lover’s fare from several of the downtown Plano restaurants. To accommodate shoppers, downtown merchants will be open late. At Haggard Park, 901 East 15th Street Plano, TX 75074. See https://www.plano.gov/2395/Dickens-in-Historic-Downtown-Plano
Old Fashioned Christmas – at A.W. Perry Homestead Museum – enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas at Carrollton’s A.W. Perry Homestead Museum, 6-8:30pm, complete with Victorian carolers, carriage rides and tours of the historic home. Kids can make tree ornaments, play in the small farm animal petting zoo and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. 1509 N. Perry Rd. Carrollton, TX 75006
Dustin “Screech” Diamond (from the 90s TV show, Saved By The Bell) at Hyena’s Comedy Nightclub, which brings the best nationally recognized stand-up comedians to the D-FW area, with performances every weekend. Customers must be 18 and up to enter, and 21 to order alcohol. — Information from the club’s site
Friday/Today & Tomorrow/Saturday
Jingle Bells on Bishop – the annual Christmas celebration features photos with Santa today 4-10 and tomorrow Noon-4 in front of ENO’s Pizza Tavern, great shopping deals in all the stores, carolers, live bands and holiday fun on Friday and Saturday. At Bishop Arts District – West Davis Street and North Bishop Avenue Dallas, TX 75208
Saturday
Dallas Children’s Health Holiday Parade – the 28th annual Dallas Children’s Health Holiday Parade will march through the streets of Downtown Dallas (Main Street and Akard Street)
Dallas, TX 75202 on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 10 a.m. to ring in the holiday season. Look for 98.7K-LUV’s Jody Dean and Rebekah Black! This year’s parade will feature spirited marching bands, famous characters, magical holiday floats, larger-than-life balloons and much more.
DFW Tamale Festival and Christmas Market – The tastiest new holiday event in North Texas comes to Dallas Farmers Market next month, and admission is free for the whole family. The DFW International Tamale Festival and Christmas Market will take place Saturday, Dec. 5, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will celebrate the art of tamale-making and its role as a family holiday tradition. The event will feature tamale vendors, carolers and a kids’ zone. In addition, the 98.7 KLUV Christmas Market will offer gifts available for purchase from a variety of artisans and craftsmen. m
Attendees are encouraged, but not required, to bring a non-perishable food donation for the North Texas Food Bank. At Dallas Farmers Market – 1010 S. Pearl Expressway Dallas, TX 75201 – 8am-6pm.
Two Years of Beer Anniversary and Repeal Day Party – Grapevine Craft Brewery celebrates its second anniversary with a party on Dec. 5, the day Prohibition was repealed back in 1933. It’s a full day of live music, food trucks and $3 pints all day long. A special Prohibition-style beer, the Kentucky Common, and the brewery’s Local 3113 Oktoberfest beer will aslo be featured. Music by Chris Johnson (1 p.m.), Wayne Floyd (4 p.m.) and Ole G (7 to 9 p.m.). Noon – 10pm. Grapevine Craft Brewery – 906 Jean St. Grapevine, TX 76051.
25th annual Merry Main Street in Frisco includes lighting of the city’s Christmas tree, musical entertainment by Frisco ISD elementary choirs on (3) separate stages, free pics with Santa (thanks to 3:16 Realty) free carriage rides, a gingerbread house contest exhibit, a children’s holiday store, plus food and merchandise vendors.
Old Town Lewisville will hold their annual Holiday Stroll, noon – 7pm. Enjoy the Winter Wonderland Parade at noon, community performance, pics with Santa, the Santa Paws Village, a toboggan run, pony rides, a petting zoo, snowball fun, an elf scavenger hunt, plus holiday season arts and crafts. The Old Town Christmas Tree Lighting will be at 5:15pm. For more details, see bit.ly.ISpfOpY
Celebrate The Holidays at Klyde Warren Park – celebrate the holidays throughout the park with free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a live reindeer, holiday music and entertainment, holiday crafts, face painting, and the lighting of the Christmas tree. Following the tree-lighting at 5:45 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead a procession on the five-minute walk from Klyde Warren Park to the AT&T Performing Arts Center for more free holiday fun at the Reliant Light Your Holidays. Noon – 6pm – 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway Dallas, TX 75201
Holiday Lights Parade and Santa – Levitt Holiday Performances:
2 p.m. Arlington Master Chorale
2:45 p.m. Creative Arts Theatre & School Caleidoscope
3:15 p.m. Miss Persis Elf Show
3:45 p.m. Hannah Kirby, finalist on NBC’s The Voice6 p.m. Arlington Holiday Lights Parade
Parade route and details at http://www.holidaylightsparade.com7 p.m. Santa Lights the Christmas Tree at City Hall7:15 p.m.* Visit Santa on the Levitt Pavilion stage. Be sure to bring your camera!7:15 p.m.* The Muppet Christmas Carol. Enjoy a family holiday classic on the Levitt’s new video screen! Movie screening made possible by a grant from Women Inspiring Philanthropy*Santa and movie time may vary slightly, depending on when the parade and tree-lighting end. Both will happen as soon as the parade ends and Santa lights the tree. 2-9pm at Levitt Pavilion for The Performing Arts – 100 W. Abram St. Arlington, TX 76010
Reliant Lights Your Holidays featuring Polyphonic Spree – after a tree lighting at Klyde Warren Park, Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead a merry procession to the AT&T Performing Arts Center for a free concert, fireworks show and the illumination of thousands of holiday lights at Sammons Park. The Polyphonic Spree, Bubba Hernandez y Los Super Vatos, and cast members of “Jersey Boys” will perform a selection of their own hits and holiday classics. There will also be free photos with Santa and a fireworks show. 2403 Flora St. Dallas TX 75204. See http://bit.ly/1MoroNK
Macy’s Grand Tree Lighting Celebration – Galleria Mall – 6-7pm – 13350 Dallas Pkwy.
Dallas, TX 75240
Wylie Arts Festival – according to their website, is the perfect opportunity to cross some names off your Christmas list or simply treat yourself. Stroll through the art and craft aisles in the FBC Wylie Event Center and shop from the vendors hand-picked by the Public Arts Board to ensure a diverse, unique selection of quality handmade fine art and craft items. From jewelry to home décor to clothing to paintings to gift items you will not find anywhere else, there is definitely something for everyone. Info at http://www.wylietexas.gov/living/events/arts_festival_parade_and_tree_lighting.php
Holiday Extravaganza in Irving – according to their website, is a two-part event, featuring a community parade through the Heritage District followed by a tree lighting ceremony outside of Irving City Hall. This annual celebration is a tradition for many Irving families.The fun will begin at 4 p.m. when the parade winds through the streets of downtown Irving, featuring floats, bands, and community organizations. The theme for the 2015 parade will be: The 12 Days of Christmas. Participation in the parade is free; see below for more information.Immediately following the parade, head to Irving City Hall for the official lighting of the City of Irving’s tree! The festivities include a holiday stage show with dance, music, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Enjoy carols, food vendors and complimentary hot chocolate as we count down to the lighting of the tree and a fireworks display.For more information, call (972) 721-2501.
43rd annual DeSoto Hometown Holiday Parade – 5:30 at DeSoto Town Center – see http://www.desototexas.gov/index.aspx?NID=339 for more info.
Arlington Holiday Lights Parade – 2-8:30pm (parade 6pm). Traditionally the parade starts at the corner of Main and Center Streets. The parade travels West on Main Street, South on West Street, East on Abram Street and ends at the corner of Abram and East Street. Handicap parking is available in the lot at South Street and Oak Street. See http://holidaylightsparade.com/
Saturday & Sunday
Christmas at The Beach Celebration at Little Elm Park begins Saturday 6pm with the Little Elm Christmas Light-Up Parade that ends at Santa Land in Little Elm Park. Mayor David Hillock and town officials will begin the celebration with the lighting of a 30-foot Christmas tree! Santa Land, which is open through this month, features real reindeer, holiday train rides, a snow hill, a hot chocolate bar, choirs and decorated elf house. Plus, Little Elm will collect unwrapped toys for Toys For Tots.
Sunday
Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith – American Airlines Center – according to the American Airlines Center website, multi-platinum, Grammy-winning Christian music superstars Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant are partnering together for the holiday event of the year performing together at the American Airlines Center on December 6th, 2015 with the Dallas POPS. The show will feature everyone’s Christmas favorites that will undoubtedly be the most celebrated concert highlight of the holiday season! See http://www.americanairlinescenter.com/events/detail/michael-w-smith-and-amy-grant-1
Holidays On Ice – Allen Community Ice Rink will celebrate Holidays on Ice featuring the Allen Academy of Skating and Allen Community Ice Rink Skaters. Bring a non-perishable food item and admission is FREE .4-6pm – 200 E. Stacy Rd. #1350 Allen, TX 75002
Now – Dec. 6
Fair Park Holiday Festival and Gift Market – free festival with hayrides, petting zoo, Santa, arts & crafts, strolling carolers, zipline and other family fun activities. See http://www.dallasparks.org/459/Holiday-Delight 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd. Dallas, TX 75210
Peter Pan 360 – Peter, Wendy, Michael and John will fly right over heads in the AT&T Performing Arts Center presentation of Peter Pan that will take place in a 1,500-seat theater in the round in a 100-foot-high tent in the Dallas Arts District at San Jacinto and Good-Latimer between the Pearl DART Station and AT&T PAC. Aimed at ages 5 and older, this adaptation of the J.M. Barrie story about the boy who won’t grow up sports live actors, original music, immersive CGI projection and puppets. Choreography and movement are by Gypsy Snider, who designed the circus moves for the Tony Award-winning 2013 revival of Pippin. AT&T Performing Arts Center – 2403 Flora St. Dallas, TX 75204. See http://www.attpac.org/on-sale/2015/peter-pan-360/
Now – Dec. 12
The Dallas Opera: Becoming Santa Claus – in an elven kingdom in the Far, Far North, Prince Claus will celebrate his 13th birthday with the party to end all parties; however, a bright star has signaled a momentous birth. Claus decides to dazzle this newborn with an assortment of the very latest toys before discovering that love is the most treasured gift of all. A witty, wise and wonderful addition to your holidays. A Dallas Opera World Premiere by Mark Adamo. Sung in English with subtitles. See http://dallasopera.org/. At Winspear Opera House – 2403 Flora St. Dallas, TX 75201. See http://dallasopera.org/
Now – Dec. 23
Texas Christkindl Market – at Globe Life Park in Arlington – according to their website (http://txchristkindlmarket.com), inspired by a cherished German tradition, the Texas Christkindl Market is one of the largest open-air holiday markets in the Southwest. This family-friendly market features a unique shopping experience for gifts and holiday decorations, along with authentic German cuisine, holiday beverages, live entertainment, children’s activities, and much more, at 1000 Ballpark Way Arlington, TX 76011 at NW corner of Ballpark & Randol.
Now – Dec. 26
A Christmas Carol – Dallas Theater Center’s hit production of the holiday classic A Christmas Carol returns to the Wyly Theatre. DTC’s Brierley Resident Acting Company member Christie Vela will be the first female director of DTC’s adaption of the tale that follows a miserly old man on a magical journey of hope and redemption.A Christmas Carol begins previews on Wednesday, November 25 with a Pay-What-You-Can performance and runs through Sunday, December 26. Appropriate for families. Recommended for ages 8 and above. A Christmas Carol will be performed in one act with no intermission. The approximate run time is 90 minutes.at Wyle Theater – 2400 Flora St. Dallas, TX 75201
Now – Dec. 30
Farmers Branch Tour Of Lights – at Farmers Branch Historical Park – according to their website, the animated light show is back and bigger than ever! Take a drive through over half a million flashing lights at one of North Texas’ longest animated shows. There’s festive holiday music and the grand finale show that includes Santa Claus himself! The Tour begins at Valley View Lane and Interstate 35, continues south on Denton Drive, and through the Farmers Branch Historical Park. Admission is free, donations accepted.Be sure to add the Christmas Tour of Lights to your holiday schedule. It’s sure to be a treasured holiday tradition for your family! The event begins on the Friday after Thanksgiving with the Tour of Lights and stretches all the way until December 30. With the wonderful help from our local non-profits, we are able to host every night between those dates an opportunity to drive-through the dancing lights (with the exception of December 5 & Christmas Day). Follow us on Facebook for weather updates @farmersbranchspecialevents. Located at 2540 Farmers Branch Lane Farmers Branch, TX 75234
Now – Dec. 31
Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway – according to their website, featuring 200 unique displays and 2 million LED lights, the Gift of Lights is a two-mile drive through the Speedway. Gates are open from 6-10 p.m. seven days a week from Nov. 26 through Dec. 31. Admission is $25 per car (large vehicles such as RVs and buses are $45 to $55 each). The Gift of Lights is a Toys for Tots drop-off center. Bring a new, unwrapped children’s toy and receive a $5 discount at the gate.At the completion of the drive-through park, bring your family and friends to Santa’s Village in the TMS infield for photos with Santa and other holiday fun. 3545 Lone Star Circle Fort Worth, TX 76117
Now – Jan. 1
Vitruvian Lights at Vitruvian Park – Vitruvian Lights in Addison is a spectacular holiday light display throughout Vitruvian Park. Walk and wind through the 12-acre park, with millions of sparkling LED lights that are wrapped around more than 200 glittering trees, creating a magical holiday wonderland. Special Event Performances: Saturday, Dec. 5: Dallas String Quartet,
Saturday, Dec. 12: The Project, and Saturday, Dec. 19: Chris Rivers Band. Located at 3966 Vitruvian Way Addison, TX 75001
Now – Jan. 3
ICE: featuring Christmas Around The World – at Gaylord Texan – according to their website, experience the magic of Christmas Around the World as you journey through colorful holiday displays. Enjoy more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures during our Lone Star Christmas celebration. Celebrate cultural traditions from around the world featuring holiday scenes and children from Mexico, Germany, and more. Enjoy two-story tall ice slides, an enchanting Parade of Toys and larger-than-life ornaments. Travel through the North Pole and sit inside Santa’s sleigh. Experience the Frostbite Factory – an interactive ice carving station. Conclude your experience with the majesty of a full nativity in stunning, crystal clear ice.
Open daily, Nov. 12-Jan. 3, $12.99 – $29.99 (free for children 3 and younger, no strollers inside the exhibit).On the Blocks ICE! Bar: Adults 21 and older can upgrade their ICE! experience to enjoy a sampling of Jackson Morgan Southern Cream and Goose Island Beer plus a choice of a Maker’s Mark or Absolut specialty drink or Hidden Crush Cabernet or Chardonnay served in a souvenir glass. Ambient lighting, music and fun photo opportunities set the mood for this unique VIP experience. Daily, Nov. 12-Jan. 3, starting at 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. Saturdays and noon Sundays. $15 per person. 1501 Gaylord Trail Grapevine, TX 76051
The Trains at North Park Center – according to their website, the Trains at NorthPark celebrates its 28th year as a holiday tradition in North Texas. The elaborate miniature toy trains exhibit includes trains rolling across 1,600 feet of track on a journey across America. Cityscapes include downtown Dallas, with the iconic Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, the State Fair of Texas and the Cotton Bowl; New York City’s Times Square and Grand Central Station; Washington, D.C. with The White House; New England’s fall foliage; the Grand Canyon, Route 66, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and hot air balloons in Albuquerque.The exhibit encompasses train-themed environments, with all the trimmings of the holiday train travel experience — steam engines and coach cars, a ticket booth and a train station.Tickets are $7 for adults, $3 for children 2-12 and seniors 65 and older. Children younger than 2 admitted free. Discount tickets are available at Tom Thumb stores. The event benefits Ronald McDonald House.Note: The exhibit hours change on holidays. It will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Hours on Nov. 25 and New Year’s Day are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.The trains are located on Level 2 near Nordstrom. 8687 N. Central Expy. Dallas, TX 75225
The 12 Days Of Christmas at Dallas Arboretum – Celebrate the holidays with this centerpiece exhibit featuring a collection of 25-foot Victorian gazebos filled with the costumed characters and animals made famous by the beloved Christmas carol. Each gazebo will be encased in glass and decorated on all sides to provide a dramatic, three-dimensional experience, featuring mechanical parts and festive music that will assist in bringing the characters to an even more life-like state. Enjoy the .75-mile walk through the garden exhibit, as you witness these handcrafted gazebos spread across our winter wonderland.On select evenings, the garden will remain open for extended hours for The 12 Days at Night, where we will showcase the beautifully illuminated gazebos for magical nighttime viewing. During this time, visitors will be even further immersed in the Victorian-era holiday theme as they enjoy live carolers and holiday themed treats.The evening schedule is Sundays through Thursdays, Nov. 8 through Jan. 3, plus Nov. 27, Nov. 28, Dec. 4, Dec. 18, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2.Admission is $10 per ticket Nov. 15-19. From Nov. 22 through Jan. 3, night-time admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 3-12, and free for children two and under. Parking is included with evening admission. Day-time admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 3-12, and free for children two and under. Additional cost of $3 per person for entrance into the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. On-site parking is $15; pre-purchased online parking is $8. 8525 Garland Road Dallas, TX 75218
Lone Star Christmas at The Gaylord Texan – according to their website, the magic of the Christmas season comes to life at Gaylord Texan Resort. You and your family will marvel at dozens of lavish Lone Star Christmas displays that include more than 2 million twinkling lights and acres of larger-than-life decorations. Enjoy heartwarming visits with Santa, ICE! featuring an all new theme – Christmas Around the World – as well as Snow Tubing, Milk & Cookies with Mrs. Claus, The Elf on the Shelf® Scavenger Hunt and other exclusive holiday events and attractions to get you in the spirit of the season! See http://bit.ly/1nt6l5P
Prairie Lights – at Lynn Creek Park – 5700 Lake Ridge Parkway Grand Prairie, TX 75052 – UPDATE: Due to high water levels at the lake, a temporary road will allow access to about 75% of the light display. Admission prices have been discounted to $15 per car Mondays through Thursdays and $25 per car Fridays through Sundays.
The Lights:
Upon arriving at the entrance to Prairie Lights, you will be dazzled with 4 million lights set along 2 miles of path. Hundreds of ALL-NEW displays in shapes of all kinds line and arch over the roads. Half way through the drive get out of your car for a stop at Holiday Village where you will find food, gifts, Santa, the all-new indoor laser show, and the Holiday Magic Lighted Walk-Through Forest. Once back in your vehicle, the second half of the drive ends with the very animated light tunnel – the perfect finale to a night you will never forget.
Holiday Village:
Half way through the drive, get out of your car to play in Holiday Village. Under a GIANT tent enjoy pictures with Santa, concessions, a gift shop and our 2 lighted attractions. Concessions for sale include hot cocoa, apple cider, coffee, and a variety of seasonal food like funnel cakes, kettle corn and more. For an additional charge, have your picture taken with Santa or get tickets to the Holiday Magic Live! or Holiday Magic Walk-Through Lighted Forest.
All-New Indoor Holiday Show in the Holiday Village Theater:
During your visit to Holiday Village take the time to experience the brand-new holiday show. This all-new show is inside the Holiday Village Theater where it actually snows on the audience! A separate ticket is required to see the show.
Holiday Magic Lighted Walk-Thru Forest:
Get out of your car at Holiday Village and take a stroll through the trees that will be lit up with tens of thousands of lights. Arranged in scenes depicting how the holiday season is celebrated around the world along with a brand-new Gumdrop Alley, this new attraction is sure to have the kids saying Wow. A separate ticket is required to see the show.
Extended Hours on these holidays:
Open 6-10 p.m. Dec. 24, 25, 31, Jan. 1
Admission:
$15 per car Monday through Thursday; $25 per car Friday through Sunday & Holidays. Limos $50-$60. Shuttle Van or Bus $45-$55. Commercial Bus: $75-$85.
Presented by City of Grand Prairie Parks, Arts & Recreation Department.
Six Flags Over Texas – Holiday In The Park – details at https://www.sixflags.com/overtexas
Now – Jan. 18
Panther Island Ice – at Coyote Drive-In – Fort Worth’s only outdoor skating rink remains open 7 days a week, including all holidays, at 223 NE Fourth St. Fort Worth. Hours will vary during school holiday breaks and on each holiday. Regular admission is $11 and includes skate rental. Admission is only required for those wishing to skate. If you would like to sit back and watch friends and family on the ice, you are welcome to do so free of charge. Parking is free. Dec. 19 will feature a fireworks show set to Christmas music to celebrate the opening weekend of the new Star Wars movie. See http://pantherislandice.com/
Now – Feb. 29
Dallas Zoo Penguin Days – as a way of thanking the community for it’s support throughout the year, our 127 year old zoo has a reduced cool-weather admission of only $5.00 during this time! The zoo is open 9am-4pm at 650 South R.I. Thornton Freeway, Dallas 75203
Have a great Holiday Season weekend and share this issue of “Weekend Thangs To Do In DFW: Dec. 04-06 with family and friends!
Source: Blake Powers
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