Experience a bevy of concerts and Christmas events this December.
Through Dec. 24 | Southlake
Who needs the Polar Express when the North Pole can be found right here in town at Santa’s Village in Southlake? Come visit the jolly old fella in the big red suit as you take a picture with him inside his own sleigh! When you’re finished telling him what you want for Christmas, send letters with your wish list to the North Pole, ride in a horse-drawn carriage and taste the most warm and delicious fare you’ve ever had. You’ll see that the most festive spot you can be at this holiday season is Santa’s Village right in Southlake Town Square.
Through Dec. 26 | Bass Hall
With its whimsical, dreamy sets, glittering costumes and incredible ballet moves, “The Nutcracker” is a beloved holiday tradition for many. Now, Texas Ballet Theater is telling the classic story once again. Come and join Clara and the Nutcracker as they travel through the Land of Snow filled with toy soldiers and sugar plum fairies to defeat the evil Mouse King. The elegant music, stunning choreography and incredible set pieces are sure to put you into the Christmas spirit.
Through Dec. 31. | Dallas Arboretum
“Merry and bright” doesn’t begin to describe the beloved Holiday At The Arboretum. Over 1 million lights are strung throughout the gardens, lighting your path to the renowned Christmas Village, featuring charming shops and facades as well as pictures with Santa, live entertainment, shopping, kid areas and seasonal snacks and cocoa. You can also find the brand-new 50-foot-tall Dazzling Musical Tree here, decorated with 42,000 lights that play holiday tunes. And don’t miss the 12 Days of Christmas Victorian-style gazebos spread out throughout the Arboretum, each one 25-feet-tall and elaborately decorated like a scene from the carol with music, lights and animated figures.
Through Jan. 2 | Fair Park
A mystical forest is filled with millions of twinkling lights. Beautiful art installations stand prominently among the pines. The scent of decadent holiday treats sweeten the air. Guests embark on challenging quests and a magical Christmas lights maze, while a massive 80-foot-tall Everwhite tree glows brightly against the night sky. It’s all very enchanting, wouldn’t you say? Enchant Christmas returns to Dallas for the first time since 2018 to transport you to a world of festive wonder!
Through Jan. 2 | Dallas Zoo
One million twinkling lights make the Dallas Zoo glow during Dallas Zoo Lights. The pandemic-inspired drive-thru is back this year, where guests can cruise the mile-long route through the zoo to see elaborate holiday displays, 3D lighted sculptures, colorful silk animal lanterns and more without leaving the warmth of your cozy car. Dazzling 360-degree light tunnels, fully-wrapped trees and other surprises will make this a delightful tradition for families of all ages.
Through Jan. 2 | Gaylord Texan
Buddy the Elf needs your help to save Christmas this year! At the Gaylord Texan’s newest exhibit, “Mission: Save Christmas,” you can team up with Mr. Narwhal in the candy cane forest, help make toys in the North Pole, get everything ready for Santa in the department store and join in an amazing snowball fight in Central Park. Twelve interactive challenges must be completed to collect enough Christmas cheer to power Santa’s sleigh — are you and Buddy up for the challenge?
Jurassic World: The Exhibition
Through Jan. 2 | Grandscape In The Colony
Welcome to Jurassic World. All the dinosaurs are contained, and you are perfectly safe… or are you? “Jurassic World: The Exhibition” is perfect for dinosaur fans of all ages. Learn about the science behind dinosaurs, come face-to-face with life-size dinosaurs and walk in the land of Jurassic giants in this interactive and fun exhibit that is nothing like a regular science museum. You can even see dinosaurs get fed, hold baby dinos and shop for exclusive merch in the retail store.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Christmas Pops
Dec. 3-12 | Meyerson
Fa la la la la, la la la la — everyone knows singing Christmas carols is the best way to spread holiday cheer. This year, conductor Lawrence Loh will lead the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in performing your favorite songs during Christmas Pops! This entertaining event features the Dallas Symphony Chorus and holiday vocalists Ava Pine and Reginald Smith Jr., singing classical holiday favorites and Christmas carols to the delight of audiences of all ages. Expect festive music, magical snow and even a glimpse of Santa himself during the show!
Frosty 5K And Merry Main Street
Dec. 4 | Frisco
Bundle up to avoid turning into a snowman and get ready for the chilly Frosty 5K! Registrants for this cool race will receive a Frosty fanny pack (while supplies last), a long-sleeve race T-shirt and a snowy finisher’s medal. Afterward, the day holds a flurry of events at Merry Main Street from 3:30-10 p.m. This includes a Santa & Friends parade, a holiday gift market, performances by the Frisco Elementary School choirs, a city tree lighting ceremony and a performance by the Grammy Award-winning Brave Combo.
Dec. 4 | Klyde Warren Park
Mrs. Claus reads a story to kids while Frosty the Snowman poses for adorable pictures. Santa takes notes of what all the boys and girls want for Christmas, and Rudolph prances happily around in the snow flurries. The Klyde Warren Park tree lighting celebration has officially begun! This free, merry event for kids and adults also features a live show with holiday music, games and crafts, face painting and the sounds of ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the sparkling tree lighting.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas Eve And Other Stories
Dec. 11 | American Airlines Center
It wouldn’t be the holiday season without the powerful, epic music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. This American rock band is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its debut studio album “Christmas Eve And Other Stories” this year. Over the last two-and-a-half decades, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra has sold more than 10 million albums and is named one of the top touring bands, with a $20 million production that has performed for more than 100 million people in over 80 cities. Get ready to ham out holiday-style and rediscover the beauty of rock opera.
Dec. 11 | Music Hall At Fair Park
Big hair, colorful makeup, bold fashion and an appearance from The Grinch? A Drag Queen Christmas, hosted by Trinity the Tuck and Monét X Change, is going to be one of the most fun events of the season! This festive and funny show features contestants from the reality show “RuPaul’s Drag Race” as they perform holiday classics and naughty shenanigans for a spectacular evening you won’t want to miss.
Dec. 11 | Winspear Opera House
You remember the elf who always seems to be getting in the cookie jar or pulling pranks for kids to discover? That cute little elf is coming to the stage with the return of “The Elf On The Shelf: The Musical” this winter at the AT&T Performing Arts Center. Filled with merry music, jolly dancing and magical delights at every turn, this musical transports audiences to the North Pole to see Santa’s scout elves in action. With dazzling sets and joyful music, you can’t help but have a good time at this show.
Dec. 18 | Arlington
What’s red and white all over and tastes delicious? Candy canes, of course! Fans of this minty holiday treat should sign up for the Candy Cane Course this month, with options for a 5K, 10K or 1-mile fun run. Wear your best red-and-white-striped outfit and run on the River Legacy Park Trails. Racers will get a festive Christmas hoodie and finisher’s medal, then be treated to holiday music, fun and candy canes. What better way is there to get into the holiday spirit?
Dec. 24 | Texas Trust CU Theatre
It’ll be a Christmas Eve unlike any other when you spend it at A Magical Cirque Christmas! The magical hostess of the night Lucy Darling will take audiences on an enchanting Christmas journey with stunning performances, spectacular costumes, death-defying acts, breathtaking cirque displays and incredible holiday music performed live. Sometimes, the best gifts don’t come with ribbons or bows — that just makes them even more wonderful.
Dec. 28 to Jan. 9 | Music Hall At Fair Park
When they put on their red coats and sing, these four guys from New Jersey transform into a fantastic music phenomenon! Follow along in the true story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the Tony- and Grammy Award-winning production of “Jersey Boys” when it premieres in Fair Park this month. These Jersey Boys had a sound nobody had ever heard before, but when the mics were turned off, the friends couldn’t quite find the same harmony. This captivating show features popular songs like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like A Man,” among others.