Bob Carey
If the holiday stress is already creeping up, then take a deep breath, close your eyes and decide on one of these fantastic events to go to as a stress reliever! Whether you enjoy fun runs or a tree lighting, there is something for the whole family happening this month. If you like shows, consider seeing Miss Saigon or get the kiddos and mark your calendars for Breakfast with Santa!
Through Dec. 31 | Dallas Arboretum
Merry and bright is an understatement when it comes to Holiday at the Arboretum. If you are expecting just flowers and a few strands of tinsel, think again. More than one million dazzling lights and a 30-foot-tall spruce tree will give the garden a magical glow. Also, 12 25-foot-tall Victorian-style gazebos will take guests through the magical carol of the “12 Days of Christmas.” Talk about getting in the Christmas spirit! Even longtime Dallas Arboretum members are in for a treat — this year is the world premiere of the Pauline and Austin Neuhoff Family Christmas Village!
Dec. 3-8 | Bass Hall
Whoever said “all is fair in love and war” obviously never experienced either. Both can be tragic, painful, heart-breaking — sometimes all three at once. Nothing captures these feelings more beautifully than the award-winning musical “Miss Saigon.” This iconic show (which contains mature content) is about a bargirl named Kim who was orphaned because of the Vietnamese War. It’s practically love at first sight for her and the handsome American G.I. named Chris — until the fall of Saigon tears them apart. Kim tries to find him not only to reconnect but also to tell him that he has a son. When they finally reunite, Chris is married, and the future isn’t as clear as they once thought.
Dec. 6 | Keller Town Hall
Start your Christmas celebrations right at Keller’s Holly Days event! Holly Days will include a Christmas tree lighting, Santa Claus, a two-lane snow hill and a parade for attendees to enjoy. There will also be arts and crafts and concessions for those attending this event. You don’t need a ticket. Just bring one non-perishable food item for The Community Storehouse.
Dec. 7 | Euless Family Life Center
Parades never get old, especially when the theme is “A Wacky, Tacky Christmas.” Head out to the Euless Family Life Center on Dec. 7 for the 2019 Parade of Lights that is sure to impress. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m., but if you want to make free ornaments and enjoy some treats and drinks, get there at 3 p.m.
Dec. 7 | The Marq
Get some face time with the big guy at Breakfast With Santa. Guests will enjoy a tasty breakfast, holiday crafts and plenty of photo ops. This event often sells out, so be sure to reserve your spot early!
Dec. 7 | Grand Prairie
Help Santa burn off those gingerbread cookies by running in the Candy Cane Course this month! This Christmas-themed race encourages people to dress up like presents, reindeer and holiday characters to get in the spirit of the season. Afterward, put on your free “Runnin’ with my Snowmies” hoodie and finisher’s medal for the after-party. Don’t forget to bring a new, unwrapped toy to race day to support Santa Cop, an organization led by police officers and firefighters that provides gifts to local kids and teenagers. It’ll be a merry Christmas for all!
Dec. 7 | Fort Worth
Bells are ringing, lights are twinkling and the community is running in support of a good cause: helping the Arthritis Foundation find a cure! The Jingle Bell Run is a 5K race filled with holiday cheer. This year’s honoree is Frank Renda, a 51-year-old Marine Corps veteran who was diagnosed with dermatomyositis and given days to live. Two years later, he is still fighting back, enthusiastically attending treatments and going to “Star Wars” events to show off the life-size R2-D2 he built. With jingle bells in every hand, red- and-green decorations everywhere you turn and a jolly smile on every face, you’re sure to have a good time.
Dec. 7 | Klyde Warren Park
It’s a Christmas miracle — there’s real snow in Texas! It’s a white Christmas at Klyde Warren Park’s Tree Lighting Celebration this month, featuring white, fluffy snow to play with and enjoy. Keep the kids entertained with holiday games and crafts, as well as pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Later, belt out your Christmas carols during the live show where you will also see your favorite characters including Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The afternoon ends with a dazzling tree lighting ceremony.
Dec. 7-22 | Richardson
Making a list and checking it twice takes a while — so does delivering presents to all the nice children in the world — but even Santa Claus deserves a day off. He’s just like us! Visit Santa’s Village to see where he picks up new books, catches a symphony, goes to the bank and relaxes at home. Kids will love going into the 16 colorfully decorated dwellings, completing a holiday activity and earning candy! Also, be sure to visit Mrs. Claus’ bakery for a warm cookie and Santa’s post office to write him a letter. It’s the most festive place this side of the North Pole!
Dec. 11 | Toyota Music Factory
Find out what Christmas is all about at “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” based on the Emmy-winning 1965 animated TV special by Charles Schulz. This heartfelt show features the whole Peanuts gang who are working together to produce their own Christmas play. Laugh along with Charlie Brown, Sally, Lucy and Snoopy, dance along to Schroeder’s piano music and learn about the first Christmas from Linus. Additionally, the show features the beautiful music of Vince Guaraldi played live on stage. Good grief — this is going to be one fun night!
Dec. 14 | Toyota Music Factory
The man with the red hat gets all the credit, but we all know Christmas would not be the same without Chevy Chase. He plays Clark Griswold in the “National Lampoon” movies, known for their humor and over-the-top antics. After watching a special 30th anniversary screening of “Christmas Vacation” at Toyota Music Factory, the comedic legend will come on stage to share stories from his lengthy career — including behind-the-scenes intel on the famous holiday movie. In true Griswold fashion, Chase will light up your holiday season. Christmas has never been brighter!
Dec. 14-15 | Mesquite
Dog bones, chew toys, fluffy puppy socks — whatever your furriest family member desires, he can ask Santa for at Deck the Paws! This two-day event is the largest holiday festival for animal lovers in North Texas. Take your pup to meet St. Nick, then enter in the Ugly Sweater Contest. Later, check out the Picasso Paws Art Zone to let pets create their own works of art, take them to the Pup-Up Selfie Experience and go shopping for special dog-lover gifts. Finish your day with a treat — the Simba’s Barkery Holiday #Dogbar serves doggie desserts, and the beer and wine garden is the perfect spot for humans 21 and older to nab a cool drink.
Dec. 19 | American Airlines Center
Queen of Comebacks. Goddess of Pop. Dancing Queen. Cher is known by many names (in fact, her real name is Cherilyn Sarkisian), but we can all agree on one thing: She is a legend. Cher is an Oscar-, Emmy- and Grammy-winning superstar, who got her start on the hit show “Sonny and Cher” in the 1960s. Since then, she has released many hits, including “I Got You Babe,” “I Found Someone” and “Just Like Jesse James.” After her role in “Mamma Mia 2,” Cher released an ABBA tribute album, “Dancing Queen.” See Cher this month when she comes to Dallas as part of her Here We Go Again Tour.
Dec. 20 | Bass Hall
Watching “The Nutcracker” is a beloved holiday tradition featuring Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, magical Christmas sets and beautiful music. But this year, mix it up a little. See “The Nutty Nutcracker” instead! Although there will still be outstanding choreography and dazzling designs, you will also enjoy a hilarious commentary on current events and pop culture, outrageous costumes and unexpected twists. Dinosaurs, sharks, bunnies and more — you never know what silly costumes and characters will appear onstage. Who knows? It might just be your new favorite holiday show.
Dec. 21 | American Airlines Center
Colorful lights, shooting laser beams, flames and rock ’n’ roll: When the Trans-Siberian Orchestra puts on a show, it’s unlike any holiday concert you’ve ever seen before! This rock-opera band has released seven albums and sold more than 10 million records since forming in 1996. They are famous for their high-spirited Christmas music and jaw-dropping performances that you will have to see to believe. This month, the amazing musicians will perform songs from their debut studio album, “Christmas Eve and Other Stories,” which was named one of the bestselling Christmas albums of all time in the U.S. and certified triple platinum by the RIAA.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad: North Pole Express
Through Dec. 23 | Downtown Grapevine
All aboard — the North Pole Express will be departing soon! For an unbelievably cool Christmas experience, buy your ticket to the Grapevine Vintage Railroad this season, which has been gorgeously redecorated in a magical holiday theme. As you board the 1920s Victorian-inspired coaches, Christmas elves will present each guest with frosty chocolate snow milk and a cookie to snack on. When the train pulls into Reindeer Ridge, Mrs. Claus will come aboard and give the children a silver bell. The final stop: North Pole! Go inside Santa’s Workshop to see Santa and his entourage perform a Broadway-style show, followed by pictures with the jolly old fellow. It will be a wonderful experience, if you just believe!
The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical
Dec. 28 | Majestic Theatre
He’s cute, he’s crafty and he gets into oh-so-much mischief! He’s The Elf on the Shelf, an adorable little creature that has quickly become an important part of Christmas. This little guy was based on a 2005 book by Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell about Santa sending elves to scout out the kids and report if they are naughty or nice. This year, learn even more about the beloved elves in “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical.” This brand-new show features an original story and score, delightful sets and heartfelt scenes that will fill you with wonder — just like the little elf does every morning of the holiday season.
Through Jan. 5 | Dallas Zoo
When the animals go to sleep, the Dallas Zoo comes to life! Over one million twinkling lights will turn on, turning the zoo into a winter wonderland! These aren’t just string lights — although there are plenty of those too. There are also silk-covered lanterns in the shape of your favorite animals, amazing light displays and a Santa’s sleigh photo opportunity! Other highlights of Zoo Lights include a meet-and-greet with Santa, a nature-themed ornament-making activity, nightly musical performances, a rainbow arch, an Elves’ Workshop with animal encounters and sweet treats and hot cocoa to enjoy.