27 fun things to do the week of Nov. 28-Dec. 5 in Dallas-Fort Worth – The Dallas Morning News
27 fun things to do the week of Nov. 28-Dec. 5 in Dallas-Fort Worth The Dallas Morning News
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This 52nd annual tradition will draw more than 25,000 participants to downtown Dallas, making it one of the largest running events in the country. Fun includes live music, bounce houses, clowns and more, and the whole family is invited — even dogs, as long as they’re registered. Whether you’ve trained seriously and are looking to crush a new personal record or are more into spotting cute babies in costumes, this event attracts all fitness levels. Both the 8-mile and 5K routes swing past historic landmarks, and all proceeds support the YMCA’s programming for local children.
Nov. 28 at 9 a.m. at Dallas City Hall, 1500 Marilla St., Dallas. $46 for timed 8-mile and 5K races, $41 for untimed 8-mile and 5K runs/walks, $15 for children 5 and under (including stroller riders), $25 for Junior Trot 1K race. Family combo pricing available. ymcadallas.org/turkeytrot.
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Like its older sibling in Dallas, the Fort Worth YMCA Turkey Trot is a longstanding tradition on Thanksgiving morning. There’s a children’s 1K division and a dog trot, plus a separate corral for timed runners who prefer to run faster. Courses in 10K and 5K distances wind through the Ridglea Hills neighborhood, and proceeds provide scholarships for youths and adults who need assistance affording the Y’s services.
Nov. 28 at 8 a.m. at 6115 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. $34-$39 through Nov. 27 or $40-$45 on Nov. 28 for 10K distance; $29-$34 through Nov. 27 or $35-$40 on Nov. 28 for 5K distance; $22 through Nov. 26 or $40 on Nov. 28 for children’s 1K Gobbler Trot; $10 for dogs; group pricing available. fwtrot.org.
The tagline for this ninth charitable race around Frisco Square says it all: “Run first! Eat later.” Organizers expect upward of 8,000 participants, many in ridiculously awesome holiday costumes, to compete in 10K, 5K and 1-mile events. Strollers and dogs are welcome, but each must be registered and should line up at the back of the pack at the starting line. Proceeds benefit the Miracle League of Frisco, a sports league for children with special needs.
Nov. 28 at 8 a.m. at 5500 Frisco Square Blvd., Frisco. $20-$47.50. northtexasturkeytrot.com.
There are few things as distinctly “Dallas” as NorthPark Center during the holidays. Santa arrives at the city’s premier upscale shopping center Nov. 29 at 10 a.m. to dynamic fanfare performed by the Salvation Army band and the Dallas Cowboys’ drumline in the center’s NorthCourt. Then from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the CenterPark Garden, meet live reindeer and costumed characters from The Nutcracker and enjoy family activities such as face painting, holiday art making, balloon artists and complimentary family photos. Choose an angel from the Salvation Army tree to music by pianist Brad Hanson, and stick around for other live music performances by Mariachi Rosas Divinas (from 2 to 3 p.m.) and a jazz quartet (from 3 to 7 p.m.). Nov. 29 also marks the opening of NorthPark holiday favorites, including Storytime with Santa Claus, the Twelve Days of Christmas Clock, Santa’s Toy Shoppe Puppet Theatre and Scrooge Puppet Theatre.
Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Level 1 at NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expressway, Dallas. Free. northparkcenter.com/holiday.
FREE Some Texans may prefer a Claus who answers to “Hoss,” and Cowboy Santa won’t disappoint. He rolls into the Fort Worth Stockyards on a holly-adorned stagecoach pulled not by Rudolph, but a sturdy equine steed. Wearing festive leather boots, a snazzy Western-style coat and a horseman’s hat, the jolly old cowhand will follow the 11:30 a.m. herd cattle drive on Nov. 29 to bring holiday cheer to buckaroos. Family activities after the parade include photos with Santa, cowboy poetry, story time with Mrs. Claus, face painting and more.
Nov. 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Stockyards Station, 131 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth. Free. Holidays in the Stockyards events continue Fridays-Sundays through Dec. 22. fortworthstockyards.org.
FREE The three-day holiday street festival in historic downtown McKinney kicks off Nov. 29 with the lighting of the city’s 34-foot-tall blue spruce Christmas tree, followed by live music performed by Ricki Derek and the Ho, Ho, Ho Orchestra. The festival will include roaming costumed characters, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, visits from Santa and other holiday attractions.
Nov. 29-30 from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Dec. 1 from noon to 5 p.m. around the downtown square, at West Virginia and North Kentucky streets, McKinney. Tree lighting is Nov. 29 at 6:15 p.m. on the McKinney Performing Arts Center lawn (Kentucky Street side). Free admission. mckinneytexas.org (search “holidays”).
If you’re skeptical about local enthusiasm for Japanese animation, this fact might change your mind: Anime Dallas drew more than 2,000 attendees during its inaugural run. Affordable and fan- focused, this second annual three-day convention features nearly 20 celebrities, writers, illustrators, voice actors and cosplay artists such as David Wald (Shadow Skill), J. Michael Tatum (Samurai 7) and Monica Rial (Assassination Classroom), who is the most prolific anime voice actor in the U.S. Get autographs, compete in a costume contest and attend panels on topics such as acting audition tips.
Nov. 29-Dec. 1 at the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport, 2334 N. International Parkway, DFW Airport. $40 for three-day pass. Dec. 1 admission is $10 for ages 13 and older, free for children 12 and under. animedallas.com.
FREE Arlington’s German-inspired holiday fest is back. The family- and dog-friendly outdoor market features music and other performances, a warming hut, food and drink for sale, and more than 20 holiday vendors selling gifts and decorations. Market attendees will be able to shop exclusive Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas decorations and designs from the Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village in Germany. There will also be an outdoor ice rink, which will be open past the market, through Jan. 12.
Nov. 29-Dec. 22 on Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 1650 E. Randol Mill Road, Arlington, near Texas Live and Globe Life Field. Free admission. txchristkindlmarket.com.
FREE Visit Toyota Music Factory’s Lottery Plaza for a day of holiday shopping, live music, festive treats and activities. Shoppers can browse booths of local small businesses selected for the Boho Market before gathering for the lighting of the 30-foot tree at 8 p.m. There will also be a performance by Lady Diamond and the Ruff Rubies.
Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Toyota Music Factory, 316 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving. Free admission and parking. toyotamusicfactory.com.
Look for something special at these North Texas holiday pop-ups and Christmas markets
If you want to be the best gift giver in the group, head to one of these holiday pop-ups and Christmas markets. We’ve gathered the top shops, including ones that take you back to the days of yore, feature an international heritage or offer upcycled and vintage finds. So make your list, check it twice and best even the big man in the red suit this holiday season.
Small business owners make sacrifices in hopes that one day their dedication will transform into “Champagne wishes and caviar dreams.” Toast the hardworking entrepreneurs of Deep Ellum during this Small Business Saturday edition of the neighborhood’s monthly sip-and-stroll event. Purchase a limited-edition glass designed by local artists, present your ID and receive a wristband and map to participating venues. From there, wander through the artsy streets and dip in and out of independent shops, where you’ll find free bubbly and unique holiday gifts.
Nov. 30 from noon to 3 p.m., starting at 2650 Main St., Dallas. $10 in advance or $15 at the event for a glass and samples. facebook.com/discoverdeepellum.
Mesquite’s new Major Arena Soccer League team will play a North Texas rival this weekend. The indoor game against the Dallas Sidekicks, Allen’s MASL team, is the home opener of the Outlaws’ inaugural season, and the first 1,000 ticket holders will receive commemorative scarves. Fans can go on the field after the game to meet the Outlaws’ players and coaches. And there will be bounce houses to keep children entertained.
Nov. 30 at 7:05 p.m. at Mesquite Arena, 1818 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite. Doors open at 6 p.m. $10-$25. mesquiteoutlaws.com.
FREE Santa’s cool and all, but the star of this annual tree lighting is, arguably, the Christmas Monkey — a live, adorable primate primed for photo ops. Meet him (and Santa, of course), as well as live reindeer and favorite costumed characters. Mrs. Claus will hold a story time, and guests can ride a trackless train to festive tunes by the Hebron High School Choir. There will also be dance performances, a DJ, face painting and a balloon artist before Santa lights the plaza’s 68-foot tree after sunset.
Nov. 30 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Castle Hills Village Shops and Plaza, 2520 King Arthur Blvd., Lewisville. Free. Prices vary for concessions. castlehillsvillageshops.com.
FREE Greenville Avenue Pizza Co. is the first stop on this jolly tour. That’s where guests can purchase a souvenir mug for $15 that unlocks a sleigh full of freebies and specials at participating bars, restaurants and shops. From there, explore as you please, getting lit on Christmas cocktails, Champagne toasts and seasonal beers — if you’re 21 or older, of course. Santa will ho-ho-hold court from 6 to 8 p.m. at GAPCo except when he’s presiding over a lighting ceremony at Tacos Mariachi at 7 p.m. Take nonperishable donations for the “Reverse Food Truck” (meaning you give food instead of receiving some). In return, you’ll receive an ornament from your favorite Lowest Greenville establishment.
Nov. 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. at multiple venues, beginning at GAPCo, 1923 Greenville Ave., Dallas. Free; $15 for a souvenir mug. facebook.com/lowestgreenville.
FREE You don’t have to be an overnight guest of this luxury hotel to attend the festive kickoff to the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas’ ongoing holiday programming. The event is open to the public and admission is free, as are photos with Santa and reindeer, live music, face painting, entertainment by an elf balloon artist, rides on a trackless train and treats from a build-your-own hot chocolate bar. But do take cash to purchase delectable treats by executive chef Christof Syré, including tamales, doughnuts, gingerbread cookies and waffles-on- a-stick with a Texas twist.
Dec. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. on the Outlaw Taproom’s patio at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, 4150 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving. Free and open to the public. Prices vary for select food and drink items. facebook.com/fourseasonsresortdallas.
It’s actually been more than 50 years since the Fab Four released the game-changing double album without any cover art that forms the title of this show. Timeline aside, The White Album gets the tribute treatment from some celebrated Beatles contemporaries including Micky Dolenz of the Monkees, Todd Rundgren and “Sailing” singer Christopher Cross.
Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. at the Theatre at Grand Prairie, 1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie. $35-$129.75. theatregp.com.
What is yer name? What is yer quest? Who is yer favorite Python? Pass through, all who respond “John Cleese,” to this prestigious film ceremony featuring the beloved and revered British comedian. In honor of the 50th anniversary of Monty Python’s Flying Circus and the 45th year since the program’s American debut — via KERA-TV (Channel 13) no less — Dallas VideoFest salutes the silly-walking artiste of absurdity with a lifetime achievement award named for late legend Ernie Kovacs. Dress as your favorite Cleese character; a reception follows with photo ops and limited autographed items. (He’s also performing at WinStar this weekend.)
Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Texas Theatre, 231 W. Jefferson Blvd., Dallas. $35 for awards show admission, $100 for the awards show and reception at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center, 223 W. Jefferson Blvd., Dallas. videofest.org.
Holiday celebrations, get in line. The first week of December is for Repeal Day. Liquor lovers unite at both Whiskey Cake locations to salute their favorite libations and the end of Prohibition on Dec. 5, 1933. Classic cocktails such as Old-Fashioneds, Sazeracs and Manhattans will be on special, as will the bars’ featured drink: a gin-based craft cocktail called the 1933. Each will be $10 before 9 p.m. and $5 after. Or order a flight of four whiskeys for $19.33 all day. Roaring ’20s costumes are encouraged, and there’ll be live entertainment. Use the code word “Roosevelt” to upgrade the whiskey in an Old-Fashioned to Woodford Reserve.
Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Whiskey Cake Plano, 3601 Dallas Parkway, Plano, and Whiskey Cake Las Colinas, 3225 Regent Blvd., Irving. Free admission. Menu prices vary. facebook.com/whiskeycake.
FREE The stores and restaurants of the festively lit luxury shopping center will be open extended hours and offer specials, raffles, promotions, seasonal sips and treats. There’ll also be live performances by local groups such as St. Michael’s Children’s Choir, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Village Theatre and more. In the holiday spirit of giving, attendees can donate to local charity partners, including the North Texas Food Bank, Salvation Army and S.M. Wright Foundation.
Dec. 5 from 4 to 8 p.m. at 47 Highland Park Village, Dallas. Free admission and complimentary valet parking. hpvillage.com.
FREE The tree-lighting ceremony in Garland’s historic downtown square will kick off the monthlong spectacular of 100,000 lights around the area programmed to holiday music. School carolers will perform, and hot chocolate will be available.
Dec. 5 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Fifth and Sixth streets between State and Main streets in Garland. The lights will be on Dec. 5-31, nightly from 5 to 10. Free. christmasonthesquare.com.
FREE This annual celebration in downtown Cedar Hill features the official lighting of the city’s tree, plus children’s activities and games, an ice rink, a snow maze, live performances and photos with Santa.
Dec. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. in historic downtown Cedar Hill, 600 Cedar St. Free parking at J.C. Penney, 200 Uptown Blvd., with shuttle service to the event. Free admission. cedarhilltx.com (search “holiday”).
The Hilton Anatole transforms its outdoor park into a winter wonderland with light displays, train rides, interactive family entertainment, North Pole miniature golf, cookie decorating, a teddy bear factory, face painting and more. There will also be nightly tree lightings.
Nov. 29-Dec. 23 on Fridays, Saturdays and select dates from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Hilton Anatole, 2201 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas. $24.95, $19.95 for children 3-17, free for children 2 and younger. Some activities are included in the ticket price; others require coupons. peppermintpark.info.
The top places to see Christmas lights and other holiday displays in Dallas-Fort Worth
The top places to see Christmas lights in Dallas-Fort Worth
By Deborah Fleck and Shannon Sutlief
FREE More than 175,000 lights blink to holiday music in downtown Frisco. Visitors can drive through and turn their radios to 107.3 FM for the holiday tunes. For those who’d like to walk through the display, music will be played on speakers throughout the square. The event also includes the Skate the Square outdoor ice rink through Jan. 6, which costs $12 per person, including skates. And the Christmas Tree Maze will be back, with a path through about 250 flocked Christmas trees inside a tent. The maze is $8 per person.
Nov. 29-Dec. 31, nightly from 6 to 10, at Frisco Square, Main Street and Coleman Boulevard, Frisco. Free admission; some attractions require a fee. friscosquare.com/cits.
FREE Stroll through Vitruvian Park’s 12 acres to see over 550 illuminated trees wrapped in 1.5 million sparkling LED lights. The lights will be turned on Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. and will be on nightly through Jan. 1. A Magical Night of Lights celebrations with live music, photos with Santa, food trucks and more will be Dec. 7 and 14 from 6 to 10 p.m.
Nov. 29-Jan. 1, nightly from 5 to 11 at 3966 Vitruvian Way, Addison. Free admission. Parking is free at Vitruvian Park and Bella Lane, Park Road and Ponte Avenue parking lots, except for event nights, when it’s $10 cash at the park and Alfred J. Loos Sports Complex, 3815 Spring Valley Road. vitruvianpark.com.
Four million lights twinkle along a 2-mile path at this drive-through holiday attraction, which offers new displays in shapes of all kinds. Half way through, visitors can hop out at the Holiday Village to view the updated Holiday Magic Lighted Walk-Through Forest and a new Indoor Holiday Show, both included in general admission. Holiday Village also includes carnival rides, photos with Santa (through Dec. 23), concessions and a gift shop.
Nov. 28-Dec. 31 at Lynn Creek Park, 5610 Lake Ridge Parkway, Grand Prairie. Admission starts at $45 per car. prairielights.org.
Texas Motor Speedway turns into a winter wonderland for this annual drive-through attraction, which stretches 2 miles and features nearly 3 million LED lights. There’s also a Santa’s Village with train rides, photos with Santa (through Dec. 24) and ice skating, all for small fees. This annual holiday event benefits local charities including the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth, KLTY-FM (94.9)’s Christmas Wish and Speedway Children’s Charities.
Nov. 28-Jan. 5, nightly from 6 to 10, at 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth. $30 per car or truck, $50-$60 for larger vehicles. $2 off for first responders and military with ID or per car donating five canned goods. giftoflightstexas.com.
FREE Towering in the middle of a skating rink at Galleria Dallas stands what is said to be America’s tallest indoor Christmas tree, sparkling with nearly half a million lights and more than 10,000 ornaments. Starting Nov. 29, the tree’s daily Illumination Celebration light shows will be set to music. And on Grand Tree Lighting dates, free ice shows will feature Missile Toes, a Santa who shoots sparks from his skates and does back flips. Find more lights on Level 3, where 44 palm trees are wrapped in 50,000 lights. Lots of family festivities are scheduled throughout the season.
The tree is up through Jan. 5 at Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway. Most special events begin Nov. 29 and end Dec. 24. For a detailed schedule, go to galleriadallas.com.
FREE The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and its tree-dotted grounds will be illuminated for the season. Most days, the museum closes before dark, but it’s open Tuesdays until 7 p.m. and Fridays until 8 p.m. Gallery admission is free on Fridays. Cafe Modern, which has dining room views of the display, is open on Tuesdays in December (except Christmas Eve) until 7 p.m. for “Lights, Flights and Bites” and on Fridays from 5 to 8:30 p.m. for “Dinner With Lights.” For reservations, call 817-840-2157.
Nov. 29-Feb. 2, nightly from 5 to midnight at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth. Free gardens admission; prices vary for gallery admission and dinners. themodern.org.