Compiled by RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
Dallas-Fort Worth is gearing up for a spectacular holiday season, with a whole lot of festive cheer and a calendar packed with events and experiences coming your way. Dazzling light displays, ice skating, theater performances and obviously visits with the ultimate daddy bear Santa Claus are all on deck to celebrate the holidays this year. So get that gay apparel out and check out this running list of holiday happenings right here.
Dallas Zoo Lights: The holiday event returns for its ninth year and features over 2.5 million lights and immersive experiences of light displays, animal vignettes and more. New additions include: Luxury Holiday Igloos, private, cozy retreats for up to six with optional food/beverage, the Dallas Zoo Lights Combo Ticket (explore the Zoo by day starting at 2:30 p.m. and stay for the night lights for $10 more), and Expanded Light Displays across nine themed zones. For more information and tickets, visit DallasZoo.com..
Dates: Nov. 14-Jan.4.
A Very Merry Village at The Village, Dallas
This holiday pop-up located on the second floor of The Village Country Club, offers a free, immersive experience with festive cocktails, themed bites, and a photo-worthy atmosphere. Guests can stroll down a Main Street featuring glowing decor, light installations, and a 50-foot Christmas tree. Special ticketed events like Sip & Wrap and Holiday Carol-oke, live music and movie nights are also offered. It’s open to all in the early evening but becomes a 21+ nightlife destination after 8 p.m.. No reservations required. For more information, visit: VeryMerryVillage.com/
Dates: Nov. 28-Dec. 27.
The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas holiday experiences
Starting Nov. 29 guests are invited for a lineup of themed events ideal for adults and families. You can also do your part as well. The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas is an official Toys for Tots partner, accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys starting Nov. 29.
The RITZ Alpine Chalet Collection: Step into an enchanting Alpine escape with luxury cabanas and daybeds transformed into private winter chalets. Indulge in s’mores, cheese fondue, charcuterie, and Moët & Chandon while watching holiday movies poolside. Choose from Luxe Alpine Escape Chalets, Starlight Mini Chalets, or Gilded Glow Hideaways. Enhance your evening with Bachendorf’s luxe add-on options. Pricing starts at $50 for two guests. Reservations can be made here.
Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 21 on Saturdays and Sundays, 6-10 p.m.
Holiday Movies Under the Stars: Enjoy holiday classics on the outdoor big screen. Guests can view from cabanas, daybeds, or turf seating while sipping seasonal beverages. Reservations are required and can be made here. Free with costs added for special seating and add-ons.
Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 21 on Saturdays and Sundays, 6-10 p.m.
Holiday Tea with Santa: Enjoy a 90-minute festive tea service featuring seasonal savories, sweets, bubbles and the opportunity to visit with Santa Claus. Children can write letters, participate in story time and take home a holiday keepsake gift. $125 per adult; $55 per child aged 5-12; free for children 5 and under. Reservations can be made here.
Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 20 on Saturdays and Sundays, tea times at noon and 3 p.m.
Holiday Tree Lighting: Experience the hotel’s 24-foot Christmas tree comes to life when Santa enters on horseback to press the big button to light it up. Gather poolside for festive films under the stars, s’mores stations, a Bachendorf’s holiday pop-up, and a Moët & Chandon champagne bar. Guests are invited to contribute to our toy drive while enjoying live entertainment, a charm bar, and enchanting holiday décor. Reservations are required and can be made here.
Date: Dec. 6, 6-8 p.m. Free entry with toy donation.
One Christmas Carol at Onstage in Bedford: This one-man show brings Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to life with over 35 distinct characters, using only three chairs. Stripped of holiday opulence, it focuses on the core themes of selfishness and selflessness. The single actor embodies all the familiar characters—Scrooge, the Cratchitts, Tiny Tim and the Ghosts—delivering a story and moral lessons without scenery or costumes. Visit OnstageinBedford.com for tickets.
Dates: Dec. 4-21.
Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings by Lyric Stage: At first, Francis, Jinx, Smudge and Sparky aren’t sure why they’ve returned to Earth for another posthumous performance, but a phone call from the heavenly Rosemary Clooney lets them know they’re needed to put a little harmony into a discordant world. Sprinkled among the Christmas offerings are audience favorites, like their riotous three-minute-and-eleven-second version of The Ed Sullivan Show with special guests, as well as a Plaid Caribbean Christmas that puts the “Day-O” in Excelsis! For tickets, visit LyricStage.org.
Dates: Dec. 5-21.
Christmas in Killarney at the Coppell Arts Center. Set in Killarney, Ireland in the late 1920’s, this concert showcases holiday traditions and features favorite Christmas songs along with Irish dancers leaping through the air and tapping to the music and harmonies of the season. For tickets, visit CoppellArtsCenter.org.
Date: Dec. 7 at 2 and 6 p.m.
Holiday Stroll at Artisan Circle
Holiday Stroll at Artisan Circle: Artisan Located in Fort Worth’s Cultural District hosts a free, family-friendly celebration featuring a Holiday Market along Crockett Street, complimentary hot chocolate and live entertainment. Artisan Circle will also accept canned good donations for the Tarrant Area Food Bank. Free garage parking is available. Visit ArtisanCircleFW.com for more information.
Date: Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Galleria Dallas hosts Hanukkah Celebration: The Galleria Dallas launches the holiday tradition of the lighting of a Hanukkah menorah to celebrate the season. The shopping center will host a ceremonial lighting of the first candle on the menorah, which is located on Level 1, near Zara. Visitors can enjoy traditional jelly doughnuts and music by Kol Shalom, along with remarks by Rabbi Andrew Paley from Temple Shalom at 5 p.m. One candle on the menorah will be lit every evening of Hanukkah.
Date: Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. Candles lit through Dec. 22.
Sister’s Christmas Catechism at the Eisemann Center: It’s “CSI: Bethlehem” as Sister takes on the mystery – whatever happened to the Magi’s gold? Retelling the story of the nativity, as only Sister can for this comic holiday production. For tickets, visit EisemannCenter.com.
Dates: Dec. 20 and 21.
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