Christmas weekend has finally arrived and there are plenty of holiday events and more happening Around Town. KRLD's John Liddle has the rundown.
Billy Bob's: BRI BAGWELL (Thur) / TANNER USREY (Fri)
Where: Billy Bob's, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Ft Worth
When: Thursday at 9 p.m., Friday at 10 p.m.
Cost: $16 - $28
More info: https://billybobstexas.com/events
Christmas at the Anatole
Experience an outdoor Christmas adventure at North Pole Texas this holiday season. Each weekend between November 18 and December 24, 2022, Hilton Anatole transforms into a winter wonderland – perfect for the whole family. You could stay and get the North Pole Texas Room Experience, or hit up Breakfast With Santa. With North Pole Texas - there are more than 40 activities including: North Pole Village, Alpine Village, Toyland and more!
Where: Hilton Anatole, 2201 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas
When: Dec 21-24
Cost: $38 and up
More info: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dfwanhh-hilton-anatole/things-to-do/christmas/
A Christmas Carol: A New Musical Comedy
Casa Mañana presents a new, fresh twist on a classic Dickens tale that will have children ages 4 to 100 laughing alike. A Christmas Carol: A New Musical Comedy features a contemporary pop score and current pop culture references that they guarantee will have you dancing in the aisles.
Where: Casa Mañana Theatre, 3101 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth
When: Select dates through December 23
Cost: $19 and up
More info: https://casamanana.org/events/a-christmas-carol-a-new-musical-comedy/
A Christmas Carol at Dallas Theater Center
Three spirits have come to visit the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, and to take him on a fantastic journey through Christmases past, present, and future. Brimming with joyful songs, magical spirits, and holiday cheer, this holiday classic embodies a story of joy, redemption, and the spirit of Christmas. This holiday classic is suitable for all ages. The show runs 90 minutes with no intermission.
Where: Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, 2400 Flora St., Dallas
When: Through December 24
Cost: $17.50 and up
More info: https://dallastheatercenter.org/shows/a-christmas-carol/
Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland
Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland is a must-see holiday event to usher in the magic of the season. Igniting joy and wonder to Comerica Center on Thursday, December 22 at 7:00 PM, "Wonderland" is an all-new musical journey that will transport audiences to a magical land far away for a fun-filled, unforgettable holiday-themed show experience.
Where: Comerica Center, Frisco
When: Thursday, December 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $28 - $100
More info: https://www.comericacenter.com/events/detail/cirque-musica-holiday-wonderland
Dallas Arboretum: Holiday at the Arboretum
Holiday at the Arboretum returns with a garden transformed for the magic of the season including the return of the Christmas Village, the 12 Days of Christmas and the Dazzling Musical Tree! They also invite you to visit the historic DeGolyer House, elaborately decorated by renowned designer Michael Hamilton, with a NEW exhibit, The Artistry of Faith & Culture, that celebrates the diversity of the holiday season in Dallas. This new seasonal exhibit, open each day, and every Monday–Wednesday evening, beginning November 10, prominently features the three world holidays celebrated during the run of the festival: Christmas, Hannukah and Kwanzaa.
Where: 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas
When: Daily through December 31
Cost: $12-$20 (and up)
More info: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/holiday-at-the-arboretum/
Dinosaurs Live
Visitors to Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney will be able to let their imagination run wild as they travel back in time along a half-mile nature trail with eleven life-size animatronic dinosaurs. During the 17th Annual Dinosaurs Live! Life-Size Animatronic Dinosaurs exhibit, these animatronic dinosaurs will move and roar, providing an experience sure to captivate visitors. This exhibit will also offer interesting facts about both herbivorous and carnivorous dinosaurs.
Children and the young at heart will also have the opportunity to play on stationary baby dinosaurs, a photo-op Tyrannosaurus rex and a photo op Pachyrhinosaurus. This year's exhibit will also feature an outdoor hadrosaur fossil dig to inspire future paleontologists.
Where: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl., McKinney
When: Daily September 3 through February 20, 2023
Cost: $12
Enchant at Fair Park
It's billed as "The World's Largest Christmas Light Maze and Village," and it's back in Dallas through January 1. Escape to an incredible illuminated winter wonderland. Experience a world of adventure featuring over 4 million sparkling lights creating an immersive walk-thru, story-themed maze. Discover the charming Village offering ice-skating, live entertainment, dining, holiday shopping, Santa & Mrs. Claus, and much more.
Where: Fair Park, 1121 1st Ave., Dallas
When: Now through January 1
Cost: $20 - $34 for admission. Parking is $15
More info: https://www.enchantmagic.com/
Fort Worth Botanic Garden: Lightscape
Lightscape is coming to Fort Worth's Botanic Garden for the 2022 holiday season. Lightscape will feature spectacular artistic installations that come to life after dark with color, imagination, and sound. Walk a one-mile-long path with suspended strands and tunnels of light, a fire garden, undulating wave of bluebonnets, singing trees, treetop sculptures, and artistic installations. Then toast marshmallows over a fire and drink hot chocolate and other seasonal drinks at stations along the trail.
Where: Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd.,Fort Worth
When: Daily through January 8
Cost: $18 - $28
More info: https://fwbg.org/calendar-events/signature-events/lightscape/
Harry Connick, Jr.'s The Happy Elf
From the Grammy–winning musician, Harry Connick, Jr - this jazz musical is sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Eubie is, much to the exhaustion of his coworkers, an elf of unparalleled and endless energy looking to get a spot on Santa's coveted sleigh team. When his unstoppably sunny spirit comes into contact with the miserable town of Bluesville – where every single child is on the naughty list – he's in for the shock of a lifetime. Will his relentless positive attitude be enough to turn this gloomy place around, or has the happiest elf in the North Pole finally met his match?
Where: Dallas Children's Theater, 5938 Skillman St, Dallas
When: December 20-23
Cost: $18 and up
More info: https://www.dct.org/plays/
Gift of Lights
The Gift of Lights is back at Texas Motor Speedway. You can enjoy the magical sights of the season from the comfort of your own warm car. And since tickets are sold by the carload, why not bring the whole family? For cars and trucks, the cost is $30. You'll drive under the huge grandstands at TMS, and through a beautiful land celebrating the season.
Where: Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth
When: Daily through January 1
Cost: $30 per car
More info: https://www.giftoflightstexas.com/
Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle
The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle is the ultimate holiday experience for the entire family. The Nutcracker is brought to life on a majestic scale! Your family will be enchanted by Tchaikovsky's sweeping music as they are immersed in holiday wonder with breathtaking projections, magical special effects, a life-sized nutcracker, magical photo ops, and more!
Where: Lighthouse Dallas, 507 S. Harwood St., Dallas
When: Dec 14-24; Dec 26-31
Cost: $27 and up
More info: https://www.immersive-nutcracker.com/dallas/
"Liberty & Laughter: The Lighter Side of the White House"
The George W. Bush Presidential Center's special exhibit glimpses behind-the-scenes into the lighter side of life in the White House. Entertaining first family anecdotes, interactive multimedia, and amusing artifacts unveil presidential pranks, inside jokes, and more. Revealing how humor has evolved from our Founding Fathers to the present day makes one thing readily apparent – laughter remains vital to a thriving democracy.
Where: George W. Bush Presidential Center, 2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas
When: Through December 31
Cost: $26
More info: https://www.bushcenter.org/exhibits-and-events/exhibits/2020/liberty-and-laughter.html
Light Displays - Area Neighborhoods
Light displays you have to pay for are wonderful. But some of the best Chrsitmas light sight-seeing is just driving through legacy neighborhoods that go all-out for the holiday!
Check out the following neighborhoods:
Deerfield - Plano ︳Legacy & Colonnade (but there are many entrances)
Highland Park ︳Armstrong & Preston
Interlochen - Arlington ︳Westwood Drive at Randol Mill Road
Cost: Free
The Light Park
The Most EXCITING and ELECTRIFYING Light Show South of the North Pole, The Light Park is a dazzling, mile-long, drive-thru spectacular (located at Hurricane Harbor in Arlington). Priced per vehicle, rather than per person, the more is truly merrier for visitors who want to travel through the longest light tunnel in the world, rock out to the coolest tunes, and celebrate the holiday season with the most Instagram Reel-worthy shots.
Where: Hurricane Harbor Arlington, 1800 E Lamar Blvd, Arlington
When: November 4 - January 1
Cost: $29 and up
More info: https://www.thelightpark.com/arlington
Lights on the Farm at Heritage Farmstead Museum
Lights on the Farm will feature over one million lights in festive yuletide displays. There will be plenty to see and do as visitors walk our historic path. Visitors begin their scenic stroll on Candycane lane.Santa will be located in his farmshop and guests can write Santa a letter while they wait to take their own photo with the jolly old elf. Poncho's pasture will also feature elaborate displays, including a twenty foot tall Christmas tree. Guests can sit a spell and enjoy a s'more before they conclude their visit through an illuminated tunnel of lights which includes music and animated light displays. The event is scheduled on weekends through December 30. Tours will begin every evening at 6:00pm allowing entry to the park every 20 minutes. The last guests will be admitted at 9:00pm and the Farmstead will close at 10:00pm.
Where: Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 W. 15th St., Plano
When: Now through December 30
Cost: $7 - $15
More info: https://www.heritagefarmstead.org/events-1/lights-on-the-farm-2022/
Lights on The Lake Little Elm
Along with an incredible light show, Lights on The Lake will offer pictures with Santa, a hot air balloon glow, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and an ice skating rink. The 24-nights-of-lights event will also have food trucks, vendors, and many Instagrammable spots perfect for your holiday pictures. This event will feature entertainment such as live music and dance performances. In addition, each weekend will include themes such as Frozen featuring Anna and Elsa, The Grinch, The Elf on the Shelf, Santa and take pictures with The Big Guy!
Where: Little Elm Park, 701 W El Dorado, Little Elm
When: Thursdays - Sundays now through December 25
Cost: $16 - $30 (per person pricing)
More info: https://lakefrontlittleelm.com/events/lights-on-the-lake/
North Pole Express at the Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Experience the magic of Christmas on board Grapevine Vintage Railroad's North Pole Express. Join Mrs. Claus on a 40- to 45-minute holiday adventure as she takes guests to bring Santa to the Christmas Capital of Texas. Guests will receive a cookie baked in Mrs. Claus's North Pole kitchens, a beautiful "We Believe" bell, and a taste of Santa's Frosty Chocolate Snow Milk (served in a keepsake Memory Mug). First Class Coach tickets are $40 per person, and touring Class Coach tickets are $35 per person. Their beautifully restored coaches are climate controlled.
Where: 701 S Main St., Grapevine
When: Daily through December 23
Cost: $35 - $40
More info: https://tickets.grapevineticketline.com/event/north-pole-express-2022-2
The Nutcracker from Texas Ballet Theatre
Featuring dazzling choreography and exquisite sets, The Nutcracker celebrates the season with enchantment, snowflakes, and sweets. Performing at Bass Performance Hall from December 9-24.
Where: Bass Hall
When: December 20-24
Cost: $20 and up
More info: https://texasballettheater.org/performance/nutcracker-2022/
Perot Museum of Nature and Science - "The Science Behind Pixar"
Be inspired to infinity…and beyond! Explore the artistry, science and technology behind some of the most beloved animated films and their characters with This interactive exhibition showcases the STEM concepts used by the artists and computer scientists who help bring Pixar's award-winning films to the big screen.
Where: Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas
When: Daily through September 4, 2023
Cost: $15 - youth / $25 - adults
More info: https://www.perotmuseum.org/exhibits/the-science-behind-pixar/
Radiance! & Frozen in Frisco
Featuring TWO wondrous winter experiences in ONE location, Radiance's all-new 'walk at your leisure' layout gives guests the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in the spirit of the season, sip hot chocolate and stroll through a holiday wonderland of three million dazzling lights with one-of-a-kind social media moments.
While at Radiance's sister park, Frozen, visit Mount Frisco Ice Tubing, where friends and family can soar down a two-story, eight-lane ice hill. Enjoy a beautiful yuletide glide under a starry Texas night on the outdoor skating rink. Then, throw REAL snowballs at moving targets and mischievous elves at Santa's Snowball Toss before meeting the star of the show, Santa Claus himself! All-new this year, create your own frozen friend at Build Your Own Snowman, and test your axe chucking skills before Krampus can decide if you're naughty or nice with Merry AXE-MAS Axe Throwing!
Where: Riders Field in Frisco
When: November 18 through December 31
Cost: $35 and up
More info: https://www.radiancechristmas.com/
Radiance at the Ranch: A Holiday Light Spectacular
Holiday magic returns to Radiance at the Ranch. It's a drive-through light spectacular at Parker County Sheriff's Posse. View over three million lights, while listening to your favorite holiday classics from the comfort of your vehicle. VIP admission includes a VIP entrance lane for faster access to the show, hot chocolate for every member of the family and Magic Light Glasses and treats for the kids!
Where: Parker County Sheriff's Posse, 2251 Mineral Wells Hwy., Weatherford
When: Daily through December 31
Cost: $26 to $50 / vehicle
More info: https://www.radiancechristmas.com/weatherford
Six
From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over! The SIX: LIVE ON OPENING NIGHT Broadway album debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard cast album charts and surpassed 6 Million streams in its first month.
Where: Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora St., Dallas
When: December 6 - 25
Cost: $40 and up
More info: https://broadwaydallas.org/shows/six/
Stockyards Rodeo Rink
The Fort Worth Stockyards is the site of an all-new ice skating rink this winter. In addition to the skating excitement, check out Cowboy Santa's Winter Wonderland, plus live music and holiday lights.
Where: Fort Worth Stockyards, Fort Worth
When: Daily through Feb 5
Cost: $20
More info: https://fortworthstockyards.com/events/stockyards-rodeo-rink/
Texas Christkindl Market
Enjoy German-inspired holiday fun at the Texas Christkindl Market. This delightful, FREE, family-friendly market, inspired by a cherished German tradition, features holiday gifts, decorations, music and other traditional festive goods. Holiday shoppers will enjoy exclusive Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas decorations and designs from the renowned Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Village in Germany. You'll find unique local vendors, German food, festive music, and more!
Where: North Plaza at Globe Life Field, Arlington
When: Daily through December 23
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.txchristkindlmarket.com/
The Trains at NorthPark
The Trains at NorthPark is back for its 35th season. They call it the most elaborate miniature toy train exhibit in Texas. Travel across America as the trains (with 750 rail cars) navigate 1,600 feet of track, chugging past features like the White House, Time Square, Grand Central Station, the Grand Canyon, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more. Most importantly, the exhibit benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. Since 1987, the Trains have raised more than $13 million for RMHD allowing them to serve more than 40,000 families.
Where: NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expy, Dallas
When: Now - January 6
Cost: $10 adults, $5 for ages 3-12. $5 for seniors
More info: https://www.thetrainsatnorthpark.com/
A Very Electric Christmas
Follow the story of a young bird, named Max and his family, as they begin their journey south for the winter. When Max gets blown off course and ends up at the North Pole...his adventure begins! Dancing toy soldiers, caroling worms and performing poinsettia, light up the stage in Lightwire Theater's A Very Electric Christmas.
Where: Courtyard Theater, 1509 H Ave, Plano
When: December 23 at 2:30 and 5:30
Cost: $35 - $70
More info: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36072/production/1140372
Vitruvian Lights - at Addison
Vitruvian Park transforms into a magical holiday wonderland during Vitruvian Lights. Stroll through the park, enjoy the view, and grab dinner at local restaurants. Admission is free. Parking available onsite at Vitruvian Park ($15); Bella Lane Parking Lot, Park Road Parking Lot, and Ponte Avenue Parking Lot.
Where: Vitruvian Park, 3966 Vitruvian Way, Addison
When: Daily through January 1, from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.udr.com/vitruvian-park/vitruvian-park-events/
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