The icy weather is not the only indicator that Christmas is around the corner. From the impressive lights displayed around town to the array for upcoming holiday festivities, there are plenty of opportunities to get your fix of Christmas cheer this holiday season.
Here is a list of sights and activities happening in Dallas to get you into the holiday spirit before Christmas Day.
Scenes
SMU’s Celebration of Lights lit up Dallas Hall, but there are many other sites with impressive Christmas lights to check out around town.
What: Sparkle! Christmas at the Anatole
When: Nov. 29 — Jan. 4
Where: Hilton Anatole Hotel
Time: 9 a.m. to midnight
The hotel is decked out in one million lights for an event that features a skating rink and live entertainment. For more information on hours and admission, visit christmasattheanatole.com.
What: Macy’s Grand Tree Lighting Celebration
When:Nov. 29 — Dec. 4
Where: Galleria Dallas
Time: 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. (No 8 p.m. shows on Sundays)
If you still need to get some Christmas shopping completed, head to Galleria Dallas, where you will also find a 95-foot Christmas tree. The mall will host an Illumination Celebration lighting the tree to music of the season.
What: Farmers Branch Light the Night: Christmas Tour of Lights
When: Dec. 16 — Dec. 30
Where: Farmers Branch Historical Park
Time: 6:30 — 9:30 p.m.
After a delayed opening due to inclement weather, the Farmers Branch Christmas Tree Lighting will be held Friday at 7 p.m. and the Tour of Lights will resume Monday.
Until Dec. 30, visitors can also view the lights through the historic driving tour that starts at Valley View Lane and Interstate 35 and continues toward Farmers Branch City Hall and Historical Park.
Shows
What: “A Christmas Carol”
When: Nov. 22 — Dec. 24
Where: Wyly Theatre
Time: Showtimes vary
Enjoy Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale live at the Wyly Theatre by attending a performance of “A Christmas Carol.”
The show this year is sure to entertain with special effects like flying ghosts and falling snow.
Rather than feeling like Scrooge this week during finals, take a study break and see the real Scrooge learn the lesson that giving brings greater happiness than receiving.
What: Holiday in the Park
When: Nov. 23 — Jan. 6
Where: Six Flags Over Texas
Six Flags Over Texas theme park is decked in twinkling lights for “Holiday in the Park,” an event where guests can enjoy holiday treats, make Christmas crafts, hop aboard SantaLand Express and even enter Santa’s Workshop.
For more information, visit content.sixflags.com/holiday_sfot/things-to-do.
What: Trans-Siberian Orchestra
When: Dec. 30
Where: American Airlines Center
Time: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
On Dec. 30, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be performing at the American Airlines Center.
As the group who released the classic holiday song, “Wizards of Winter,” the orchestra is a great show to see over the holidays. Visit trans-siberian.com/tour1 for more information.
Events
What: Ice skating at Klyde Warren Park
When: Dec. 13 — Jan. 31
Time: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.
As of Friday, Klyde Warren Park will feature an ice skating rink to park patrons. Skate rentals are free Friday and skate lessons will normally be $5 during the week and $10 on weekends but will be offered complimentary this Saturday and Sunday. Park patrons can bring their own ice skates to use with no additional charge.
What: Candlelight
When: Dec. 14 and 15
Where: Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park
Time: 3 to 9 p.m.
Celebrate the gifts of the season at the Candlelight event at Dallas Heritage Village Saturday. Visitors can learn the traditions of Christmas and Hanukkah, enjoy strolling carolers, make holiday crafts, ride in donkey-pulled carriages and even share holiday wish lists with old St. Nicholas.
The event will also feature local groups performing on three stages throughout the evening. Food will be available from food trucks and a bake sale. For more information, visit dallasheritagevillage.org.
What: Treats of Christmas
When: Dec. 21
Where: NorthPark Center
Time: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Head to NorthPark Center on Dec. 21 for Treats of Christmas, the ultimate holiday bake sale benefitting the North Texas Food Bank’s Cooking Matters, an organization that empowers more than 15,000 families each year with the skills, knowledge and confidence to prepare healthy and affordable meals.
The event will feature dozens of premier chefs from restaurants around Dallas catering an assortment of gourmet cakes, sweets, pies and cookies all available for purchase.
What: Holiday at the Arboretum
When: Through Dec. 31
Where: Dallas Arboretum
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In addition to the regular attractions at the Dallas Arboretum, this month visitors can enjoy holiday teas and Family Fun Weekends that feature real reindeer, live music and photo ops with Santa, Frosty and Rudolph. This year, the DeGolyer Mansion will feature “Angels in DeGolyer,” a special exhibit of over 500 angels, courtesy of Dallas Pi Beta Phi Alumnae. Arboretum general admission is $15 for adults, $12 for those 65 and older, $10 for children 3-12, free for ages 2 and younger.
