Dallas is kicking off the month of December with an array of holiday-themed events slated for this weekend.
Events ranging from a holiday parade and a tree lighting ceremony will keep Dallas residents and visitors very busy this weekend. Here is a rundown of what’s going on in the city over the next few days.
For those looking for festivities going on outside of Dallas, check out this list compiled by The Dallas Express.
Saturday, December 2
9-11 a.m.
Kick off the holiday season by joining 700,000 spectators expected to turn out for the Dallas Holiday Parade through Downtown Dallas. While the event is syndicated on hundreds of television stations, there are plenty of perks for those attending in person.
The parade route starts at Commerce and Houston streets, with maps of where to claim your favorite spot to view the passing floats, drill teams, marching bands, and more available here.
Be sure to check out the Main Street Gardens Festival happening nearby until 3 p.m., with food trucks, vendors, and plenty of live entertainment going on.
Saturday, December 2
3-6 p.m.
Presented by Energy Transfer, this year’s Tree Lighting Celebration in Klyde Warren Park at 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy. will offer a festive setting in which “The Mayor’s Tree” will come alight with the flick of a switch.
Come enjoy plenty of free activities, such as face painting, snow flurries, games, and more. Live music will be provided by the Emerald City Band. Also be sure to visit your favorite Christmas characters, including Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty, and Rudolph.
Saturday, December 2
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Get a hefty dose of holiday spirit by stopping over at the AT&T Performing Arts Center at 2403 Flora St. A snow-filled winter wonderland full of child-friendly activities will be held for free thanks to Reliant, the David M. Crowley Foundation, and the Texas Commission on the Arts.
The drone show put on by Sky Elements alongside a firework display from Pyrotex will definitely get your heart racing.
Performances from the choral rock band Polyphonic Spree and Latin artist Vanita Leo are also slated on the Crowley Stage, followed by shows from Hello Shannon at the Flora Cantina and Carolina Imperial on the Community Stage.
Pastorela II: A Shepherd’s Play
Sunday, December 3
6 p.m.
Hosted by Our Redeemer Lutheran Church at 7611 Park Ln., this free nativity production featuring Spanish and Latin Baroque music is sure to stir up some emotions and a few laughs. The play will follow the shepherds as they follow the star to Bethlehem. A reception will be held after the show, so be sure to stick around.
Music will be provided by the Dallas-based Orchestra of New Spain, with solos performed by Jenny Ivanovna Morales, Erin Roth Thomas, Jendi Tarde, David Thompson, and Will Derusha. Violinist Thane Isaac will also have a special feature role.
December 1-10
Friday – Sunday 7:30 p.m., plus Sunday 3 p.m.
The very first Christmas Pops shows are slated for this weekend at the Meyerson Symphony Center 2301 Flora St. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra will be performing some holiday classics to inject everyone with some holiday cheer.
Holiday vocalists Reginald Smith, Jr., the Dallas Symphony Chorus, and Dallas Symphony Children’s Chorus — which will have its own Family Christmas Pops shows on December 2 and 9 at 11 a.m. — will be on hand to lead the audience in sing-a-longs.
Please refer to the event page for ticket prices and other information.