Towns and cities across North Texas have plenty of holiday treats and festivities in store for residents and visitors alike to ring in December.
A number of parades, tree-lighting ceremonies, dance performances, and more are happening in the region this weekend. The forecast suggests that you might want to layer up for outdoor events, with cool, dry weather conditions on the horizon and expected lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s.
Here is a rundown of upcoming events by city or town, as reported by KERA. For those looking to stay within Dallas, check out this list compiled by The Dallas Express.
Fort Worth
November 30-December 17
2 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. depending on the day
Medieval Italy gets a modern treatment in this production centered around the generous spirit of St. Clare of Assisi. Housed at the Stage West Theatre at 821 W. Vickery Blvd., this parable is transformed into an off-beat comedy with a message of giving that is sure to resonate with audience members of all ages.
For showtimes and ticket prices, please refer to the Stage West Theatre’s website.
Sunday, December 3
7-8 p.m.
Come sing your heart out at the Broadway Baptist Church. This free event is ushering in the Christmas period with carols and more with musical accompaniments by musicians from the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.
No registration is required, but you may want to arrive when the doors at 305 W. Broadway Ave. open at 6:15 p.m. to ensure you get a seat.
Farmers Branch
Friday, December 1
6-8 p.m.
Who says our canine friends can’t get into the holiday spirit, too? Come by the Barney Wood Bark Park at 14090 Heartside Pl. for a free dog-friendly holiday event.
Plenty of food trucks and vendors will be on-site, offering food, drinks, and more for purchase. There will also be plenty of photo opportunities, so be sure to dress your furry companion up to impress.
Saturday, December 2
5-9 p.m.
What says Christmas more than a visit with Santa, a drone show, fireworks, carnival rides, face painters, and balloon artists? How about an opportunity to dance? Dasher’s Silent Disco debuts this year at this annual Farmers Branch Historical Park event.
Park for free at 12300 Ford Rd. and bring the family for some fun, good food, and live music.
Richardson
Richardson’s 51st Annual Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 2
Starting at 9 a.m.
The 51st installation of the Richardson Christmas Parade will bring spectators a very special “Parade of Misfit Toys” theme. The event is free, but those wishing for VIP treatment can purchase a silver or gold package and gain entry to the VIP tent, where refreshments await. The package also comes with a reserved seat and a parking pass, making watching the parade all the more convenient.
Held on the west side of town, the parade starts on Cherrywood Drive near Richardson High School. From there, it heads north along Coit Road and ends at J.J. Pearce High School. Don’t forget to bring a toy to drop off at the Heights Recreation Center and share some Christmas cheer with a child in need.
December 2-3
2 p.m., 7 p.m.
Nothing quite conjures up images of the winter holidays like Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. The Dallas-based Royale Ballet Dance Academy will be putting on this performance at the Eisemann Center located at 2351 Performance Dr. for the 20th time.
Special guests include Betsy McBride from the American Ballet Theatre, Steven Loch from the Miami City Ballet, and Katina Johns, Martin St. Pierre, and Travis Morrison from Ballet Papillon.
Please refer to the event website for ticket prices and more.
Denton
Denton Holiday Tree Lighting Festival
Saturday, December 2
3-9 p.m.
Celebrating its 35th year, the Denton Holiday Tree Lighting Festival will take place downtown on the Courthouse lawn at 110 West Hickory St. The event is free to anyone wishing to come by and watch the square come alive with holiday lights. However, wristbands are available for purchase, giving you unlimited access to Snow Hill, Trackless Train, and more.
Be sure to check out the live music provided by the Denton Community Band and other local musicians. Other forms of entertainment include carriage rides, children’s crafts, visits with Santa, and dance performances.
Vendors will also be on-site, offering various food and beverage options as well as selling an array of arts and crafts.
Consider sharing the holiday spirit with a child in need by participating in the Toy Drive held alongside the event and online.
Saturday, December 2
5-9 p.m.
Also taking place in Downtown Denton at 110 W. Oak St., the Denton Downtown Main Street Association will be serving up different types of hot cider (wassail). Tastings are free, so don’t hesitate to stop by and warm up with some perfectly spiced alcoholic and non-alcoholic brew variants.