What: Texas Rangers present Anxiously Awaiting Santa Tours
When: Thurs. Dec. 15th – Sat. Dec. 17th @ 10:00AM
Where: Globe Life Park in Arlington
1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX 76011
Why: The Texas Rangers will present Anxiously Awaiting Santa Tours, the annual holiday-themed ballpark tours. Fans will see behind the scenes as Globe Life Park decks the halls for Santa’s arrival, and kids will have the opportunity to participate in a special story time and write a letter to Santa to mail from the Texas Rangers “North Pole” mailbox. Tours will leave every hour on the hour from 10 am through 4 pm. The Rangers will welcome Santa on Saturday, December 17 with a special day of Santa’s Arrival tours featuring Santa’s favorite spots in the park. After visiting locations such as Santa’s Press Box Workshop and his personal locker in the Rangers clubhouse, guests will meet Santa in the KidsZone. Santa and Rangers Captain will be on hand to pose for photos with attendees. A special Rangers souvenir for fans, cookie decorating, and arts and crafts will also highlight the festivities.
What: Dallas Summer Musicals presents Broadway Christmas Wonderland
When: Thurs. Dec. 15th – Sun. Dec. 18th @ 1:30PM & 7:30PM
Where: Music Hall at Fair Park
909 1st Ave., Dallas, TX 75210
Why: Broadway Christmas Wonderland is one of the most delightful and enchanting Christmas shows ever. This most loved Christmas show features glittering costumes, a dazzling cast, and the highest kicking Chorus Girls this side of the North Pole. Start Christmas in style as Santa and his merry helpers take you on an unforgettable nostalgic Christmas journey. Songs include “White Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Have Yourself A Very Merry Christmas,” “Chestnuts Roasting,” “Jingle Bells,” “Away in a Manger,” “Silent Night,” “Deck The Halls,” “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” “O Holy Night,” and many more.
What: Movie on the Patio- “Elf”
When: Thurs. Dec. 15th @ 7:00PM
Where: Resto Gastro Bistro
3011 Gulden Lane Suite 104, Dallas, TX 75212
Why: Free to all Resto guests. The whole family is welcomed in our dog-friendly patio. Come early and grab dinner or a snack before the movie. Wear your ugly sweater as we will be having an ugly sweater contest before the event. Come early for a good seat. No outside food please.
What: Santa Claus vs. The Martians
When: Thurs. Dec. 15th – Thurs. Dec. 22nd @ 8:15PM
Where: Magnolia Lounge at Fair Park
1121 First Ave., Dallas, TX 75226
Why: The hilarious holiday comedy Santa Claus vs. the Martians returns for a fourth time, again directed by the play’s author Andi Allen. The play, based on the 1960s infamously bad cult movie Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. The play recreates many of the hilariously bad acting moments and low budget props from the original film, as Martian leader Kimar kidnaps Earth’s Santa Claus in order to bring happiness and laughter to the children of Mars. Opposing Kimar in his plan are Martian villain Voldar, as well as two Earth children, Billy and Betty Foster.
What: Aerial Collective Showcase
When: Thurs. Dec. 15th @ 8:30PM
Where: Viva’s Lounge
1350 Manufacturing St., Dallas, TX 75226
Why: Aerial artists from around North Texas show off their fast-spinning and high-flying talents in this all-aerial showcase. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
What: Adult Night: Ugly Sweater
When: Fri. Dec. 16th @ 7:00PM – 9:00PM
Where: Legoland Discovery Center
3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy., Grapevine, TX 76051
Why: Have you always wanted to visit LEGOLAND Discovery Center but don’t have any little ones in your life? Are you crazy about LEGO bricks and looking for people who share your passion? Well here’s your chance. Join LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dec. for a “no kids allowed,” holiday-themed adult night. Enjoy a themed-night at the attraction, challenge the Master Model Builder and compete in build competitions for prizes. Must be 18 years or older to attend. No kids allowed (only kids at heart).
What: Wreck the Halls
When: Fri. and Sat., Dec. 16th & 17th and Dec. 30th and 31st @ 7:00PM – 11:00PM
Where: Dark Hour Haunted House
701 Taylor Dr., Plano, TX 75074
Why: Put a little fright in your holiday celebrations at this not so jolly Dark Hour Haunted House experience. The weather outside is truly frightful at Coven Manor as Frosne the Ice Witch, Krampus and the Evil Elves roam the halls.
What: Mercy Me in concert
When: Fri. Dec. 16th @ 7:30PM
Where: American Airlines Center
2500 Victory Ave., Dallas, TX 75201
Why: Grammy-nominated contemporary Christian band MercyMe comes home to Dallas for the Christmas concert of the year, along with the Dallas POPS. This holiday concert will feature not only traditional Christmas favorites but also MercyMe’s top hit songs.
What: Star Wars Beach Bash
When: Fri. Dec. 16th @ 8:00PM – MIDNIGHT
Where: Alamo Drafthouse (Dallas) Bar: The Vetted Well
1005 S. Lamar St., Dallas, TX 75215
Why: The Vetted Well (the bar in the Alamo Drafthouse) will be transformed into a Star Wars beach inspired by the big beach battle sequence in the new Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Hear a live DJ spinning Star Wars remixes and classic beach jams, as well as main stage karaoke. Costumed Star Wars characters will be ready to beach boogie with you. Check out a Star Wars beach-themed photo booth, professional photographer, and a themed menu featuring classic Star Wars drinks with a tropical twist. Guests are encouraged to come in costume.
What: Texas Ballet Theater: The Nutty Nutcracker
When: Fri. Dec. 16th @ 8:00PM
Where: Bass Performance Hall
525 Commerce St., Fort Worth, TX 76102
Why: A send-up of pop culture. Wild characters, racy action and laughs from start to finish. It’s a holiday favorite that’s nuttier than a fruitcake. Not recommended for children under 13.
What: Holiday Havoc in 3D Live Pro Wrestling feat Team 3D
When: Fri. Dec. 16th @ 8:30PM
Where: Gas Monkey Live
10110 Technology Blvd. E., Dallas, TX 75220
Why: Holiday Havoc in 3D Live Pro Wrestling feat. Team 3D. Keith Lee, Michael Elgin, Matt Cross, Hanson, Raymond Rowe, Lou Sterrett, AR Fox, Sammy Guevara, Jessica James, Kat Green, Barbi Hayden. Option to add Team 3D Meet & Greet
What: The Boho Holiday Pop-Up Shop
When: Sat. Dec. 17th @ 10:00AM
Where: Dallas Farmers Market
920 S. Harwood St., Dallas, TX 75201
Why: The Boho Holiday Pop up Shop will feature local shops & artists, games, music, artisan food and free photo booth. The event will also feature Santa with a gift wrapping station and hot chocolate bar.
What: Fishmas with Scuba Diving Santa
When: Sat. Dec. 17th – Sun. Dec. 18th @ 11:30AM
Where: Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium
3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy., Grapevine, TX 76051
Why: Join Sea Life Grapevine during Fishmas for festive underwater fun with the big man himself, Scuba Diving Santa. Experience a dive show like no other with a jolly red-suited diver, beard and all, along with his elf as they take the plunge in a magical dive show amongst the fish, sharks and stingrays in the 160,000-galloon ocean tank. Pose for pictures and find out if he thinks you’ve been naughty or nice. Scheduled dives occur on Dec.17 and 18 at 11:30 a.m. Meet mascot Sharky Santa from 2 to 4 p.m., then find fish swimming with holiday cheer throughout the aquarium with fun tank clings that include Santa hats, elf ears and reindeer antlers. Share your photos on social media using #fishmas and by tagging @sealifegrpevine for a chance to win a family 4 pack of tickets to the aquarium.
What: Learn to Curl
When: Sat. Dec. 17th @ 4:30PM – 6:30PM
Where: Dr. Pepper StarCenter
12700 N. Stemmons Fwy., Farmers Branch, TX 75234
Why: Try the sport of curling in a fun, 2-hour workshop with the Dallas/Fort Worth Curling Club. All ages are invited to this introduction to curling skills which include throwing “rocks” (curling stones), sweeping rocks down the ice, and landing rocks in the “house” (target). Registration is $25. Please arrive by 4:15 p.m.
What: Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular
When: Sat. Dec. 17th @ 7:30PM
Where: Dr. Pepper Arena
2601 Avenue of the Stars, Frisco, TX 75034
Why: Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular is a family holiday event featuring the cast of Cirque Musica together with all-time favorite holiday songs performed by a live orchestra. Cirque Musica is a concert and visual experience where audiences journey into a world of high-flying adventure with amazing acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks and holiday cheer, too. The show blends the spell-binding grace and dare-devil athleticism of today’s greatest circus performers with the sensory majesty of the greatest holiday music of all time.
What: Confetti Eddie’s Holiday Magic Show
When: Sat. Dec. 17th @ 9:00PM
Where: Edward Ruiz Magic Parlor
823 Exposition Ave., Dallas, TX 75226
Why: Head to magician Confetti Eddie’s private studio as you get an insider’s peek into the history of magic and a workshop where the tricks themselves are built. Then you’ll sit down for a dazzling magic performance and get the chance to speak with the performers after the show. Confetti Eddie will perform magic and Illusions in a parlor setting. The show will also include Burlesque and Circus performer Bethany Summersizzle and musical guest Poppy Xander. It’s a 90-minute show with intermission. Light snacks and drinks will be provided at no extra cost.
What: Matt Tolentino and Music from the 1920s
When: Sun. Dec. 18th @ 7:30PM – 9:00PM
Where: Turner House
401 North Rosemont Ave., Dallas, TX 75208
Why: Matt Tolentino & his band will play music from the 1920s, from the time of the Speakeasy & the Charleston. Matt will entertain us with a spirited music experience of the time when the Oak Cliff Society of Fine Arts was established along with his excellent commentary.
What: Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
When: Sun. Dec. 18th @ 7:30PM
Where: Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House
2403 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201
Why: The original Jersey boy himself, Frankie Valli is a true American legend. His incredible career with the Four Seasons, as well as his solo success, has spawned countless hit singles like “Sherry,” “Grease,” “Rag Doll,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” and more. His mega hit “Big Girls Don’t Cry” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame 2015.
What: The Church Presents: The Nightmare Before Christmas
When: Sun. Dec. 18th @ 8:00PM
Where: The Church Dallas
2424 Swiss Ave., Dallas, TX 75204
Why: The Church, the goth and industrial dance party held Thursdays and Sundays at Lizard Lounge, hosts a screening of the Tim Burton classic The Nightmare Before Christmas. In the animated movie, Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but doesn’t quite understand the concept. Movie starts at 9 with free popcorn and champagne until 10. Bring a new, unopened toy to donate to the Vampire Court Dallas toy drive. DJ Virus in the main room; Bill Stanley plays Church classics in the Video Bar. No cover for ages 21+ with dog tags. $5 for anyone under 21 with dog tags.
