By Tricia White | Managing Editor

This holiday season, get out and explore the region’s best offerings. DART connects you to these seasonal delights and helps you reconnect with family and friends.

On the first day of Christmas, my DART pass gave to me…

1 An elephant in a pear tree 
Dallas Zoo Lights has a million lights that bring the grounds to life, plus dozens of animal-shaped light sculptures and lanterns. Catch the beautiful display on select evenings from Nov. 16 through the end of the year. Dallas Zoo Station puts you right there.
Nov. 16 | dallaszoo.com

2 mouse kings
The Nutcracker is another beloved tradition. Who can forget the Sugar Plum Fairy or the Mouse King? Chamberlain Performing Arts’ production features two New York City Ballet principal dancers and choreography by the legendary George Balanchine. It’s an enchanting evening at the Eisemann Center, steps from Galatyn Park Station. 
Nov. 29-Dec. 1.        Nov. 29 | eisemanncenter.com

3 flying ghosts
A Christmas Carol captures the season with spectacular sets, flying ghosts, and rousing music.  In Dallas Theater Center’s reimagined version of the classic, Scrooge is a woman. The crowd-pleaser plays Nov. 22-Dec. 9 at the Wyly Theater, a 7-minute walk from Pearl/Arts District Station.
Nov. 22 | dallastheatercenter.org

4 skating kids
Skating Under the Stars offers outdoor ice skating along with holiday activities in Farmers Branch. Stop by from 4-8pm Dec. 1 for a tree lighting with a festival-like atmosphere. And on Dec. 8 and 15, the Holiday in the Grove market will be buzzing with yuletide activity. It’s all centered on Farmers Branch Station.
Dec. 1 | discoverfarmersbranch.com

5 charming blocks
Christmas on the Square will have thousands of lights adorning Downtown Garland from Dec. 5-31. Enjoy carolers, hot chocolate, and a visit with Santa. The season begins with a tree lighting from 5:30-8:30pm Dec. 5. The family fun is a few blocks from Downtown Garland Station.
Dec. 5  | christmasonthesquare.com

6 carolers caroling
Dickens in Downtown Plano is like stepping into a Christmas card. On Dec. 6, the Downtown Plano Arts District becomes a wonderland with carolers, a visit from Santa, and a tree lighting in Haggard Park. This trip to Downtown Plano Station is a trip back in time.
Dec. 6 | plano.gov/2395/dickens-in-downtown-plano

7 decks a-dazzling
Klyde Warren Park Holiday Show & Tree Lighting is an afternoon of entertainment and photos with Santa. The grand finale is the tree lighting—even more dazzling with the deck park’s downtown Dallas backdrop. The event is 2-6pm Dec. 7. It’s a 7-minute walk from St. Paul Station; the M-Line Trolley serves the park directly.
Dec. 7 | klydewarrenpark.org

8 tiny houses
Santa’s Village is Richardson’s miniature, holiday-themed town. There are children’s activities, live performances, and hot chocolate. The village is open Fridays through Sundays from Dec. 7-22 in front of City Hall. It’s a 9-minute walk or short ride on Bus Route 361 from Arapaho Center Station.
Dec. 7  | cor.net

9 mom-and-pop stores
Santa on the Square in Downtown Carrollton features lights, decorations, and festivities. Catch Santa from 12:30-6:30pm Dec. 7. The square’s unique mom-and-pop shops will be in full seasonal splendor. It’s a couple of blocks from Downtown Carrollton Station.
  Dec. 7  | cityofcarrollton.com

10 floats a-floating
Village of Rowlett Downtown Main Street Fest & Holiday Parade gets you in the spirit with music, dance, and festive floats. The fun begins at 5pm Dec. 14 and continues throughout the evening; the parade starts at 6pm. The event is near Downtown Rowlett Station. 
Dec. 14  | villageofrowlettdowntown.com

11 guitars twanging
Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis’ 20th Annual Holiday Shindig showcases a husband-and-wife duo who are Texas music mainstays. There are two shows, at 6 and 9pm, at the Kessler Theater. That’s a mile from the Bishop Arts stop of the Dallas Streetcar; Bus Route 542 connects the two, or you can stroll and shop in the Bishop Arts District. 
Dec. 13  | thekessler.org

12 rockers spreeing
The   Polyphonic Spree Christmas Show stars one of Dallas’ most famous musical exports—part rock band, part choir, and part orchestra. Expect a rousing performance from the dozen-plus bandmates and front man Tim DeLaughter. The show is at the Majestic Theatre, three blocks from St. Paul Station. 
Dec. 14  | majestic.dallasculture.org