By Tricia White
Here are some DARTable celebrations guaranteed to spark a sense of wonder in young and old alike.
The Trains at NorthPark, which DART is proud to partner with Ronald McDonald House of Dallas to sponsor. The display includes 1,600 feet of track rolling from coast to coast on a whimsical rail journey across America – from the autumn foliage of New England to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge with many stops along the way. Be sure to check out the DART car! To get to the mall, take the Red Line to Park Lane Station, then hop the NorthPark Shuttle (Bus Route 402).
Dallas Holiday Parade has become a holiday tradition for thousands of families throughout North Texas. The show stopping event takes place Dec. 2 from 9-11 a.m. The parade runs on Commerce, Harwood and Young streets. Access it via Union Station on the Red and Blue lines, plus the Trinity Railway Express; or West End, Akard and St. Paul stations, each on all four DART Rail lines.
Dickens in Downtown Plano – Step off the Red Line at Downtown Plano Station and step back in time.
Klyde Warren Park -The park is a short walk from St. Paul Station on all four DART Rail lines.
Santa on the Square in Downtown Carrollton – The square’s one-of-a-kind mom-and-pop shops will be all decked out for the season. The festivities are a short walk from the Green Line’s Downtown Carrollton Station.
Christmas on the Square in the newly redesigned Downtown Garland Square. On Dec. 7, enjoy a performance by Q the Band, festive Christmas carolers, the chance to snap photos with real-live reindeer, a snow hill for frosty fun, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. and runs until 9:30 p.m.; the tree lighting is at 6:30 p.m. Get to the Square by taking the Blue Line to Downtown Garland Station.
Santa’s Village is a miniature, holiday-themed town in Richardson. There are children’s activities, live performances and hot chocolate. The village is open Fridays through Sundays from Dec. 2-17 at Huffhines Park. You can get there on Bus Route 243, departing from Arapaho Station on the Red Line. It’s a half-mile walk from Arapaho Center Station, or you can ride Bus Route 238.
Sing for Joy is Turtle Creek Chorale’s joyous holiday concert with a Celtic twist. Celtic musicians and a full orchestra bring a new sound to holiday favorites. See the performance on Dec. 18-19 at the Meyerson Symphony Center, walkable from Pearl/Arts District Station on all four DART Rail lines, or from the M-Line trolley.
Vitruvian Light is a dazzling, spectacular transformation of Vitruvian Park into a a magical holiday wonderland. Stroll through the park, enjoy the view, and grab dinner at local restaurants. Lights are on daily Nov. 27 – Jan. 1. The park is in the Farmers Branch GoLink Zone.
Dallas Zoo Lights makes the zoo grounds vibrantly luminous, with a million lights and dozens of animal-shaped light sculptures and lanterns. See the amazing display on select evenings from Nov. 17 through Jan. 2. The Red Line’s Dallas Zoo Station puts you right there.
Holiday performances
Holiday-themed performances are a beloved tradition for families in North Texas. DART takes you to these plays and musical performances that celebrate the wonder of the season.
The Nutcracker is a much-loved holiday tradition featuring indelible characters such as the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Mouse King, Texas Ballet Theater’s classic production of this seasonal favorite is Dec. 8-24 at Fort Worth’s Bass Performance Hall – just take the TRE to Fort Worth Central Station and get on the bus route known as The Dash.
A Christmas Carol rejoices in the holiday spirit with spectacular sets, flying ghosts and rousing music. The crowd-pleaser plays Nov. 30-Dec. 30 at the Wyly Theater, walkable from Pearl/Arts District Station on all four DART Rail lines, or from the M-Line trolley.
The Polyphonic Spree 20th Annual Holiday Extravaganza stars Dallas’ premier – and only – rock band/choir/orchestra. The world-famous group, led by front man Tim DeLaughter, puts on a rousing holiday show at 7 p.m. on Dec. 15-16 at the Majestic Theatre. That’s three blocks from St. Paul Station on all four DART Rail lines.
