It’s winter break! The kids are home, and family is gathering from near and far. The Dallas Metroplex offers some of the most exciting places to go and so much to explore.
Head to the spectacular Watters Creek shopping center for a magical evening featuring KISS FM’s Billy the Kidd as emcee, Mrs. Claus doling out free cookies, complimentary carriage rides, performances by the Allen Symphony Chorus and the Allen Civic Ballet. At dusk, you’ll be dazzled when Santa “lights the night” – a 145,000-glittering display that includes a 30-foot tree, 20 additional trees, and Santa’s sleigh all synchronized to holiday music.
WHERE: Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm, 75 @ Bethany Rd., Allen
WHEN: Saturday, November 23, 4:30 Festivities Begin and 6:30 Tree Lighting and Fireworks
TICKETS: FREE. Visit watterscreek.com for more info.
Over 150 vendors make this one of the biggest holiday markets in North Texas.
WHERE: John Paul II High School, 900 Coit Rd., Plano
WHEN: November 23, 9am – 4pm
TICKETS: Free entrance admission and free parking
Dallas Repertoire Ballet Presents Clara and the Nutcracker Prince along with a cast of incredibly talented dancers for these special holiday performances.
WHERE: Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Dr., Richardson
WHEN: December 13 at 7:30pm and December 15 at 2pm, and sensory-friendly performance December 14 at 2pm (Specifically designed for children with sensory processing disorders. See Page 56 for more details.)
TICKETS: Visit eisemanncenter.com.
The Nutcracker and Sugar Plum Tea
Chamberlain Performing Arts presents this classic holiday tradition featuring New York City Ballet
principal dancers Tiler Peck and Tyler Angle.
WHERE: Hill Performance Hall at Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Dr., Richardson
WHEN: November 29 at 7pm, November 30 and December 1, 2pm
TICKETS: From $15 to $100. Go to eisemanncenter.com.
The Sugar Plum Tea will host characters from the performance and attendees will be
treated to refreshments, crafts, and autographs from The Nutcracker characters.
WHERE: Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Dr., Richardson
WHEN: November 30, immediately following
performance
TICKETS: From $35. Go to eisemanncenter.com.
The concert is a merry and family-friendly celebration of favorite Christmas carols—both secular and sacred in a bubbly pops-style sound. St. Andrew choirs, world-renowned British Vocal Ensemble VOCES8; Organist Dr. Jonathan Gregoire, and a full professional orchestra will perform.
WHERE: St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano
WHEN: Sunday, December 15, at 4pm and 7pm
TICKETS: Tickets range from $10 to $20. Call 469-385-1810 or go to astandrewchristmas.org.
Enjoy this timeless classic. Ebeneezer Scrooge has spent all his life accruing gold and allowing all his loved ones to slip through his hands. On Christmas Eve 1843, Scrooge is given the gift of one more chance to redeem himself for mankind and for his soul. The musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol presented by North Texas Performing Arts reminds us to love one another and to hold each other close.
WHERE: North Texas Performing Arts Center, 6121 W. Park Blvd., Plano (in the Shops at Willow Bend)
WHEN: December 20-22
TICKETS: From $20. Visit ntpa.thundertix.com
Vitruvian Park transforms into a magical holiday wonderland during Vitruvian Lights.
WHERE: Vitruvian Park in Addison
WHEN: November 29 – January 1, 5pm – 12am
TICKETS: FREE. Visit vitruvianpark.com/events/event/vl/.
A one-of-a-kind musical experience featuring Christmas carols and other crowd favorites. This annual event is celebrated in each of the 50 states as well as around the world.
If you play tuba or euphonium, you are invited to be a part of it. Head to 988 Village Green Dr. located diagonal to Village Burger Bar at 12 noon for registration and the 1pm rehearsal, then join us for this joyful celebration on The Green at 2:30pm.
WHERE: Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm, 75 @ Bethany Rd., Allen
WHEN: December 15 at 2:30pm
MORE INFO: Visit allenphilharmonic.org for details.
You don’t have to travel to the North Pole to experience the magic of Christmas at the Dallas Hilton Anatole’s Peppermint Park—an immersive holiday experience unlike any other. Take a magical train ride through the park, predict the weather with Jack Frost, enroll in Elf School and learn what it takes to be one of Santa’s helpers, mail your letters to the North Pole, or make holiday slime with the Grinch. There are endless activities for children and parents alike, in the merriest setting in all of North Texas.
WHERE: Dallas Hilton Anatole, 2201 N. Stemmons Fwy., Dallas
WHEN: Peppermint Park is open 5-9pm on Fridays and Saturdays from November 29-December 14, and then daily December 20-22
TICKETS: It pays to stay at the Anatole during the holidays because entry to Peppermint Park is included. If you’re not a guest, then a la carte tickets can be purchased for $24.95 (adults) and $19.95 (kids ages 3-17), with kids under 3 getting in for free.
For a one-of-a-kind VIP Holiday Experience, go to hiltonanatolehotel.com.
ENJOY A VIP HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE!
INCLUDES:
• Meet & Greet Reception with Santa and Mrs. Claus
• Complimentary 5×7 photo with Santa
• Breakfast with Santa for up to 2 adults and 2 kids
• Complimentary Entrance into Peppermint Park
• Holiday Movie Night
• Valet parking
• Standard Guest Room with check-out 3 pm
• And More!
For rates and complete details, please go to hiltonanatolehotel.com.