Thursday, March 28, 2024 Mar 28, 2024
64° F Dallas, TX
Advertisement
Things to Do in Dallas

The 20 Best Events in Dallas This December

From Cher to Megan Thee Stallion to the BMW Dallas Marathon, there's something for everyone this month.
By |
Image

Jonathan Van Ness: Road to Beijing | Dec. 6, 8 pm | The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

Can you believe? JVN, the nonbinary, hairdressing, life-changing guru from Queer Eye, is coming soon to a theater near you. The most quotable member of the Fab Five has quickly and rightfully garnered a loyal band of followers. When he’s not making over the lives of America’s least stylish, he’s sharing his larger-than-life personality with the world through social media, his web series (Gay of Thrones), his podcast (Getting Curious With Jonathan Van Ness), and, now, his traveling one-man show. All the while, he’s been pursuing a lifelong dream of becoming a figure-skating phenom—just in time for the 2022 Winter Olympics. His journey on the ice inspired this energetic live show, a mixture of “cirque-du-so- gay-realness” and stand-up comedy.

Dallas Millennial Gala | Dec. 14, 8 pm | The Statler

In its fourth year, the Dallas Millennial Gala has the theme “STEM, Space & Beyond,” benefiting underserved students pursuing STEM education. Hundreds of hip young Dallasites will put on their black-tie best and dance the night away.

The Last Bandoleros | Dec. 13, 10 pm | Granada Theater

The four-piece outfit from San Antonio is stirring up the country scene with a much-needed dose of Tex- Mex. Along with guitarists Jerry Fuentes and Derek James, brothers Diego and Emilio Navaira are continuing the legacy of their late father, a Tejano music icon, with modern flare.

Jingle Ball | Dec 3, 7:30 pm | Dickies Arena

KISS FM’s annual Jingle Ball brings the world’s hottest pop stars together on one stage for one night only. At Fort Worth’s new Dick- ies Arena, you can catch Camila Cabello, Sam Smith, Charlie Puth, Lauv, Why Don’t We, and—last but certainly not least—Lizzo.

Holiday Show & Tree Lighting | Dec. 7, 2–6 pm | Klyde Warren Park

The urban park rings in the season with a day of family-friendly activities, live entertainment, face painting, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The show has its grand finale at sunset with the lighting of a big, sparkling Christmas tree.

Shakespeare’s A Christmas Carol | Dec. 7, 2:30 & 8:30 pm | Arts Mission Oak Cliff 

Shakespeare Dallas is holding a festive celebration with mulled wine, Santa, ugly Christmas sweaters, a dessert walk, and a staged reading of William Shakespeare’s A Christmas Carol by Ian Doescher.

A Christmas Carol | Through Dec. 29 | Wyly Theatre

The 1938 film rendition is frankly creepy (those urchins under the robe of the Ghost of Christmas Present will haunt us forever), so you’re better off watching Dallas Theater Center’s fresh take on Charles Dickens’ enduring masterpiece.

12 Days of Christmas | Through Dec. 29 | Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden 

In the winter, the Dallas Arboretum makes up for its lack of blooms with opulent decor. Its 12 Days of Christmas display is the crown jewel of the season. The series of a dozen Victorian-style gazebos depicts each verse of the carol.

Dallas Holiday Parade | Dec. 7, 10 am | Downtown Dallas

Lovingly known as the Miracle on Commerce Street, the holiday parade draws nearly half a million spectators each year. Majestic floats, over-the- top characters, marching bands, dance squads, and, of course, Santa turn downtown into a winter wonderland for at least one morning.

Dallas Symphony Christmas Pops | Dec. 6–15 | Meyerson Symphony Center 

It’s one of Dallas’ most magical holiday traditions. The Dallas Symphony decks its hall, and the orchestra runs through all the best Christmas classics in a concert that will leave you caroling all the way home.

Once on This Island | Dec. 17–22 | Winspear Opera House

Part of the venue’s Broadway Series, this Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of a brave young peasant (Ti Moune) who falls in love with a grand homme from the rich side of the island. With the help of four gods, she risks everything to return to him.

The Nutcracker | Nov. 29–Dec. 8 | Winspear Opera House

Texas Ballet Theater’s production of this holiday classic is nothing short of magic, from the mesmerizing choreography to the glittering costumes to the opulent set. Both kids and adults will be left dream- ing of Sugar Plum Fairies.

Lights All Night | Dec. 27 & 28 | Dallas Market Hall

The year-end EDM festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with a star-studded lineup led

by Skrillex, Bassnectar, Virtual Self, and Louis the Child. The concert promises “earth-shattering” sound and lights, a football field-size LED screen, and interactive art installs.

Dear Evan Hansen | Nov. 26–Dec. 8 | Music Hall at Fair Park

Evan Hansen is an awkward teenager who struggles to fit in, but when he finds himself at the center of a tragedy at his high school, he lies his way to the life he always wanted. This touching musical won six Tony Awards after its opening in 2016.

Cher | Dec. 19, 7:30 pm | American Airlines Center

No matter how hard you try, there’s no pushing Cher aside. The woman who made us “Believe” in life after love renewed our faith with 2018’s Dancing Queen, a collection of refreshing ABBA covers that marked her first album in five years. Also she’s great on Twitter.

DaBaby | Dec. 21, 8 pm | South Side Ballroom 

Is there room for another Baby in the rap game? DaBaby—not to be confused with Lil Baby, with whom he collaborated on “Baby”—proved that there is with his debut studio album, Baby on Baby, which had hits like “Goin Baby” and “Baby Sitter.”

The Crystal Charity Ball | Dec. 7, 7 pm | Hilton Anatole

Perhaps the most opulent gala of the winter social season, The Crystal Charity Ball is a time-honored tradition in Dallas. It’s exclusive and it’s expensive, but it does a lot of good for children’s charities in Dallas County.

My Mixtapez Most Wanted Fest | Dec. 13, 6:30 pm | The Bomb Factory

Houston’s favorite hot girl, Megan Thee Stallion, rides into town to headline this rap festival with Moneybagg Yo, Boosie Badazz (formerly known as Lil’ Boosie), and prolific producer Mike WiLL Made It.

Black on Black | Dec. 6 & 7 |Dallas Black Dance Theatre Studios 

The dancers of Dallas Black Dance Theatre and DBDT: Encore! come together to showcase invigorating original works in their studio’s intimate setting. The performance is preceded by a happy hour and followed by an after-party.

BMW Dallas Marathon | Dec. 13–15 | Dallas City Hall Plaza

The annual BMW Dallas Marathon weekend starts off easy with the Friday Night Lights Mile; continues with a 10K, 5K, 2-mile walk, and kids’ race on Saturday; and finishes Sunday with the marathon, half-marathon, 50K ultra, and relay races.

Related Articles

Image
Politics & Government

Q&A: Senate Hopeful Colin Allred Says November Election Is ‘Larger Than Our Own Problems’

The congressman has experience beating an entrenched and well-funded incumbent. Will that translate to a statewide win for the Democrats for the first time since 1994?
Image
Hot Properties

Hot Property: This Preston Hollow Modern Has Limestone as Old as Dinosaurs

Designed by Todd Hamilton, the mansion features lots of organic elements, including a shell stone only found in Texas.
Advertisement