Things To Do In Dallas

Date Night: Winter in Paris

Sur La Table – Knox
Tuesday, February 11, 4:00 p.m. | $89

Hone your culinary skills at this Sur La Table workshop, then recreate the menu for future date nights in: Steak au Poivre, roast potatoes, green salad, and a chocolate soufflé.

Blooms & Biscotti Galentine’s Workshop

Flea Style Studio – Frisco
Thursday, February 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | $85

This two-for-one class features demos from LulaMade Biscotti Bar and Kate Jaynes Floral. Kate Jaynes will walk attendees through floral arranging, using lush organic blooms. Zoe Horton of LulaMade will demonstrate biscotti making and decorating (think icing, sprinkles, crushed candy, and more). Leave with a half dozen treats and florals to take home.

French Macaron Baking

Savor Patisserie – Fort Worth
Multiple dates and times | $65

Though delicate, melt-in-your-mouth macarons may seem daunting to bake, Savor’s attentive staff offers hands-on instruction to ensure your creations are as pretty as they are delicious. Work with a small group to make a batch of French macarons (and leave with plenty to enjoy later).

Galentine’s Day Pressed Flower Class

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Sunday, February 9, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. | $70/member, $80/non-member

When working with pressed flowers, what better setting than the verdant grounds of the Arboretum? Andrea Castaneda of Designs by Andrea will lead a small group in creating frame-worthy art pieces. This is one of Andrea’s final workshops before she pivots her business to focus full-time on her wildly popular bouquet preservations; sign up while you can. (Learn more about Castaneda in our profile right here.)

Chocolate, Cheese, and Bubbles

Scardello Artisan Cheese
Multiple dates and times | $40

Chocolate and champagne are Valentine’s Day staples; Scardello argues that adding cheese to the mix creates a romantic trifecta. Attendees will sample pairings of all three. One example: champagne, Stilton (a crumbly blue), and Hanoi Fudge (rich chocolate with coffee and caramel notes) from Dude, Sweet Chocolates.

Bookmark our Things To Do page to stay up-to-date on the latest concerts, art exhibitions, and cultural events.

Thursday, Jan. 23

The art collective Sour Grapes is hosting Pen Pals Art Night at Oak Cliff Brewing Co from 6-10 p.m. Visual artists of all mediums are invited to come hang out, sketch, and have a drink. There will be free brisket nachos for those participating!

Astronaut, retired U.S. Navy Captain, and best-selling author Captain Scott Kelly appears at the Winspear Opera House to talk about his year in space, leadership, and pushing the limits. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets start at $40.

Comedians Following Tool on Tour: The Tour comes to Sons of Hermann Hall on Thursday. Comedians Rory Scovel, Nick Youssef, and Freddy Scott have been following the band around and doing a little stand-up in the process. The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $25.

Casa Masa is bringing a Tamale Pop-Up to Revelers Hall from 7-10 p.m. There will be a variety of flavors for sale, including vegetarian options. Musician Pepe Valdez will be playing tunes as well.

Friday, Jan. 24

Deep Vellum Books continues the Pegasus Reading Series with four guest authors: Dorothy Chan, Brian Clifton, Vince Granata, and Amanda Yanowski. The event is from 7-8:30 p.m. and there is no cover.

Grammy Award-winning country star Dwight Yoakam rocks The Bomb Factory with opening act Jobe Fortner on Friday. Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets are $55.

Rapper Wale brings the Everything Is Fine Tour to the House of Blues Dallas with openers Yowda and DJ Money. The show is at 8 p.m. Tickets are technically sold out, but you can snag a verified resale ticket for $95.

Up-and-coming rapper Phora is playing Canton Hall on Friday night at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25.

Dallas-based avant pop group Starfruit celebrates the release of its debut record with a concert at Texas Theatre. They’ll be joined by special guests synth pop artist Llora and psych funk artist Mattie. The show is at 9:30 p.m. and tickets are $10.

Saturday, Jan. 25

There’s a 12-hour-long Onesie Pub Crawl through Uptown on Saturday. The cozy crawl starts at City Council at noon and ends at Uptown Pub at midnight. Tickets are $10-20 and include access to drink specials and live music.

The SMU Pollock Gallery has set up a Riso Bar, an interactive exhibition of zines, books, and posters made using the risograph machine, a printmaking technology invented in Japan in the ‘40s. Visitors to the Riso Bar will be able to make their own works using a riso press. The opening reception is on Saturday from 1-5 p.m.

The Perot Museum hosts Science on Tap at Steam Theory Brewing from 6-9 p.m. Scientists will be on hand to discuss several topics, including this event’s theme, the human journey. There’s no cover.

Golden Globe and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Bernadette Peters performs at the Meyerson with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Find tickets here.

Teatro Dallas presents Electric Hamsa, an evening of “Arab-futurism” expressed through dance and music, at the Latino Cultural Center on Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets to the performance are $25.

Sunday, Jan. 26

The Cedars Union holds a Dry Point Printmaking class on Sunday at 1 p.m. Adrienne Lichliter will explain how to use drypoint tools to create intaglio prints. The workshop is aimed at artists of the Cedars Union, but the public can also attend by purchasing a Day Pass. Tickets are $45 and include a piece of copper to work with and keep.

There’s a Pop-Up Market at The Rustic from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. There will be vendors with vintage items, handmade goods, and art. There’s also brunch service starting at 10 a.m.

Eric Nadel and E.B. the Younger host the Sunday Supper Concert Series at Cafe Momentum at 6 p.m. There will be a family-style, three-course dinner, wine and beer, and live music. Tickets are $85.

Noted Detroit scam rapper Teejayx6 is at Trees tonight, loaded with new methods. Tickets are $25.

Sunday brings the final performances of Shen Yun in Dallas. The Chinese dance company is completing its month-long run with shows at the Winspear Opera House at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Find tickets here.

Ongoing Events 

Set the week after the 1999 Columbine shootings, Slide By follows a twenty-something substitute teacher as he returns to work amid paranoid—and possibly armed—co-workers. The dark comedy is showing January 16-26 at the Wyly Studio Theatre. Read our review here.

The new year brought exhibition openings from Dallas Contemporary, Galleri Urbane, the Nasher, Crow Museum and others. Check out our guide to January gallery and museum openings here.

AfterImage Gallery in Uptown presents an exhibition of architectural photography by local artist Nikola Olic from January 11-February 25. Olic’s work documents iconic buildings of Dallas in close detail, providing a macro view of the urban landscape. Get a sneak peek here.

Fort Worth’s annual Stock Show and Rodeo kicked off last week and runs through February 8. Whether you’re looking for what to do once you’re inside, or to grab a bite or a drink beforehand, you’ve come to the right page.

Getting There

Dickies Arena and Will Rogers Coliseum, the central hubs of the FWSSR, are about a 45 minute drive from downtown Dallas without traffic, but if you’re heading to Fort Worth after work, or if you’re just trying to avoid driving and (expensive) parking, consider taking the DART. The TRE will take you from Victory Station to Fort Worth Central Station in 51 minutes, and it’s a lot cheaper than Uber. Getting from Fort Worth Central Station to the Stock Show grounds will require a few buses, so that may be the time to call a ride share. 

Getting Caffeinated

It is one of humanity’s undisputed facts that coffee—a mug of drip, a lightly foam-topped cortado—is the most important legacy we’ll ever leave, obviously. And in Fort Worth, they know a life-giving brew. For those who unabashedly require a thoughtful, bean-to-cup experience, Avoca Coffee Roasters is the big name go-to with (after all, it’s supplied many a DFW shop with its coffee for the better part of a decade). Newer spots to check out: Ampersand, which shifts into a cocktail bar by night and crafts drinks with an espresso-forward mindset, and 85ºC Bakery and Cafe, whose iced americano with sea salt whip is always a fun choice.

What to See at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo 

Don’t be embarrassed if this is, in fact, your first rodeo. Here are some things to know. 

Admission to the Stock Show grounds ($12) does not include admission to the rodeo. The Stock Show grounds do offer access to livestock auctions and shows, horse shows, daily concerts, and special events like the Ag Robotics Challenge and the Mariachi Competition. 

If you’re bringing the kids, don’t miss the Petting Zoo with pony rides, the Children’s Barnyard filled with baby animals, and the carnival midway. 

General admission also includes access to three museums on the Stock Show grounds–the Cattle Raisers Museum, the National Cowgirl Museum, and the Science and History Museum. 

All the actual rodeo shows–bull riding and FWSSR PRORODEO tournaments–require a $30 ticket and take place in Dickies Arena. The rodeos are at 7:30 p.m. each evening, with an additional rodeo at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 

Where to Eat

This isn’t a comprehensive Fort Worth dining guide by any means, but you’re bound to get famished after stampeding around all day. So see yourself to a few places nearby that won’t require herding across town.

Grab a proper breakfast at Montgomery Street Cafe, a zero frills, comforting spot situated right across from the Dickie’s Arena. The biscuits and gravy alone are likely to fuel you through the end of the day until the cows literally come home. Then there’s Mash’d, whose brunch menu is a departure from the classics—indeed, it’s “rebellious”—with caramel moonshine french toast, a kobe beef cheeseburger omelet, and an avocado toast pizza. It’s gonzo food at 10 a.m. 

If, by lunchtime, you haven’t yet satisfied your breakfast cravings, we have a solution for that: Taco Heads. The original location—prequel to the Henderson Avenue sibling—slings those familiar, beloved breakfast tacos all day, but the menu sprawls into another nine taco offerings including “seriously legit” carnitas.

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is another casual option. With a Deep Ellum outpost currently in the works (the latest word is possibly a summertime opening), the fried chicken joint would be a good place to get a preview of what’s to come in Dallas. Spoiler alert: It’s fiery, Memphis-style fried bird with a whole mess of sides.

When in Fort Worth, yes, there’s always Tim Love’s Lonesome Dove, but for a post rodeo snack, check out the restaurateur’s freshly opened Ático. Love, he of Gemelle and the Woodshed Smokehouse, installed a Spanish tapas (think brisket croquettes, Iberico ham) rooftop bar nestled on the top of the Springhill Suites by Marriott. 

While You’re in Fort Worth… 

Since the Stock Show and Rodeo are in the Fort Worth Cultural District, it’s easy to check out other attractions while you’re in town. The Kimbell Art Museum, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth are all within walking distance.

General admission to the Kimbell is free; special exhibitions like Renoir: The Body, The Senses (on view through January 26) require an additional ticket.

General admission to the Modern is $16 (there are discounts for students and seniors, and children under 18 are free). You can get half-price tickets on Sundays and free admission on Fridays. Red Grooms’ 1976 installation “Ruckus Rodeo,” based on his observations of performances during the 1975 Stock Show, is currently on view. 

The Amon Carter was recently given a major makeover (you can read about that here), and there’s also a cool new mural made out of piñata supplies on view. Admission to the museum is free.

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is also just down the street from the Stock Show. The dead of winter isn’t the best time to see blooms, but the venue’s Japanese Garden is captivating year-round.

We’ve mentioned the art of Drunk Gardening before. It’s a very fun BYOB workshop that Petal Pushers regularly puts on in their millennial pink Deep Ellum location. In practice, it’s probably more of a “buzzed gardening” situation. I imagine “tipsy gardening” is about as wild as it gets. (And as wild as it should get — you don’t want someone in a particular state brandishing a thorned rose.)

Drunk Yoga, on the other hand, has the potential to get reasonably messy. This weekend, the coastal class debuts in Dallas with four 90-minute classes, held at the rooftop Pool Club of the new Virgin Hotel, that seamlessly incorporate wine and vinyasa. Led by Drunk Yoga founder Eli Walker, the first 15 minutes of the session is dedicated to a happy hour wine mixer, followed by 45-minutes of beginner-friendly yoga, with movements that somehow manage to incorporate wine glasses. The class ends with a 30-minute “wine down,” naturally.

The weekend of wine-fueled wellness kicks off with a Friday night class at 6:30pm (tickets start at $45), with three more opportunities to drink wine in child’s pose through Sunday, January 5.

Dwight Yoakam | Jan. 24, 8 p.m. | The Bomb Factory

The Grammy-winning champion of honky-tonk brings a rare country concert to Deep Ellum’s biggest music venue. Yoakam has sold more than 25 million records throughout his four-decade career and become The Tonight Show’s most frequent musical guest.

Tool | Jan. 22, 7:30 p.m. | American Airlines Center

The progressive metal demigods went 13 years between albums before returning with 2019’s Fear Inoculum, which immediately went to No. 1 on the Billboard chart. Early reviews for this tour suggest that the band (led by Maynard James Keenan) has suffered absolutely no rust from the long layoff.

Pride and Prejudice | Jan. 10–19 | Moody Performance Hall

Shakespeare Dallas moves the theatrics indoors and taps Jane Austen for its second-ever winter season, featuring this beloved romantic dramedy. There are five spirited sisters, one overbearing mother, and more romantic mishaps than we can count.

Cowboys of Color Rodeo | Jan. 20, 2 p.m. | Dickies Arena

Held amid the events of the 2020 Southwestern Exposition Livestock Show and Rodeo, this one-day showcase celebrates the cultures and diversity of the people who built the American West. Expect bull riding, mutton busting, and internationally acclaimed vaquero Jerry Diaz.

Ruckus Rodeo | Jan. 17–Mar. 29 | Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

With the Southwestern Exposition Rodeo in Cowtown, the Modern revisits this wild tableau by New York’s Red Grooms, which the museum originally commissioned for the 1976 exhibition “The Great American Rodeo.”

Bernadette Peters | Jan. 24–26 | Meyerson Symphony Center 

The Golden Globe- and Tony Award-winning actress and singer comes from Broadway to join the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for a concert filled with unforgettable musical numbers. Marvin Laird, Peters’ longtime musical partner, will conduct.

Origins: Fossils From the Cradle of Humankind | Through Mar. 22 | Perot Museum of Nature and Science

The Perot is offering a rare chance to come face to face with our ancient human relatives right here in Dallas. How rare? Well, the fossils of Australopithecus sediba and Homo naledi left South Africa for the first time for this exclusive exhibit. So, pretty rare.

Black Pumas | Jan. 10 & 11, 7 p.m. | The Kessler

The Austin psychedelic soul duo—singer Eric Burton and guitarist-producer Adrian Quesada, a member of the Grammy-winning Latin funk orchestra Grupo Fantasma—released their self-titled debut over the summer. Listen to the live session of “Colors” to get a taste. Locals Bastards of Soul open.

19th International Performance Festival | Jan. 25–Feb. 8 | Latino Cultural Center

Teatro Dallas presents this festival, which explores themes of space and the body through three theatrical and musical productions. Electric Hamsa, Paper Pielby, and Xtabay are each hybrids of dance, music, and drama.

Shen Yun | Dec. 28–Jan. 5; Jan. 25 & 26 | Winspear Opera House

You’ve seen it on billboards, in newspapers, and in Instagram ads. Shen Yun is back, and its marketing is as ubiquitous as ever. The dance troupe brings 5,000 years of traditional Chinese dance to Texas with stunning costumes, high-tech backdrops, and an orchestra.

Ryan Hewett | Through Jan. 11 | The Goss-Michael Foundation 

South African painter Ryan Hewett (of acclaimed gallery Unit London) presents Nothing New Under the Sun, a collection of eight new pieces created specifically for the foundation. The latest works from the archetypal brooding artist question the role of humanity in the natural world.

Captain Scott Kelly | Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m. | Winspear Opera House

The retired U.S. Navy captain, astronaut, and the New York Times bestselling author of Endurance: My Year in Space and My Journey to the Stars shares his insights on leadership, teamwork, and pushing the limits. He also has some pretty crazy space stories to tell.

Wild Kratts Live | Jan. 25, 4:30 p.m. | Majestic Theatre

Canadian brothers Chris and Martin Kratt, best known for their PBS show Zoboomafoo, have been teaching kids about the wonders of wildlife for decades now. In the brothers’ new traveling Wild Kratts Live act, Activate Creature Power!, they combine adventure and education with their signature humor.

Phora | Jan. 24, 8 p.m. | Canton Hall

After a two-year stint with Warner Bros. Records, California rapper Phora returned to his indie roots in July, releasing his third studio album, Bury Me With Dead Roses, via his own Phora LLC. The 25-year-old is also preparing to release his next album, With Love 2, independently.

The Color Purple | Jan. 7–12 | Winspear Opera House

The Pulitzer Prize-winning story gets new life in this joyful Broadway production, which earned a 2016 Tony for Best Musical Revival and features a Grammy-winning score of jazz, gospel, ragtime, and blues.

Blue Man Group | Jan. 15–19 | Winspear Opera House

Since first performing in the streets of New York in 1987, Blue Man Group has become a global phenomenon without losing much of its mystery. The music/comedy/art troupe’s latest tour, with the tongue-in-cheek title Speechless, debuts new and original compositions.

The Texas Hemp Convention | Jan. 28–30 | Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center 

This hemp and CBD event brings three days of totally legal marijuana madness. More than 300 exhibitors will be selling their wares, and industry leaders will host educational sessions.

FriendsWithYou | Jan. 12–Mar. 15 | Dallas Contemporary

The Los Angeles-based art collective founded by Samuel Albert Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III is known for its colorful, childlike imagery that’s been employed everywhere from reggaetonero J Balvin’s set design to Netflix’s True and the Rainbow Kingdom.

Tim & Eric | Jan. 30, 8 p.m. | Majestic Theatre

Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim are both relatively normal on their own—you’ll recognize the former as the groom in Bridesmaids and the latter as the tall friend in Master of None—but together the duo of Adult Swim fame ventures to the strangest frontiers of comedy.

Slide By | Jan. 16–26 | Wyly Studio Theater

Set the week after the 1999 Columbine shootings, this dark comedy written by Thomas Ward and directed and produced by Jake Nice follows a twenty-something substitute teacher as he returns to work amid paranoid—and possibly armed—co-workers.

I regret to inform you that we’ve missed the deadline to buy tickets to the Hotel Crescent Court’s adults-only gingerbread house workshops, where your fee includes cocktails and lights bites. But stress not—there’s still plenty of gingerbread house fun to be had this Saturday and Sunday. (The Eventbrite doesn’t clarify if you can BYOB, but you could certainly give the Uptown hotel a call.)

Now, I’m sure there are plenty of wonderful holiday-esque workshops in Dallas, so why does this one matter? Because, let’s face it, of all the holiday crafts a person can do, a gingerbread house is by far and away the easiest to execute. The biggest challenge is getting your graham cracker walls to stick together. From there, you literally cannot go wrong. What are you going to do? Go overboard on gumdrops? No such thing! Oops—you forgot a chimney. Marshmallows were made to be burned, baby.

Plus, this scene of a bunch of gingerbread houses lining the floor-ceiling windows overlooking Crescent Court looks undeniably festive and fun. Tickets to the remaining workshops are $134.40, and are available right here.

Texas’ first Museum of Illusions makes its debut on Saturday in Dallas’ West End District. The new ‘edutainment’ attraction aims to trick and amaze visitors of all ages with immersive installations demonstrating and explaining how the brain perceives things. It’s part science museum, part Instagram photo-op. 

The permanent museum (don’t call it a pop-up) is part of a quickly growing franchise that started in Croatia in 2015 and has expanded to more than 15 countries. Dallas is the third Museum of Illusions in the U.S. following New York City and Kansas City. Additional locations in Chicago, Miami, Las Vegas, and Washington, D.C. are already in the works. 

Dallas was a good early candidate because it’s a city that seems to magnetized to trendy concepts like this one, says Museum of Illusions co-owner Subhi Gharbieh. And there’s really nothing more on-trend than an “immersive exhibit,” as made evident by the constant stream of pop-ups like 29Rooms and the Museum of Memories, and even in non-traditional museum shows, like speechless at the Dallas Museum of Art.

The Museum of Illusions isn’t as visual as most of those, though. There are a few photo-friendly moments, but it’s definitely not an “Instagram museum,” and you’ll be disappointed if you go with the sole intention of spicing up your feed. It’s more about playing brain games, having fun, and learning a thing or two about the mind. 

“We want to educate people how easily their brains are fooled,” says Gharbieh. 

Installations like a tilted room–the same effect that was used to shrink hobbits in Lord of the Rings–and a reverse room allow you to create your own illusions in photographs, while puzzles and games are designed to test your logic.

Highlights include a Kusama-inspired infinity mirror room and a vortex tunnel that feels like an amusement park ride. 

My official verdict? It’s a fun, lightly educational addition to Dallas’ museum spread. It’s amusing enough for adults and especially suited to elementary school-age children. It’s pretty small, though, and $15-19 per ticket seems a little steep for an activity that takes about 45 minutes. To get the most for your money, I’d recommend going when there’s a special event. 

Illusionist Zak Mirzadeh will be performing this Saturday and Sunday for opening weekend, and starting December 14, Santa Claus will make special appearances on weekends through the end of the month. 

Learn more about the Museum of Illusions and plan your visit here. 

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.

Chances are if you’re a longtime Dallasite, you’ve seen the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s 12 Days of Christmas display. The Victorian-style gazebos depict scenes from the classic carol and are always a good choice when it comes to entertaining out-of-town holiday guests.

But this year, the Arboretum is shaking things up a bit. Yes, the gazebos are still there, but check out the brand-new Pauline and Austin Neuhoff Christmas Village, open to visitors now through December 31. Inspired by European Christmas markets (called Christkindlmarket), 12 adorable wooden structures will make you feel transported to the Old World. Each little building features its own village theme, ranging from the music shop to the candy shop, the bookstore to the post office (where kids can mail Santa a letter), and even a German-inspired bakery and meat market. Bring the kids and don’t miss Santa’s House—stop in for a picture with him on Wednesday evenings or on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

The Village is open both daytime and evenings, but pro tip: come in the evening and take advantage of the Arboretum’s million lights that make up their full holiday display. Also during weekends and evenings, catch volunteers dressed as shopkeepers in each store—giving out samples and treats that match each shop (including but not limited to: candy canes, jingle bells, bookmarks, and seed packets).

Can’t get enough? Stop into the DeGolyer House for its Christkindlmarket Treasures display, featuring a collection of more than 500 nativities, angels, nutcrackers, wooden Santas, and Christmas trees courtesy of the Junior League of Dallas members and local philanthropist Mary Templeton.

Ticket prices vary by date and time. Click here for more.