On the Town

CHILDREN’S PARADE STEPS OUT IN CIRCUS STYLE

Downtown Dallas will be transformed into a moving playground on Dec. 7 for the 1996 Adolphus Children’s Christmas Parade. This family favorite, in its ninth year, combines the efforts of more than 1,500 volunteers and 3,500 participants. The parade is sponsored by Neiman Marcus and the Adolphus Hotel, and through corporate sponsorships, benefits the Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. But forget all that grown-up stuff. Here are the important details: Santa will be there and he’s bringing some friends! Where else can you see St. Nick, Spidey and the Stinky Cheese Man all at once? Outpatients from the Medical Center will also participate as will local marching bands, high-stepping horses and hundreds of comical clowns. The big show starts on the corner of Lamar and Commerce and winds down Ervay to City Hall Plaza and Akard. Come out and follow the fun or purchase bleacher seats for your personal, close-up look at the merriment. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. Information: 214-640-8383.

-Allison Lowe

The Music of New Year’s Eve Night

You may have just gotten used to writing “1996” on your checks. You may not be ready for that 365th day, but time doesn’t wait for the unprepared! It’s almost New Year’s Eve! Now, where are you gonna go to celebrate? Come on, aren’t you sick of the perpetual Dick Clark? Does the thought of watching the ball drop in Times Square once again make your stomach turn? Throw on your shiny party clothes and dance the night away at these New Year’s hot spots:

Billy Bob’s Texas. Mark Chesnutt and Gary Stewart. 9 p.m.; 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth. Tickets: 817-589-1711.

KERA Benefit A variety show will feature Garrison Keillor, host of National Public Radio’s “A Prairie Home Companion.” 10:15 p.m.: Music Hall at Fair Park. Tickets: 214-647-5700.

Caravan of Dreams. Joe Ely. 9 p.m.; 312 Houston St., Fort Worth. Tickets: 817-877-3000.

Dallas Bach Society. “The Lighter Side of the Baroque,” 8 & 10 p.m., NorthPark Presbyterian Church, 9555 N. Central Expwy. Tickets: 214-871-2787.

The Sons of Hermann Hall. Don Walser and Rie Pure Texas Band. 9 p.m.; 3414 Elm St. Tickets: 214-747^1422.

Die White Elephant Saloon. Tommy Alverson. 9 p.m.; 106 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth. Tickets: 817-524^273. -A.L

SUN & STAR ★ Official Sun & Star 1996 events in this listing are marked with this symbol. For more information on the international celebration, link up to the CityView home page at www.cityview.com/dallas


Attractions

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. “Christmas at the Arboretum” (through Dec. 29). Revel in the changing colors of the season as Dallas celebrates the coming of Christmas, and enjoy the holiday decorations in the Camp and DeGoyler houses. Visitors can stroll along the walks and enjoy more than 200.000 flowers, cultivated gardens and a spectacular view of White Rock Lake with downtown buildings in the distance. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.. daily; 8525 Garland Rd. Information: 214-327-8263.

Fair Park. Built in the 1930s to celebrate the Texas centennial, Fair Park’s 227 acres feature art deco buildings, an aquarium. Dallas’ Museum of Natural History, The Science Place, the Age of Steam Museum, the African American Museum, the Civic Garden Center, the Coca-Cola Starplex Amphitheater, the Hall of State, the Dallas Horticultural Center and picnic areas. The Friends of Fair Park and the City of Dallas run the Visitors Center (9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday) in the Magnolia Lounge. Walking tours around the park are available by appointment. Open daily, year-round. 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd. at Grand Avenue. Information: 214-670-8400 or 214-426-3400.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden. The 110-acre tree-shaded complex includes a rose garden, a conservatory and Japanese gardens that include a “Meditation” garden and pools Tilled with carp that visitors can feed. 8 a.m.-dusk (9 a.m.-6 p.m., Japanese gardens), daily; 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth. Information: 817-871-7686.

McKinney Avenue Trolley. Bring the kids and the camera to see The Mitcrackercelebrity who will be riding the “Sugar Plum Fairy Express.” The festively decorated McKinney Avenue Trolley will make regular runs through the Uptown district to the Dallas Museum of Art; 10:15 a.m. and continuing at half-hour intervals from McKinney Station. McKinney Avenue between Hall and Bowen streets: departs DMA station beginning at 11:00 a.m. Information: 214-85 5O006.

Movie Studios at Las Colinas. These studios, where scenes of RoboCop, Leap of Faith and JFK were filmed, are open for tours. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., daily: 6301 N. O’Connor Blvd.. Las Colinas. Information: 972-869-FILM.

Neiman Marcus. Disney returns to downtown Dallas at the retail store, where scenes from The Lion King, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, 101 Dalmations and other Disney films will be displayed in the windows. The displays will be lit and animated 24 hours a day until Dec. 30; 1618 Main St. Information: 214-573-5778.

Old City Park, The Historical Village of Dallas. During the holidays, enjoy an enchanting candlelight tour through the Victorian and pioneer homes. 5-10 p.m.. Dec. 7 & 14: 3-8 p.m., Dec. 8 & 15. This outdoor museum is a complete turn-of-the-century village right under the modern skyline of Dallas. Houses, a church, a school and a variety of stores were moved from their original locations to the park and restored. so that a walk through the village offers a glimpse into the life of early North Texans. 10 a,m.-4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; noon-4 p.m., Sunday; 1717 Gano. Information: 214-421-5141.

Southfork Ranch. Visit the Ewing Mansion, explore the ranch grounds by tram and walk through the “Dallas-Museum with memorabilia from the show. There’s also a western wear store and the Front Porch Cafe. 9a.m.-5 p.m., daily; 3700 Hogge Rd,, Parker. Information: 972-442-7800.



Dance

The Nutcracker. The Chamberlain Ballet Company for pre-professional dancers performs this classic ballet. 7:30 p.m.. Nov. 29; 2 & 7:30 p.m., Nov. 30; 2 p.m., Dec. 1; McFarlin Auditorium, Hillcrest at McFarlin, SMU campus. Tickets: 1-800-442-2281.

The Lewisville Nutcracker. LakeCities Ballet Theatre and the Lewisville Lake Symphony present the traditional holiday ballet 3 & 7:30 p.m., Nov. 30; 3 p.m., Dec. 1; Marcus High School Auditorium, 5707 Morriss Rd.. Flower Mound. Tickets: 800-654-9545.

The Nutcracker. The Fort Worth Dallas Ballet brings you this magical holiday fairy tale in traditional dance. In Fort Worth:8p.m., Dec. 13,19&20: 2&8 p.m., Dec. 14,21: 2 p.m.. Dec. 15 & 22; JFK Theater, Tarrant County Convention Center. 1111 Houston St. Tickets: 1-800-654-9545. In Dallas: 8 p.m., Dec. 23; 2 p.m., Dec. 24; 2 & 8 p.m., Dec. 26-27; Music Hall, Fair Park, First Avenue at Parry. Tickets; 214-691-7200.

Fairs & Fiestas

Hall of H.O.P.E. Experience this citywide celebration of the diverse ethnic groups in Dallas. Designs by Dallas public school students representing 25 cultures from around the world will be on display. Dec. 1-31; NorthPark Center, Northwest Highway at Central Expressway. Information: 214-504-6836.

Fielder Festival. The 15th annual tree lighting ceremony at the Fielder Museum will be followed by refreshments with Santa. 6-8 p.m.. Dec. 2. The museum also will have displays of Christmases past throughout the month. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesday-Friday; 1:304:30 p.m.. Sunday; 1616 W. Abram, Arlington, Information: 817-460-4001.

Grand Tree Lighting. Santa illuminates the tallest indoor tree in Texas in a special ceremony with fireworks and world-class figure skaters. Nov. 29:11 a.m., Texas Boys Choir performs; noon, tree lighting. The tree will be relit in ceremonies with Santa and the ’Missile Toes” at noon every Saturday thereafter until Christmas (Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14 & 21); Galleria (lower level at the Ice Skating Center), LBJ Freeway at Dallas North Tollway. Information: 972-702-7100.

Holiday Tree Lighting Festival. Enjoy “Dallas On Ice” as skating season kicks off at the city’s only outdoor ice rink. 1-7:30 p.m., Nov. 29, Munger Avenue in the West End. Information: 214-969-RINK.

Dallas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Share in a musical international celebration. Dallas public school choruses, bands and bell choirs will perform as the city officially lights its holiday tree. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Dec. 4.: Dallas City Hall, 1500 Manila St. Information: 214-504-6836.

Chi Omega Christmas Market .This arts and crafts extravaganza features more than 150 merchants for holiday shopping. 2-9 p.m., Dec. 5; 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.. Dec. 7; 10 a.m.-6 p.m.. Dec. 7; Dallas Convention Center, 650 S. Griffin. Information: 214-8908131.

Christmas Bazaar. Jesuit College Preparatory School’s third annual extravaganza. Fifty crafters’ booths, food, music and entertainment create this community celebration. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 8; Jesuit School, 12345 Inwood Rd. information: 972-661-3821.

Saint Lucia Celebration. NorthPark Center hosts this colorful afternoon of Swedish tradition and folklore. 2:30 p.m.. Dec. 8; Northwest Highway at Centrai Expressway. Information: 214-504-6836.

A Chinese Holiday Celebration. Brightly colored costumes and spirited music and dance energize this cultural celebration. 2:30 p.m., Dec. 14; NorthPark Center, Northwest Highway at Central Expressway. Information: 214-504-6836.

Bolivian Folklorico Celebration. Come see the grace and style of the Latin dancers and listen to the lively folk music of the Andes. 2:30 p.m., Dec. 22; NorthPark Center, Northwest Highway at Central Expressway. Information: 214-504-6836.



Home & Garden

Holiday Wreath Collection. Holiday wreaths, along with stockings, ornaments and holiday cards from Dallas’ finest designers, will be on sale at the Dallas Design District. Through Dec. 15; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily: 1400 Turtle Creek Blvd.. Suite 175. Information: 214-698-1350.



Kidstuff

Dallas Zoo. After recent renovations, the zoo features a new entrance off I-35E (take the Marsalis exit), new parking areas and a new entry plaza. The most exciting addition is “Lemur Lookout.” an exhibit housing one of the most endangered members of the animal kingdom. Other permanent exhibits feature forest, mountain and river habitats, walk-through aviaries and the Reptile Discovery Center. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily; 650 S. R.L. Thornton Fwy. Information: 214-670*825.

Zoobilee of Lights. Fishing at the North Pole, visiting Santa’s playroom, making crafts and watching a laser light show are Just part of the fun during the holiday season at the Fort Worth Zoo, which will be decked out in lights and decorations. 6-9 p.m., Dec. 13-31 (excluding Dec. 24 & 25); 1989 Colonial Pkwy. Information: 817-871-7050.

Experiment Gallery. Air, electricity, gravity, light and optics, math, mechanics, oscillators, pendulums, waves and weather make up this interactive exhibit. Scientific laws and theories make it all work! Through Jan. 5; 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.. Sunday-Thursday: 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday: The Science Place. Fair Park. Information: 214-428-5555.

Galleria Wonderland Express. Enjoy a holiday tradition featuring 23 trains running simultaneously over 1.5 miles of track. Through Jan. 5; 10 a.m.-9 p.m.. Monday-Saturday; noon-6 p.m.. Sunday; special holiday hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. Nov. 27, Dec. 24 & Dec. 31; Gallefia (level three near Marshall Field’s), LBJ Freeway at Dallas North Tollway. Information: 9724805312.

Babes In Toy land. Creative Arts Theater and School presents this holiday classic with Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary, Little Miss Muffet and Jack and Jill. Dec. 6-21: call for times; 1100 W. Randall Mill Rd., Arlington. Tickets: 817-861-2287.

Deck the Hall. Symphonic music, holiday songs and traditional stories presented by familiar characters highlight this entertaining and educational 45-minute program just for kids and their families. 1p.m., Dec. 7; Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora. Information: 214-692-0203.

Children’s Feast of Carols. The Lord of Misrule will explain customs of the season. Cookies and apple punch will be served. At the end. children can have their picture taken with the characters in this fun farcel 4 p.m., Dec. 8; Bluebonnet Ballroom. University Center. 301 W. 2nd St., UT-Arlington campus. Information: (metro) 817-272-2354.

Christmas on the Farm. Yearning for a country-style Christmas? Bring your kids to Heritage Farmstead Museum to see how the holiday is celebrated on a working farm. 10-11:30 a.m., Dec. 13:1900 W. 15th St.. Piano. Information: 972-424-7874.

Lantern Light DayFest and Festival. The popular “American Girls.” Samantha and Kristen, will demonstrate different holiday traditions at the DayFest. 12-4 p.m., Dec. 14. Celebrate the season with lights and laughter at the Lantern Light Festival. 6-9 p.m., Dec. 13 & 14; 1900 W. 15th St., Piano. Information: 972-881-0104.

A Christmas Carol. Richardson Children’s Theatre presents this musical version of the Dickens classic. 7:30 p.m., Dec. 13; 2 & 7:30 p.m., Dec. 14; 2 p.m., Dec. 15; UTD Theater, Floyd at Campbell. Information: 972-690-5029.



Museums & Galleries

African American Museum. “Beyond Category: The Musical Genius of Duke Ellington’ (through Dec. 31). The premiere exhibition of America’s jazz heritage. Includes rare photographs, manuscripts and artifacts creating visual settings for “The Duke’s” compositions. “Caribbean Visions: Contemporary Painting and Sculpture” (through Dec. 15) features 92 works by 56 native painters and sculptors. Noon-5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday; 1-5 p.m., Sunday; 3536 Grand Ave., Fair Park. Information: 214-565-9026.

Amon Carter Museum. In “Thirty-Five Years of Collecting, ” (through Jan. 5| the Master works of Photography collection explores society’s changing attitudes throughout three decades about photography as art. “Plain Pictures: Images of the American Prairie” (through Feb. 23) looks at how painters, printmakers and photographers have struggled with visualizing this region from the early 19th century to the present. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. Tuesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m., Sunday; 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. Information 817-738-1933.

Arlington Museum of Art. “Texas Meets New York: Facing the Millennium-the song remains the same…” (through Jan. 4) is an exhibit by guest curator Kenny Schachter who will examine the high anxiety of New York’s emerging artists through some of their works. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. Wednesday-Saturday; 201 W. Main St., Arlington. Information: 817-275-4600.

Arte entre of Piano. Ray Thomas makes his American debut (through Dec. 20). His works combine realist style with ancient pictorial symbols of Australian natives to tell the story of what happened to them once Europeans arrived in Australia. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; 1039 E. 15th St.. Piano: Information: 972-423-7809.

Contemporary Art Center of Fort Worth. This new venue celebrates its grand opening on Dec. 13 with an inaugural exhibition (through January 1997) curated by Dave Hickey. The Center is devoting itself to presenting the work of living visual and performing artists from this region. 11a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday & Saturday; noon-5 p.m., Sunday; Fourth and Commerce streets. Fort Worth, information: 817-877-5550.

Dallas Museum of Art. “Concentrations 28: Matthew McCaslin, Harnessing Nature” (through Jan. 19) is an environmental installation of video and sound that mimics the oceans. Also. “American Hooked Rugs” (through Dec. 31). 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.. Saturday & Sunday; 1717 N. Harwood St. Information: 214-922-1200 or 214-922-1355.

SUN & STAR ★ Fort worth Museum of Science and History. “Mingei; Two Centuries of Japanese Folk Art” (through Jan. 5) showcases the world’s finest collection of Japanese crafts. Permanent exhibits explore Texas’ natural history and science; Omni Theater shows 70mm films in a dome theater: and the Noble Planetarium offers a glimpse at the stars. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday; 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday&Saturday;noon-8 p.m., Sunday; 1501 Montgomery St.. Fort Worth. Information: (metro) 817-654-1356.

SUN & STAR ★ Kimbell Art Museum. “The Women of the Pleasure Quarter: Japanese Paintings and Prints of the Floating World” (through Dec. 1) will show 107 paintings, multicolored wood block prints and illustrated books from the 17th through the 19th centuries. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday & Saturday: noon-8 p.m.. Friday: noon-5 p.m., Sunday; 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. Information: 817-332-8451.

McKinney Avenue Contemporary. “Sacred Spring,’ (through Jan. 12) video, sculpture and mixed media by artist Sant Khalsa, explores humanity’s effects on nature and the environment. Texas native Roger Winter returns for a show of his new work (through Jan. 12). 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m., Sunday: 3120 McKinney Ave. Information: 214-953-1212.

SUN & STAR ★ Meadows Museum. “Jacob Lawrence: pantings from Two Series, 1940 & 1994” (through Dec. 8). 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.. Thursday; 1-5 p.m., Sunday; Bishop and Binkley. SMU campus. Information: 214-768-2516.

SUN & STAR ★ Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. “Tatsuo Miyajima: Big Time’ (through Jan. 5) is the first American museum survey of Miyajima’s work. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday: noon-5 p.m., Sunday; 1309 Montgomery St., Fort Worth. Information: 817-738-9215.

The Science Place. New IMAX Theater has a 79-foot dome screen. The rest of the museum is a hands-on children’s discovery center. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., daily; 1318 Second Ave., Fair Park. Information: 214-428-5555.

Sixth Floor Museum. This intelligent and moving exhibit in the former Texas School Book Depository explores Kennedy’s life and assassination. 9 a.m,-6 p.m., daily; Dallas County Administration Building, 411 Elm St. Information: 214-653-6666.



Music

Turtle Creek Chorale. The internationally renowned men’s choir rings in the holiday with brass instruments, organ, harp, poinsettias, tuxedos and candies. 8 p.m., Dec. 1,4, 8 & 11; Meyerson Symphony Center. 2301 Flora St. Information: 214-526-3214.

Meadows Jazz Ensemble. This concert by SMU’s premiere jazz group is free to the public. 8 p.m., Dec. 5; Caruth Auditorium. Bishop at Binkley. SMU campus. Tickets: 214-76B-ARTS.

SUN & STAR ★ Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Guest pianist Minoru Nojima performs as the DSO plays the music of Schumann. Liszt and Dvorak. 8:15 p.m., Dec. S7: Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St. Information: 214-692-0203.

Johnnie High’s Country Music Christmas Revue. Joyful holiday music in a down-home family affair for the holidays. Dec. 6-21; 7:30 p.m.. Monday-Friday: 3 & 7:30 p.m.. Saturday. Arlington Music Hall. 224 N. Center St.. Arlington. Information: 817-577-8287.

Arlington Christmas Concert. Christmas comes to Arlington when the city’s philharmonic orchestra and choral society perform holiday favorites, including a carol sing-along. Dec. 7; complimentary reception, 7:30 p.m.; concert, 8:15 p.m.; Arlington Museum of Art, 201 W. Main St., Arlington. Information: 817-275-8965.

Musica Nova. UTD’s resident chamber music ensemble in a seasonal performance. 8 p.m., Dec. 7: Jonsson Performance Hall, Floyd at Campbell, Richardson. Information: 214-883-2765.

Pianist Katherine Collier. The Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth celebrates Brahms’ 100th birthday by per forming the works of Haydn, Mendelssohn and Brahms with this guest star. 2:30 p.m., Dec. 8: Texas Boys Choir Building, 2925 Riverglen Or.. Fort Worth. Tickets: 817-335-9000.

20th Annual Messiah Sing. What would Christmas be without a concert of Handel’s Messiah ? Be there for the readings and music, but most of all for the Hallelujah Chorus. 7:30 p.m.. Dec. 8; Jonsson Performance Hail, Floyd and Campbell. Richardson, information: 214-883-2765.

The Walden Piano Quartet. The quartet plays the music of Brahms in celebration of the Walden Chamber Music Society’s 15th season. 7:30 p.m., Dec. 8; Caruth Auditorium, Bishop and Binkley. SMU campus. Tickets; 214-817-ARTS.

Holiday Pops Concert. The Piano Chamber Orchestra celebrates the holiday season. 4:30 & 7:30 p.m., Dec. 8; Fellowship Baptist Church. 850 Lexington Ave.. Piano. Information: 972-985-1983.

Duncan McLean and Texas Swing. The Scottish novelist, winner of the prestigious Somerset Maugham Award, will present an evening of readings accompanied by this 10-piece Western swing band, some whom are former Texas Playboys. 7 p.m., Dec. 8; Sons of Hermann Hall. 3414 Elm St. Information: 214-747-4422.

Josep Henriquez. The Dallas Guitar Society showcases this world-famous eight-string guitarist from Barcelona. 8 p.m., Dec. 10; Caruth Auditorium, Binkley and Bishop, SMU campus. Tickets: 214-871-ARTS.

Four Centuries of Midwinter Music. The Fort Worth Classic Guitar Society hosts Robert Guthrie and other guitarists playing holiday tunes. 8 p.m., Dec, 13; Ed Landreth Hall. University and Cantey, TCU campus. Information: (metro) 817-329-4430.

Lori Line. Critically acclaimed pop pianist Lori Line brings her holiday show to Dallas. 7:30 p.m., Dec. 17: McFarlin Auditorium, 6400 Hillcrest at McFarlin. Tickets: 214-768-3131.



Sports

SUN & STAR ★

Legends of the Game Baseball Museum. Special exhibit (through Jan. 31| will feature artifacts and photos from the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Tokyo. Other displays focus on the game in America. Last tickets are sold one hour before closing. 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.. Tuesday-Saturday: noon-5 p.m., Sunday: The Ballpark in Arlington. 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington. Information: 817-273-5600.

Lone Star Park. Sports fans can watch and wager on races from top tracks across the country. Belt Line Road, a half mile north of 1-30. Grand Prairie, Race times and information: 972-263-RACE.

America’s Ice Garden. “The Nutcracker On Ice” adds a twist to this holiday favorite in a free performance by Metroplex skaters. 7:30 p.m.. Dec. 14; noon, Dec. 18. Public skating and private lessons are offered at the rink. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & 8-10 p.m.. Monday; 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. & 8-10 p.m.. Tuesday & Wednesday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday; 11 a.m.-5;30 p.m. & 7-8:30 p.m.. Friday; 1-8 p.m., Saturday; noon-5 p.m., Sunday; Plaza of the Americas, 700 N. Pearl. Information: 214-922-9800.

Christmas Classic Run. Three races and a costume contest will help support local family and children’s charities. The Elf Trot for kids begins at 9 a.m.. a two-mile run/walk begins at 9:15 a.m., and a 10K run begins at 9:30 a.m., Dec. 7; Williams Square on O’Connor, Irving. Information: 214-821-0909.

White Rock Marathon. This internationally recognized marathon winds from City Hall in downtown Dallas to the While Rock Lake area. 8 a.m.. Dec, 8; 5400 Manila. Registration: 214-526-5318.

Nature Appreciation Hike. This guided nature hike through River Legacy Park is designed to increase one’s knowledge and enjoyment of Texas’ flora and fauna. 10 a.m., Dec. 14; first parking lot past the entrance, 703 N.W, Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington, information: 817-860-6752.



Theater

Blithe Spirit. Marriage, romance and adventure are part of the fun as a madcap medium invites the dearly departed as dinner guests. Through Dec. 8: 8:15 p.m..Tuesday-Friday, 2:30 & 8:15 p.m., Saturday: 8:15 p.m., Sunday; Theatre Three. 2800 Routh St. Tickets: 214-871-3300.

The Curious Savage. An elderly woman is institutionalized by her stepchildren in a plot to take her millions. Through Dec. 14; 8 p.m.. Thursday-Saturday: The Richardson Theatre Center. Custer at Lookout roads, Richardson. Information: 972-699-1130.

A Christmas Carol. The holiday favorite by Charles Dickens returns for a 13th showing. The production features dazzling effects, singing and dancing. Through Dec. 24: call for times; Dallas Theater Center. 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd. Tickets; 214-522-T1XX.

Forever Plaid, Extended by popular demand! This witty off-broadway musical review features all-male singing groups of the ’50s and 60s. Through Dec. 29; 8 p.m., Thursday & Friday; 5 & 9 p.m., Saturday: 2 p.m., Sunday; Casa Mariana’s Theatre On the Square, 109 E. Third, Fort Worth. Information: 817-332-2272.

Alegre Spain. Dallas’ Soul Rep performs this art/poetry piece atout the Moorish influence on medieval Spain. 1 p.m., Dec. 1; Teatro Dallas, 2204 Commerce St. Information: 214-741-6833.

A Tuna Christmas. Two actors portray trie 22 characters in this play about Tuna, the fictional third smallest town in Texas. In its fourth season, this comedy takes a humorous twist on conservativism and religious fundamentalism. 8 p.m., Dec. 3-6; 2 & 8 p.m., Dec. 7 & 8: Will Rogers Auditorium. 3401 W. Lancaster, Fort Worth. Tickets: 817-332-2272.

Ail in the Timing. This set of short plays combines the bi￡-zare with the funny in a look at the world through the eyes of playwright David Ives. 8 p.m., Dec. 5-7 & Dec. 12-14: 2:15 p.m., Dec. 8 & 15; Quad C Theatre. 2800 E. Spring Creek Pkwy.. Piano. Information; 972-881-5679.

The Homecoming. The story of a father who is lost in a snowstorm on Christmas Eve and how his rural family shows true love and devotion in his time of need. Dec. 5-22: 7:30 p.m., Thursday; 8 p.m., Friday; 2 & 8 p.m., Saturday: 2 p.m., Sunday; Theatre Arlington, 305 W. Main St.. Arlington. Information: 817-261-9628.

El Aprendiz. A group from Spain’s Cantabria region will perform this play about memory, love and hate. 8 p.m., Dec. 6 & 7 ; Teatro Dallas, 2204 Commerce St. Information: 214-741-6833,

Miracle on 34th Street. A skeptical mother and her young daughter discover that believing in Santa Claus is the hey to keeping the Christmas spirit alive. Dec. 6-21; 7:30 p.m., Friday; 2 p.m., Saturday. Casa Mariana Theatre. 3101 W. Lancaster, Fort Worth. Information: 817-332-2272.

She Loves Me. The post-Broadway rendition of the show that premiered in 1963 in which two perfume shop co-workers experience true love through their pen pal relationships. You’ll never guess who their pen pals are! Dec. 7-21; 8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday: 2:30 p.m.. Sunday; Lyric Stage, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd.. Ste. 300, Irving. Information: 214-554-8534.

Broadway Christmas Album. Join in the magic of the holidays with this group of local artists singing Broadway tunes as well as Christmas and Hanukkah favorites. 8 p.m., Dec. 14; 2 p.m.. Dec. 15. Casa Manana Theatre. 3101 W. Lancaster. Fort Worth. Information: 817-332-2272.