Out on the Town

exhibit of the month

Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera: Modem Masters of the Gelman Collection. The Gelmans have one of the largest and most important private holdings of Mexican art in the world, including works by the notorious couple Kahlo and Diego Rivera. The exhibit also showcases works by other contemporary masters alongside sculpture, photographs, and works on paper. Dallas Museum of Art. 1717 N. Harwood St, 214-922-1200.

hot spot of the month

In a nondescript shopping strip at the edge of Uptown lurks the Loon Bar & Grill. By day, the suits break for a bite to accompany their three-martini lunches. By night, the Loon’s college crowd, young professional types, and the occasional Dallas Maverick mosey in to enjoy the extended happy hour. Warning: Don’t use the exceptionally strong drinks to put out the fire-unless you plan to stay the night. 3531 McKinney Ave., 214-559-3059. Happy hour: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-7p.m. -Valerie Douglas

EDITORS’ PICKS

TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO IN DECEMBER

The Tate Lecture Series-Walter Cronkite. Dec, 5. SMU brings you the legendary andhor and correspondent for CBS News to tell tales from his 60 years in the biz. Cronkite is considered one of the most influential newscasters in the history of brcadcasting, and his coverage of the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal greatly influenced public opinion. He ha; won five Emmys and the George Polk Journalism Award, and he pub-lished his autobiography. A Reporter’s Life.in 1996. McFarlin Auditorium on the SMU Campus. 6405 Boa: Ln. 214-761-8283.



Neiman Marcus Adolphus Children’s Parade. Dec. 8. This annual event marks the true beginning of the holiday season, an I it’s all for a good cause. The parade, which was started 13 years ago as a gift from the Hotel Adolphus to the children of Dallas, is famous for the hundreds of volunteer clowns and its myriad display of storybook, television, and movie charachers. This year’s theme is “Nurs-ery Rhymes in Texas Time,” putting a Te tas twist on traditional nursery rhymes. 214-456-8383.



Run the Rock. Dec. 10. The annual marathon has grown up. adding a weekend of festivities to complement the actual race. In case just the thought of running 26 miles is enough to give you a heart attack, feel free to join in the Fitness Expo, the Pre-Race Pasta Dinner, or the Awards Ceremony after the race. This year’s enhanced course, which bypasses Mockingbird altogether, now includes the scenic M Streets. www.run-therock.com.

Candlelight Tour at Old City Park. Dec. 2- 3 & 9-10. When the crowded parking lot at NorthPark threatens to push you over the edge, escape to Old City Park, a representation of a simpler time in our fair city. This celebration of a traditional, turn-of-the-century Christmas will remind you of what the holiday season is all about. Old City- Park. 1717 Gano St. 214-421-5141.



Christmas at the Superpops. Dec. 8-9. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra pulls out all the stops for this holiday extravaganza. Richard Kaufman conducts this special holiday performance, which celebrates the season with arrangements of holiday favorites. Meyerson Symphony Center. 2301 Flora St. 214-692-0203.



ATTRACTIONS

Holiday at the Arboretum. Don’t miss this lavish display of horticultural genius designed to pique all of your senses. Don’t forget to wander through the win-ter wonderland at the DeGolyer Mansion created by local interior designers. Dec. 1-31.10a.m.-5 p.m., daily. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. 8525 Garland Rd, 214-327-4901.



Holiday in the Park. Six Hags brings you holiday cheer with loads of festivities for the Christmas season. Check out the holiday shows, choir performances, and the ultimate snow hill for sledding. It’ll probably be the only time we see snow- real or not-all winter. Through Dec. 31. Call for holiday hours of operation. Six Flags Over Texas. 2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington. 817-640-8900.

Illumination Celebration. 100,000 twinkling lights, 3,000 brightly colored ornaments, and the tallest indoor Christmas tree in the country. The celebration begins when the lights come on, accompanied by traditional holiday tunes. Don’t miss “Missile Toes,” the ice skating Santa Claus who performs backflips and other stums while fireworks shoot from his skates. Through Jan. I. Sat & Sun, noon. Dallas Galleria. LBJ Fwy. @ Dallas North Tollway. 972-702-7100.

Raise the Roof: An Exhibit About Buildings. Far those of you who are hands-on, don’t miss this opportunity to lift the lids off buildings, houses, and offices to satisfy your curiosity. Peel back walls, look under floorboards, and use all of your investigative skills to figure out how things are built. This tribute to the engineering and construction of everything^-from big buildings to small homes-is fascinating. Through Feb. 11. Mon-Thu, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Fri & Sat, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun. noon-5:30 p.m. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. 1501 Montgomery St.. Fort Worth. 817-255-9300.



The Women’s Museum: An Institute for the Future.Located in the art deco beauty of Fair Park, the DWM-in association with the Smithsonian-is one of only five museums in the country that celebrate American women’s contribution to the history of our country. “Notable American Women,” the opening exhibit, showcases a collection of portraits from the National Portrait Gallery. Tue-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun, noon-5 p.m. 3800 Parry Ave. 214-915-0860.



DANCE

The Nutcracker. The Fort Worth Dallas Ballet presents the traditional holiday ballet, a celebration of imagination and the kid in all of us. Tchaikovsky’s classic score is the backdrop for Clara’s adventures with the Sugar Plum Fairy and friends. Dec 18 & 21,8 p.m., Dec 19 & 22, 2 & 8 p.m. The Music Hall at Fair Park. 909 First Ave. 214-369-5024.



EVENTS

Jingle Bell Run 5K. By far the most raucous 5K all year, this race winds through downtown Dallas to the tune of thousands of jingle bell-wearing, costumed runners. There’s a Santa Land for the kiddos, a costume contest for the big kids, and a festive post-race party to celebrate crossing the finish line. Dec. 23, 6 p.m. Race begins at Reunion Arena. 777 Sports St. 214-528-1290.



KwanzaaFest. Fair Park is the venue for this celebration of Kwanzaa, a holiday created to offer African-Americans the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to themselves, their families, and their communities. Kwanzaa is based on the activities surrounding the traditional African celebration of the harvest of first crops and is observed Dec. 26-Jan. 1. This year’s featured speaker is Tavis Smiley from Black Entertainment Television. Dec. 9 & 10. noon-9 p.m. Automobile Building at Fair Park. 1300 Robert B, Cullum Blvd. 214-653-6671.

2nd Annual New Years Eve Downtown Celebration. Since this is the real beginning of the millennium, we believe that even if you missed last year’s countdown, it’s not too late to begin the tradition, Live music, dance performances from multicultural troupes. fireworks, lasers, food, and drinks are part of the best and biggest countdown to the New Year show in Texas. Dec. 31, 5 p.m. Pegasus Plaza. 1500 Main St. 214-747-9663.

Winter SolstiCelebration. Ceremony, music, poetry, and dance are used to explore the regenerative power of darkness and the redemptive power of light in this popular Dallas tradition of seven years, which honors the Winter Solstice. The multicultural, non-sectarian event includes activities such as audience sing-alongs. a giant spiral dance. and an outdoor Yule log burning. Dec. 21.7 p.m. Cathedral of Hope. 5910 Cedar Springs Rd. 214-320-3851.

KIDSTUFF

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Mayhem, merriment, and the true meaning of Christmas reign in this chaotic classic. Blessings abound as the Herdmans. the worst kids in town, and an entire congregation collide in the traditional Christmas pageant. Dec. 1-17. Fri, 7:30 p.m.; Sal, 1:30 p.m.; Sun. 1:30 & 4:30 p.m. El Centre College Theater. Main and Market streets. 214-978-0110.



Not a Creature was Stirring. The Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts presents a wonderful holiday treat. The company that dazzled audiences last year with ils presentation of The Nutcracker brings Malcolm and Millicent Mouse and their family to life as they joyously decorate for the holidays. This show is an excellent introduction to the theater for children 3 years old and up. Dec. I -22. Fri. 7:30 p.m.: Sat & Sun, 1:30 & 4:30 p.m. The Crescent Theater. 2215 Cedar Springs Rd. 214-978-0110.



MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

Cutting Pattern/Cutting Edge. The last show curated by Aldington Museum of Art curator Joan Davidow focuses on the fickle world of fashion. The first-ever survey of contemporary Texas fashion trends features designers, photographers, and artists who hail from the Lone Star state. Through Dec. 30. Wed-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 201 W. Main St.. Arlington. 817-275-4600.



From Renoir to Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée de l’Orangerie. This exhibit brings 81 of the 145 paintings in the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume Collection of the Musée de l’Orangerie. Paris, to the Kimbell. Many of the great masters of French painting from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are represented. The collection stops in Fort Worth, the only United States venue on this international tour, before it moves on to Austria. Through Feb. 25. Tue-Thu. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Fri, noon-8 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Sun, noon-5 p.m. Kimbell Art Museum. 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. 817-332-8451.

MUSIC

Barber of Seville.Rossini’s comic masterpiece comes to life in the original Italian with English supertitles. Barber tells the tale of Figaro, the local barber, as he attempts to play matchmaker for a romantic aristocrat and the enchanting Rosina. The star-studded cast includes world-renowned mezzosoprano Jennifer Larmore. Dec. 15, 17, 20 & 21. Fri, Wed &Thu. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. Music Hall at Fair Park. 909 First Ave. 214-443-1000.



A British Winter Holiday. The Arlington Choral Society presents a holiday treat featuring a joint concert with the Arlington All-City Boys and Girls Choir. This concert gives traditional holiday carols a different sound. Dec. 9,7:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church. ] 200S. Collins St., Arlington. 817-346-8533.

Handel’s Messiah. Join the Dallas Bach Society for three evenings celebrating Handel’s famous piece. Don’t miss the traditional performance Saturday afternoon at the Mey-erson, followed by a sing-along Thursday, Dec. 21, at the Church of the Incarnation. The celebration ends Friday, Dec. 22, with an acoustic performance in the Baroque fashion at the Church of the Incarnation. Dec. 16, 1:30 p.m., Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St. Dec. 21 & 22, 8 p.m.. Church of the Incarnation. 3966 McKinney Ave. 214-320-8700.



Holiday Concert Extravaganza. Celebrate a classical Christmas this season with the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra’s annual holiday concert, featuring rare holiday syrn-phonic works, choral masterpieces, and a surprise vocal soloist. Sing along with the orchestra to “Jingle Bells” and enjoy the church choir during this evening of music. Dec. 16, 8 pm. John Carpenter Hall, Irving Arts Center. 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd.. Irving. 972-5X0-1566.



Monuments of Music. Under the direction of Paul Phillips, the Meadows Symphony Music brings you Beethoven’s Emparer Concerto and Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. , Dec. 1. 8 p.m.; Dec. 3, 3 p.m. Caruth Auditorium at the Owen Arts Center. 6101 Bishop Blvd. 214-768-2787.



Rockin’ Christmas Party. Enjoy your favorite I top 40 hits from the ’60s and ’70s during this holiday-inspired trip back in time. Prancing reindeer and Kris Kringle grace the stage to get show-goers in the holiday spirit. Through Dec. 30. Thu & Fri, 8 p.m.; Sat, 3 & 8 p.m. Watertower Theater. 15650 Addison Rd., Addison. 972-450-6232.



The Vocal Majority Christmas Show. This performance includes holiday music with a special guest appearance by Minneapolis-based | recording artists, The Blenders. Dec. 8 & 9. Fri, 8 p.m.: Sat. 2 & 8 p.m. McFarlin Auditorium at SMU. 6405 Boaz Ln. 214-373-8000.



Wozzeck. Alban Berg’s psychological thriller I portrays a man in a small German town during the 1830s struggling with a love triangle and his sanity, With an unusual set design and i a challenging score, Wozzeck is bound to attract internationalacclaim. Dec. 1,3,6& 9. Fri, Wed I & Sat, 7:30 p.m.; Sun, 2 p.m. Music Hall at Fair Park. 909 First Ave. 214-443-1000.

SPORTS

Fall Meeting of Champions Quarter Horse Racing. Enjoy the excitement and showmanship of “the sport of kings” as quarter horses race each oilier to the wire. Nov. 30-Dec. 2,6:30-11 p.m. Lone Star Park. 1000 Lone Star Pkwy., Grand Prairie. 972-263-7223.



TJ Maxx World Gymnastics Championships. Pile the kiddos in the car and go check out these top gymnasts from around the world as they embark on a 40-city tour of North America. This display of stunning theatrical music, athleticism, dance, and artistic routines might inspire the next Kerri Strug. Dec. 7, 7 p.m. ReunionArena. 777 SportsSt.214-373-8000.



THEATER

Bells, Bows, and Bangles. After St. Nick finishes his deliveries for the season, he has a nightmare thai every sitcom, game show, and documentary is about Christmas. Don’t miss this unique look into St. Nick’s psyche. Dec. 19-22. Tue-Fri, 8 p.m. Meyerson Symphony Center. 2301 Flora St. 214-692-0203.



A Christmas Carol. The Dallas Theater Center brings you the classic Dickens tale of hope and redemption. Sure, we all know what happens in the end. but the lesson in humility and kindness is timeless. Through Dec. 24. Sal & Sun, 3 pm. Arts District Theater. 2401 Flora St. 214-522-8499.



The Happy Time. Samuel Taylor’s 1940s com-ing-of-age comedy centers around a teenage boy. his quirky family, and the vaudeville dancer who tempts him. Through Jan. 7. Thu, 7:30 p.m.; Fri. 8 p.m.: Sat, 2:30 & 8 p.m.; Sun, 2:30 p.m. Theatre Three. 2800 Routh St. 214-871-3300.



It’s a Wonderful Life. This musical version of the silver screen classic hailed so much critical acclaim last year that the production has now expanded to 13 performances. The cast is made up of more than 300 volunteers, including members of the First Baptist Church choir and orchestra. Dec. 8-23. Wed-Fri, 7:30 p.m.; Sal & Sun, 2 & 7:30 p.m. The Majestic Theatre. 1925 Elm St. 214-969-2422.