Joshua Ray Walker
December 9 | Dan’s Silverleaf, in Denton
At the October release party for See You Next Time—the final chapter in Joshua Ray Walker’s country music trilogy about an imagined honky-tonk on the night of its demise—the Granada’s curtains went down with “Sexy After Dark,” which we hereby declare the perfect post-pandemic party romper to shake off the vestiges of global catastrophe. It’s the yin to the yang of the song that spurred Walker’s solo project, the candid heart-ripper “Canyon.” Since that 2017 debut, Rolling Stone and Spin magazines have labeled the Casa Linda-based high school dropout (pictured above at the AllGood Cafe) one of country’s “most fascinating young songwriters” and “most exciting storytellers,” respectively. And yet, upon completing his concept trilogy, Walker suggested he might explore other genres of music. (This isn’t out of the realm of possibility; he also plays with the cowpunk outfit Ottoman Turks.)
So be sure to wear your two-stepping boots to Walker’s December 9 show at Dan’s Silverleaf in Denton. After all, next times are never guaranteed. —S. Holland Murphy
Enchant Christmas
Through Jan. 2, 2022 | The Esplanade at Fair Park
The mystery pulling visitors through the immersive light maze that takes over Fair Park for the month of December is straightforward: finding out what happened to Santa Claus’ nine reindeer, who have disappeared after a storm. We are guessing it won’t take much detective work to solve that case, which is merely a pretext to marvel at some magnificent light displays. There is plenty more going on here, too: the kids can, of course, grab a photo with the jolly and bearded St. Nick and hear a story from his festively bun-headed wife. The whole family can blade along the Ice Skating Trail, and the 21-and-over set can tend to their wounds at the Polar Bar with a holiday-themed mixed beverage or two. There are also vendors at the Nordic-tinged village for last-minute shopping, along with live music and other entertainment. Basically a full holiday season in one place.
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Snowday Dallas
Through Jan. 9, 2022 | Galleria Dallas
This interactive event is filled with festive Instagram opportunities, surprise goodies, and a chance to meet Santa’s celebrity chef, Tinsel McJingles III, aka Sugarsocks. We aren’t sure which name is better.
Vets of SNL
Dec. 18, 7 pm | Winspear Opera House
Former Saturday Night Live cast members Jon Lovitz, Chris Kattan, Tim Meadows, and Finesse Mitchell team up for a night of stand-up. Since none of them is really known for this particular brand of comedy, we aren’t sure what to expect, though plenty of laughs are a safe bet.
The Shape of Matter—Through an Artist’s Eye
Through Apr. 20, 2022 | The Perot Museum of Nature and Science
For decades, Paula Crevoshay’s nature-inspired designs have captured the attention of celebrities and other jewelry professionals for their intricate crystal structures. More than 70 of her gem and mineral pieces will be on display.
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Reunion Tower Over the Top
Dec. 31 | Reunion Tower
The annual New Year’s Eve fireworks show synchronizes the tower’s lights to pyrotechnics launched from the base. It will likely be the most exciting 10 minutes of 2021.
Jersey Boys
Dec. 28–Jan. 9, 2022 | Fair Park
The classic American story of rags to riches takes Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons (and their four-part harmonies) from the streets of New Jersey to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
A Christmas Carol
Through Dec. 26 | Wyly Theatre
It’s not Christmas without Ebenezer Scrooge and the spirits of Christmas past, present, and future to remind us about the true meaning of Christmas. Filled with holiday cheer, magical spirits, and joyful songs, Kevin Moriarty’s adaptation of the classic Dickens tale, starring Raphael Parry as Scrooge, has become a Dallas Theater Center tradition.
Vitruvian Lights
Through Jan. 2, 2022 | Vitruvian Park
More than 1.5 million LEDs sparkle among 550 trees with a live soundtrack courtesy of the Jordan Kahn Orchestra, the Dallas String Quartet, and others.
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting
Through Dec. 6 | Galleria Dallas
The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum celebrates the Festival of Lights with a special ceremony every night at sundown, conducted by the museum’s board chairman Mark Zilbermann.
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Towers of Tomorrow with LEGO Bricks
Through Apr. 24, 2022 | The Perot Museum of Nature and Science
For this exhibition, more than 20 iconic skyscrapers from across the globe, from the Empire State Building in New York City to Burj Khalifa in Dubai, have been re-created using more than half a million LEGO bricks. The careful hands responsible belong to Ryan McNaught, one of 21 LEGO certified professionals in the world.
