With Thanksgiving just a week away, holiday events are starting to ramp up in Dallas. Half of the offerings this weekend are holiday-themed in one way or another. If it's still too early for you to be celebrating the season, you can also see a famous newsman, sing along with a variety of big-name musicians, or spend time with arguably the most well-known political couple living today.
Below are the best ways to spend your free time Thursday through Monday. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, November 16
Chi Omega Christmas Market 40th Anniversary
The Chi Omega Christmas Market offers a unique, one-of-a-kind shopping experience with more than 180 merchants showcasing gifts for every age including holiday décor, women’s clothing/accessories, home accents, children’s clothing and toys, food items, and more. You can get a jump on your holiday shopping at this event, taking place through Saturday at Centennial Hall at Fair Park.
2017 DIFFA Holiday Wreath
Another holiday tradition is DIFFA/Dallas' annual Holiday Wreath Collection, which is celebrating its 22nd anniversary. Featuring one-of-a-kind wreaths, as well as works of art and curated accessories from designers around the world, the one-night-only event takes place at Fashion Industry Gallery in downtown Dallas.
Arts & Letters Live: Dan Rather
Dan Rather was one of the most respected evening news anchors for many years, and now he has evolved into a voice of wisdom in the Facebook age. At this event, Rather will discuss his new book, What Unites Us, a collection of original essays that celebrates shared values and what matters most in America. Krys Boyd, host and managing editor of Think on KERA, will moderate the conversation at First United Methodist Church of Dallas.
Tori Amos in concert
Even though she was never quite as successful as other singer/songwriters from the 1990s, Tori Amos still holds a draw for anyone who came of age during that time. Her fearlessness in tackling subjects that others wouldn't touch made her stand apart. She'll play at the Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in support of her new album, Native Invader.
Friday, November 17
People Generation presents Magical Winter Lights
Magical Winter Lights is unlike any other holiday lighting event in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The festival bases its designs from Chinese lanterns and transforms them into larger-than-life remakes of well-known landmarks like the Dallas County Courthouse, a giant cowboy, and Dallas’ iconic Pegasus. The festival, which has multiple different areas, will be open every day at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie through January 7.
An Evening with President Bill Clinton & the Honorable Hillary Clinton
It's likely only those of a certain political persuasion will be on hand at this event at the Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory, featuring the most well-known power couple of the past 25 years, Bill and Hillary Clinton. The Clintons will participate in a conversation with Danny Eaton, chief operating officer at Live Nation Entertainment Dallas office, about their eponymous foundation, Hillary's new book about the 2016 election, and, without a doubt, President Trump.
Niall Horan in concert
The five former members of One Direction have all scattered to the wind to pursue solo careers, with each slowly but surely making their way back to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Following Harry Styles' appearance on October 10 and in advance of Liam Payne's appearance at Jingle Ball on November 28, Niall Horan will play at South Side Ballroom in support of his debut solo album, Flicker, featuring the hit songs "This Town" and "Slow Hands." Horan will also perform at Jingle Ball if you miss him this time around.
Saturday, November 18
The Trains at NorthPark
Benefiting Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, The Trains at NorthPark will mark its 30th year with more than 750 railcars on a 1,600-foot elaborate configuration of tracks and scenes. The annual holiday exhibit features cityscapes like Dallas, replete with the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge and Fair Park; New York with Times Square and Grand Central Terminal; Washington, D.C. with The White House; and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. The exhibit will be on display through January 7.
Moscow Ballet presents Great Russian Nutcracker
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is known for its award-winning dancers; lavish costumes in the style of the Victorian era; and Russian focus including life-sized matryoshka dolls and Russian folk legends Ded Moroz (Father Christmas) and Snegurochka (Snow Maiden). The memorable production will have three performances through Sunday at McFarlin Auditorium.
Sunday, November 19
Fantasia in concert
Former American Idol winner Fantasia has not been as hugely successful as fellow champions Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood, but she has firmly established herself in the R&B genre. Each of her five studio albums has reached the top 5 on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop charts, and her just-released holiday album, Christmas After Midnight, has sold well, too. She'll perform at the Music Hall at Fair Park.
Dan Rather will talk about his new book at First United Methodist Church of Dallas on November 16.
Party of Five is new in Bishop Arts.Photo courtesy of Party of Five