As will be the case throughout pretty much all of December, holiday-themed events once again dominate the entertainment landscape around Dallas-Fort Worth. But there are a couple of non-holiday happenings going on, including the return of a hip hop master and special screenings of one of the best trilogies of all time
Below are the best options for your precious free time Thursday through Sunday. Don't like what you see? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, December 4
Dallas Summer Musicals presents A Christmas Story, The Musical
A Christmas Story, which tanked in its initial movie release, is an unlikely success story. But home video and years of airing on TBS have made it a holiday classic, and now fans have a new way to enjoy the story through this stage musical. You can see Ralphie pine for a BB gun and almost shoot his eye out through song at Music Hall at Fair Park until December 14.
Usher in concert with August Alsina
Despite the presence of many high-powered competitors, Usher has remained at or near the top of the hip hop/R&B charts for going on 20 years. The Dallas-born singer is on the verge of releasing his eighth album, UR, in 2015, so attendees of this concert at American Airlines Center can expect a good mixture of the new and the old. Usher is joined by opening act August Alsina.
Friday, December 5
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is another story that has become a holiday classic thanks to repeated showings of the Rankin/Bass TV special. This stage musical attempts to replicate the charm of the original, using puppets and some of the same songs to give a nostalgic feel to things. It plays at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth through Sunday before moving to the Majestic Theatre in Dallas next week.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents DSO Pops Christmas
It's one thing to sing along to your favorite Christmas songs on the radio and quite another to do so when backed up by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and a choir. That is the case for the next three weekends at Meyerson Symphony Center when the DSO Pops plays a variety of holiday favorites and Christmas classics. The show runs through December 21.
Texas Ballet Theater presents The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is one of those holiday shows that will never go out of style, as it has almost the perfect appeal to both children and adults. Texas Ballet Theater present its annual rendition, taking the audience through the enchanted Land of Sweets with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. It plays at Winspear Opera House through Sunday before moving to Bass Performance Hall next week.
Saturday, December 6
2014 Dallas Children's Health Holiday Parade
It's a been a long wait for the return of this annual holiday parade, as last year's edition was canceled due to a freak ice storm. There's zero chance of that happening this year, so guests can line Commerce Street and other roads in downtown Dallas to enjoy the plethora of floats, balloons, marching bands and more for the trek that culminates at Dallas City Hall.
Alamo Drafthouse presents Back to the Future Trilogy Feast
James Wallace, the head local programmer for Alamo Drafthouse, is a self-professed Back to the Future fanatic, so you know that this event showing the BTTF films back-to-back-to-back is worth the price of admission. Each movie has a full themed menu to make the experience even more fun. Great Scott, indeed.
Celebrate the Holidays at Klyde Warren Park / Reliant Lights Your Holidays
These two events in the Dallas Arts District are technically separate, but they are tied together in a unique way. The goings-on at Klyde Warren Park feature a variety of holiday activities, including music, live reindeer, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a tree lighting. But right after they light the tree, Santa and Mrs. Claus lead visitors over to Sammons Park for Reliants Lights Your Holidays, which has performances by Jack Ingram and Los Lobos, fireworks, a snow hill and more.
Sunday, December 7
CultureMap Holiday Pop Up Shop
Only the ultra-prepared have already finished their holiday shopping, so we're presenting a chance to peruse the offerings of a slew of local retailers all in one convenient spot. Among the stores showcasing their wares at Sixty Five Hundred are Dirt, Gypsy Wagon, Life of Riley, Mizzen + Main, Scardello Artisan Cheese and Trousseau of Dallas.
Usher performs at American Airlines Center on December 4, with August Alsin as opening act.
Padel39 co-founders Will and Naomi Boyce.Photo by Juan J Valdes 
Padel39 courts and lounge areas at a location in Austin. Photo by Josh Graziadei