As we approach Christmas Day, the number of new events starts to slow down. There's still plenty to do — but most of it is stuff taking place throughout the holidays. That said, there are several new events this week, including five holiday shows, a Shakespearean reading, and a concert from a legendary singer.
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 15
Avant Chamber Ballet presents A Ballet Christmas Carol
For the holiday season, Avant Chamber Ballet premieres a completely new full-length holiday production, A Ballet Christmas Carol. The show, taking place at Dallas City Performance Hall on Thursday and Friday, features the twist of a female Scrooge and the whole story takes place in the dance world: classes, rehearsals, and on stage.
American Aquarium in concert with The O's and Blue Apollo
Alt-country lovers are going to be in heaven at this concert at the Granada Theater. North Carolina band American Aquarium, touring in support of their 2015 album, Wolves, headlines the show. They are supported by Dallas favorite The O's, who just put out a new album, Honeycomb, and up-and-coming Dallas band Blue Apollo.
Friday, December 16
Neiman Marcus presents Lightwire Theater
Neiman Marcus Downtown has partnered with Lightwire Theater to present a unique and interactive window display. Each evening through December 23, Lightwire Theater performs an exclusive mini performance of A Very Electric Christmas in the Neiman Marcus Main Street window. A complete full-length performance of A Very Electric Christmas is being presented at Winspear Opera House on January 1.
Granada Theater presents Ricki Derek's Merry Little Christmas Show
Ricki Derek’s annual Merry Little Christmas show is a little bit Rat Pack with a tinge of Bing Crosby backed up by a big-band orchestra that’s reminiscent of Sinatra’s glory days. The Dallas crooner gets the audience at the Granada Theater in the holiday spirit with his smooth voice and a variety of holiday classics.
Nearly Naked Nutcracker
International burlesque performer Vivienne Vermuth and the cast of Broads and Panties Burlesque present their annual holiday production, Nearly Naked Nutcracker, at Viva's Lounge. The show brings the sexier side of Dallas nightlife to the forefront, featuring top-notch talent from across the country, including a few prima ballerinas to boot.
Saturday, December 17
Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular
Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular is a family holiday event featuring the cast of Cirque Musica together with all-time favorite holiday songs performed by a live orchestra. Taking place at Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco, it's a high-flying adventure with acrobats, aerialists, and hilarious hijinks that blends the spell-binding grace and daredevil athleticism of circus performers with the greatest holiday music of all time.
Sunday, December 18
The Complete Works of Shakespeare: Pericles
Shakespeare Dallas and AT&T Performing Arts Center are in the midst of presenting staged readings of every single one of Williams Shakespeare's works over five years. The 34th in the series is Pericles, in which Pericles, Prince of Tyre, is forced to flee his own kingdom and wander the world. His life takes several other dramatic turns as he tries to find a new home. The reading takes place in Hamon Hall inside Winspear Opera House on Sunday and Monday.
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons in concert
The original Jersey boy himself, Frankie Valli is a true American legend. His incredible career with the Four Seasons, as well as his solo success, has spawned countless hit singles like "Sherry," "Grease,” "Rag Doll," "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You," and more. He and the Four Seasons play at Winspear Opera House.
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons perform at Winspear Opera House on December 18.
