Weekend Event Planner

These are the best things to do on Christmas weekend in Dallas

Because Christmas Day falls on a weekend this year, the number of new events happening is limited. The vast majority of places will be closed on Sunday, but you can enjoy the best of the holiday events leading up to it. Meanwhile, there are a smattering of new events in which to partake.

Below are the best options for your precious free time during the holidays. Don't like what you see? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.

Thursday, December 22

Trans-Siberian Orchestra 2016 Winter Tour: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra's annual visit to Dallas is an anniversary celebration, as the orchestra has been bringing their version of holiday joy for 20 years. They celebrate with great music and laser lights in two shows on Thursday at American Airlines Center, bringing back their treasured tale, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.

McKinney Avenue Transit Authority presents M-Line Holiday Express
If you're looking for something different than a holiday carriage ride, consider the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority' M-Line Holiday Express. On Thursday and Friday evening, the historic trolleys will be decked out in holiday attire with garland, wreaths, and Christmas lights, as well as playing holiday music. The conductor on board will be dressed as an elf and will serve hot chocolate and cookies, as well as hand out toys to kids. While normal trolley rides are free, this event costs $25 for two people.

AT&T Performing Arts Center presents The Book of Mormon
Theater lovers in Dallas are getting a big gift this holiday season, as one of the most popular musicals of all time, The Book of Mormon, is making a return visit. The profane yet touching story of two Mormon missionaries sent to Uganda takes brutal subjects like warlords, famine, and rampant disease in the country and makes it hilarious. The production is at Winspear Opera House every day except Christmas through December 31.

Friday, December 23

Thanks-Giving Square presents Merry TubaChristmas
A group of more than 175 area tuba, sousaphone, euphonium, and baritone players present the 39th annual Dallas concert of holiday carols. Jack Delaney, director of bands and professor of music at Southern Methodist University, serves as the 2016 guest conductor, and WFAA’s Brett Shipp is master of ceremonies again this year.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents John Denver: Rocky Mountain Christmas
John Denver's songs could reach to highest mountain and touch the depth of your heart. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents A Rocky Mountain Christmas, a holiday tribute to Denver, at Meyerson Symphony Center. Experience timeless classics like "Annie's Song" and "Rocky Mountain High," as well as Christmas hits like "Christmas for Cowboys," "A Baby Just Like You," and more.

Eisemann Center presents Hip Hop Nutcracker
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is an evening-length production performed by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, as well as a DJ and a violinist. Taking place at Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts in Richardson, Maria-Clara and her Nutcracker prince travel back in time to the moment when her parents first meet in a nightclub. Digital scenery transforms E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story of a palace of sugarplums into a romance set in 1980s Brooklyn.

Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts presents Hip Hop Nutcracker on December 23.

Photo courtesy of Eisemann Center for Performing Arts

Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts presents Hip Hop Nutcracker on December 23.

holidays symphony music concerts theater

This Week's Hot Headlines

Dallas sandwich shop specializing in po'boys spices up our top stories

Kathy Tran

Po'boys from PoBoy Shop

Editor's note: The top Dallas news of the week is brimming with restaurant openings, from high-end po'boys to Chicago hot dogs. Catch up on our most popular stories below, then head to our event planner for 4th of July weekend fun.

1. Sandwich shop with high-end po'boys to open in Dallas' Preston Center. A new shop specializing in po’boys is rolling into Dallas. Called The PoBoy Shop, it will open in Preston Center, in the former Yonkers Pizza space at 8421 Westchester Dr., with a target date of July 7.

2. Chicago hot-dog chain Portillo's is coming in red hot to Grand Prairie. Hot dog king Portillo’s is coming to Grand Prairie. The Chicago-style street food chain is bringing its hot dogs and more to a new build location at 3102 S. SH 161, in the Epic West Towne Crossing at West Warrior Trail.

3. Young couple open dream restaurant Donde Los Tacos in Oak Cliff Dallas. A mom-and-pop taqueria is open in a sweet spot in Oak Cliff. Called Donde los Tacos, it’s in the former gas station at 900 W. Davis St., in the triangle at Tyler Street, that was once home to the law offices of Dallas City Council member Chad West, where it opened in April.

Donde Los Tacos is now open in Oak Cliff. Photo courtesy of Donde Los Tacos

4. Rockin' new lakeside restaurant debuts at Grand Prairie marina. A lakeside restaurant has debuted in Grand Prairie just in time for the summer. Called Rockin’ S Bar and Grill, it’s a Cajun seafood spot on the Lynn Creek Marina, taking over the space at 5700 Lake Ridge Pkwy.

5. Ruthie's Cafe in South Dallas opens new coffee bar and gathering spot. A new coffee bar has debuted in South Dallas, at Ruthie's Cafe, the restaurant located at 1632 Martin Luther King Blvd. #100. The restaurant added the coffee bar with a menu of coffee and espresso drinks in response to customer demand.