This Week's Hot Headlines

Death of famed Texas BBQ pitmaster leads this week's 5 most-read Dallas stories

Editor's note: A lot happened this week, so here's your chance to get caught up. Read on for the week's most popular headlines. Want a list of best things to do this weekend? Find that here. Looking for spectacular Christmas lights around town? That list is here (with top Christmas light neighborhoods here).

1. Legendary Texas BBQ pitmaster John Mueller dies at age 52 in Frisco. The Texas barbecue community has lost a legend. Barbecue pitmaster John Mueller, a member of the Mueller barbecue dynasty, died at his home in Frisco at age 52. Daniel Vaughn, barbecue editor at Texas Monthly, broke the news December 16 on Twitter, reporting that Mueller died after a long illness.

2. 2 sort of famous comedians open restaurant-comedy club in Dallas. There's a new restaurant opening in Dallas which will combine food, drink, and comedy. Called TK's, it's from a comedic husband-and-wife duo and will open at 14854 Montfort Dr. in Addison, also known as the space that previously housed Public 972, which closed very quietly in November. According to a release, TK's will open on New Year's Eve.

3. Master list of Dallas restaurants that are open on Christmas 2021. Christmas Day (and Christmas Eve) are often not big days for dining at restaurants, and most restaurants close down for the day. But some restaurants recognize that there will always be diners in need. These Dallas restaurants are open on the Christmas holiday.

4. Big freeway ramp from 635 to 30 gets relocated and more Dallas news. This roundup of Dallas news included items about an impending new freeway switch-up (date: TBA), an apartment community being planned on the site of a popular thrift store, and a community park being built at Fair Park.

5. Texas population is barreling toward eye-popping milestone in 2022. Texas is edging closer to a milestone — a population of 30 million. Estimates released December 21 by the U.S. Census Bureau show the population of Texas grew 1.1 percent between July 1, 2020, and July 1, 2021. If Texas maintains a year-to-year growth rate of at least 1.1 percent, the state might break the 30 million mark sometime in 2022.

If you're searching for who's open on Christmas.

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Hotel Contessa/Facebook

If you're searching for who's open on Christmas.

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Smurfs News

Immersive show starring blue Smurfs makes U.S. debut in Arlington

SBX

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Beloved blue characters The Smurfs are making their way to Arlington with an immersive experience for families: The Smurf Experience, located at Esports Stadium at 1200 Ballpark Way, opens May 7.

Get ready to shrink down, turn blue, and journey into the land of the Smurfs to help save the world from the evil wizard, Gargamel in a show that started out in Europe and now makes its U.S. debut in DFW for a limited time.

“The Smurfs may be small, but their journey has been anything but," says SBX Group’s CEO, Danny Fritz in a release. "From their origins in Europe in the 1950’s to their increasing global popularity, we are excited to bring the world of the Smurfs to life for families in DFW! Based on the success of the attraction in Europe, we believe US audiences will thoroughly enjoy the launch of The Smurf Experience."

This 13,000-square-foot, fully immersive attraction will transport families into the heart of Smurf Village. The 75-minute experience will feature nine mission-based zones filled with interactive scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, virtual reality adventures, meet-and-greets with beloved Smurf characters and more. It’s hands-on, high-energy and full of Smurftastic fun for kids and parents alike.

The Smurf Experience is not to be missed and is only in Texas until the end of summer.

Tickets are now available at $30 for regular admission and $40 for VIP, as well as group and birthday packages.

“When my father first drew these little blue characters decades ago, I don’t think he ever imagined that they’d one day jump off the pages and be able to physically interact with families around the world," says Véronique Culliford, Founder & President of Peyo Company and daughter of Peyo, in a release. "It is wonderful to see The Smurf Experience bring the Smurfs, their story and their values to life in such a meaningful way."

Timed with the release of Paramount Pictures’ new Smurfs movie, hitting theaters July 2025, this summer-long adventure builds on the excitement of the big screen.

The film stars Rihanna as both a producer and the voice of Smurfette. She’s also behind the soundtrack’s musical hits. The Smurf Experience lets fans step into the world of the Smurfs ahead of the film’s release—creating unforgettable moments for families to share together.

The Smurf Experience was designed by Belgium-based agency Cecoforma in collaboration with Smurf parent entity Peyo Company. SBX Group, a leader in entertainment attractions, is working with Cecoforma and Peyo Company to adapt the experience for North American audiences.

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