With a week to go until Christmas, you'd figure the events slate would still be dominated by holiday events. Not so, as this weekend will bring the return of a hugely popular musical, a massive Lego display, a concert from a great musician, and the opening of possibly the most anticipated movie 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 17
Star Wars: The Force Awakens at Alamo Drafthouse
There is no shortage of theaters at which to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but few will be more fun than the Alamo Drafthouse in Richardson. Virtually the entire cineplex will be given over to the film, as there will be a Star Wars-themed menu, costumed characters, a life-sized replica of the Millennium Falcon cockpit, performances by the Richardson Symphony Orchestra quartet, and much more. Oh, yeah, and after the sold-out screenings on Thursday night, they'll have 22 screenings every day through Sunday.
AT&T Performing Arts Center presents Jersey Boys
Since its 2005 debut on Broadway, Jersey Boys has made two different stops in Dallas. It's now back for a third time, telling how Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons went from the wrong side of the tracks to become one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. It will play at Winspear Opera House through December 27.
Galleria Dallas presents Dallas Cityscape
Even though it's not specifically holiday-themed, the annual Dallas Cityscape exhibit at Galleria Dallas has become one of the mall's holiday traditions. It features replicas of well-known Dallas buildings on a miniature scale, including American Airlines Center, the Old Red Courthouse, the façade of the Winspear Opera House, and a 15’ replica of Galleria Dallas. The exhibit will be on display through January 3.
Friday, December 18
The Ten Tenors in concert
Not to be confused with the Three Tenors, which feature Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, and Luciano Pavarotti, the Ten Tenors is an Australian group known for re-imagining rock songs, Broadway tunes, and more. They'll perform at Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie in support of their latest album, Our Christmas Wish.
Saturday, December 19
Deck the City Hall
The City of Dallas will celebrate the holiday season with this special event outside of Dallas City Hall. Among the activities will be music, ice skating, train and carriage rides, inflatables, and photos with Santa. You can also partake in the requisite food trucks that will be stationed at the event.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue in concert with Galactic
New Orleans has birthed its fair share of amazing jazz musicians, and Trombone Shorty — aka Troy Andrews — is the latest to carry on that tradition. The now 29-year-old has been impressing since a young age, even releasing an album at the tender age of 16. He and his band, Orleans Avenue, will play at South Side Ballroom with help from opening act Galactic.
Sunday, December 20
Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
For its annual holiday visit to Dallas, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is featuring the live debut of The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve. Anyone attending one of the two performances at American Airlines Center will also receive a digital download of their newest full-length album, Letters From the Labyrinth.
Screening of It's a Wonderful Life
You could wait to catch the commercial-interrupted version of It's a Wonderful Life on TV, or you could take advantage of this rare opportunity to see the holiday classic on the big screen at the Majestic Theatre. Put on by the Texas Theatre and Aviation Mobile Cinema, you can now see the story of George Bailey taking stock of his life the way it was meant to be seen.
The national tour of Jersey Boys will play at Winspear Opera House through December 27.
Amber Barth of Skate VIDA performs after the tree is lit.Photo by Ashley Gongora
The rink will be open through January 5, 2026.Photo by Ashley Gongora
