It's the weekend before Christmas, so it's time for a little ... Broadway? That will be the case in Dallas, as not one but two different classic Broadway musicals will be playing. In addition, you can enjoy a holiday pop-up experience, two different holiday-themed concerts, a galaxy far, far away with live orchestra accompaniment, a celebration of winter, and horse riding.
Below are the best ways to spend your free time this weekend. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, December 20
Holly Jolly Pop-Up
The Holly Jolly Pop-Up boasts five holiday-themed rooms, each designed to evoke different holiday memories and feelings. Room names include “Candy Cane Lane,” “Frolic in the Snow,” “Meet Under the Mistletoe,” “Presents and Bows,” “Naughty or Nice” (with a holiday spice), and a bonus room set up to help “Bring in the New Year.” The pop-up will be open every day at Level Gallery through January 5.
Dallas Summer Musicals presents The Phantom of the Opera
Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera boasts many exciting special effects, including the show’s legendary chandelier. The beloved story and thrilling score, with songs like “Music of the Night,” “All I Ask Of You,” and “Masquerade,” will play at the Music Hall at Fair Park through January 6.
AT&T Performing Arts Center presents Broadway Series: Chicago
There’s never been a better time to experience Chicago, Broadway’s razzle-dazzle smash. The hit musical, which won six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, and a Grammy, is now the No. 1 longest-running American musical in Broadway history. The universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one show-stopping song after another, will play at Winspear Opera House through Sunday.
Vocal Majority presents The Greatest Snowman
The Greatest Snowman is a two-act show in which Frosty the Snowman decides to get into show business with a solo act at Christmastime. Ticket sales are slow, so Frosty livens up the performance and he invites the Vocal Majority to join him. Act 2 will consist of beloved and sacred Christmas songs to put the audience in the Christmas spirit. There will be five performances through Sunday at Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts in Richardson.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents Star Wars: A New Hope
Nothing says the holiday like Star Wars, right? Dallas Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jayce Ogren, will perform the Oscar-winning music of John Williams as Luke, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Chewbacca try to take down Darth Vader in the intergalactic classic. There will be three performances through Saturday at the Meyerson Symphony Center.
Friday, December 21
Perot Museum of Nature and Science presents Winter Solstice Sunrise Celebration
You can celebrate the official start to winter at this event at Perot Museum of Nature and Science. It will feature yoga surrounded by dinosaurs in the Life Then and Now Hall; a sound-centered experience in the Gems and Minerals Hall using singing bowls, the voice, and other instruments; and a sunrise dance party in the lobby with music by DJ Sober and other performers.
Saturday, December 22
Southfork Ranch presents Trail Ride with Santa
Southfork Ranch will present its famous trail rides with a fun and festive addition: Santa Claus. The rides, taking place at 10 am, 11:30 am, and 1 pm, feature a Santa-led horseback ride through the property’s ranch land, as well as photo opportunities with Jolly Old Saint Nick in his “cowboy boot chair” or in a classic Southfork stagecoach. There will also be candy canes for all. Riders must be at least 8 years old.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra in concert
Trans-Siberian Orchestra's 2018 tour is a completely updated presentation of their unforgettable The Ghosts of Christmas Eve. The rock opera features such fan favorites like "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24," "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Good King Joy," "Christmas Canon," "Music Box Blues," "Promises To Keep," and "This Christmas Day." There will be two performances on Saturday at American Airlines Center.
Chicago will play at Winspear Opera House through December 23.
