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.
The Book of Mormon plays at Winspear Opera House through December 31.
Polish gingerbread at Gourmet European Market.Photo courtesy of GEM 