With it being the weekend directly after Christmas, there are naturally fewer new events taking place. But you can still partake in the variety of holiday events still going on, as well as an award-winning magician, an EDM festival, concerts from two Texas legends, great dancers, a one-night-only family-friendly holiday musical, a new local theater production, and a holiday mainstay concert.
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.
Friday, December 27
Lights All Night
Lights All Night has shifted back and forth in December over the years, sometimes taking place on New Year's Eve and sometimes a few days before. What hasn't changed is the quality of music on display during the festival, and for their 10th anniversary they will feature world-renowned EDM acts like Skrillex, Bassnectar, Virtual Self, Louis the Child, Liquid Stranger, Subtronics, and more. The festival will take place at Dallas Market Hall through Sunday.
The Grand Illusions of Rob Lake
Known as one of the world’s most celebrated illusionists and as a finalist on America’s Got Talent, Rob Lake is internationally renowned for his mesmerizing and award-winning illusion spectacular. The Grand Illusions of Rob Lake features heart-stopping disappearing acts, mind-bending predictions and otherworldly levitations, plus a popular appearance by Lake’s rescue dog, a Yorkie mutt named Roger. There will be two shows — one Friday and one Saturday — at the Music Hall at Fair Park.
Robert Earl Keen — Countdown To Christmas: Lunar Tunes & Looney Times
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, Robert Earl Keen’s theme for this year’s tour is Countdown To Christmas: Lunar Tunes & Looney Times. He and his band will pay homage to the space race and all things celestial in an out-of-this-world evening of family holiday fun. The concert at House of Blues Dallas will include the classic “Merry Christmas from the Family,” fan favorites, and covers from his band members.
Saturday, December 28
Shen Yun
Shen Yun lets audiences travel back to the magical world of ancient China. Audiences can experience a lost culture through the breathtaking art of classical Chinese dance, and see legends come to life. Shen Yun pushes the boundaries of the performing arts to make this possible, with a unique blend of colorful costuming, high-tech backdrops, and live orchestra. The troupe will be at at Winspear Opera House through January 5, and then again January 25-26.
Bob Schneider in concert
There's no shortage of Bob Schneider appearances in Dallas-Fort Worth; the Austin-based musician seemingly comes back to the area every other month or so. But it's always a treat to see him perform, as he's not only a damn fine singer but one whose stories and other non-musical offerings are just as entertaining as his songs. He'll play at Granada Theater.
Sunday, December 29
The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical
Christmas may have passed, but it's still the holiday season, so there's still time for another holiday event. For the first time, The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elves will take center stage in a new live musical. Inspired by the box set The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, this touring stage production will give families an exclusive glimpse into the magical world of Santa’s North Pole through indelible song and dance numbers and a heartwarming tale about Christmas spirit. The performance will be at Majestic Theatre.
Pegasus Theatre presents The Color of Death
The Color of Death is the only three-act Living Black & White Hunsacker adventure, and Act 2 is in Techno-Color. Harry Hunsacker and his assistant and friend Nigel Grouse are enlisted by the Army to go undercover to infiltrate a top-secret Nazi research lab in Bavaria. They quickly discover the Nazis have a history-changing weapon they are about to unleash which will dramatically alter the world as we know it. The production will run at Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts in Richardson through January 19.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis
2019 marks the 34th Anniversary of the Christmas Tour and release of Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, an album that revolutionized the holiday season music category. The show features classic Christmas hits as well as a selection of Fresh Aire compositions from Mannheim Steamroller, along with dazzling multimedia effects in an intimate setting. The performance will be at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory.
The Grand Illusions of Rob Lake will be at the Music Hall at Fair Park through December 28.
