This week's food events have taken a drastic turn for the festive. It also just so happens that a lot of events are free to attend. Could it be that our foodie fairy godmother knows exactly how broke we are after all of our holiday shopping? Good looking out, girlfriend. Good looking out.

Wednesday, December 13

Hog N' Nog at The Rustic
Kick off the holiday season at this festive event that features complimentary pork carnitas tacos and boozy beverages from the Winter Warmer Drink Menu. Think Grilled Hot Toddy, RumChata Hot Chocolate, and more. Savor your tasty snack and festive cocktail while listening to live music from Cody Jasper. This event is free and kicks off at 6 pm.

Thursday, December 14

Flying Biscuit Cafe Grand Opening
This Southern-inspired restaurant has a new location in Richardson and wants you to help celebrate its opening. The popular breakfast all-day restaurant is holding a grand opening event with the Richardson Chamber of Commerce and the City Council. Admission is free, and the ribbon cutting is at 4:30 pm.

Friday, December 15

Holiday Decadence at Scardello Artisan Cheese
The holidays are finally here, and one of our favorite cheese shops is celebrating by exploring four small-production wines and pairing them with the most decadent cheeses in the case. This particular class is so popular that it is already sold out; however, add your name to the wait list by calling 214-219-1300. The class is starts at 7 pm.

Saturday, December 16

Breakfast with Santa at Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas
Santa and his jolly ol' elf joins Four Seasons Dallas for breakfast and holiday crafts. Kids can bring their Christmas wish lists and let Santa know if they've been naughty or nice. Breakfast is $18 for kids and $35 for adults. For reservations, call Law Restaurant at 972-717-2420.

Treats of Christmas at NorthPark Center
This is the ultimate holiday bake sale benefiting the North Texas Food Bank. Presented by the Dallas chapter of the Texas Chefs Association, dozens of premiere chefs from area restaurants and catering companies will offer an assortment of gourmet cakes, sweets, pies, and cookies available for purchase. The fun kicks off at 10 am, and this event is free to attend.

Dallas Santa Crawl in the West End
TRACA Productions anticipates thousands of bar crawlers to participate in this 1/4-mile event that involves the West End being blocked off to enjoy food and vodka. There will also be music, dancing, lip sync contests, sexy Santa awards, and more. Tickets start at $20, and the festivities kick off at 8 pm.