‘Tis the season to be jolly, and there’s no better place to take in the holiday cheer than Downtown Dallas. Throughout December, you can catch the city shining even brighter than ever as it decks the city’s halls — and skyline — with decorations galore.
First on your list should be Downtown Wanderland, featuring impressive holiday decorations, outdoor movies and live performances. Don’t forget to also stop by this year’s Unbranded, a pop-up boutique whose doors will be open in the historic Dallas Power & Light Building (1508 Commerce St.) every Thursday, Friday and Saturday between Dec. 1 and Dec. 16. The shop sells unique local goods and even includes free gift-wrapping for all patrons.
Of course, it wouldn’t be the holidays without a walk through Fair Park’s Holiday Wonder (Nov. 21 – Jan. 7 at 3809 Grand Ave.). This iconic outdoor winter wonderland is sure to charm and delight the whole family. Constructed around the park’s historic lagoon, this attraction includes over two million lights, holiday-themed Chinese lanterns, a 48-foot tall Christmas tree and a two-story slide for the kiddos.
Let’s not forget stage lights either. Tickets are now available for the Dallas Theater Center’s innovative production of Charles Dicken’s classic “A Christmas Carol.” A fully immersive musical experience, Artistic Director Kevin Moriarty, director Lee Trull, choreographer Jeremy Allen Dumont and the show’s talented, diverse cast will be breathing new life into the tale of Ebeneezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Performances begin Nov. 22 and run through Dec. 28, with matinees each weekend, at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre (2400 Flora St.).
After taking in the show, stroll around Downtown’s Arts District and head over to the neighboring Klyde Warren Park (2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy.). Saturday, Dec. 2, brings with it the official lighting of the park’s Big D-sized Christmas tree. Leading up to that ceremony, the family can mail its wish lists to the North Pole, participate in holiday crafting, swing along to holiday-inspired Big Band Jazz and otherwise enjoy one of the city’s premier outdoor spaces. Sponsored by Nissan, the Winter Wonderlights Holiday Show is also a fantastic opportunity to give back during this giving season. Donations of new, unopened and unwrapped toys will be accepted, benefitting Toys for Tots.
Or head just south of Downtown and add a little animal action to your holiday fun. This year, the Dallas Zoo (650 S. R.L. Thornton Fwy.) is unveiling an exciting new program: Dallas Zoo Lights. From mid-November to Jan. 2, you can catch nearly one million twinkly lights spread over the zoo’s 25 acres. Look for illuminated trees, hanging light displays and even 3-D light sculptures. The inaugural season of this special event will also include a light show set to holiday music, live performances, winter-themed treats and the animals that call the zoo home.
Finally, before this magical season comes and goes, stop by Reunion Tower (300 Reunion Blvd E.) to take in the sight of the city’s year-round light show from 470 feet in the air. On Saturday afternoons starting Nov. 25, you can even take a photo with the big, bearded man himself. And don’t worry about bringing your own milk and cookies. Treats will be provided by Cloud Nine Cafe!
No matter where you choose to ooh and aah over Dallas’ winter beauty as 2017 comes to a close, you can be sure your fellow Dallasites’ love of the holidays won’t disappoint. Don’t forget to share your experiences on Facebook and Twitter, and from all of us at Downtown Dallas Parks Conservancy… Happy Holidays!