They say it’s the most wonderful time of the year, and here in East Dallas it sure feels that way. The neighborhood is brimming over with seasonal spirit — from Christmas concerts and Nutcracker performances to holiday markets and, of course, a visit to Scrooge at NorthPark Center, now voiced by a Woodrow grad. Here you will find the ultimate list of holiday celebrations, all within an easy 5-mile radius of Lakewood so you can enjoy the season without ever getting on a freeway.
10 Community holiday traditions
3 ways to Shop local, 4 NorthPark Holiday events plus the man behind Scrooge
3 events from holidays past that we miss
14 house of worship holiday celebrations
2 variations on the Nutcracker
5 musically whimsy celebrations
1— After a long run at the Lakewood Theater, Ricki Derek and his orchestra are back for a live performance at the Granada Theater. “A Merry Little Christmas Show” is an old-fashioned holiday revue that always drums up nostalgia. It takes place at 8 p.m., Dec. 16, at the Granada, 3524 Greenville Ave. Get tickets at granadatheater.com or call 214.824.9933.
2— Christmas collides with pop rock when the Polyphonic Spree concert is performed this month. The annual “Holiday Extravaganza” takes place Dec. 10 at 6 p.m., but is moving from East Dallas to downtown at the Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm St. Visit theholidayextravaganza.com or call 214.670.3687 for details.
3— When Liz Simmons’ house is lit up, you know it’s Christmas. This year the Electric Lizzyland Christmas light display on Newell Avenue promises to be just as big and maybe just a bit brighter. The light show, timed with music, will run Dec. 17 through New Year’s Eve, setting the neighborhood aglow when the sun drops down. Get all the details at facebook.com/theelectriclizzyland.
Lone Star Circus performer (Photo by Danny Fulgencio)
4— The Lone Star Circus marks its 10th year of bringing its festive holiday “La Fête” showcase of acrobats and aerialists, music and mimes. You’ll want to get there 45 minutes early to take in the pre-show with music, poetry and more. The show runs Dec. 27-Jan 1, during which showtimes vary by day. Get tickets and more at lonestarcircus.com.
5— Even more music is coming to the Granada this winter in the form of “Local Honey’s Holiday Mix” on Dec. 18. The band, led by Kelly Brown, lives up to its name by bringing an eclectic roundup of different artists and a slew of songs. Times will be posted on the theater website: granadatheater.com.
‘The Nutcracker’ puppetry at Dallas Children’s Theater (Photo by Karen Almond)
Nutcrackers a plenty
The nutcracker has been a symbol of the Christmas season since they were first presented as gifts of luck and protection in Germany in the 15th century. The holiday ballet of the same name, however, didn’t become a holiday tradition until more recently. While it was first danced in St. Petersburg in 1892, it wasn’t until the San Francisco Ballet debuted the show on Christmas Eve in 1944 that it became an American holiday tradition. And here in East Dallas, there are two chances to see the classic Christmas show.
As always, the Woodrow Dance Theatre and dance students put a special spin on the tale of Clara and her adventure during the “Nutcracker Short ‘N Suite.” Dancers from kindergarten to 12th-grade take the stage, with a different cast of elementary children performing each night.
“The goal of ‘The Nutcracker’ is to expose children to dance and make it extremely family and community centered,” says Woodrow dance teacher Lisa Moya-King, adding she wants to “reach out so we can build the dance program throughout the community.”
Families also can join in for The Land of Sweets Breakfast where the Sugarplum Fairy and Santa mix and mingle with children and adults alike.
Performances take place on Dec. 8 and 9, at 7 p.m. with The Land of Sweets Breakfast happening Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. followed by the final dance performance.
Nutcracker Short ‘N Suite
Dec. 8-10, various times
Woodrow Wilson High School
woodrowwildcats.org/performing-arts
The Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts also is taking on Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s classic and spinning the tale with an age-old art form: puppets. This year also will be the 20th anniversary of the family friendly event being performed at the Dallas Children’s Theater Nov. 18–Dec. 21. For deaf viewers, a special performance will be held in sign language on Dec. 4 at 4:30 p.m. Both performances are at the Rosewood Center, 5938 Skillman.
‘The Nutcracker’ puppetry
Nov. 18-Dec. 21
Dallas Children’s Theater
dct.org
