(Photo courtesy of the Dallas Arboretum.)

Nov. 22 

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The Arboretum is giving an early Christmas present to the neighborhood. The new Pauline and Austin Neuhoff Family Christmas Village will open Saturday, nearly a week before it was scheduled to debut.

The village features 10 European-style shops that make up a quaint hamlet. Measuring 16 to 19 feet tall, the houses are large enough for several children and adults to explore.

“Throughout Europe, there’s a natural charm in the towns, especially during the holidays,” Arboretum President and CEO Mary Brinegar said. “We wanted to create this type of holiday experience in oversized playhouses for families that’s educational, exciting and experiential.”

The exhibit will be open until Dec. 31.

Nov. 15

Take a trip to Santa’s house when the Dallas Arboretum unveils a new kid-size Christmas village later this month.

Opening Nov. 29, the Pauline and Austin Neuhoff Family Christmas Village features 10 European-style shops that make up a quaint hamlet. Children are free to explore a bakery, music store, bookstore and other themed houses that, at night, are lit by thousands of holiday lights.

On the weekends, volunteers dressed as shopkeepers will pass out samples of their wares. Stop by the candy shop for a sweet treat or pick up one of the garden’s finest blooms at the flower shop.

Of course, Santa Claus has his own house and sleigh. He will make special appearances every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday for photo opportunities.

When you leave the village, stroll through the garden and enjoy Victorian-style gazebos that represent “The 12 Days of Christmas.”