Here’s a few local holiday events to put on your calendar

Light Up Lakewood. Photography by James Andrion Photography.

23rd Annual Light Up Lakewood Holiday Festival + Tree Lighting

• What: a traditional family event that includes the tree lighting, photos with Santa Claus, live music and DJs, community performances, artisan gift market, local business booths, pet adoptions, kids’ crafts and games, and onsite refreshments.
• When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, with the tree lighting at 7:45 p.m.
• Where: Lakewood Shopping Center 
• More information: https://lakewoodshops.com/

FaLaLa Lakewood toy drive

• What: a chance to give back by supporting the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, which aims to help abused children. Santa Claus and his elves will parade through Lakewood collecting new and unwrapped gifts for the DCAC’s kids.
• When: 2-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
• Where: weaving the neighborhood streets of Lakewood, starting at Alexander Drive and ending at Lakewood Elementary. See the full route here.
• More information: https://dcac.org/lakewood/

Holiday in the Park

• What: come decorate a tree at Exall Park and stay for the family event that includes a petting zoo, caricature artist and a Santa Claus sighting. Also, the trees with the most creative decorations win awards.
• When: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 
• Where: Exall Park 
• More information: https://www.friendsofexallpark.org/events-1/2025-holiday-in-the-park-1

Cocoa With Santa

• What: an event that includes photos with Santa Claus, crafts and cookie decorating to benefit the Dallas Historical Society. Refreshments are provided by Wendy Krispin Caterer.
• When: 1:30-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7
• Where: Helen and John Carona’s home. Those who make reservations (and buy tickets, $125 for family of four) will receive the address.
• More information: https://www.dallashistory.org/event/cocoa-with-santa-2025/?instance_id=767

Cocoa With Santa includes refreshments by Wendy Krispin Caterer. Photo by Thomas Garza.

Junius Heights Holiday Happening

• What: Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a dessert bake-off, children’s crafts and holiday food. What more could you want? This event is free for Junius Heights Historic District member households and $35 for non-member households (which includes JHHD membership for a year).
• When: 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7
• Where: Garden Cafe 
• More information: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BjfRyAgMy/

Art on Main holiday markets

• What: two markets (one in the day and another in the evening) where you can meet artists, shop their work, make your mark on the community canvas and treat yourself to refreshments. 
• When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 and 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 
• Where: Art on Main
• More information: https://artonmaindallas.com/

The Nutcracker

• What: a classic ballet involving the little girl Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King and the Nutcracker come to life, performed by Ballet North Texas. 
• When: Shows will take place at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21. There will be a sensory-friendly performance at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20.
• Where: Moody Performance Hall
• More information: https://www.balletnorthtexas.org/the-nutcracker