Out and about

Dec. 9
Dallas Marathon
Formerly the Dallas White Rock Marathon, the MetroPCS Dallas Marathon and Half Marathon begins this year on Main. The full run makes its way through Uptown, across Lakewood, around the east side of the lake and back toward the Dallas Convention Center. Not a runner? Consider volunteering or providing much-needed sideline cheering.

MetroPCS Dallas Marathon, 972.498.1136, $125-$275 registration, $25 mayor’s race 5k

Through Dec. 23
‘Nutcracker’ puppets
This twist on “The Nutcracker” will tell the classic holiday story through puppetry in an intimate studio theater setting. The Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts is helping stage what the Dallas Children’s Theater guarantees will be a sell-out performance. Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skillman, 214.740.0051, $14-$40

Nov. 27-Dec. 1
Books and more sale
This Skillman Southwestern Library Friends fundraiser offers more than 3,000 gently used books, CDs, movies, greeting cards, magazines and more. Most items cost between 50 cents and $2. The sale opens at 3:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday for Friends only (you can join at the door) and continues noon-7:45 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Any items left on Saturday will be half-price. Proceeds benefit the library. Skillman Southwestern Library, 5707 Skillman, 214.670.6078, sslfriends@aol.com, free entry

Nov. 28-Dec. 15
‘A Holiday Memory’
This One Thirty Productions performance is based on Truman Capote’s short stories about his childhood in Depression-era Alabama. All performances start at 1:30 p.m. Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E. Lawther, 214.670.8749, $10-$14

Nov. 28
Casa Linda tree lighting
The 5-7 p.m. festivities include several school choir performances, merchant specials and $5 pictures with Santa Claus. This year, the 30-foot tree will be lit with energy-efficient LED lights. The event takes place in the east quadrant along the esplanade. Casa Linda Plaza, 1152 N. Buckner, free

Nov. 30
Light Up Lakewood
The 10th annual event features a brand new tree, a petting zoo, a bounce house, performances and pictures with Santa Claus from 6-9 p.m. Neighborhood school choirs perform, and neighborhood band Restoration Blues wraps up the night. Lakewood Shopping Center, 6401 Gaston, free

Through Dec. 22
‘Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!’

The Dallas Children’s Theater brings back first-grader Junie B. Jones. Join the “merry mayhem” with Junie and her friends during the holiday season in this production based on Barbara Park’s beloved books.
Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skillman, 214.978.0110, $14-$40

Through Dec. 31
Chihuly and Arboretum holiday
Due to its popularity, the Chihuly glass exhibit was extended through the end of the month. Chihuly Nights will run through Dec. 30. The Arboretum will also host George Dvorsky and the Harrington family’s collections of nativity scenes, compiled over decades, which feature sets from around the world. This month, visitors can also see the DeGolyer Mansion decorated in 1940s-era holiday cheer. Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland, 214.515.6500, , $9-$20

Dec. 1
Scholarship fundraiser
In honor of a student killed a week before starting his senior year at Woodrow Wilson High School, the Gustavo Ipiña Memorial Scholarship (GIMS) hosts a winter party from 7-10 p.m. to raise scholarship funds for graduating Wildcats. The event features wine, beer, wood-fired pizza and a silent auction. Admission covers heavy hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary drink. The Wine Therapist, 1810 Skillman, 214.821.9463, $20

Dec. 1
Good local market
Browse handmade clothes, jewelry, toys, vintage clothes and craft foods from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Good Records parking lot. The Yellow Belly food truck will bring the grub, and dogs are welcome. Deep Ellum Outdoor Market partners with Good Records for this event in Good Records’s parking lot. Good Records, 1808 Greenville, 214.752.4663, , free

Dec. 1
Photos with Santa
Bring the kids by Ebby Halliday’s Lakewood office in the Hillside Village Shopping Center for snacks and complimentary photos with Santa Claus from noon-3 p.m. Ebby Halliday Realtors, 6441 E. Mockingbird, 214.826.0316, free

Dec. 1
The Dallas Flea
More than 75 artisans will showcase art, furniture, home décor, jewelry, handmade items and vintage goods alongside food trucks from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The indoor market began a couple years ago to highlight grassroots artists and businesses. East Dallas vendors include Dowdy Studio Wagon, f. is for frank, Random and One Fish, Two Fish Design. Parking is free. South Side on Lamar, 1409 S. Lamar,  $5 entry, children under 12 free

Dec. 1-Dec. 15
‘Milagritos’ performance
The Cara Mía Theatre Company adapts stories by Sandra Cisneros, author of “The House on Mango Street.” “Milagritos,” or “little miracles,” portrays interwoven memories of a woman living in a new city. Cisneros will sign books at an opening night reception Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. Performances take place at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Latino Cultural Center, 2600 Live Oak, 214.671.0045, $12-$30

Dec. 4
‘Docs Holiday: The Final Performance’
The 4 Out of 5 Doctors comedy group reunites to perform its most popular sketches, including part of “Holiday on Thin Ice,” at 7:30 p.m. Beer, wine and pocket sandwiches will be available for purchase. Pocket Sandwich Theatre, 5400 E. Mockingbird, suite 119, 214.821.1860, $15

Dec. 6-9
Home tour, boutique and café

The Dallas Woman’s Forum welcomes visitors to explore the historic Alexander Mansion from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tours of holiday-decked rooms run every half hour. Downstairs, musicians will perform and Santa will be on hand for photos. Upstairs, a boutique will offer antiques, jewelry, chocolates, jellies, handcrafted décor and more. Reserve a lunch spot at the holiday café for $12 and purchase tour and boutique tickets online or by phone. Alexander Mansion, 4607 Ross, 214.823.4533, $10, $5 children under 12

Dec. 8
Shoreline spruce-up
Show up at 8 a.m. for a continental breakfast and to pick up supplies, then head out to help keep the lake clean. For the Love of the Lake, 1152 N. Buckner, 214.660.1100, free

Dec. 8
Holiday bazaar
More than 60 vendors will be selling goods from artwork to accessories from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the annual bazaar, organized by Bishop Lynch parents and benefitting the Brigade Drill Team. Santa will be present for pictures from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and the Candy Cane Café will be open for lunch. Bishop Lynch High School, 9750 Ferguson, 214.324.3607, free

Dec. 8
Holiday market
White Rock Local Market’s “everything” market from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. features locally produced food, crafts and music. The Green Spot Market & Fuels, 702 N. Buckner, free

Dec. 15
Jog’r Egg Nog’r run

Lace up for a crisp run around the lake. The 5k and 15k begin at 9 a.m. near Peavy and Van Dyke with a view of the downtown skyline and finish downhill at Norbuck Park. A post-race glass of eggnog might make for a perfect victory toast. Sign up Dec. 12-14 at RunOn! at 5400 E. Mockingbird or on race day at 8 a.m. Norbuck Park, 200 N. Buckner, $25 5k, $40 15k

Dec. 15
‘Merry Little Christmas Show’
Step into crooner Ricki Derek’s makeshift onstage living room as he and a full band perform original songs. Watch the tongue-in-cheek production at the family-friendly matinee at 3 p.m. or at the cocktail show at 8:30 p.m. Lakewood Theater, 1825 Abrams, 214.821.7469, $10-$32.50

Dec. 16
Posada procession
The posada, a Latin American tradition, will begin at 4 p.m. at the Central Square Park near Swiss and Oak, then make its way down Swiss Avenue and end at the Latino Cultural Center plaza. Festivities continue at the center with mariachis, a Matachines dance troupe, live music, storytelling and crafts.Latino Cultural Center, 2600 Live Oak, 214.671.0045, free

Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve bash
Ring in the new year with stellar music from bands Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights and the Quaker City Night Hawks. Tickets are available online. Doors open at 8 p.m. and headlining band takes the stage around 11:30 p.m. Granada Theater, 3524 Greenville, 214.824.9933, $24 general, $80 VIP