Archive | November, 2011

Food Truck Park Opening Dec 2nd in Fort Worth

25 Nov

The Grand Opening for the Fort Worth Food Park is December 2nd! Now all the local food trucks can come to one location and offer food truckies a wider menu in one consistent spot. The grand opening for Fort Worth Food Truck Park will benefit Rexanna’s Foundation for Fighting Lung Cancer and feature live music by the Gary Kyle Band. Join Good Karma Kitchen, YES! Taco, Nammi Truck, Lee’s Grilled Cheeses, Red Jett Sweets and Jake’s Hamburgers at the NEW Fort Worth Food Park from 6:00pm to 10:00pm on Friday, Dec. 2nd!

At first city code prevented the food trucks from staying in one spot for too long or hanging out at spots that are too close to established restaurants which made it challenging for truck owners to develop a loyal following. The food park developer has purchased this area of land north of West 7th right behind Target in Montgomery Plaza, and had it wired for the trucks with plumbing installed for customers.

Once the new Fort Worth Food Truck Park opens Red Jet Sweets will be one of the first to claim the spot. The goal of the Fort Worth Food Truck, as mentioned before, is to give trucks like Red Jet Sweets (who sells cupcakes) a stable place to park where patrons can experience several different mobile kitchens all in one spot. This will allow them to catch the tastebuds of customers who frequent one area.

If you have any additional inquiries about the new food truck park in Fort Worth e-mail FWFOODPARK@gmail.com.

Most food trucks can be followed on Facebook as well as Twitter!

On December 2nd support Rexanna’s Foundation for Fighting Lung Cancer, as well as the new Food Truck Park establishment at the Grand Opening this Friday!

The location for the new park is:
2509 Weisenberger St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107

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DFW Jingle Mingle

20 Nov

On December 1st jingle all the way to the Dallas Contemporary for an unforgettable Holiday party that supports a good cause. The DFW Jingle Mingle benefits the DREAM Fund, which exists to support people in the communications industry get through some of life’s curve balls when the unimaginable happens. You may remember this nonprofit from the Chili Cook-Off back in November. The support link serves the advertising, PR and media communities throughout the Southwest region, and you’ll see each of their top professional organizations as event hosts for the DFW Jingle Mingle also.

Groups such as:
DFW AMA
Social Media Club of Dallas
SW Media Representatives
Dallas Society of Visual Communications
DFW IMA
American Institute of Graphic Arts
AAF
Alliance for Women in Media DFW
will all be represented the night of the party and continue to support DFW Jingle Mingle and the organization behind it on a constant basis.

As for the partaaayy, it will take place on Thursday, Dec. 1st, from 6:00pm to 10:00pm at the Dallas Contemporary (art museum). Let your jingle bells rock all night with a hot DJ, tantalizing appetizers and dessert bar, photo booths, flip books by Digital People, raffles, high class prizes and even complimentary valet parking. Enter the holiday season with all of your social media buds as you support an organization that supports you just the same. (if you work in the Media industry) Don’t think this party is JUST for Media pros, but all are welcome. Tickets can be purchased online at the website for $45, and admission at the door will cost $50. You’re always invited to donate to the Dream Fund also. Click here for ticket information!

DFW Jingle Mingle will be held at the Dallas Contemporary

The Chevy Jingle Mingle may be just the right opportunity for your brand to get more visibility! Over 13,000 DFW professionals have been invited, representing hundreds of agencies, industries, organizations and marketing suppliers. To become a sponsor and increase your visibility among the metroplex click here.

The Jingle Mingle Party, held on December 1st, is going to be one event you’re sure to remember. Mingle, network, dance if you must, win stuff and get into the Christmas mood with DFW’s finest marketing professionals who care just as much as you do about supporting one another and building a stronger community. Mark your calendar from now and get the last month of 2011 started right with a Christmas party you won’t forget!

Even Santa will be checking his Twitter for updates from THIS party!




DFW JINGLE MINGLE
Dallas Contemporary
161 Glass Street
Dallas 75207

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Holiday ATT The Center | AT&T Performing Arts Center Celebrates Christmas

16 Nov

There’s a whole lot going on for the Holidays at The AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas! Take a look at what’s lined up for Holiday At the Center:

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

For the second year AT&T PAC will be hosting their tree lighting ceremony on December 2, from 5:00 to 9:00pm in Sammons Park. Enjoy carriage rides, photos with Santa, live holiday music performances, children’s activities and for a grand finale, the lighting of a 30 foot Christmas Tree in the Performing Art Center’s Sammons Park. This Free event is open to the public with holiday treats available for purchase. Stay warm or just enjoy the taste of the holidays with hot chocolate, eggnog and cookies.

HOLIDAY TOURS OF THE WINSPEAR

Enjoy a Free guided tour of Winspear, a 2,200 seat opera house that was designed by Foster and Partners. Included in the tour you’ll get: Winspear history, 5th floor balconies that overlook the entire Arts District, a peak in the Opera Chamber and Orchestra Pit, Starlight Chandalier, Stage front, the Red Glass Winspear Drum, Curtain Wall, the Grand Staircase, the Annette Strauss Square and the Donor Reflection Pool. Please meet in the Winspear lobby for the 30-45 minute tour, at the following times:

Thanksgiving Public Tours
Wed, 11/23 ……11am & 1pm
Fri, 11/25 ……11am & 1pm

Christmas Public Tours
Tues, 12/20 ……1pm
Wed, 12/21 ……1pm
Thur, 12/22 ……1pm
Tues, 12/27 ……1pm
Wed, 12/28 ……1pm
Thur, 12/29 ……1pm

New Year’s Public Tours
Tues, 1/3 ……1pm
Wed, 1/4 ……1pm
Thur, 1/5 ……1pm


HOLIDAY CONCERTS

Wednesday, December 7
Charlie Daniels Band – Country, Rock, Bluegrass, Blues and Gospel all in one Southern styled show :: Click here for Tickets

Sunday, December 11
Linda Eder – A plethora of Broadway, pop, country and jazz sounds in one captivating contemporary voice :: Click here for Tickets

Friday, Dec 16 & Saturday, Dec 17
The Second City Dysfunctional Holiday Revue – a fast pace 45-minute interactive show of social and political satire, scenes both scripted and improve with Christmas carols and hilarity by The Second City Touring Company
Click here for Tickets

Holiday At The Center Dec 2 - Jan 5

All Holiday Shows/Concerts take place at the Winspear Opera House.

Address for Holiday At the Center:
2403 Flora Street, Dallas (corner of Flora and Leonard)

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MetroPCS Fair Park Holiday 2011

14 Nov

On November 26th the Fair Park gates are open to all those celebrating the Christmas season at MetroPCS Fair Park Holiday!! The FREE holiday festival, great for the entire fam, will feature shopping at the Holiday Gift Market, crafts at Santa’s Workshop, the official City of Dallas tree lighting, dancing water shows and more. What’s a DFW event without some fireworks? Fair Park can’t have a big program without them, so enjoy rooftop fireworks (sponsored by Gold Metal Recyclers) at Fair Park Holiday as well! Thousands of sparkly LED lights will surround the Esplanade Fountain where a beautiful “dancing water” show will take place choreographed to Christmas music and popular classics. In addition to that you can enjoy Free OR reduced admission to all of the participating museums at select times.

Fair Park Holiday 2011, hosted by Friends of Fair Park, will be open from 11:00am to 7:30pm. Check below for a schedule for the day. What makes Fair Park Holiday so great is that it’s FREE to all the public! There’s no admission fee and you get to see so much cool stuff. This year the festival has been moved to Thanksgiving weekend, so as soon as you’re done eating some turkey leftovers, skip on over to Fair Park for free fun and Yuletide joy.

Some of the participating museums you may want to visit at a reduced price or “F0 FREEE” include:

The African American Museum
Children’s Aquarium
Museum of Nature & Science
Museum of the American Railroad
Texas Discovery Gardens
The Hall of State
The Women’s Museum: An Institute for the Future

Get some Xmas shopping done inside the Centennial Bldg

The kids will love crafts and activities in Santa’s Workshop, pictures with Santa and live entertainment at the Centennial Building. Saint Nicholas is going to stick around from noon to 5:30pm so get a snapshot with your own camera or purchase a photo button for $5! You’ll also find the Holiday Gift Market inside with an assortment of merchandise including holiday decorations and tasty treats. Holiday concessions will also be available for sale.

While admission is free, parking is likely not. Bring a $10 bill to park inside of the gates or venture out and use the Green Line (DART) to Fair Park Station.
Join the Friends of Fair Park for MetroPCS Fair Park Holiday November 26th for a jolly good time!

A Christmas in the Park you won't forget!

— FAIR PARK HOLI-DAY SCHEDULE —

11:00AM – 6:00PM
Free or reduced admission to participating museums
Dancing water shows at Esplanade Fountain
12:00PM – 5:30PM
Free Visits with Santa
5:15PM – 6:15PM
Dallas Wind Symphony Quartet performance
7:00PM
Official City of Dallas Tree-Lighting Ceremony
Esplanade Fountain dancing water show
Fireworks Finale
7:30PM
Fair Park Holiday Festival Ends


Fair Park
1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd.
Dallas, 75210

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City Lights 2011

9 Nov

CityLights 2011 from Downtown Dallas, Inc. on Vimeo.

Get your sunglasses ready because Downtown Dallas is about to be brighter than ever! Hundreds of other North Texans will be showered by lights on November 19th right in the heart of the city. This is a holiday spectacle you and Santa won’t want to miss. Every year they come out with some sort of new element or surprise and a unique way of Santa making his appearance in Dallas. This year will be no different at City Lights 2011! The party begins at 6:00pm as all of downtown Dallas will be laced with Christmas lights and eye popping displays.

From 6 to 10pm the Holiday Festival at Main Street Garden starts things off with the Outdoor Market, face painting, ornament making, music and food. These activities will be going on throughout the night.

At 7:00pm the Holiday Light Show at Main street Garden begins with a lighting ceremony of Downtown’s holiday tree. Standing 65 feet tall, it will be adorned with over 10,000 feet of lights. Watch how they lit the tree last year!

Neiman Marcus all Lit Up

The Promenade of Lights begins at 7:30pm from Main Street Garden all the way to AT&T Plaza. You get to roll through this promenade with Santa and the Hardin Simmons Cowboy Band right in the heart of downtown. Street vending, holiday activities, a Neiman Marcus crawl tube and other forms of entertainment will be going on along the way.

By 7:45pm the AT&T Holiday Spectacular will start at AT&T Plaza. (This night just gets better and better!) Get to where you can view the Comerce side of AT&T’s global headquarters so you won’t miss the Spectacular Light Show. Don’t forget to visit the Salvation Army Angel tree found in the lobby of the AT&T Whitacre Tower adjacent to the AT&T building.

One North Texas resident captured all the highlights of the evening last year! Take a look to get an idea of what you’ll experience at City Lights. This year is sure to be EVEN BETTER…

Click here to see a map of all the parking locations
throughout the Main Street District.

Click here to see a list of all the participating Main Street District restaurants and retailers offering holiday discounts and promotions for that night.

Just when you thought you had to wait another 6 months for crazy Fireworks, Downtown comes out with this. It’s like a preparation for New Year’s Eve! City Life’s not so bad when you’ve got so many City Lights to gaze at. Be a witness of the jaw-dropping displays that’ll have your heart pumping with excitement for the holiday season!

Don’t be afraid of taking public transportation downtown for City Lights 2011. I’m not saying do it alone by any means, but you may be able to avoid some traffic and get to where you want to be quicker if you have a group of friends or are traveling with the family. If I can do it for the Mavs parade, I’m sure you can too. Check out this nifty map of Downtown with the various modes of transportation to help ya out. Next time you see Santa he will probably be BLINGED out! Especially if he’s stopping by Neiman’s Saturday night!

— BreakDown of the Evening —

7:00 – HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW / LIGHTING OF THE TREE
(Main St. Garden)

7:30 – PROMENADE OF LIGHTS
(Main St. Garden)

7:45 – HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
(AT&T Plaza)

6:00 – 10:00 – HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
(All Night in Main St. Garden)

Main Street Garden - Where It All Goes Down

City Lights Locations: Main Street District, Main Street Garden & AT&T Plaza, 75201

Main Street Garden
1902 Main Street
Dallas

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2011 Parade of Joy | Uptown Village 4th Annual Christmas Parade

9 Nov

Kick the holidays into Full gear at Parade of JOY November 19th! The 4th annual Christmas parade gives you the chance to celebrate the arrival of Christmas with the rest of the community. Bring in some Yuletide joy to Southwest Dallas with amazing floats, local dance teams, fabulous bands, cheerleaders, community groups and more. WFAA’s Gloria Compos and Greg Fields will be emcee-ing the event which begins at 8:30am. Join Uptown Village as everyone gathers around to celebrate Old Saint Nick’s arrival to Uptown. Santa, himself will debut and come to stay in Cedar Hill for a while. We may be far from the North Pole, but the party’s wherever Santa’s at so you’ll be in just the right place. Catch him and all the other cool holiday happenings, including an interactive tree, at this fantastic Christmas event.

Parade attendees can get the best view of the 2011 Parade of Joy near the Uptown Village Christmas Tree. Some other good spots are by Chic’s, Coldwater Creek or James Avery. If you are a participant in the parade and have not received a timeline or parking map yet, contact Kayti. You can e-mail her at kcoulter@herringgroup.com. Last year over 10,000 people attended so I suggest you get to the Village early!

March into the Christmas season with Rudolph, the gingerbread man, The Nutrcracker, snow men, elves and other fun characters Saturday, November 12th at Parade of JOY!

Here’s a glimpse of a past Parade of Joy..




This year WFAA’s Greg Fields and Gloria Campos will emcee the parade!

– SCHEDULE –

8:30AM…….Parade Begins and Canned Food Drive all throughout
(Drop off Canned goods in the designated bags during parade;
Benefiting Cedar Hill Food Pantry)

11:00AM – 2:00PM……..Classic Car Show and WFAA’s Santa’s Helpers
Toy Drive

Uptown Village is located at Highway 67 and Pleasant Run Road
in Cedar Hill

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Dream Fund’s 15th Annual Chili Cook Off

7 Nov

One thing you’re sure to learn how to eat or cook in Texas is Chili!! So why not celebrate some of the best kinds while supporting a great cause? Don’t miss the 2011 Chili Cook Off sponsored by the Dream Fund. The 15th Annual Chili Cook Off, held at Addison Circle Park November 12th, is an annual fundraiser event where chili cookers all throughout the metroplex come together to compete for awards including: Best Themed Booth, Best Chili in 2 categories and People’s Choice Aaward. While the focus of the event is the chili cooking competition, there will be plenty of other entertainment to keep the crowds busy. Between the Live Entertainment Stage and Kids Zone your family is sure to remain pleased. Kids Zone has oversized bounce houses, fire truck tours, face painting and all that other stuff children enjoy doing outside of eating chili. Local bands and musicians will grace the stage for some spicy musical performances.

If you want to actually sample the chili, give a small donation for one raffle ticket and also get your People’s Choice voting ballot so you can cast your vote! As you may or may not know, the donations go towards the DREAM Fund which is a non-profit foundation whose mission is to aid colleagues in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas and Louisiana that face any unexpected medical emergencies or life crisis and are in need of emotional as well as financial support. Over the last 20 years, DREAM Fund has donated over $1 million to those in need. This support link is comprised of advertising, PR and media communities throughout the Southwest. The DREAM Fund, on average, helps 45-50 individuals and families each year. Anything from paying medical bills and providing emotional support to covering care flight costs or bone marrow transplants and giving rides to the doctor DREAM Fund strives to bridge the gap between crisis and a new normal. To learn more about this organization and how you can get involved, click here.

Firetruck tours for the Kids

Sign up your chili teams here if you’d like to participate in this year’s cook off! DREAM Fund’s Hot to Trot Walk is back to kick off the weekend November 12th at 9:30am. Registration will begin at 8am and the 15th Annual Chili Cook Off officially opens to the public at 10:00am and closes at 3:00pm. Register your team for the 2011 Chili Cook Off!

Spice up your Life Nov 12th: 10am-3pm




Addison Circle Park
4970 Addison Circle Drive
Addison, TX 75001

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11th Annual South Dallas Dance Festival

3 Nov

The South Dallas Dance Festival returns November 11th-13th for its 11th year! Join The South Dallas Cultural Center and the ARGA Nova Dance Company as they celebrate performances surrounding the year’s theme: “Forging Ahead”. The festival includes all genres’ dance performances, a master class with Lela Bell, a dance film screening, a praise dance showcase (on Sunday), the dancer of the year award and a reception. The 2011 South Dallas Dance Festival takes place for three whole days at the South Dallas Cultural Center. General Admission to this dance festival is only $10 while Star System members, the Dance Council of North Texas, seniors, students only pay $5.

SDDF takes place at the South Dallas Cultural Center

The South Dallas Cultural Center provides “classes for the education-minded to finger-poppin’ jazz jams for the young and the old hipsters”. Locatedjust outside the Fair Park complex, this community resource for south Dallas residents offers a wide variety of programs inspired by the vibrancy and diversity of the African Diaspora. The SDCC seeks to educate and inspire through the visual, media, literary and performing arts. Check out some of the programs they currently offer.

ARGA Nova Dance is the official name of the organization known as Beckles Dancing Company whose major focus is the development of artists and repertory. The South Dallas Dance Festival is only one of two of their important undertakings as it aims to promote pride, sharing and nurturing of the artform in the area. Founded in 1997, ARGA stands for the Andre R. George Association. It was started to promote dance and related Art and issues. Through dance companies, festivals and lectures ARGA builds community and understanding. ARGA is dedicated to the memory of Mr. Andre R. George who was a gifted dancer, teacher, choreographer and founder of the Nova Dancing Company. ARGA Nova Dance also edits the Black Dance Review.

As you await Alvin Ailey’s arrival in February find your way down to Fitzhugh for the 11th Annual South Dallas Dance Festival Nov 11-13! They’ll be plenty of South Dallas Swag..

The South Dallas Cultural Center
3400 South Fitzhugh
Dallas TX 75210

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12 DFW Holiday Activities for the Whole Family

3 Nov

Here’s a way to spend your 12 days of Christmas in the DFW Metroplex! Looking for fun stuff to do with the kids while everyone’s off and in the festive spirit? Check out our list of suggestions and get your Game plan ready without needing three turtle doves or a partridge. Warning: Most events are in and around the Dallas area. We’ll hook you Funky Town carolers up next round!

THINGS TO DO:

1. Trains at North Park

From the time I was a little girl these trains at North Park Center have been circling the tracks each Christmas. It’s cool for anyone to observe but when you’re under the age of 12, it’s even cooler. The Trains at North Park benefit The Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. In its 13th year, his annual fundraiser provides the funds for almost one-third of the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas annual operating budget. Get on board from November 21 to January 3rd and enjoy the most elaborate toy train exhibit in Texas. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. You’ll see all sorts of national landmarks and little cities. If you purchase a raffle ticket you get the chance at winning a train set that features Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. The drawing will take place Dec. 17th at 6pm. Click here for the location and hours of The Trains at North Park. Discount tickets are available at Tom Thumb ($1.00 off regular admission). If you’d like to volunteer click here.

2. Shrek the Halls ICE! exhibit at Gaylord Texan

Lone Star Christmas at the Gaylord Texan Resort is a sight for sore eyes!! Every year they bring an indoor winter wonderland that includes 1.5 million holiday lights, a 52 foot rotating Christmas tree, a life-size Gingerbread House, 12,000 ornaments, Saint Nick and of course the amazing ICE! Attraction presented by DreamWorks. ICE! Is 2 million pounds of ice carved into various characters and holiday scenes and this year the theme is : Shrek the Halls! From November 11th to January 1st see how well ice sculptures transfer Shrek from movie screens into ice scenes! You get to relive Shrek’s story as he attempts to plan the “perfect Christmas” for Fiona and the kids. However his plans are interrupted by chaos and commotion. See what happens when Shrek’s Christmas doesn’t go as planned.
While we’re at the Gaylord, we might as well mention that the new DreamWorks Experience presents characters from films such as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar with snow tubing, a scavenger hunt, an interactive meal and even special wakeup calls from the characters themselves. Enjoy such a Holiday getaway at the Gaylord Texan for prices starting at only $199.

3. TSO Concert (Trans-Siberian Orchestra at AAC)

Mix rock n roll with the sounds of the symphony and add some cinnamon spice for Christmas and you’ve got TSO live at the American Airlines Center! Even if you’re not a big big rock fan, you’ll love the show that the Trans-Siberian Orchestra puts on with music and lasers. I’m not the biggest fan of all the singing but the first half always blows me away. TSO is great for ALL ages! I don’t recommend dragging your 90 year old grandfather who can’t take loud noise out, but if granny is still rockin’ out she’s sure to find a treat. Because of their popularity here, TSO does two shows on December 11th– one at 3pm and the other at 7:30pm. Tickets to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Winter Tour 2011 are already on sale. Visit your local Ticketmaster or go online before this concert is sold out!

4. Holiday In the Park – Six Flags Over Texas

Sometimes we luck out in DFW around the holidays because it’s not nearly as cold as up north. However, even when the temperatures drop you still may wanna get out and do something fun! Riding roller coasters in the cold is even more exciting for me than when it’s hot and sticky out. Amusement park lovers will be happy to visit Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington for Holiday In the Park running from November 25 to January 2. Holiday In the Park will feature sledding on Frosty Chutes Snow Hill, choreographed lights, festive food, and special shows, such as “The Majesty of Christmas” (which requires an extra fee), Happy Holidays!, and Sounds of the Season (backed by Santa’s Brass Quintet). You can find Bugs Bunny and his Looney pals decked out in their finest holiday threads while carolers roam the streets, and Santa and his wifey will be on hand for photos. You can find a good deal on these tickets from your local Albertsons, Tom Thumb or even Craigslist.org. You may even know someone or have a coworker that gets specials on the tickets from their company. When I was in college the school offered them at a discount so I suggest you keep your ears to the street or just click here to purchase tickets.

5. The Dallas Christmas Festival at Prestonwood Baptist Church

Remind your family of the TRUE meaning of Christmas by taking part in this beautiful 3-act pageant. The Dallas Christmas Festival is one of the largest Christmas pageants in the nation and one of the top rated Christmas-related events in the state, which is why it makes it to our list without a doubt! It all occurs at the Prestonwood Baptist Church Worship Center located in Plano. DCP has a 500 person cast, 70 piece orchestra and a 100 member technical crew. Only 13 performances take place each year and most of them sell out. Almost 70,000 people attend annually. The 3 act spectacle lasts for about two and a half hours with the first act based on pop-culture, the second act featuring Christmas favorites by traditional choristers and soloists, and the third act covering the entire life of Jesus Christ from his birth to death and resurrection. You’ve never seen a spectacle quite like this. Executive Director and Producer R. Todd Bell is Prestonwood’s Minister of Music as well as Worship while choreography is coordinated by Andy Pearson. The two along with an entire team transform the 7,000 person church into a 15,000 square feet of staging area that is so big it covers the first 1,000 seats designed with such a sophisticated speaker system that attendees on the last row receive the same sound quality as the rest of the room. “The Gift of Christmas” runs December 7-11 so plan ahead and get your tickets here as we celebrate the REASON for the Season!

6. Prairie Lights

Every year I pass these signs for “Prairie Lights”. It must be a very nice display of Christmas lights throughout the Grand Prairie neighborhood because I feel like the sign is at numerous highways or just up every year. Well it is! You don’t need young McCauly Calkin (aka Kevin on Home Alone) or Tim Allen to help you put on a Christmas light extravaganza on your house and yard. Just take a few tips from these North Texas residents who live in Lake Ridge. Steal away family members of all ages into the car and drive through this lighting extravaganza along Lynn Creek Park. Opening Thanksgiving night and running through New Years Eve, you’ll get 4 million lights in a 2-mile path. This year there’s even a walk-through lighted display.

Surprisingly enough, Prairie Lights does come at a cost. Cars are $20 M-TH, $30 on the weekend, while Limos pay $50 M-TH and $55 on the weekend. If you have a shuttle van or bus containing 9-30 people it will cost $45 during the week and $50 on weekends. Commercial buses with 31+ people pay $75 on non-holiday (M-Th) and $80 Friday through Saturday. Keep in mind too that if you go on an actual holiday you will pay the weekend rates. Click here for the hours of operation. We have the world’s longest light tunnel right in our backyard! I suggest you hop in the car.

7. Children’s Medical Center Holiday Parade

On Saturday, December 3rd, Capital One and Pizza Hut will present the Children’s Medical Center Holiday Parade in downtown Dallas. The parade, starting at 10am, will begin at the corner of Commerce & Austin Streets and ending at City Hall Plaza. Celebrate the season with marching bands, spectacular floats, giant inflatable balloons and diverse performances by groups from all across Texas. This event is one of our few FREE events and open to the public. However, if you’d like to sit on a bleacher you’ll need a ticket which you can purchase here. See a full map of the sections you can sit in and how much tickets cost. If you or your group would like to actually participate in the parade or volunteer on that day, click here. American Idol winner Jordin Sparks will also be performing!

Because of CMC surgeons like Dr. Dev Desai, Kids like Adrian, age 8, get the opportunity to live a regular childhood life after having a successful kidney transplant.

8. Galleria Holiday Ice Shows

Witness Olympic and National Champions live on the Galleria’s Ice rink Nov 25, Dec 3, 10 & 17! The full schedule is here. Holiday Magic on Ice features back-flipping Santas and missile Toes in rare form.

Santa has his village set up beginning November 19th through Christmas Eve right by Saks Fifth Avenue on level 2. You can’t help but notice the nation’s tallest indoor Christmas tree that takes up half of the ice rink. I swear it gets bigger and bigger each year. Soon there won’t be any room left to skate!

Celebrate Hanukkah with the Galleria’s custom-designed 15-foot Menorah. The first lighting will take place on December 20th with entertainment, refreshments and goodies for the kids. This will be on level one near the Guest Reception center 12/20-28 at 5pm.

The Plano Civic Chorus starts things off November 25th at 11:30am with holiday singing and a sounding brass performs on the weekends November 25 through December 24. If you don’t catch the Holiday Magic on ICE, you’re bound to catch it somewhere in that mall! Let one of the Galleria Santa’s direct you right to your parking space.

9. DSO Christmas Celebration

From December 2 nd through the 18th the DSO’s annual holiday concert returns to the Meyerson with a new show for the whole family. (everything on this page is for the entire family though) Join conductors Lawrence Loh and Joshua Habermann for “A World of Joy” which features Christmas carols and majestic pageantry from the Dallas Symphony Chorus, the Christmas Celebration Children’s Choir and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. The December 2nd show is already sold out so act fast on tickets! Gather a group of family members or church friends for discounts on tickets for 10 people or more. Regular tickets range anywhere from $39 to $125. The DSO also offers a Student Rush where students can get tickets for between $10 and $25.

If you can’t make it out to any of the performances, tune in to WFAA Channel 8 for the live filming of “Christmas Celebration” Friday night.

Kids can enjoy the magic of the holidays with classical carols, favorite songs and a special visit from St. Nick at Deck the Hall! This special concert brings the season alive for your favorite little ones, with free lobby activities beforehand including a Santa Claus photo booth, an instrument petting zoo, arts & crafts, magic shows, and more on December 10th only at 11am. A portion of the proceeds are donated to the Elan Circle to support DSO education programs.

10. Dallas Metro Ballet : The Night Before Christmas

Dallas Metropolitan Ballet presents “The Night Before Christmas” December 11-12. Tickets are $10 to $40 with group discounts available. There are two showtimes on Dec 11th with guest artists Mikhail Ilyin and Margaret Severin – Hansen. All performances are done at the McFarlin Auditorium on SMU’s Campus. Get your tickets at Ticketmaster.com.

11. A Christmas Carol – The Dallas Theatre Center

The Dallas Theatre Center presents “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, Directed by Matthew Gray and Adapted by Richard Hellesen November 26 – December 24. The classic Christmas story is filled with traditional songs and heart-warming performances to get you in the holiday mood. Chamblee Ferguson, Brierly Resident Acting Company member and longtime Dallas Theater Center favorite, will portray the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge in a product your family won’t want to miss. A Christmas Carol goes to support the North Texas Food Bank also. Call 214.880.0202 for tickets.

12. Manheim Steamrollers Live

Wind down from all the holiday festivities the day after Christmas with a live performance by Manheim Steamroller at the Meyerson Symphony Center< December 26 & 27 at 7:30pm. They’re just as good as when you first heard them decades ago. This musical group founded by Chip Davis and Jackson Berkey, is primarily known for its modern recordings of Christmas music. They’ve sold 28 million albums just in the U.S. Catch this tour as Manaheim Steamrollers return to Dallas for another riveting concert just in time to ease into the new year. If you’re household is anything like mine, then you’ve got all of the Christmas albums already on deck for post Thanksgiving. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny for the tickets but considering it’s Chip Davis behind this tour, along with a few new musicians, it may be worth it.


BONUS #1 – CITY LIGHTS


BONUS #2 – PARADE OF JOY

BONUS #3 – FAIR PARK HOLIDAY

BONUS #4 – HOLIDAY AT THE CENTER

That’s all I’ve got for you for now. Take your pick and Deck the Halls! As more events roll in, I’ll try to keep ya posted.

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Wine Fest 2011 – Addison

2 Nov

The 9th Annual Wine Fest is November 5th at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison. From 6:30pm to 11pm attendees can enjoy an intimate wine and food tasting event that benefits the Cultural Arts of Dallas. The 2011 Wine Fest is sponsored by The 500 Inc.

With the help of its sponsor The 500 Inc, Wine Fest is working to help raise funds and awareness for the Cultural Arts of Dallas. The Five Hundred Inc. is a non-profit organization comprised of volunteers who work together in carrying out their mission of a healthy Arts Community. They have supported more than 35 local arts organizations for over 40 years. Click here to find out more information on becoming a member of The Five Hundred Inc.

The 500 Inc’s Wine Fest is one fo the premier opportunities for North Texans to taste and discover wines from around the country. Check out the list of Vinters at Wine Fest this year.

Mmmm just imagine that grape flavor lol

This is a 21 and over party so leave the kids at home. It’ll only be about 2 hours or so long, God willing your sampling doesn’t become O.D. Wine Fest begins at 6:30pm and ends at 10:00pm. Included in your $35 ticket ($40 at the door) you’ll get wine tastings from all participating wineries and vinters along with samplings from participating restaurants. I’m no wine connoisseur so I’m probably most excited about the restaurants because Addison is filled with tons of great eateries! You’ve got Blue Mesa Grill, Einstein Bros, Cantina Laredo, Chow Thai, Clay Pit, Houlihans, Sambucca 360, Paciugo, Grand Luxe Café, Fish City Grill, Taco Diner, The Ranch at Las Colinas and Sweet Tomatoes to name a few. You also receive access to a large Silent Auction. There will be Live music playing throughout the evening as well in case you want to ‘wine’ up ya body! Valet parking is available for a nominal fee, but self parking isn’t available due to the limited space.

Wine Fest is being held at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum

If this is your first Wine Fest and you’re wondering what to wear, you can come comfortable but dressed smart! Some people will wear business casual as a few may be coming from work anyways, but if you choose to wear jeans just jazz it up a bit. There are ladies who will be in cocktail dresses and gents who may decide to sport a blazer.

Wine ya body down to the Flight Museum for some grown up fun!

Why not Make it a Date!




Wine Fest Location:
Cavanaugh Flight Museum
4572 Claire Chennault Street
Addison, TX 75001

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