We’ve rounded up the best family-friendly events and things to do with kids this December in Dallas and all the surrounding areas. (Hint: Find even more things to do in the metroplex on Dallas Moms and Fort Worth Moms.)
A special THANK YOU to Texas Ballet Theater School for sponsoring this edition of Save the Date.
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Filled with lacy snowflakes and delectable sweets, The Nutcracker heralds the magic of the season with visions of enchantment and joy. Follow along with the beloved holiday story as Clara travels to the Kingdom of Sweets with her Nutcracker Prince.
Attend a performance in Dallas, November 24 – December 3, or in Fort Worth, December 8 – 24. The Nutcracker is approximately two hours long, with one intermission. Buy tickets today!
Click the tabs to see events for each week.
Bookmarks’ December Events. Bookmarks Library, Dallas (inside Northpark Mall). Toddler story times, meet the reindeer events, Hannukkah story times, and more. Click the link for details and dates.
Dallas Museum of Art. Lots of free and low cost events for babies, kids, and families during the month of December. Click the link to view the DMA calendar.
Dalworthington Gardens Farmers Market :: 2800 West Arkansas Lane, Arlington 76016. From 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Sundays, weather permitting. Great mix of vendors serving the community with market staples, including produce, eggs, honey, breads, and jam. Free to attend.
Farmer’s Market :: Four Seasons Market, The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano. Held every Saturday, from 10:a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Locally sourced produce, homemade baked goods and jams, fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables, and more.
Free First Saturdays :: Nasher Sculpture Center. Free event, held every first Saturday of the month. From 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Family program from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Please register in advance.
Holiday at the Arboretum :: Dallas Arboretum. Holiday at the Arboretum begins runs November 9 – January 5 this year. It includes the 12 Days of Christmas outdoor exhibit, a Christmas village of charming shops and façades in the style of European Christmas markets, choirs, tons of lights in the garden, and more. See the link for details; start dates and prices vary by attraction.
JumpstART Stories and Art :: Irving Arts Center. Story time and art projects for kids ages two years and older. First Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m. Free event.
Lights on the Farm :: Heritage Farmstead Museum, Plano. A festive experience for the entire family. See website for details and tickets. Through December 30.
Nancy Best Fountain Performance :: Klyde Warren Park, Dallas. The Nancy Best Fountain is an interactive water feature that is free and open to the public. It is on every day from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., as long as the temperature is above 40 degrees. Each night from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m., the Fountain performs a medley of music that is choreographed with artful water movements and lighting. Performances after sunset are illuminated.
The Nutcracker :: Performed by Texas Ballet Theater. Dallas: Winspear Opera House, November 24 – December 3. Fort Worth: Bass Performance Hall, December 8 – 24. See link for details, times, and cost.
Open Studio for Teens :: Irving Arts Center. Free event held every second Saturday of the month. Teens can draw, paint, and experiment with art materials. Drop-in between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Held simultaneously with Second Saturday Funday, a free event for younger kids.
Rooftop Cinema Club :: Heritage Village. Bring your own food or buy at the event (no outside drinks allowed). See link for tickets and seating info. Cost: Tickets start at $12.
Second Saturday Funday :: Irving Arts Center. Free event for kids! All art supplies are provided. Drop in between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and enjoy a fun art time. Older siblings may enjoy the free Open Studio for Teens, held at the same time.
Show Time Saturday :: Galleria. Kid-friendly performances each week: magic shows, circus acts, comedy, etc. On level three near the play area. Shows start around 12:00 p.m. Free!
Snow Day :: The Galleria. The magical, multi-sensory event is back at the Galleria, and once again, it’s joining forces with Santaland. You can visit either experience separately or purchase a combo package for a 15 percent discount. Tickets from $19.99, ages three and under are free. Event runs through January 7.
Spanish Light Art Exhibit :: Meadows Museum, Dallas. Through January 7, 2024, the “Spanish Light: Sorolla in American Collections” collection will be on exhibit at the museum. Tickets are $12 per adult; children and teens (18 years and under) are free.
Stroller Strides :: West Plano Fit 4 Mom, The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano. Come meet with other moms every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. for a quick workout! See link for details.
Studio Movie Grill :: Berkeley Square, Plano. Purchase movie tickets, find your seat, order drinks or food, enjoy. Lots of family and holiday movie selections during the month of December! See website for details.
The Trains at Northpark :: The miniature trains return for the season through January 5th. See the link for varying hours of operation, including holiday hours. Proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House. $10/adults, $5/children & seniors, kids under age two are free.
Toddler Story Time :: Bookmark Library, Dallas (inside Northpark Mall). Every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Suggested ages: 18 months – three years. Hear stories, sing songs, jump around, and learn! Free event.
December 1
Disney Aristocats KIDS :: Genesis Theater, Plano. See link for show times and prices. December 1 – 3.
Holiday Home Tour and Bistro Lunch :: Alexander Mansion, Dallas. Home tours, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost is $15 per person. Bistro lunch: 12:00 p.m. Cost is $40 per person. See link for full details. December 1 – 3.
December 2
Arts and Crafts for Kids with Special Needs :: Frisco Public Library. From 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. For special needs kids in kindergarten – 5th grade. Free come and go event.
New Year’s Vision Board Workshop :: Grauwyler Park Branch Library, Dallas. From 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Class is free but registration is required.
Ugly Sweater Sip and Shop :: Watters Creek Village, Allen. From 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Do a little holiday shopping, enjoy some wine, and help out with a cause! See link for details.
December 7
Thursday Night Football Watch Party :: Legacy Hall, Plano. Free event, but registration is required. December 7: New England Patriots versus Pittsburgh Steelers.
December 9
Breakfast with Santa :: Carpenter Park Recreation Center, Plano. From 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Cost is $15 per family.
International Night Market :: Dallas International District. One-of-a-kind event, celebrating the diversity of Dallas food, culture, and art. Vendors, live music, and entertainment. Family friendly. Free event! From 4:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Jingle Run :: Grandscape, The Colony. Start time is 8:00 a.m. for the Jingle Run 5K. There will be a holiday themed party after the run, including appearances from Santa, live music, vendors, and more.
Saturday Flurries Screening Elf :: The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano. From 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Hot cocoa, Christmas carolers, Elf movie showtime, and more. See link for details.
Tamales Day :: Dallas Farmers Market. Join the fun and celebrate Tamale Day with more than ten varieties of fresh, authentic tamales Saturday, December 9th at the Dallas Farmers Market. Open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
December 10
Art Babies :: Dallas Museum of Art. From 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. A sensory-driven play time for children 0 – 24 months and their caregivers. Tickets are $10; adults and siblings do not need a ticket.
December 13
STEM Challenge :: Frisco Public Library. From 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Free event for kids in kindergarten – 5th grade.
December 14
GAF Snow Tubing :: 302 North Dallas Street, Historic Downtown Ennis. FREE event! December 14 and 15, from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday Night Football Watch Party :: Legacy Hall, Plano. Free event, but registration is required. December 14: Los Angeles Chargers versus Las Vegas Raiders.
Thursday Night Tweens :: Frisco Public Library. Hang out with friends and make a craft! This week’s project: paper snowflakes. For kids ages ten – 13. Free event, from 7:00 – 7:45 p.m.
December 15
GAF Snow Tubing :: 302 North Dallas Street, Historic Downtown Ennis. FREE event! December 14 and 15, from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Holiday Roller Skating :: Historic Downtown Ennis. December 15 – 17. Times: December 15 and 16: 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.; December 17: 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. FREE event! There will be a limited amount of skates provided, so bring your own pair if possible.
The Polar Express in Concert :: Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas. Performances begin nightly at 7:30 p.m.; 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets start at $62 – $74 per person. December 15 – 17.
December 16
London is Calling :: Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, Carpenter Hall, Irving. Performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $17 – $50.
December 20
Read to Rover :: Frisco Public Library. Kids can practice read-aloud skills with a therapeutic furry friend. For independent readers in grades 1st – 5th. Free event, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
December 21
Thursday Night Football Watch Party :: Legacy Hall, Plano. Free event, but registration is required. December 21: New Orleans Saints versus Los Angeles Rams.
Thursday Night Tweens :: Frisco Public Library. Hang out with friends and make a craft! This week’s project: snow slime. For kids ages ten – 13. Free event, from 7:00 – 7:45 p.m.
December 22
Teen Anime Club :: Frisco Public Library. For teens in grades 6th – 12th. From 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Free event.
December 27
Boredom Busters :: Frisco Public Library. Brush boredom away and come try out some classic kids’ games and activities from the past! Free event, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
For students in grades K-5.
December 28
Thursday Night Football Watch Party :: Legacy Hall, Plano. Free event, but registration is required. December 28: New York Jets versus Cleveland Browns.
Thursday Night Tweens :: Frisco Public Library. Hang out with friends and make a craft! This week’s project: origami. For kids ages ten – 13. Free event, from 7:00 – 7:45 p.m.
December 29
Teen Game Lounge :: Frisco Public Library. Board, video, and card games! Free event, for teens in 6th – 12th grades. From 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
December 31
Jazzberry Jammin’ New Year’s Eve :: Crayola Experience, Plano. From 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Included in general admission tickets. See website.
New Year’s Eve with DSO :: Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $59 per person.
- All Month
-
Bookmarks’ December Events. Bookmarks Library, Dallas (inside Northpark Mall). Toddler story times, meet the reindeer events, Hannukkah story times, and more. Click the link for details and dates.
Dallas Museum of Art. Lots of free and low cost events for babies, kids, and families during the month of December. Click the link to view the DMA calendar.
Dalworthington Gardens Farmers Market :: 2800 West Arkansas Lane, Arlington 76016. From 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Sundays, weather permitting. Great mix of vendors serving the community with market staples, including produce, eggs, honey, breads, and jam. Free to attend.
Farmer’s Market :: Four Seasons Market, The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano. Held every Saturday, from 10:a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Locally sourced produce, homemade baked goods and jams, fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables, and more.
Free First Saturdays :: Nasher Sculpture Center. Free event, held every first Saturday of the month. From 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Family program from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Please register in advance.
Holiday at the Arboretum :: Dallas Arboretum. Holiday at the Arboretum begins runs November 9 – January 5 this year. It includes the 12 Days of Christmas outdoor exhibit, a Christmas village of charming shops and façades in the style of European Christmas markets, choirs, tons of lights in the garden, and more. See the link for details; start dates and prices vary by attraction.
JumpstART Stories and Art :: Irving Arts Center. Story time and art projects for kids ages two years and older. First Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m. Free event.
Lights on the Farm :: Heritage Farmstead Museum, Plano. A festive experience for the entire family. See website for details and tickets. Through December 30.
Nancy Best Fountain Performance :: Klyde Warren Park, Dallas. The Nancy Best Fountain is an interactive water feature that is free and open to the public. It is on every day from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., as long as the temperature is above 40 degrees. Each night from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m., the Fountain performs a medley of music that is choreographed with artful water movements and lighting. Performances after sunset are illuminated.
The Nutcracker :: Performed by Texas Ballet Theater. Dallas: Winspear Opera House, November 24 – December 3. Fort Worth: Bass Performance Hall, December 8 – 24. See link for details, times, and cost.
Open Studio for Teens :: Irving Arts Center. Free event held every second Saturday of the month. Teens can draw, paint, and experiment with art materials. Drop-in between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Held simultaneously with Second Saturday Funday, a free event for younger kids.
Rooftop Cinema Club :: Heritage Village. Bring your own food or buy at the event (no outside drinks allowed). See link for tickets and seating info. Cost: Tickets start at $12.
Second Saturday Funday :: Irving Arts Center. Free event for kids! All art supplies are provided. Drop in between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and enjoy a fun art time. Older siblings may enjoy the free Open Studio for Teens, held at the same time.
Show Time Saturday :: Galleria. Kid-friendly performances each week: magic shows, circus acts, comedy, etc. On level three near the play area. Shows start around 12:00 p.m. Free!
Snow Day :: The Galleria. The magical, multi-sensory event is back at the Galleria, and once again, it’s joining forces with Santaland. You can visit either experience separately or purchase a combo package for a 15 percent discount. Tickets from $19.99, ages three and under are free. Event runs through January 7.
Spanish Light Art Exhibit :: Meadows Museum, Dallas. Through January 7, 2024, the “Spanish Light: Sorolla in American Collections” collection will be on exhibit at the museum. Tickets are $12 per adult; children and teens (18 years and under) are free.
Stroller Strides :: West Plano Fit 4 Mom, The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano. Come meet with other moms every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. for a quick workout! See link for details.
Studio Movie Grill :: Berkeley Square, Plano. Purchase movie tickets, find your seat, order drinks or food, enjoy. Lots of family and holiday movie selections during the month of December! See website for details.
The Trains at Northpark :: The miniature trains return for the season through January 5th. See the link for varying hours of operation, including holiday hours. Proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House. $10/adults, $5/children & seniors, kids under age two are free.
Toddler Story Time :: Bookmark Library, Dallas (inside Northpark Mall). Every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Suggested ages: 18 months – three years. Hear stories, sing songs, jump around, and learn! Free event.
- December 1 - 7
-
December 1
Disney Aristocats KIDS :: Genesis Theater, Plano. See link for show times and prices. December 1 – 3.
Holiday Home Tour and Bistro Lunch :: Alexander Mansion, Dallas. Home tours, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost is $15 per person. Bistro lunch: 12:00 p.m. Cost is $40 per person. See link for full details. December 1 – 3.
December 2
Arts and Crafts for Kids with Special Needs :: Frisco Public Library. From 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. For special needs kids in kindergarten – 5th grade. Free come and go event.
New Year’s Vision Board Workshop :: Grauwyler Park Branch Library, Dallas. From 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Class is free but registration is required.
Ugly Sweater Sip and Shop :: Watters Creek Village, Allen. From 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Do a little holiday shopping, enjoy some wine, and help out with a cause! See link for details.
December 7
Thursday Night Football Watch Party :: Legacy Hall, Plano. Free event, but registration is required. December 7: New England Patriots versus Pittsburgh Steelers.
- December 8 - 14
-
December 9
Breakfast with Santa :: Carpenter Park Recreation Center, Plano. From 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Cost is $15 per family.
International Night Market :: Dallas International District. One-of-a-kind event, celebrating the diversity of Dallas food, culture, and art. Vendors, live music, and entertainment. Family friendly. Free event! From 4:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Jingle Run :: Grandscape, The Colony. Start time is 8:00 a.m. for the Jingle Run 5K. There will be a holiday themed party after the run, including appearances from Santa, live music, vendors, and more.
Saturday Flurries Screening Elf :: The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano. From 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Hot cocoa, Christmas carolers, Elf movie showtime, and more. See link for details.
Tamales Day :: Dallas Farmers Market. Join the fun and celebrate Tamale Day with more than ten varieties of fresh, authentic tamales Saturday, December 9th at the Dallas Farmers Market. Open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
December 10
Art Babies :: Dallas Museum of Art. From 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. A sensory-driven play time for children 0 – 24 months and their caregivers. Tickets are $10; adults and siblings do not need a ticket.
December 13
STEM Challenge :: Frisco Public Library. From 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Free event for kids in kindergarten – 5th grade.
December 14
GAF Snow Tubing :: 302 North Dallas Street, Historic Downtown Ennis. FREE event! December 14 and 15, from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday Night Football Watch Party :: Legacy Hall, Plano. Free event, but registration is required. December 14: Los Angeles Chargers versus Las Vegas Raiders.
Thursday Night Tweens :: Frisco Public Library. Hang out with friends and make a craft! This week’s project: paper snowflakes. For kids ages ten – 13. Free event, from 7:00 – 7:45 p.m.
- December 15 - 21
-
December 15
GAF Snow Tubing :: 302 North Dallas Street, Historic Downtown Ennis. FREE event! December 14 and 15, from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Holiday Roller Skating :: Historic Downtown Ennis. December 15 – 17. Times: December 15 and 16: 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.; December 17: 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. FREE event! There will be a limited amount of skates provided, so bring your own pair if possible.
The Polar Express in Concert :: Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas. Performances begin nightly at 7:30 p.m.; 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets start at $62 – $74 per person. December 15 – 17.
December 16
London is Calling :: Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, Carpenter Hall, Irving. Performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $17 – $50.
December 20
Read to Rover :: Frisco Public Library. Kids can practice read-aloud skills with a therapeutic furry friend. For independent readers in grades 1st – 5th. Free event, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
December 21
Thursday Night Football Watch Party :: Legacy Hall, Plano. Free event, but registration is required. December 21: New Orleans Saints versus Los Angeles Rams.
Thursday Night Tweens :: Frisco Public Library. Hang out with friends and make a craft! This week’s project: snow slime. For kids ages ten – 13. Free event, from 7:00 – 7:45 p.m.
- December 22 - 31
-
December 22
Teen Anime Club :: Frisco Public Library. For teens in grades 6th – 12th. From 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Free event.
December 27
Boredom Busters :: Frisco Public Library. Brush boredom away and come try out some classic kids’ games and activities from the past! Free event, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
For students in grades K-5.
December 28
Thursday Night Football Watch Party :: Legacy Hall, Plano. Free event, but registration is required. December 28: New York Jets versus Cleveland Browns.
Thursday Night Tweens :: Frisco Public Library. Hang out with friends and make a craft! This week’s project: origami. For kids ages ten – 13. Free event, from 7:00 – 7:45 p.m.
December 29
Teen Game Lounge :: Frisco Public Library. Board, video, and card games! Free event, for teens in 6th – 12th grades. From 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
December 31
Jazzberry Jammin’ New Year’s Eve :: Crayola Experience, Plano. From 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Included in general admission tickets. See website.
New Year’s Eve with DSO :: Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $59 per person.
