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 Collin County 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.
Enrichment Programs :: Select days at River Legacy Science Center, Arlington. For kids ages five – 15.
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.
Homeschool Club :: Select Thursdays, at River Legacy Science Center, Arlington. For students five – 11 years old.
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.
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.
Nature School :: River Legacy Science Center, Arlington. Hands-on exploration of nature, indoor and outdoor activities, meaningful opportunities to develop math and science process skills. For kids ages three – five (not yet enrolled in kindergarten, and must be fully toilet trained).
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 runs through January 7. Tickets from $19.99, ages three and under are free.
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.
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
Abilities Expo :: Dallas Market Hall. Includes an all-inclusive climbing wall, adaptive sports, fun dance opportunities, info-packed workshops, new products, technologies, and resources. Free event. 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
Jasper’s Painting Class :: 1251 State Street, Dallas. From 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a fun afternoon at Jasper’s with a complimentary painting class (supplies will be provided). Class is free but space is limited! Register online.
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.
Oatmeal Milk and Honey Bath Bombs Class :: Renner Frankford Branch Library, Dallas. From 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Class is free but registration is required.
December 3
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.
December 6
Meet Santa’s Reindeer :: CenterPark Garden and Bookmarks library, Dallas. Happening at 10:30 a.m. The library will have an extra special guest – one of Santa’s reindeers! Come outside in CenterPark Garden for a Christmas story and a chance to take a picture with the reindeer and sleigh. Free event.
Wreath Making Class :: Polk-Wisdom Branch Library, Dallas. From 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Class is free but registration is required.
December 9
Cityline Merry Market :: Cityline Plaza, Dallas. Shop local makers and vendors from the Night Markets featuring handmade and vintage goods, plus live music, and holiday fun to enjoy while you shop. Free event! From 12:00 – 8:00 p.m.
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.
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.
Winter Wonderland :: White Rock Hills Branch Library, Dallas. From 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A fun family day with winter themes crafts, activities, and games. Free event but registration is required.
December 10
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.
December 11
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
Hanukkah Storytime :: Bookmarks Library, Dallas (inside Northpark Mall). Happening at 10:30 a.m. Hear a book read aloud, sing songs, and do a craft to celebrate this festival of lights. Free event.
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.
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 17
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.
December 18
Stadium Smash: Epic Pickleball Experience :: Globe Life Field, Arlington. An immersive pickleball experience! The event will feature 20 pickleball courts for open play, clinics and tournaments, plus an in-venue festival with food, beverage, premium entertainment, and more. December 18 – 22.
December 20
Christmas Storytime :: Bookmarks Library, Dallas (inside Northpartk Mall). Happening at 10:30 a.m. Hear a book read aloud, sing songs, and do a craft to celebrate the season of giving. Free event.
December 22
Stadium Smash: Epic Pickleball Experience :: Globe Life Field, Arlington. An immersive pickleball experience! The event will feature 20 pickleball courts for open play, clinics and tournaments, plus an in-venue festival with food, beverage, premium entertainment, and more. December 18 – 22.
December 27
Kwanzaa Storytime :: Bookmarks Library, Dallas (inside Northpartk Mall). Happening at 10:30 a.m. Hear a book read aloud, sing songs, and do a craft to celebrate this festival of African American culture and heritage. Free event.
December 31
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.
Enrichment Programs :: Select days at River Legacy Science Center, Arlington. For kids ages five – 15.
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.
Homeschool Club :: Select Thursdays, at River Legacy Science Center, Arlington. For students five – 11 years old.
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.
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.
Nature School :: River Legacy Science Center, Arlington. Hands-on exploration of nature, indoor and outdoor activities, meaningful opportunities to develop math and science process skills. For kids ages three – five (not yet enrolled in kindergarten, and must be fully toilet trained).
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 runs through January 7. Tickets from $19.99, ages three and under are free.
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.
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
Abilities Expo :: Dallas Market Hall. Includes an all-inclusive climbing wall, adaptive sports, fun dance opportunities, info-packed workshops, new products, technologies, and resources. Free event. 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
Jasper’s Painting Class :: 1251 State Street, Dallas. From 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a fun afternoon at Jasper’s with a complimentary painting class (supplies will be provided). Class is free but space is limited! Register online.
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.
Oatmeal Milk and Honey Bath Bombs Class :: Renner Frankford Branch Library, Dallas. From 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Class is free but registration is required.
December 3
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.
December 6
Meet Santa’s Reindeer :: CenterPark Garden and Bookmarks library, Dallas. Happening at 10:30 a.m. The library will have an extra special guest – one of Santa’s reindeers! Come outside in CenterPark Garden for a Christmas story and a chance to take a picture with the reindeer and sleigh. Free event.
Wreath Making Class :: Polk-Wisdom Branch Library, Dallas. From 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Class is free but registration is required.
- December 8 - 14
-
December 9
Cityline Merry Market :: Cityline Plaza, Dallas. Shop local makers and vendors from the Night Markets featuring handmade and vintage goods, plus live music, and holiday fun to enjoy while you shop. Free event! From 12:00 – 8:00 p.m.
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.
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.
Winter Wonderland :: White Rock Hills Branch Library, Dallas. From 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A fun family day with winter themes crafts, activities, and games. Free event but registration is required.
December 10
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.
December 11
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
Hanukkah Storytime :: Bookmarks Library, Dallas (inside Northpark Mall). Happening at 10:30 a.m. Hear a book read aloud, sing songs, and do a craft to celebrate this festival of lights. Free event.
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.
- 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 17
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.
December 18
Stadium Smash: Epic Pickleball Experience :: Globe Life Field, Arlington. An immersive pickleball experience! The event will feature 20 pickleball courts for open play, clinics and tournaments, plus an in-venue festival with food, beverage, premium entertainment, and more. December 18 – 22.
December 20
Christmas Storytime :: Bookmarks Library, Dallas (inside Northpartk Mall). Happening at 10:30 a.m. Hear a book read aloud, sing songs, and do a craft to celebrate the season of giving. Free event.
- December 22 - 31
-
December 22
Stadium Smash: Epic Pickleball Experience :: Globe Life Field, Arlington. An immersive pickleball experience! The event will feature 20 pickleball courts for open play, clinics and tournaments, plus an in-venue festival with food, beverage, premium entertainment, and more. December 18 – 22.
December 27
Kwanzaa Storytime :: Bookmarks Library, Dallas (inside Northpartk Mall). Happening at 10:30 a.m. Hear a book read aloud, sing songs, and do a craft to celebrate this festival of African American culture and heritage. Free event.
December 31
New Year’s Eve with DSO :: Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $59 per person.
