Happy December, Dallas! Even in a pandemic year, the final month on the calendar offers so many things to do that it’s nearly impossible to be bored. If you need more fun ways to celebrate the season beyond the 21 festive holiday happenings we’ve already shared, you’ll find them right here. Not just one, but two Elvis holiday shows await, as well as spectacular choreography, an online film festival, and plenty of other ways to safely enjoy the weekend.
Take a drive down Candy Cane Lane
Friday - SundayVictory Park
The nightmare of being stuck in the parking garage after a concert at American Airlines Center completely disappears with this holiday transformation. Drive through each level of the structure for a covered holiday light display that can be enjoyed rain, snow, or shine. And because the organizers thought it was important to call out for some reason, please no hayrides.
Cost: $35 per vehicle (GA); $50 per vehicle (VIP, includes photo with Santa)
Catch a holiday film while helping feed the hungry
Friday - SundayCityplace
The Drive-in at the Central kicks off its holiday movie programming with films including Elf, Home Alone, The Grinch, and Friday After Next with nightly visits from Santa (who will even wash your car windows), holiday decorations, and festive treats for purchase. Visitors to the contactless movie experience are encouraged to bring non-perishable grocery items that will be donated to the North Texas Food Bank.
Cost: $28-35 (per vehicle, depends on location); $5 (community screening of Bridget Jones’s Diary on Sunday)
Celebrate the human spirit through dance
Friday - SundayVirtual
Bruce Wood Dance presents HOPE, a virtual dance experience with world premieres and original music highlighting stories of justice, love, healing, compassion, and joy. Rent the six-number program and access the streaming production at any time during its 72-hour run.
Cost: $30 per household
Laugh out loud at a holiday-themed standup show
Friday, 8 pmGrapevine
Comedian William Lee Martin presents his annual Christmas Standup Comedy Spectacular, The Nutcracker, to Grapevine’s Palace Theater. Masks will be required for audience members for the duration of the show.
Cost: $29-35
Watch a bunch of film festival selections right from home
Friday - SundayVirtual
Normally, taking part in an Austin film festival would require a road trip or plane ticket and a hotel room, but the virtual presentation of the sci-fi Other Worlds Film Festival changes all that. Experience multiple film premieres and live events during the festival’s closing weekend.
Cost: $50 - $143 (includes access to four films up to the entire lineup)
Enjoy a soulful Sunday brunch with plenty of mimosas
Sunday, 11:30 am - 2:30 pmMcKinney
Head north for an official Chefs for Farmers event at the historic, circa-1883 Bingham House for brunch with chef Jordan Swim. The menu includes a DIY mimosa bar plus other cocktails, a four-course meal including shrimp & grits and chicken biscuits, as well as outdoor seating available for added safety.
Cost: $75
Have a blue, blue Christmas with Elvis
Saturday, 2 pmArlington
Al Joslin brings the King of Rock ‘n Roll to life in Blue Christmas, a holiday Elvis tribute show and the first of two dueling Elvis shows this weekend. Mandatory masks, social distancing, and temperature checks required of all ticketholders.
Cost: $15 - $45
Check into a one-of-a-kind motel
Friday - SundayDenison, Allen
Sweet Tooth Hotel launches a pop-up mini version of its immersive art experience, ending Friday in Denison before moving on to Allen Saturday and Sunday (and through January 3). The completely private experience gives you and your trusted group of two to four people 30 minutes alone in the motel for great photos and an outdoor cafe to enjoy before or after.
Cost: $20-40 (bundles of two or four tickets)
See Elvis perform holiday hits in another building
Sunday, 4 pmGrapevine
Grapevine’s known as the Christmas Capital of Texas, hence our inclusion of two separate events there this weekend. Renowned Elvis impersonator Kraig Parker puts a holiday twist on his usual show, complete with his Royal Tribute Band.
Cost: $32-42
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Steven Lindsey is a Thrillist contributor.