RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
Looks like the most wonderful time of the year has arrived. Shopping, holiday parties and fancy feasts may already be filling up your calendar. But be sure to save some room in your agenda for these tasty treats.
Check out our feature on Uptown Players’ new holiday show Star of Wonder: A Carol Ann Christmas then go see the show. But just be sure to make room for the sleigh-full of other festive stage productions across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
From cherished classics that make an annual appearance to exciting new holiday-themed shows, the DFW arts scene is ready to deck your halls as part of your seasonal celebration.
Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer at Casa Mañana
This family-friendly classic comes with a lot of nostalgia and low-key queer coding. Join Rudolph, Hermey the twinky Elf, bear icon Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snow Monster on an adventure filled with holiday hits like “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” “The Island of Misfit Toys,” “The Most Wonderful Day of the Year” and, of course, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” The musical is directed by B.J. Cleveland and choreographed by Laura West Strawser with music directed by Matthew Stern. Running through Dec. 23. CasaManana.org.
A Christmas Carol by Dallas Theater Center
This annual production is a Dallas tradition during the holidays. Embark on this Christmas Eve adventure with Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Blake Hackler, as three spirits from beyond take him on a journey to find hope and redemption. And he needs it.
Audiences can expect dazzling visuals and enchanting melodies at the Wyly Theater for this traditional tale that celebrates the transformative power of the holiday spirit. Patrons can join in on the holiday spirit by donating nonperishable food items in the theater lobby or contribute monetary gifts after each performance. Every dollar collected will help provide three nutritious meals for neighbors in need. Opens Nov. 28 and runs through Dec. 27. DallasTheaterCenter.org.
Texas Ballet Theater presents The Nutcracker
Like DTC, this yearly performance is among the must-sees during the DFW Christmas season. With a classical score by Tchaikovsky and choreography by TBT Artistic Director Laureate Ben Stevenson, O.B.E., this holiday favorite is sure to charm ballet enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Join Clara and her brave Nutcracker turned Prince on their journey through the Land of Snow and into the Kingdom of Sweets. Opens Nov. 28 and runs through Dec. 7 at the Winspear Opera House, then at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth Dec. 12-28. TexasBalletTheater.org.
The Beulaville Baptist Book Club Presents: A Bur-Less-Q Nutcracker! by MBS Productions
Mark Brian-Sonna has made history with this quirky and award-winning tradition of the very non-traditional take on the classic Christmas ballet. The Beulaville Baptist Book Club, facing financial ruin, hires the Beaumont Ballet for a Nutcracker fundraiser. But when Madge’s Piña Colada Casserole food poisons the entire cast, she unknowingly hires the stranded Velvet Kittens Burlesque Dancers to perform The Nutcracker. The result is a highly original, unusual and comical show. Opens Dec. 4 through Dec. 28 at The Addison Performing Arts Center. BurlesqueNutcracker.com.
Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings by Lyric Stage
After its success last year, Lyric Stage brings back this musical gem for an encore run. At first, Francis, Jinx, Smudge and Sparky aren’t sure why they’ve returned to Earth for another posthumous performance, but a phone call from the heavenly Rosemary Clooney lets them know they’re needed to put a little harmony into a discordant world. Sprinkled among the Christmas offerings are audience favorites, like their riotous three-minute-and-eleven-second version ofThe Ed Sullivan Show with special guests, as well as a Plaid Caribbean Christmas that puts the “Day-O”” in Excelsis! The show runs Dec. 5-21. LyricStage.org.
Turtle Creek Chorale’s Holiday Concert Tour
TCC presents the new show All Is Bright — a choral program filled with music that reflects the warmth and wonder of the holidays through a mix of classics and fresh new works. TCC tours the show throughout the metroplex with four stops and five performances. Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church; Dec. 12, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church; Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. at Broadway Baptist Church Fort Worth and Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. at the Meyerson Symphony Center. TurtleCreekChorale.com.
Pentatonix’s Christmas in the City Tour: Our favorite Grammy-winning a capella group brings back their festival concert to Fort Worth. The tour follows the release of their new holiday album, Christmas in the City, released in November. Dec. 21 and 22 at Dickies Arena. Ticketmaster.com.
Leslie Odom Jr.’s The Christmas Tour : This festive concert will feature holiday classics and originals from Odom’s Christmas releases. He’ll even drop some Hamilton songs as Aaron Burr, which earned him a Tony. Dec. 20 at the Winspear Opera House. ATTPAC.org.
Sarah Brightman: A Winter Symphony: Accompanied by orchestra, choir, and special guests, Brightman brings her enchanting holiday show back for a night of holiday classics and greatest hits. Dec. 21 at the Winspear Opera House. ATTPAC.org.
Gentri Christmas: The singing trio and the out pianist Stephen Nelson brings the sounds of the season to Dallas following the release of their latest album Emmanuel. The group also celebrates 10 years as well on this current tour. Dec. 22 at the Winspear Opera House. ATTPAC.org.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s New Year’s Eve
Not us skipping over DSO’s signature Christmas Pops concerts, which are a must, but don’t forget looking ahead to that one special night at the end of December. Why not spend it at the Meyerson? Assistant conductor Shira Samuels-Shragg leads the DSO in this “So long 2025!” and “Hello! 2026” celebratory concert on New Year’s Eve featuring principal second violin Angela Fuller Heyde. The night’s revelry will include waltzes, polkas, marches, overtures and favorite operetta excerpts plus some surprises to help ring in the new year. Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m. DallasSymphony.org.
For more holiday events and activities, check out Plan Your Week