Can't Miss Holiday Events for December

Well folks, here we are. Another year has flown by and I can't believe we are staring 2015 in the face. While the holiday season can be chaotic and stressful it's also a time to hunker down, spend time with family, reflect on the year past and make plans and resolutions for the year to come. Here are a few can't miss activities I recommend for December. I hope you experience the magic of the holiday season - Dallas-style!  XO, Cynthia
10th Annual Light Up Lee Park 
December 1
This event will include a lights display on Green Lawn at Lee Park, free hot chocolate, holiday favorites performed by the Salvation Army Brass Ensemble and will end in a spectacular fireworks display from 5:30- 8:00 p.m. Fireworks display begins at 7 p.m. Robert E. Lee Park is located at 3400 Turtle Creek Blvd. Dallas, TX 75219.
Tutu Chic Fashion Show and Luncheon
December 4
The Texas Ballet Theater presents Tutu Chic Fashion Show and Luncheon at the Winspear Opera House on Thursday, December 4. Tutu Chic blends the arts of ballet and fashion into an unforgettable experience. Professional dancers glide, twirl, and leap down the runway dressed in the best of Stanley Korshak and premier fashion designer, Naeem Khan. For ticket information, please contact Theresa Ireland-Daubs, Development Manager, at 817.763.0207 x 111. The Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House is located at 2403 Flora St., Dallas, Texas 75201.
One Enchanted Christmas at The Alexander Mansion
December 4-7, 11-14 and 17-20
The stately 1904 C. H. Alexander Mansion, one of the city’s oldest residences, will be dressed in its holiday best for its annual celebration, “One Enchanted Christmas,” with a "Holiday Home Tour" December 4-7, and the “European Tea Room” December 11-14 and 17-20, presented by The Dallas Woman’s Forum.
Huge Christmas trees and spectacular decorations will fill the Alexander Mansion to create “One Enchanted Christmas” which will include tours of the Mansion, a Boutique, Holiday Bistro and Bake Shoppe on Thursday through Sunday, December 4-7 from 11 am to 4 pm. Guests will enjoy musical performances and spectacular rooms bedecked in holiday finery on the first floor. Upstairs they can browse unique offerings in the gift boutique -- including antiques, jewelry, handcrafted home decor, candles, chocolates, teas, jellies, stationery, vintage clothing and so much more. Everyone will want to enjoy a delicious lunch consisting of soup, a gourmet salad or sandwich, dessert and a beverage that will be served daily in the festive bistro. Holiday goodies, perfect for gift giving, will be available in the Bake Shoppe. Admission to the Tour and Boutique is $10 for adults in advance, $12 at the door; $5 for children. Reservations for the Holiday Bistro are $15.
“One Enchanted Christmas” will continue with the “European Tea Room” which will have one seating at 12 noon on December 11-14 and 17-20. Passed champagne will be served as guests await their tables for a traditional three-course tea which will include the Alexander Mansion private blend tea, Caramel Almond Bliss. Reservations are $47 for adults (inclusive of tea, tax, champagne and gratuity); $20 for children under 12. Reservations are required and can be made online at www.dallaswomansforum.org or by calling 214-823-4533. The C.H. Alexander mention is located at 4607 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75204.
27th annual Dallas Children’s Health Holiday Parade 
December 6
The streets of downtown Dallas will be filled with holiday cheer as the 27th annual Dallas Children’s Health Holiday Parade, delivered by Pizza Hut, makes it way along Commerce Street on Saturday, Dec. 6, with tickets now on sale. The long-time family tradition begins at 10 a.m. on Commerce Street, in front of the Adolphus Hotel, ending in front of City Hall at approximately 11:30 a.m. The parade will follow its original route, and will offer options for additional bleacher seating along Commerce Street and City Hall Plaza this year. The parade is the largest, outdoor one-day event in Dallas with more than 400,000 people in attendance, with bleacher seating able to accommodate up to 10,000 attendees. Ticket prices range from $22.50 - $65 and can be purchased online at www.childrens.com/parade.
Santa Days at The Plaza at Preston Center
December 6, 13 and 20
The Plaza at Preston Center welcomes Santa Claus and his loyal reindeer, Comet and Cupid, for the 18th annual Santa Days celebration from 11 am to 4 pm on December 6, 13 and 20. Santa Day visitors are asked to make a monetary donation to the North Texas Food Bank and receive a complimentary keepsake photo by professional photographer John Hudson. All donations enable the North Texas Food Bank to provide meals for children, families and the elderly in North Texas. The Plaza is proud for this continued partnership with the North Texas Food Bank through Santa Days, which has raised $15,000 the past two years, providing 45,000 meals to hungry North Texans. The Plaza at Preston Center is located at 8383 Preston Center Plaza Drive, Dallas, Texas 75225
CultureMap's Holiday Pop-Up Shop
December 7
CultureMap will throw the ultimate holiday shopping party during their first-ever Holiday Pop-up Shop, sponsored by Lexus and Cointreau. This one-day shopping extravaganza will feature 25 Dallas retailers — clothing for men and women, jewelry and accessories, pet essentials, home decor, and edibles — selected by the editorial team. The event takes place Sunday, December 7, noon-6 pm, at Sixty Five Hundred. Attendees will have the opportunity to shop for gifts from all of the following local brands: • Accents • Amanda Sterett • B.Stellar • Baby Bow Tie • Bread Winners Cafe • DMA Museum Store • Dirt • Dude, Sweet Chocolate • Ellis Hill • Foot Cardigan • The Gem • Gypsy Wagon • KidBiz • Life of Riley • Lucky Dog Barkery • Mizzen+Main • Need • Neighborhood • Nicole Kwon • Piermarini • Q. Clothier and Rye 51 • Scardello Artisan Cheese • Sussie’s • Tootsies • Trousseau of Dallas In addition to shopping, guests will enjoy cocktails, festive food, holiday entertainment, crafting stations, complimentary gift-wrapping, and music from DJ Remy Ryan. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at http://dallas.culturemap.com/popup. Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Dallas and Family Place.
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer 
December 16 – 21 
The beloved TV classic Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Join us in celebrating Rudolph’s 50 years on television and come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in the all new Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical at the Majestic Theater in Downtown Dallas. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Don’t miss this wonderful new holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. For tickets, visit http://www.attpac.org/on-sale/2014/rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer/. The Majestic Theater is located at 1925 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75201.
To see more festive event options, visit me on Facebook and peruse my album of Upcoming Events for Cocktails and Conversation! Happy holidays!!