Circus extravaganza

Ring in the New Year with a circus extravaganza featuring an international cast of acrobats, aerialists, hand balancers, jugglers, clowns and more. Produced by the award-winning Lone Star Circus. Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skillman, dct.org, 214.978.0110, $20-$46

THROUGH DEC. 19

Vintage photo exhibit

A collection belonging to Lake Highlands residents Jack and Beverly Wilgus is on display weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

“Defined by Light: Photography’s First 75 Years” includes materials predating the invention of photography and thousands of historical photos.

Degolyer Library at Southern Methodist University, 6404 Hyer, 214.768.2253, smu.edu, free

THROUGH JAN. 5

The Trains at NorthPark

All aboard for NorthPark’s 16th year hosting this event, which not only inspires holiday cheer but also garners funds for the Ronald McDonald House, where families with sick children find support. Watch elaborate toy trains traverse 1,600 feet of track through replica cityscapes. Open daily with limited hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve; closed Christmas Day. NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central, 214.631.7354, rmhdallas.org, $3-$6, children under 2 free

THROUGH JAN. 31

‘The Art of Nature’

The Bath House Cultural Center presents “The Art of Nature,” a mixed-media art exhibition that features recent works by Silvia Thornton and Anne Neal and shows what happens when an artist’s inspiration is applied to gifts from nature and earth.

Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E. Lawther, 214.670.8749, bathhousecultural.com, free

DEC. 3

Tree lighting

Join the festivities at Casa Linda Plaza. From 5 to 7 p.m., take photos with Santa, enjoy performances by Reinhardt Elementary choir, Hexter Elementary choir, Sanger Elementary choir and Bryan Adams Varsity choir. At 6:25 p.m., Santa will light the tree.

Casa Linda Plaza, Buckner and Garland near El Fenix, $5 for photos

THROUGH DEC. 21

Holidays at DCT

A single mother and her young daughter have all but given up on Christmas in ‘Miracle on 34th Street’, until they meet a mysterious gentleman at Macy’s claiming to be Santa Claus. This jolly Kris Kringle brings them hope and unleashes waves of goodwill throughout New York City. Could he be the real Santa Claus?

DEC. 3-7

‘Look Homeward, Angel’

Based on the autobiographical novel by Thomas Wolfe, this coming-of-age play is about a boy growing up in a Dixieland boarding house run by his mother. The work won the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1958. Performances begin at 2 and 8 p.m. Greer Garson Theatre in Owen Arts Center, 6101 Bishop at SMU, 214.768.2787, adults $13, seniors $10, students, faculty and staff $7

DEC. 3-20

‘A Christmas Carol: The Radio Show’

This comedy by David Alberts tells the story of a radio station manager left alone on a stormy Christmas Eve in 1947 to produce the annual broadcast of the audience’s favorite holiday tale, “A Christmas Carol.” With his workmates kept away by foul weather, he attempts to play all 22 characters while incorporating the requisite sound effects and music — what could possibly go wrong?

Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E. Lawther, 214.670.8749, bathhousecultural.com, $10-$15

Also, join Frosty, Santa and their friends for an all-new revue that blends a variety of musical and puppetry styles. In the magical world of Kathy Burks’ celebrated troupe, ornaments spring to life and dance along to carols. Kittens frolic under the Christmas tree, and angels dance in the snow.

Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skillman, dct.org, 214.978.0110, $15-$28

NowforScheduling Spring more LOCAL EVENTS or submit your own

Dec. 3-6

Used book sale

Skillman Southwestern Library

Friends is selling thousands of gently used, donated books, CDs, movies, magazines, cards and more.

DEC. 5

Holiday in the Highlands

Sneak a peek inside neighborhood homes during the 36th Lake Highlands Women’s League Home Tour — a Christmastime tradition, which also includes a luncheon and holiday shopping market.

Learn more about the LHWL, the tour and its beneficiaries, and find a list of participating homes on p. 35.

DEC. 17

Menorah lighting

Rabbi Dubrawsky from the Chabad of Dallas will celebrate Chanukah with the lighting of the menorah during the Festival of Lights at 6:30 p.m. Complimentary refreshments follow. NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central, 214.363.7441, northparkcenter.com, free

Area’s largest Organic Garden Center Fireman-Owned Family-Operated A 15-minute Drive • 1820 S. Belt Line in Mesquite • 972-329-4769

Flickering

candles adorn white tablecloths and carefully arranged place settings. Relaxing music plays, replacing the silence in the absence of flat screen televisions on the walls. This is exactly how restaurant owner Susan Hyland says dining out should be.

“I want guests to take their time, to enjoy the peace — and their food,” she says.

Hyland was a server for 14 years before she opened Thai Opal this year, so she knows a thing or two about what diners want. Although the restaurant replaced a shuttered Thai eatery, she makes sure that Thai Opal is different — first with the newly remodeled interior, and then with Thai dishes made from family recipes. For instance, the noodles in the spicy basil noodle dish (flat egg noodles topped with tomato, basil, bean sprouts, scallions, shallots and chili paste) are soaked in chili to absorb the heat before cooking. The flavorful noodles have a subtle, lingering heat. For less spice, the chicken panang curry with potato, pineapple and basil is a popular menu item, Hyland says. Each dish that comes out of the kitchen is adorned with an artful garnish of orange slices, carrot and cabbage, and sometimes, a delicate orchid from a nearby florist. —Whitney

Thompson

HOURS:

11 A.M.-3 P.M., 5-10 P.M. MON.-FRI. NOON-10 P.M. SAT. 5-10 P.M. SUN.

PRICE: $7-$15

AMBIANCE: TRADITIONAL

BURGERS

9090 Skillman #174 Dallas, Texas 75243 (next to El Fenix) 214.221.0380

MEXICAN GRILL

EnchiladasRestaurants.com

214.691.1390

2 DFW Locations, Citywide Catering

Deep South Burger

Now Open!

Come enjoy juicy burgers, turkey burgers, chicken, home style and sweet potato fries or onion rings!

Quality customer service since last Tuesday!

QUESA-D-YAS

Looking for a great meal in Lake Highlands?

Come visit us where we take pride in making and delivering the best custom quesadillas using fresh ingredients and a variety of combinations that delight and satisfy.

Enchilada’s

TIP: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE BYOB POLICY WHILE YOU CAN. A PENDING BEER AND WINE LICENSE WILL SOON CHANGE THE RULES. Sign

Enchilada’s Restaurants caters to your every need for office and holiday parties while delivering great tasting, quality food, fresh and hot at a value that can’t be beat. Call today, tell us what you need and let us show you how we can make your next event the best it can be.

BARBECUE

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

It’s never too early to plan for the holidays.

Serve a holiday feast even your in laws will love.

Open 7 Days a Week 11AM-9PM

Mention this ad to receive 10% OFF

6243 Retail Road #400 Dallas, Tx. 75231 469.232.9950

Burgers

JG’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers

Step back in time, into a cozy, old fashioned atmosphere where the simple things matter again. Great food, great service, great memories.

advocatemag.com/newsletter/lh