December home for the holidays

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Traditions & More

Home for the

HOLIDAYS Here are some of the ways local people and organizations will celebrate Christmas and Chanukah this year

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Photo: star-telegram.com

A parade, a huge tree and one hilarious Elf THE HOLIDAYS OFFICIALLY BEGIN in Downtown Arlington on Saturday, Dec. 9, with the city’s annual Holiday Lights Parade at 6 p.m. Thousands of people will gather for the pageantry, which will conclude with the lighting of the Christmas tree on the steps of City Hall.    There’s also live holiday entertainment before the parade, a presentation of the movie “Elf” on a big screen at Levitt Pavilion, and a visit by Santa Claus, during which children can have their picture taken with the jolly one.    Here’s the schedule:    • 2 p.m. – Holiday entertainment    • 6 p.m. – Holiday Lights Parade    • 7 p.m. – Arlington Tree Lighting    • 7:15-8 p.m. – Pictures with Santa (don’t forget your camera)     • 7:15 p.m. – The screening of the film “Elf” 28

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

In keeping with tradition, the parade will start at the corner of Main and Center Streets. The parade travels west on Main Street, south on West Street, east on Abram Street and ends at the corner of Abram and East streets. Handicap parking is available in the lot at South Street and Oak Street.    On the entertainment front, children can play in the Reindeer Games area from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Plato’s Theory will perform at 2 p.m., followed by a presentation by Miss Persis Studio of Performing Arts/Dance of “The Elf Show” at 3 p.m.    The Arlington Master Chorale will sing at 4 p.m., and Hannah Kirby, a finalist from NBC’s “The Voice,” will wrap up the live performances with a concert that starts at 4:45 p.m. The parade starts shorlty after her show concludes.     “Elf” is a 2003 American Christmas fantasy comedy film directed by Jon Favreau and starring Will Ferrell as the title character.


Speaking of elves, check out what this family does IT’S DECEMBER ONCE AGAIN, which means soon our trio of elves will be merrily decking the Christmas tree with underwear, building snowmen out of toilet paper rolls, baking elf-sized pancakes and whatever other mischief they come up with while our dear children are asleep at night.    Our family’s Elf on the Shelf tradition started in 2012, when our oldest son was 6. My husband and I enjoyed creating silly scenes each night with Red, which included ziplining through the living room and making a “snow” angel in spilled sugar. We even set up a night-vision camera to catch our elf in action. It was a joy to see the amazement on our son’s face and hear his laughter as he discovered Red’s latest adventure.    On the day our daughter was born in 2013, Red appeared with a pink cupcake to help celebrate. Shortly after, he welcomed his own sister, Holly.    Our newest elf, Scout, arrived last December shortly after our youngest son was born. Over the years, these elves have helped my husband and I create some magical memories for our kids (and reminders to be good and avoid ending up on Santa’s naughty list). But I’ll admit we’re both a bit relieved when these little guys head back to the North Pole each Christmas Eve. – Susan Schrock, Communications Coordinator, The City of Arlington

Photo: Congregation Beth Shalom

Chanuka celebrations A Christmas classic

THE NUTCRACKER, a Christmas staple since it was introduced to the world in 1892, will be performed at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Dec. 16 by the Arts Ballet Academy. The performances will take place at Mansfield ISD’s Center for the Performing Arts (1110 W. Debbie Lane, Mansfield).    The Nutcracker, a classic Christmas Story, is a fairy tale ballet in two acts centered on a family’s Christmas Eve celebration. Alexandre Dumas Père’s adaptation of the story by E.T.A. Hoffmann was set to music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and originally choreographed by Marius Petipa.     The Arts Ballet Academy’s rendition will feature all the classic favorites: the Nutcracker’s Sugarplum Fairies, waltzing snowflakes and dancing toys bringing to life Tchaikovsky’s legendary score.     For more: (817) 299-1230 or visit center.mansfieldisd.org.

THE BROTHERHOOD AND SISTERHOOD of Congregation Beth Shalom (1212 Thannisch Drive) will hold their annual Chanuka party at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 16.     Congregation Beth Shalom was founded in 1980. In 2011, the synagogue’s Religious School building was remodeled to include a sanctuary, social hall and classrooms, all serving the area Jewish community. For more: (817) 860-5448.    In another Chanuka celebration, Chabad of Arlington & Mid Cities (1861 Brown Blvd., #213) will host the Third Annual Chanukah in Rustin Park at Southlake Town Square (1349 Main St., Southlake) at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 17.    The event will feature a live sculpture demonstration of an ice Menorah; greetings from local dignitaries; food fare including latkes, donuts and chocolate gelt; and a fire show.    Chabad of Arlington & Mid Cities is part of a worldwide movement that spreads Jewish awareness. Chabad’s goal is to serve the spiritual and physical needs of each Jew regardless of affiliation, wherever he or she may be. For more: (817) 451-1171. arlingtontoday.com • December 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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A special kind of choir

Prairie Lights: A road trip you won’t soon forget PRAIRIE LIGHTS, located at Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie, is one of the premier holiday light parks in Texas. Throughout the month of December, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, thousands of holiday revelers will venture to Prairie Lights for a show like no other.     Visitors will be dazzled with four million lights set along two miles of path. Hundreds of new displays in shapes of all kinds line and arch over the roads. Halfway through the drive, you can get out of your car for a stop at Holiday Village where you will find food, gifts, Santa, the new indoor Snow Maze, and the Holiday Magic Lighted Walk-Through Forest. Once back in your vehicle, the second half of the drive ends with the very animated light tunnel – the perfect finale to a special holiday experience. Here are details about some of the attractions:   Holiday Village – Under a giant tent perched halfway through the journey, visitors can enjoy pictures with Santa, concessions, a gift shop and other attractions. For an additional charge they can get tickets to the Cosmic Holiday, an indoor Holiday laser show, and the Holiday Magic Walk-Through Lighted Forest.   The Snow Maze – This new feature invites you into the whimsical world of a snowman wonderland. With bright, vibrant, friendly snowmen welcoming guests on the outside, the inside is a playful labyrinth of twists and turns that will have you smiling and laughing as you try to find your way out.   Holiday Magic Lighted Walk-Through Forest – Visitors can stroll through the trees that will be lit up with tens of thousands of lights. Arranged in scenes depicting how the holiday season is celebrated around the world along with a new Gumdrop Alley, this new attraction is sure to have the kids saying, “WOW!”   Gift Shop and Vendors – Visitors can take care of a few gift items on their holiday shopping list inside Holiday Village.    For more: prairielights.org. 30

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

MUSICAL MEMORY SINGERS, a newly formed chorus for persons with mild to intermediate Alzheimer’s/Dementia, their care partners, community volunteers and UTA student volunteers, will hold rehearsals Dec. 7, 14 and 21 at the Pantego Lions Club, 3535 Marathon.     Velma Bogart organized Musical Memory Singers during the summer, and since then, an average of 30 singers have regularly participated in rehearsals, which take place on Thursdays.    The choral group focuses on singing songs that are familiar or are longtime favorites – including Christmas carols. As a result, the singers with Alzheimer’s/Dementia often recall the tunes and enjoy a time with friends that includes not just the singing, but a social gathering that accompanies each rehearsal.     Bogart says the group is open to anyone interested in singing.     For more, email Bogart at vlbogart@flash.net.

Viridian calls for snow on Dec. 2 SNOW DAYS AREN’T A NORMAL Texas occurrence, but Viridian is predicting one in anticipation of its Winter Chill event, which will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Dec. 2 at the Viridian Lake Club, 1200 Viridian Park Lane.    The forecast calls for 160,000 pounds of snow to be brought into the community for a day of sliding, snow angels, snowball fights and plenty of frosty fun.    In addition to the snow, Winter Chill will offer a trip on the Texas Trackless Train, rides on ponies and holiday treats.    For more: viridiandfw.com


Don’t miss Mansfield’s Hometown Holidays THE CITY OF MANSFIELD will kick off the holiday season the first weekend in December with Hometown Holidays, which will feature a weekend of fun and entertainment for the whole family.    The events begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1 night at City Hall with the official tree lighting, visits with Santa, entertainment, food, games and fireworks.    The fun continues on Saturday, Dec. 2 with the Fa La La 5k run/walk and a holiday parade in Historic Downtown Mansfield. Saturday night, Mansfield ISD Center for the Performing Arts will be rocking with a special concert benefiting the district cultural arts programs. Hometown Holidays will feature ice sledding, bounce houses, a petting zoo, music and, of course, a visit by Santa Claus. The stunning fireworks show will cap off the evening. For more: mansfieldtexas.gov/hometown-holidays.

Homes, holiday style MANSFIELD’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY HOME TOUR will be held from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. on Dec. 3. Attendees can visit beautifully decorated homes to get into the Christmas spirit with the event’s sponsor, The Mansfield Women’s Club.     A $25 ticket will allow you to tour five beautifully decorated homes offered by Mansfield residents. You can tour these homes in any order – the tickets contain directions, pictures of the homes and a map. The homes are not handicap-accessible, and the tour is restricted to persons 12 and over. Proceeds will benefit women and children in the Mansfield area with scholarships, food, medical care, training and more through The Mansfield Women’s Club’s 501 (c) 3 non-profit.     You will also have the chance to buy raffle tickets at each of the homes for $10 each. There are four prizes, including diamond earrings from Mansfield Fine Jewelry, two $500 gift cards – one donated by Becky Hearne with RE/MAX Pinnacle Realty and one donated by members of MWC, and dinner for eight at Fontana’s Fine Dining.     For more: themansfieldwomensclub.com.

Photo: cityofkennedale.com

Kennedale holiday events KENNEDALE’S ANNUAL Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will be held from 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. on Dec. 5 at TownCenter Park (405 Municipal Drive, Kennedale).    Attendees can meet Santa, watch the tree lighting, hear live music, play games, try crafts and snack on treats from community groups.     They also can stop by the Kennedale Professional Firefighters Association booth to find out how to help donate to children in need with their Angel Tree. In addition, they are urged to stop by the Kennedale Public Library before the event to pick up an entry to the Gingerbread competition.    For more: cityofkennedale.com. arlingtontoday.com • December 2017 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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A multicultural take on holiday light shows Guess who’s coming to Dottie Lynn Rec Center OLDE TOWN CHRISTMAS will take place Dec. 1-2 at Dottie Lynn Recreation Center (3200 Norwood Lane). The craft fair opens Friday, Dec. 1 at noon and goes until 7 p.m. The fair continues Saturday, Dec. 2 and is open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Santa Claus will be stopping by Saturday at noon for photo opportunities.    In addition to his appearance, Olde Town Christmas also will feature vendors and family friendly activities such as homemade goodies and concessions and the annual Craft Fair. Entry into the fair is free. For more: (817) 277-5001.

MAGICAL WINTER LIGHTS is a spectacular, larger-thanlife, lantern-based light festival that presents a fresh, multicultural take on traditional holiday light shows. It will run daily from Dec. 1-Jan. 7 at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie.    Festival hours are 5 p.m.-10 p.m. on Sunday-Thursday and 5 p.m.-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.    Admission to the festival includes full access to all the lantern attraction sections, Chinese acrobatic performances and character appearances.    Chinese lantern festivals began about 2,000 years ago, during the Han Dynasty. Although no one knows the origin, it’s believed the festival was meant to celebrate the “declining darkness of winter,” the ability to move through the dark with humangenerated light.    Today, lantern festivals have gone global and are celebrated annually around the world. Magical Winter Lights is Lone Star Park’s unique take on these grander-than-life lanterns, and will also feature an array of fascinating exhibits, nightly cultural performances and more.    For more: magicalwinterlights.com/dfw.

One-of-a-kind holiday gifts HAPPY HOLIDAYS POP-UP MARKET offers a unique shopping experience. Handcrafted, many-one-of-a-kind creations by local artisans fill the front room of The Sleepy Cottage (500 E. Front St., #150). Hosted by 817 Arts Alliance, the market will run from Dec. 8-23.    Hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday, and noon-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.     A wide range of fabulous finds, including ceramics, woven baskets, framed and unframed art, jewelry, Christmas decorations, handmade soaps and candles and more will appeal to you and the people on your gift list.    For more: (612) 787-2564. 32

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2017 • arlingtontoday.com


Home for the

HOLIDAYS

Charity begins at home

How some organizations are helping enhance their community

ARLINGTON Cookies with the Clauses When: 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 1 Where: Junior League of Arlington, 4002 Pioneer Parkway Cost: $5 admission; $5 photo with Santa Claus Contact: (817) 277-9481; Jlarlington.org Info: Wear your Christmas pajamas for cookie decorating, crafts, games, dinner and photos with Santa Claus. Proceeds go to abuse prevention and services in Tarrant County. Project Santa When: Dec. 1-Dec. 24 Where: Arlington Life Shelter, 325 W. Division St. Contact: (817) 548-9885; Arlingtonlifeshelter.org Info: Donate gift cards, gifts or funds to help families at the Arlington Life Shelter have a happy holiday. Arlington Urban Ministries Christmas Party When: Dec. 3 Where: Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 2020 S. Collins St. Cost: AUM welcomes donations Contact: (817) 861-8585; arlingtonurbanministries.org Info: The event will feature pictures with Santa (donated by Cantrell Photography), snacking on holiday goodies, making Christmas crafts and playing fun, interactive games. Each child will receive a new bicycle and helmet and a monogrammed stocking filled with stocking stuffers, as well as participate in this year’s new popup shop to shop for their parents (thanks to donations AUM received at its Nu2U Resale store). The children are carefully selected from families AUM has financially assisted within the year and through a partnership with Dunn Elementary to identify families in need of assistance this Christmas season. Saturday Story Time When: 11 a.m.-noon Dec. 16 Where: River Legacy, 703 NW Green Oaks Blvd. Cost: Free; space is limited. Contact: (817) 860-6752; riverlegacy.org Info: Listen to a holiday tale from a librarian from the Arlington Public Library, and stay after for a craft or activity. Arlington Charities Christmas Food Drive When: Throughout December Where: 811 Secretary Drive Contact: arlingtoncharities.org Info: Arlington Charities is accepting donations of holiday food, gift cards, cash and toys to go to children in need at Christmas. 34

ARLINGTON TODAY • December 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

Arlington Charities has provided over $2 million in food assistance this year. More than 550 families will shop for holiday items. GRAND PRAIRIE Holiday Posada When: 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 7 Where: Pioneer Event Center, 1025 W. Pioneer Parkway, Grand Prairie Cost: $25; RSVP by Dec. 1 Contact: (972) 480-7501; grandprairiechamber.org Info: Enjoy dinner, live band, silent auction and prizes to benefit Hispanic Heritage Ambassadors DFW community initiatives. KENNEDALE Holiday Craft Fair & Santa Pancake Breakfast When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 9 Where: Kennedale High School, 901 Wildcat Way, Kennedale Contact: (817) 360-3834; email KHSBandCraftFair@gmail.com Cost: Free admission to fair; $7 for breakfast Info: Have breakfast with Santa and then shop at the Kennedale High School Band Booster Craft Fair. MANSFIELD Common Ground Angel Tree Program When: Dec. 1-Dec. 25. Where: 150 S. 6th Ave., Mansfield Contact: commongroundmansfield.org Info: In coordination with Mansfield Cares, Common Ground enlists churches and civic groups to “adopt” groups of children and provide them with food, gifts and clothing during the holidays. Amos Lee Benefit Concert When: 8 p.m. Dec. 2 Where: MISD Center for the Performing Arts, 1110 W. Debbie Lane, Mansfield Contact: (817) 299-1230; center.mansfieldisd.org Cost: $35-$75 Info: Amos Lee and Mansfield ISD choirs perform a benefit concert for the MISD Arts Program. Toys for Tots When: 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Dec. 6 Where: MISD Center for the Performing Arts, 1110 W. Debbie Lane, Mansfield Contact: (817) 299-1230; center.mansfieldisd.org Cost: Free; bring a new unwrapped toy Info: Watch the parade, visit with Santa, try arts and crafts, ride ponies and trains and check out the goodies at Food Truck Alley.


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