The COVID-19 pandemic has forced people all over the world to make compromises to keep themselves and everyone else safe. Holiday celebrations this year might feature more face masks and sanitizer stations than ever before, but Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake will still be lit up this season. This list of events is not comprehensive.

Nov. 20-Dec. 26: Texas Star Dinner Theater in Grapevine presents “Dismay in a Manger,” an interactive murder mystery show accompanied by dinner and dessert. The theater operates at 50% capacity, and actors wear clear face shields. Guests must wear masks until seated. 5 p.m.(Fri.-Sat.); 5 p.m. (Thu., Sun. starting Dec. 3); 8:30 p.m. (Thu.-Sat.). Dinner is served 30 minutes before the show. $59.95. 816 S. Main St., Grapevine. 817-310-5588. www.texasstardinnertheater.com/holiday-show.php

Nov. 22-Dec. 24: Kids can take contact-free photos with Santa at Santa’s Village in Southlake Town Square. Santa’s Village uses a pager system to ensure safe social distancing, and Santa is behind a barrier. Photo shoot times are spaced apart to allow for sanitizing in between. Times vary. Free. 1400 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake. 817-329-5566. http://southlaketownsquare.com/event/santas-village-2020/

Nov. 27-Dec. 23: Grapevine’s North Pole Neighborhood looks a little different this year. The North Pole Express will operate at 50% capacity, and train guests will receive mugs and recipes to make special holiday drinks at home. Guests can also participate in crafts and other activities around the neighborhood. Times vary. $3 (each activity), $8 (activities with Grapevine Christmas Passport); $34-$38 (North Pole Express reservations; $5 for children under 12 months). 705 S. Main St., Grapevine. 817-410-3185. www.grapevinetexasusa.com/christmas-capital-of-texas

Nov. 27-Dec. 23: Kids can get their picture taken and have story time with Santa, presented by Grapevine’s Market on Main. Reservations can be made at www.mainstreetsanta.com, and walk-ins are welcome. Times vary. $30-$55 (photo packages). Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau, 636 S. Main St., Grapevine. 682-999-1016. www.mainstreetsanta.com




Dec. 3: Guests will be able to see Grapevine’s reverse Parade of Lights from the warmth and safety of their vehicles. The floats will remain stationary while guests drive along Main Street. 6:30 p.m. Free. The parade route starts at Northwest Highway and ends at Hwy. 114. 817-410-3185. www.grapevinetexasusa.com/christmas-capital-of-texas/parades-celebrations/parade-of-lights/

Dec. 4: Colleyville’s annual tree lighting will be a drive-thru event this year. Guests will be welcomed with hot drinks and cookies before driving past Christmas characters, a light tunnel and more. 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Main Street and Pleasant Run Road. 817-503-1133. www.colleyville.com/residents/special-events/tree-lighting-celebration

Dec. 5: The Colleyville Lions Club Breakfast with Santa will still include photo opportunities, activities and more, but for safety, the breakfast will come in the form of coupons provided by McDonald's. Guests are encouraged to bring canned food or an old pair of eyeglasses to donate. Proceeds will go to charity. 8 a.m.-noon. $10 (advance), $12 (door, per family). 5301 Riverwalk Drive, Colleyville. 817-494-8702. www.colleyvillelions.com/events/breakfast-santa

Dec. 5 and 12: Grapevine’s Nash Farm will hold Victorian Christmas tours of the barn and farmhouse Dec. 5. Guests can also help celebrate a traditional Christmas with the farmhands Dec. 12. $5. 3-5:45 p.m. (Victorian Christmas tours, every 15 minutes); 1-4 p.m. (Farmstead Christmas). 626 Ball St., Grapevine. 817-410-3558. www.grapevinetexasusa.com/nash-farm




Dec. 16: Meet Mrs. Claus and take pictures in Southlake at this event sponsored by the Southlake Public Library. Masks will be required for everyone over 10. Free. 9-11 a.m. 1400 Main St., Third Floor, Southlake. 817-748-8243. www.cityofsouthlake.com/calendar.aspx?eid=10471&month=12&year=2020&day=20&caltype=0

Dec. 19: Take in the “Sounds of the Season” with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra brass and percussion sections, presented by Apex Art League. This family-friendly program features classic carols, such as “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls.” Tickets must be purchased in advance, and masks and social distancing will be required. 7 p.m. $10 (children), $20 (seniors, Apex members), $25 (adults). White’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 185 S. White Chapel Blvd., Southlake. 682-651-5026. www.apexartsleague.com