Take in a ‘Nutcracker’ tradition
Nov. 21: Avant Chamber Ballet will perform a production of “Nutcracker: Short and Suite” presented by the Apex Arts League. This family-friendly, shortened version of the holiday classic features professional dancers as well as updated costumes and choreography.7:30-9 p.m. $10 (children), $15 (seniors, Apex members), $20 (general admission). White’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 185 S. White Chapel Blvd., Southlake. 817-307-2224. www.apexartsleague.com
Charlie Brown and the gang come to Ice! in Grapevine
Nov. 15-Jan. 5: Scenes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” are recreated in ice sculptures in an area kept at 9° Fahrenheit. The event also has ice slides and snow tubing.Times vary. $14.99 (children), $23.99 (general admission). Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine. 817-778-1000. https://tickets.gaylordtexan.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=59
Southlake residents gather for holiday kickoff event
Nov. 23: Southlake’s annual Home for the Holidays event invites residents to witness the lighting of the Christmas tree in Southlake Town Square. Guests are encouraged to bring a can of food for the city’s annual Christmas is for Children food drive. Events include carolers, refreshments, letters to Santa, carriage rides, snow hill tubing and a toy and food drive.4:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Southlake Town Square, 1560 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake. 817-748-8652. www.visitsouthlaketexas.com/320/tree-lighting
Downtown Grapevine celebrates with Carol of Lights event
Nov. 25: Downtown Grapevine will be illuminated for the season at its annual Carol of Lights celebration. The event will feature live performances, dance numbers, light shows and fireworks. This year, Carol of Lights will introduce the CUE Live app, which guests can download to interact with the event.4 p.m. (activities start), 7 p.m. (show begins). Free. Grapevine City Hall, 200 S. Main St., Grapevine. 817-410-3450. www.gograpevine.com/event/caroloflights
See the ‘Christmas Capital’ parade pass by
Dec. 5: The “Christmas Capital of Texas” will host a parade featuring more than 100 lighted floats and marching bands. The parade is hailed by officials as the largest lighted Christmas parade in North Texas.7 p.m. Free. Historic Downtown Grapevine, Main Street, Grapevine. 817-481-1522. www.grapevinechamber.org/events/grapevine-parade-of-lights
Nativities on display at local church
Dec. 6-8:The Colleyville Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will hold an exhibit of nativities from around the world. There will be a live nativity dress-up activity for patrons, a free community Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Saturday and music from the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square at 7 p.m. Sunday.1-9 p.m. Free. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 500 W. McDonwell School Road, Colleyville. 817-223-1148. www.facebook.com/events/400967090609518/
See a comical holiday performance from Theatre of North Texas
Dec. 5-22•: Theatre of North Texas presents “Christmas Belles,” a farcical Southern story about a church Christmas program that spins out of control. The program is rated “PG” for mild content and adult humor.Thu.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. $20 (general admission). Theatre of North Texas, 545 S. Nolen Drive, Ste. 250, Southlake. 817-989-6673. www.theatreofnorthtexas.com
Christmas tree lighting will brighten the Colleyville community
Dec. 6: City officials will light Colleyville’s two-story Christmas tree with the help of Santa himself. Chorals from local schools will perform, and there will be a train ride around City Hall as well as crafts and games.5-8 p.m. Free. Colleyville City Hall, 100 Main St., Colleyville. 817-503-1000. www.colleyville.com/residents/special-events
Jingle all the way to the finish line
Dec. 7: The Elves on the Run 5K will have a fun run for the little elves as well as food and beverages and vendors. Prizes will be awarded for the best elf costumes. Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome.8:30 a.m. (fun run), 9 a.m. (5K). $15 (fun run), $25 (5K), plus registration fees. Prices increase after Nov. 30. Oak Grove Park, Trawick Pavilion, 2700 Darren G. Medlin Trail, Grapevine. 214-417-4381. www.elvesontherun5k.com
See the twinkling lights of a boat parade
Dec. 7: This annual event will put a unique spin on traditional parades with decorated boats. The parade is visible from Silver Lake Park and Rockledge Park.6-8 p.m. Free admission, $10 parking fees. Silver Lake Park, 1401 N. Dooley St., Grapevine; Rockledge Park,3600 Pilot Point, Grapevine, 800-457-6338. www.grapevinetexasusa.com/event/twinkle-light-boat-parade/26344/
Share a breakfast and snacks with Saint Nick and Mrs. Claus
Dec. 7: Santa and Mrs. Claus make a stop in Southlake. Santa will hear kids’ Christmas wishes over a family breakfast. The breakfast event will be followed by an afternoon of sharing snacks with the Clauses. Families can take their own photos with Santa at both events. Pre-registration is required for both events.8-11:30 a.m. (breakfast), 1-2:30 p.m. (snacks). $14 (breakfast), $11 (snacks). The Marq of Southlake, 285 Shady Oaks Drive, Southlake. 817-748-8019. www.experiencesouthlaketexas.com/
565/breakfast-and-snacks-with-santa
