5 Ways to Celebrate the Season, Dallas-Style

Feeling festive? We hope so. With less than a month until the big day, we’re about to fill your calendar with an abundance of holiday happenings.

Citywide, here’s where to shop, stroll, sip, snack, and celebrate the season.

Thrift Studio Holiday Pop-Up Shop

It’s the ultimate in feel-good shopping. On Wednesday, Nov. 29, the Dallas-based nonprofit Dwell With Dignity will open its first-ever holiday-themed pop-up, Thrift the Halls. Among the offerings: holiday décor (donated by Holiday Warehouse) plus gifts and home furnishings from Mosaic Makers Collective, Pineapple Sundays Design Studio, and more.

All proceeds from the 12-day event will go towards Dwell with Dignity’s mission of helping families and communities escape poverty, homelessness, domestic abuse, and social injustice through design. Or choose an ornament off the organization’s Angel Tree, which gives shoppers the opportunity to contribute necessary home appliances like toasters and vacuum cleaners.

1833 E. Levee Street; open Wednesdays through Saturdays only, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Harwood Arms: Miracle on Harwood Street

This cozy British-style pub, a favorite with locals, is offering a holiday-themed menu of whimsical cocktails, shots, and food specials — think Santa’s Milk & Cookies (an Irish whiskey-based concoction served up in a Santa tumbler), Candy Cane Lane (vodka, Chambord, peppermint, and lemon served in an edible peppermint shot glass), and Grinch Dip (spinach artichoke dip, grilled pita, and feta cheese crumble).

“We’re excited to share our holiday cheer with this magical pop-up,” said Natalie Hurley, Director of Hospitality Marketing. She credits the Harwood’s in-house design team for creating the dazzling, winter wonderland-like décor.

The location itself adds to the experience. Harwood Arms is located on the charming European-style La Rue Perdue — a narrow cobblestone pathway lined with 14,000-square-feet of restaurant and retail space.  

2823 McKinnon St., through December 31.

Holiday at the Arboretum

Peruse the goods of local vendors — Dark Arts Chocolate, Spice Bae, Infused by Zen, and Gus & Bloom — as you stroll through the always-enchanting Dallas Arboretum Garden. The seasonal holiday market is slated for Dec. 16 and 17.

Or visit the arboretum’s three large-scale outdoor displays: The Christmas Village, The 12 Days of Christmas, and the Dazzling Musical Tree. Plus, the historic DeGolyer House presents The Artistry Faith & Culture, a multi-faith celebration of Christmas, Hannukah, and Kwanzaa.

8525 Garland Rd., presented by Reliant.

Knox Street Holiday Celebration

Next Saturday, the always-bustling Knox Street area gets in the spirit of the season with a holiday event featuring live music, artist displays, 30-plus shopping promotions, and some very merry dining opportunities. (Dallas hot spot Mister Charles will be open for lunch; book your reservation STAT.)

Bring the kiddos. Berkley’s Market is offering complimentary photos with Santa Paws. There’s also a toy drive benefitting Community Partners of Dallas.

December 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Adolphus Hotel Winter Village Ski Lodge

It’s winter, Dallas-style. The picturesque scene at the city’s landmark hotel comes complete with cozy yurts, glittering snowscapes, warm boozy cocktails, tableside smores, and more.

Or stop by French Room for the Adolphus’ quintessential tea service. A newly debuted Caviar Service features Regiis Ova Siberian Reserve. We’ll take ours on a buckwheat blini with crème fraîche and shaved yolk, please.

1321 Commerce St.; Winter Village Ski Lodge is open Tuesday – Saturday evenings.