1. Dickens in Historic Downtown Plano
In downtown Plano, the city kicks off its holiday celebration with a tree-lighting ceremony in Haggard Park, located at 901 E. 15th St. On Friday, Dec. 2, from 6 to 10 p.m., several stages host holiday entertainment by local churches, high schools, and dance companies. Don’t miss out on the food vendors selling warm beverages, soft drinks, funnel cakes, corn dogs, and cuisine from nearby downtown restaurants. Children can drop a letter to Santa in the mailbox before he retrieves them between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Pack some cash to load up on tasty treats. Entry is free.
2. Lights All Night Dallas
This festival boasts an end-of-the-year bash with endless lights and music. On Dec. 30 and 31 at Dallas Market Hall, enjoy the massive production that features Texas-size stages and light designs. Dress in your unique New Year’s Eve style – whether colorful and wild or sophisticated and elegant. Bands like 12th Planet, Above & Beyond, Feed Me, Kittens, and Medasin liven up the arena. Two-day general admission tickets run for $139.99 and VIP passes for people age 21 and older are $239.99.
3. Denton Black Film Festival
Celebrate diversity in North Texas on Jan. 27-29 at the historic Campus Theatre. Film admirers and culture enthusiasts alike gather together to honor the country’s African-American filmmakers, including directors, producers, actors, and more. In addition, novice filmmakers present their work to the public. This artistic symposium of the black experience highlights role models for the African-American community and provides an opportunity for networking among people in the industry. Previous year’s prices ran from $7 to $10 per ticket. Day and all-access passes should become available online as the festival nears.
4. ZestFest 2017
Head to the Irving Convention Center on Jan. 27-29 to light your fire with Spicy Food Productions. Cooking demos by celebrity chefs, interactive contests, live music, and thousands of food samples unite to make this weekend a sizzling one. The Fiery Food Challenge invites spicy food and food-related product submissions to compete for the Golden Chile Award. Admission purchased online is $11 for Friday’s 1-11 p.m. hours and $14 for Saturday’s 10 a.m.-8 p.m. hours and Sunday’s 10 a.m.-5 p.m. hours. You can save by purchasing a weekend pass for $33.
North Texas entertains its community well. Consider each weekend a chance to learn something new about the art, cuisine, and people that surround you. By attending social activities with those you don’t normally associate with, you create a stronger understanding of the state you call home.
Image via Pixabay | CC 0