What to Do Today: Dec. 16

DALLAS
Hear beautiful classical music at the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra's Holiday Magic concert at 7:30pm today at Dallas' Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. The orchestra will join the Children's Chorus and Youth Chorus of Greater Dallas to perform selections from The Nutcracker Suite, Johann Bach's Sheep May Safely Graze and more. Tickets start at $8.


FORT WORTH
Enjoy holiday tunes with a twist at A Country Christmas With the Gatlin Brothers at 7:30pm today at Fort Worth's Bass Performance Hall. The Grammy-winning country crooners will join the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra to perform holiday favorites as well as some of their well-known hits. Tickets start at $26.


NORTH TEXAS
Bring your singing voice to the Eighth-Annual Community Sing-Along from 12-1pm today at Denton's Courthouse on the Square. You'll get to sing holiday tunes with accompaniment on guitar, hammered dulcimer and violin. Free.

What to Do Today: Dec. 15

DALLAS
Load up the car and head to Grand Prairie for the spectacular annual Prairie Lights, from 6-9pm today at Lynn Creek Park. You'll drive through an awesome display of Christmas lights, and halfway through you can check out the Holiday Village, which includes visits with Santa and more. The display continues through Dec. 31. $20 per car Friday-Saturday and holidays; $15 per car Monday-Thursday.


FORT WORTH
Snuggle up in your warmest PJs and head to Bearly Bedtime Storytime from 6-6:30 tonight at Fort Worth's Central Library. The storytime, which is appropriate for kids of all ages, will feature fun stories with Cody the Bear. Free.


NORTH TEXAS
The whole clan will love Family Time at 7pm today at the Coppell Public Library. The storytime includes songs, crafts and, of course, plenty of books! Grab an admission ticket at the Information Desk. Free.

Track Stars

Why not grab the kids and take a trip across America this week? We know just the perfect way to journey from the Golden Gate Bridge to Mount Rushmore and take in Times Square and Washington, D.C., while you're at it—and all for just a little over $5!

No, we haven't been hard at work negotiating huge deals with travel agencies (or I'd be writing this from Bora Bora.) We're talking about The Trains at NorthPark exhibit on display now through Jan. 3 at Dallas' NorthPark Center. The exhibit offers sights and sounds to capture any audience (even your kids!) and pull them into the wonder of the holiday season.

The Trains at NorthPark hit the tracks every year to raise money for the children and families of the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, a home-away-from-home for families who have come to Dallas with their children for treatment in local hospitals. Because of the popularity of the exhibit, it now provides almost half of the annual operating budget for the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.

So feel good and guilt-free about taking this trip ... it's for a wonderful cause!

Visit http://www.rmhdallas.com/trains/index.html for more information.

-Jenny

What to Do Today: Dec. 14

DALLAS
Check out the dazzling holiday trees at Deck the Halls from 9am-5pm today at Dallas' Old Red Courthouse. Local nonprofit organizations have pulled out all the stops to create the most beautiful tree of all—and museum visitors will have the final say on whose tree is tops by voting at the exhibit! $8 adults; $6 seniors; $5 children ages 3-16; children younger than 3 free.


FORT WORTH
Local author Amanda Thrasher will bring a bit of whimsy to your day with an Interactive Book Signing from 9:30-11am and 5-7:30pm today at Fort Worth's Barnes and Noble Booksellers at Hulen Shopping Center. You'll hear excerpts from Thrasher's new book, Mischief in the Mushroom Patch, and kids can make a fairy wing craft and have their faces painted! Free.


NORTH TEXAS
Get ready for some mommy bonding (and lots of fun!) at the Greater Lewisville Early Childhood PTA Meeting from 9:30-11:30am today at Flower Mound United Methodist Church. This month's meeting will include an auction and holiday party. Free.

Baby-Proof Books

Take a look at your baby's books. Chances are there are various rips, stains and … umm … bite marks. My kids were particularly fond of chewing off the corners of all their board books, leaving them permanently soggy and, let's face it, gross. But if your books are in a similar state (or getting there, thanks to your baby's latest bout of teething) there's good news: Indestructibles are here!

This new line of books, created by a mother of triplets, is completely baby proof. Each tiny tome is washable, chew-proof, rip-proof and nontoxic. In other words, your little one can go nuts on these things and not do any damage! The three sweet little books, each the perfect size for tots to tote, have no words—just bright, lovely pictures that are sure to spark young imaginations.

The books, which were just released this week, retail for $4.95 each and are available at local bookstores. But here's even more good news: We're giving away a set of all three to one lucky reader! Just e-mail me a picture of your little reader with his or her favorite (and most chewed-up, torn and generally destroyed) book! The first one I receive wins the prize.

— Claudia
cking@dallaschild.com

What to Do Today: Dec. 11

DALLAS
Hear fun, festive music at Cheer! A Christmas Celebration at 7:30pm today (and continuing at 7:30pm every Monday-Saturday, 2:30pm every Sunday through Dec. 20) at Dallas' Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Symphony Chorus and a children's choir will perform holiday favorites—and Santa will even make an appearance. Tickets start at $25.


FORT WORTH
Marvel at spectacular feats of dance at A Holiday Special at 7pm today at Fort Worth's Will Rogers Auditorium. Ballet Concerto dancers will perform "Swingin' Into the Holidays," a medley of popular holiday songs; "Hanukkah Flamenco," a dance honoring the Jewish Festival of Lights; and much more. Tickets are $20-$5.


NORTH TEXAS
Don't miss the premiere of It's a Wonderful Life at 7:30pm today at Highland Village's Studio B Theater. The holiday classic about George Bailey and the lessons he learns about his life at Christmastime are sure to strike a chord! $15 adults; $12 seniors; $10 children younger than 11.

Celebrate With Your Four-Legged Friends!

Treat your pup to a pre-holiday present: Help celebrate the newest opening of Dallas' Waggin' Tail Dog Park at 11am Saturday Dec. 12 at 5841 Keller Springs Road in Dallas.

Furry friends are welcome to join owners for the ribbon cutting ceremony honoring this seven-acre park with a gigantic deck overlooking White Rock Creek. At this new park, walking trails encircle fenced play areas for large and small dogs. Drinking fountains for both humans and man's best friend are available on site. And, if your dog is like mine (a swimming-crazed pup!), you might bring a towel and prepare to dry muddy and wet paws from adventures in the nearby creek.

Cast members from The 101 Dalmatians Musical (now showing at the Music Hall at Fair Park) will be on hand to help cut the ribbon. And, Dallas Animal Services will be micro-chipping furry loved ones, in addition to kid-friendly activities (like face painting, hot dogs, a balloon sculptor and the Dallas Police Department's K-9 squad!).

What: Opening of Dallas' newest dog park, Waggin' Tail Dog Park
When: 11am, Saturday Dec. 12
Where: 5841 Keller Springs Road in Dallas (on the north side of Keller Springs and the west side of Preston Road)
Cost: Free!

—Gretchen

What to Do Today: Dec. 10

DALLAS
Kick off your holiday season with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starting at 7:30pm today at Grand Prairie's Nokia Theatre. In addition to fancy footwork by the famous dance troupe, you'll see flying reindeer, life-size toy soldiers and, of course, Santa Claus! Tickets start at $29.75.


FORT WORTH
Don't miss the fun at the Night of Holiday Magic from 6-9pm today at NRH2O Family Water Park in North Richland Hills. Kids will flip for a snow tubing hill, pictures with Santa, crafts, a marshmallow roast and more. Free admission; small charge for some activities.


NORTH TEXAS
Bundle up the whole clan and head to Family Storytime at 7pm today at the Grapevine Public Library. You'll enjoy books, songs ... and plenty of family togetherness! Free.

Run the Rock For a Cause

Get ready to run this weekend (or at least dodge traffic barriers) as the MetroPCS Dallas White Rock Marathon weekend kicks off on Saturday. While the marathon and half-marathon race isn't until Sunday, there are plenty of activities that you and your family can enjoy Saturday morning.

Registration is still rolling for the The Mayor's Race 5K Fun Run and Walk—a non-competitive course starting at 9 a.m. that trails across the Trinity River, through historic Oak Cliff and back to City Hall Plaza (similar to the Turkey Trot course, if you're an ol' pro!). The one-mile run (a great chance for your budding runner to burn off some extra energy!) kicks off shortly after the 5K. Strollers are welcome.

The Mayor's 5K race begins at the corner of S. Griffin Street and Ceremonial Drive. Registration is free (yes, free!) for DISD students; and race-day registration is $20 per person. Online registration has closed, but go here to read more about how to register starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday.

After the Mayor's 5K, take your family to the Kid’s Fit and Fun Pavilion at the Race Expo held in the Dallas Convention center, starting at 10 a.m. Here you'll find games, healthy snacks and fitness advice fit for the whole family.

And, in addition to feeling great from running, know that by registering for any of this weekend's events (the 1-mile, 5K, half marathon or marathon) you are supporting a great cause: Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. For the past 13 years, Scottish Rite has been the primary beneficiary for this mega race which draws thousands of participants every year.

I look forward to seeing kids from Scottish Rite out with signs and awesome costumes on the course this year (I will be running the half marathon). It is so motivating to see them cheering on the runners—their smiling faces always help me carry on! To all race participants: Good luck and happy running!

Note: the half-marathon race and relay races have sold out, but registration for the full marathon is still available on race day.

—Gretchen

What to Do Today: Dec. 9

DALLAS
Bundle up and spend this chilly day taking in Holiday at the Arboretum until 5pm today (and continuing through Dec. 31) and the Dallas Arboretum. You'll see ornaments, marionettes, seasonal art and more throughout the gardens. $10 adults; $9 seniors; $7 children ages 3-12; children younger than 3 free.


FORT WORTH
Channel your inner artist at Wonderful Wednesdays from 4-4:45pm today at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. This family-friendly program includes a gallery tour and an art activity. Meet at the museum's admission desk. Free.


NORTH TEXAS
Gather up your little one (ages 18 months-3 years) and head to Toddler Time Coppell at 10:30am today at the Coppell Public Library. Kids will enjoy stories, songs, crafts and more. An admission ticket is required and will be available at the Information Desk. Free.

Bee Cool

I took my lunch to school with me almost every day growing up. Occasionally I'd peek inside that boring brown bag to find a little spice inside—a love note from mom. On other (more unfortunate) occasions, she put the note directly on my sandwich using a heart-shaped bread cutter mechanism - which should be outlawed! (No sandwich survived that thing.) I spent more time trying to piece my sandwich back together than I did actually eating it. Poor mom. If only she'd known about beethings and its childishly fun and creative lunch bags. She could have shown her love by sending me off to school with the coolest-looking lunch bag around.

And for moms and dads who struggle with their cool factor in other areas—rest assured, beethings can help there too. The Dallas-based online shop loves to design and print things that make them happy—and we suspect all who use their goods are happy too! Browse from silkscreen prints, notebooks, calendars and, of course, lunch bags. The only thing missing? Heart-shaped bread cutters. (Sigh of relief.)

-Jenny

Seeing Double

We wanted to spice things up for December. Yes, it's the holidays, and they usually don't need much spicing up (that's what families are for), but December is also our birthday month, which means that we're 23 years old this month. So instead of getting something fabulous for ourselves, we decided to share the love with you, our readers.

Our gift to you this birthday (and holiday) season? Two covers—a first ever for DallasChild. This means that if you pick your December issue up in Collin County, you see a different cover than you would in Dallas County. Exciting, isn't it? We couldn't have asked for a better present (to ourselves) than this cover—all four girls were on their modeling game and had an absolute blast with each other at the shoot.

If you're wondering, here's a breakdown of the cover fashions and set: Stella McCartney for GapKids military jacket and tulle skirt on our Stella; Stella McCartney dusty pink dress with bib detail on Katelyn (far left in left cover) with sparkly brown tights from GapKids and headband from Little Bean; velvet bow dress from one of our favorite new shops of the year, Little Bean, with our Stella's own pink vest, and pink Stella McCartney for GapKids tights; and on Alita (far right in left cover) a Wovenplay moth outfit and headband also at Little Bean. We also can't go without saying a very big thank you to The Apartment (also the site for our very cool Superhero & Princess party this fall—see our Best for Families feature for more photos) for letting us steal some of their chairs for the day and to KarlischKids for the fantastic photography.

They're a true picture of holiday cheer.

Happy Holidays! May your days be merry and bright.

cheers/lauren

What to Do Today: Dec. 8

DALLAS
Don't miss the spectacular Christmas in the Square Light Show from 5:30-10pm today (and continuing daily through Jan. 3) at Frisco Square. You'll marvel at the elaborately choreographed light show set to holiday music. Free.


FORT WORTH
See the nativity come to life on stage in The Littlest Wiseman at 7:30pm today at Fort Worth's William Edrington Scott Theatre. The pageant includes a huge cast of angels, wisemen, choir singers and more. Children younger than 4 will not be admitted. Free.


NORTH TEXAS
Have some old-fashioned fun by seeing the show Home for the Holidays: A Broadway-Style Experience at 7pm today at Grapevine's Palace Theatre. The singing and dancing extravaganza celebrates Christmas traditions, from spending time with family to eagerly anticipating Santa's arrival. $25 at the door; $19 in advance.

It's (Early) Present Time!

December's in full swing (you can tell by the sudden appearance of candy canes everywhere and the near-death matches over parking spaces at the mall), and here at DallasChild, we're in holiday mode! We've collected a sweet stack of holiday-related books and other goodies—including Margaret Wise Brown's A Pussycat's Christmas, a brilliantly illustrated A Christmas Carol and even a cute Thomas the Tank Engine DVD—and we're giving them to you, our loyal readers!

So grab your December issue of DallasChild, FortWorthChild or NorthTexasChild and get ready to search: The first person who can identify the image at right and tell me what section of the magazine it came from (i.e., Kid Culture, Real Moms, etc.) will win the prize!

E-mail your guesses to cking@dallaschild.com. And be sure to stay tuned to our blog for more contests, fun things to do with your kids and lots more!

— Claudia

Babble on...

Everyone else is doing it, and finally Barneys is too. Barneys New York just launched their very own blog (aptly named "B-Sides") a mere three days ago. Even though there's only one post to speak of, we're anticipating great things from Simon Doonan (creative director) and his witty crew. You can count on them to add humor to fashion, something that is on occasion taken way too seriously.

On a holiday note, check out Barneys' "little folks with great taste" (aka kids) section at their NorthPark store (or online) to find a gift that's truly unique (and need we mention witty). After all, Barneys says to have a "witty holiday." We second that.

cheers/lauren

What to Do Today: Dec. 7

DALLAS
See a fun puppet version of the most famous Christmas tale ever at Scrooge Puppet Theatre every hour starting at 12pm today at Dallas' NorthPark Center. The show features the despicable Ebenezer Scrooge, who learns an important lesson during the holidays. Free.


FORT WORTH
Hear the perfect holiday masterpiece with a performance of Handel's Messiah at 7:30pm today at Fort Worth's Bass Performance Hall. The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra will join the Southwestern Seminary Master Chorale for the inspiring performance, conducted by David Thye. Tickets start at $15.


NORTH TEXAS
Get ready to ooh and ahh at the Christmas Spectacular from dusk-10pm today (and continuing daily through Jan. 3) at The Colony's Central Fire Station. Kids and grownups alike will love the walk-through/drive-through computerized light show set to festive holiday music. Free.

Calendar by Kate

Way before the dawn of iCal and the iPhone, paper planners were the preferable/only way to organize your day, week or month. Kate Spade's clever and cute (but still oh-so-chic) planners were (and still are) the stuff made of legends. Every girl had one, and if you didn't you envied those who did. But ever since agendas went digital, paper scheduling has gotten less and less love. So Kate Spade, keeping with the times, introduced an iPhone app version of their lovely planners, wonderful watercolor illustrations and all. It functions just like iCal (well, as far as I can tell!), but with a prettier (and more girly, I must say) interface than iCal. They'll even update your calendar with secret sales and events coming to your closest store. Now that's calendar service.

Kate Spade New York Agenda App

cheers/lauren

Style Has a New Address...

In case you were wondering...Kristie Ramirez Hoitsma (contributing editor for Texas Monthly, and editor of FASHION from the publishers of Texas Monthly) has set up shop on a new blog site, Texas Style & Substance, where she continues reporting on her stylish finds and fashionable news (amongst other things) throughout the great state of Texas. As a former Nesting mom (April 2009), we know first hand, the girl knows her stuff.

texasstyleandsubstance.blogspot.com

cheers/ lauren

Book Signing with DallasChild Mom Next Door

Mom Kristine Kahanek knows a thing or two about the weather (after all, she's a veteran meteorologist). The busy mom has stepped out from in front of the camera and into a new realm: book writing.

Following the release of her first book, Katie and the Magic Umbrella: A Stormy Adventure, last year, Kristine recently finished her second book, (a sequel) Katie and the Magic Umbrella on Snowflake Trail. Perfect for sparking a discussion with your kids about the cold winter weather patterns, this beautifully illustrated book will fascinate little minds at bedtime and beyond!

You can purchase your own copy of the new book (and Katie merchandise) at Plano's Learning Express store. Or, preorder a copy of the book at Legacy Books (972/398-9888) in Plano and pick it up at Kristine's book signing at 6pm Monday Dec. 18. During the event, Kristine will sign books, discuss the new release and host a storytime—don't miss it!

To learn more about the inspiration behind Katie and the Magic Umbrella, go here or read our exclusive interview with Kristine that printed in our February 2009 issue.

—Gretchen

What to Do Today: Dec. 4

DALLAS
Who says there's no such thing as a free lunch? Check out Friday Lunch Time With Santa from 12-1:30pm today at Allen's Watters Creek. Lunches will be provided (while supplies last) to kids of all ages, who will get to sit down and eat with Santa and hear stories about life at the North Pole. Free.


FORT WORTH
Take a step back in time for A Victorian Christmas from 3-6pm today at Grapevine's Nash Farm. Kids will make Victorian ornaments, string cranberry garlands, take a hayride and sip hot chocolate. Free.


NORTH TEXAS
See a group of talented young actors take the stage in The Homecoming at 7:30pm today at Denton's Campus Theatre. The play, set in the Virginia mountains during the Great Depression, served as the basis for the TV show The Waltons. $8.

A (Modern) Thanksgiving Table to a T

Joslyn Taylor (November's Nesting mom profile) needs your help. A tablescape she's designed for the Dwell Studio Modern Thanksgiving contest has made it to the finals! The entry with the most comments by tonight at midnight wins, so comment away! In our humble opinion, it's quite fabulous. Combining nature (natural wood branches and plants) with modern textiles and whimsical (but still with a hint of traditional) china? Pretty amazing. All-in-all, we think it's a job well done for Joslyn and well-deserving of your comments.

Best of luck Joslyn!

Cheers/ Lauren

Spaliday Stocking Stuffers!

Whether you decide to be nice this season and give someone the gift of indulgence or take the naughty (and oh-so-worth-it) approach and pamper yourself — this holiday you simply must take a Hiatus. This original Aveda lifestyle spa club is the first of its kind in the United States and offers signature Aveda massages, facials, body treatments and alternative therapies, all brought to you in a relaxing, modern environment. Since everyone knows the benefits of spa life (and by everyone I mean those fond of checkout-stand beauty mags), do yourself and those you love a favor this season and stock up on Hiatus gift cards—a.k.a. the most perfect stocking stuffers imaginable.

phone: 214/352 -4111
hiatus™ spa + retreat
Inwood Village
5560 W. Lovers Lane, Suite 250
Dallas

—Jenny

What to Do Today: Dec. 3

DALLAS
Enjoy creative fun at JumpstART Stories and Art: Winter Wonderland at 10am today at the Irving Arts Center. Kids ages 3 and older will hear cool seasonal stories and an art project to take home. Free.


FORT WORTH
Need to get your holiday shopping done (or, ummm, started)? Take advantage of Drop and Shop from 5-9pm today at The Keller Pointe in Keller. Children ages 3-11 (must be potty trained) will have fun with movies, crafts, games and a snack while their parents sneak away for some retail therapy and errand-running! $21-$10 per child.


NORTH TEXAS
It's just not Christmas in North Texas without the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival, kicking off at 5pm today on the downtown Denton square. Kids will love singing along with a live band, plus visits with Santa, carriage rides, the city's official tree lighting and a concert by Brave Combo. Free.

What to Do Today: Dec. 2

DALLAS
It's Christmastime in University Park (there's even a dusting of snow on the ground to prove it!), so head to the Snider Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting at 5pm today at University Park's Snider Plaza. Kids (and grownups) will enjoy caroling, visits with Santa and the lighting of the city's tree. Free.


FORT WORTH
Check out beautiful artwork at the new exhibit From the Private Collections of Texas: European Art, Ancient to Modern from 10am-5pm today at Fort Worth's Kimbell Art Museum. The exhibit includes more than 100 works by such famous rtists as Matisse, Van Gogh and Picasso. $14 adults; $12 students and seniors; $10 children ages 6-10; children younger than 6 free.


NORTH TEXAS
Kids in fourth through sixth grades will come together for their very own book club at Dragon Readers at 4:30pm today at the Lewisville Public Library. The event will include discussion of an age-appropriate book plus fun activities. Free.

What to Do Today: Dec. 1

DALLAS
Creative little Lego lovers won't want to miss the Lego Store Mini Model Build from 5-7pm today at Dallas' NorthPark Center Lego Store. Kids ages 6-14 will make a cool Lego wreath to take home for the holidays! While supplies last. Free.


FORT WORTH
Don't miss the wintry fun at the Holiday Tree Lighting from 6-8pm today at the Old Bedford School in Bedford. Children of all ages will enjoy stories, carols, visits with Santa and the lighting of the city's tree. Photos with Santa will be available for $5.


NORTH TEXAS
Ring in the holidays at Our Village Glows from 6:30-8pm today at The Shops at Highland Village. You'll marvel as the 54-foot Christmas tree is lit, and you'll enjoy carriage rides, school choir performances and more.