It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! From November 9 to December 31, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden welcomes the community to enjoy Holiday at the Arboretum, presented by Reliant. Stroll through the garden and see the Victorian-style gazebos come to life, featuring each scene from the traditional carol, The 12 Days of Christmas. Each gazebo features movement to depict the different beloved characters such as the Three French Hens, Twelve Drummers Drumming and Seven Swans a Swimming, to name a few.
The garden will reopen for extended hours Wednesday through Sunday from 6-9 p.m. Enjoy more than 500,000 lights throughout the Arboretum, trimming the historic homes and featuring a 30-foot-tall spruce tree in the center of the property. The DeGolyer House features “The Artistry of the Nativity.” The house is open daily during garden daytime hours and on Wednesday nights.
The exhibition in the historic DeGolyer House returns with “The Artistry of the Nativity,” with 500 crèches from over 50 countries representing so many cultures from around the world. In addition to the Ray Harrington and the Joe Christian collections, which the Arboretum owns, the private collections of Joyce and Larry Lacerte, Lydia and Dan Novakov, and a life-size crèche from Mary and Mike Terry, will also be on display. This is a unique opportunity to see these crèches as they have never been on public display before. Each of the 500 crèches are made out of unique materials including cork, Waterford crystal, horns, seeds, corn husk, glass, adobe, paper-mache, wood and coconut shells. In addition to the crèches, every room in the DeGolyer House will be elaborately decorated in holiday décor.
Daily & Seasonal Programming for the Main Garden:
The 12 Days of Christmas
Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
November 9-December 31
Adult: $15, Seniors (65 or older): $12, Children (2-12 years): $10
Enjoy elaborately decorated Victorian-style gazebos on display every day during the holiday festival.
The 12 Days of Christmas at Night featuring 500,000 lights
Wednesday-Sunday, 6-9 p.m.
November 14-December 30
Adults: $20, Seniors (65 or older): $15 Children (2-12 years): $10
The garden will be open late five nights a week for a special, lighted night-time experience.
In special celebration, Restaurant DeGolyer will be open for reservation-only dinners on November 28, December 5, 12, 19, 20, 21, 27 & 28 at 7 p.m.
The DeGolyer House “The Artistry of the Nativity”
Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., November 24-December 31
Wednesday evenings 6-9 p.m., November 29-December 30
Visit the historic DeGolyer House this holiday season to view magnificent nativity collections on public display for the first time throughout the elaborately decorated house.
Holiday Drinks & Serious Eats
Café on the Green
Daily, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Enjoy special holiday drinks including pumpkin lattes, frosted mints, mulled wine and Mexican hot chocolate. Holiday treats include pumpkin bars and holiday paninis. Warm up with a bowl of soup in a Sourdough bread bowl. Café on the Green is a perfect place to listen to holiday tunes and enjoy the stunning, 30 foot Christmas tree.
Holiday Tea
Daily, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Bring family and friends together and create an annual tradition with holiday tea at Restaurant DeGolyer, lavishly decorated for the season. Reservations required. Call 214-515-6511. Ages 13 and up are permitted in the tea room.
Veterans Day Weekend –
November 10-12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
All active duty and retired military personnel receive complimentary admission all weekend (with valid military ID). Bring a blanket, lawn chair, picnic basket and beverage of choice while taking in the best views of Dallas on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn, and listening to Reckless Angels perform on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. On Veteran’s Day, the Carswell Air Force Base Choir perform at 11a.m. on the concert stage and the 1st Cavalry Division Band from Fort Hood perform at 2 p.m. On Monday, the celebration continues with a performance by the Dallas Police Department Choir at 2:30 p.m.
Live Music on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn
Pack a picnic and a beverage of choice and enjoy live music every Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 p.m. featuring the best of Dallas’ wedding and party bands.
November 10 Reckless Angels
November 11 Fort Hood Choir
November 17 The Jam Wows!
November 18 Dan Quinn Band
November 24 Monkey Love Band
November 25 In10City Band
Daily Live Holiday Music
November 14 -December 30, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Val Late Garden
Pack a picnic to cozy up on a blanket and listen to beautiful holiday music performances by local singers and songwriters. Enjoy some egg nog as you hum to familiar songs like Jingle Bells.
Holiday Music and Sweets
Wednesday-Sunday evenings, 6-9 p.m.
November 14-December 30
Café on the Green
Enjoy warm holiday-inspired drinks, food and desserts while listening to holiday tunes from local choirs and musicians. Menu items include: warm chestnut soup, potato and leek soup, roasted tomato soup, all-beef Chicago hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, 12 Days of Christmas- themed warm cookies, mulled wine, hot mulled apple cider, Belgian hot chocolate, hazelnut and cinnamon coffee, local artisan micro brews, imported and domestic beers, and a selection of red and white wine and champagne.
Visits with Santa
Wednesday evenings, 6-9 p.m., November 14-December 19
Saturday & Sunday, 12-4 p.m., November 25-December 24
Santa is back in the garden this year in the perfect holiday setting–Crape Myrtle Allee, resplendent with twinkling lights. Share Christmas wishes with the jolly old man and take a photo to commemorate the occasion. The Dallas Arboretum Volunteer Advisory Board will be taking pictures of the memorable moments for donations, and guests are welcome to take the photo home.
Santa Letter Writing
Wednesday-Sunday evenings, 6-9 p.m.
November 14-December 30
Ann Stuart Courtyard
Calling all good children on Santa’s nice list. Write Santa a letter to tell him wishes for this holiday season. Drop off the letter in the beautifully crafted mailbox, and it will make its way to the North Pole.
Elves Workshop
Wednesday-Sunday evenings, 6-9 p.m.
November 14-December 30
Ann Stuart Courtyard
Children, come join the elves of Santa’s Workshop while they take a break from making toys. Create a Santa hat or decorate a reindeer using candy canes. Toss a “snowball”, pin the nose on the snowman, or make a holiday hat or card to give to someone.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest
Every Thursday evening, 6-8 p.m.
November 15-December 30
Virginia and Algur Meadows Orientation Theater
On Thursday nights, guests are encouraged to wear a favorite ugly or tacky Christmas sweater. Stop by the orientation theater when entering the garden to show off the sweater and check-in for a chance to win two Cool Thursdays Concert tickets.
Live Music provided by local choirs and ensembles
November 16 Frankston High School Band, 7 p.m. & 8 p.m.
November 28 Seagoville High School Choir, 7-8 p.m.
November 29 White Rock United Methodist Church Choir, 7-8 p.m.
November 30 Wilshire Baptist Community Choir, 7-8 p.m.
December 1 Texas Pride Music Festival, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
December 2 Swing Anoba Jazz Ensemble, 12-2 p.m.
White Rock United Methodist Church Choir, 7-8 p.m.
December 5 White Rock Montessori Choir, 7 p.m.
December 6 Asterois Chamber Music, 7-9 p.m.
December 7 St. Paul Choir, 7-7:30 p.m.
Salvation Army Texas Divisional Brass Ensemble 7:30-8:30 p.m.
December 9 First United Methodist Cedar Hill Choir, 7-8 p.m.
December 12 Dan D. Rogers Elementary School, 7 p.m.
December 13 Dallas Police Department Choir, 7-9 p.m.
December 14 Mesquite Children’s Choir, 7-7:30 p.m.
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School
Wild Tones Acapella Group, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
December 16 Sachse High School Choir, 7-9 p.m.
December 21 St. Paul Choir, 7-7:30 p.m.
The Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe Choir 7:30-9 p.m.
**See website for additional holiday singer/songwriter performances nightly 6-9 p.m.
12 Days of Holiday Beer
11am-2pm, dates listed below
Val Late Garden
12 different breweries will join the Arboretum on 12 different dates for holiday festivities. Enjoy tasting holiday and seasonal beers with local breweries.
November 17 Peticolas Brewing
November 18 Steam Theory Brewing
November 24 Celestial Beerworks
November 25 White Rock Ale House
December 1 Lakewood Brewing Co.
December 2 Deep Ellum Brewing Co.
December 8 Austin East Ciders
December 9 Bishop Cider Company
December 15 Community Beer Company
December 16 Pegasus City Brewery
December 22 Texas Ale Project
December 23 On Rotation
Window to the Wild Bird Flight Show
November 17, 10:30 a.m.
Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn
Free with paid garden admission
Join Window to the Wild for a 45-minute outdoor education flight training show. At the end of the show, come to the stage to meet the birds and trainers, ask questions and take pictures.
Outdoor Movie, “The Polar Express”
November 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn
Nothing brings back holiday memories quite like the movie, “The Polar Express”. Guests can take a ride on the joyful train and explore the mysteries of the North Pole all the way up to Santa’s front door. Bring a friend, bundle up and enjoy one of the holidays most beloved movies.
Reliant Santa Hats
November 29, December 5, 13, 14, 23, 6-9 p.m.
Available at main ticket booth only
Get festive with a Santa hat, given to guests who enter the garden on select nights. These hats light up and make the perfect picture opportunity while enjoying the 12 Days of Christmas exhibit at night.
Lake Highlands Wranglers Performance
December 2, 2 p.m.
Entry Plaza
Watch the local Wranglers dance and perform to some holiday tunes.
Pride of Texas Music Festival
December 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Jonsson Color Garden and Café on the Green
Hear all the holiday classics as Dallas metroplex students perform songs of the season. Ensembles perform at Jonsson Color Garden and choirs perform in front of the 30-foot Christmas tree.
Wine & Movies: A Perfect Pairing
With Hayley and Gary Cogill
January 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
$75
Emmy-award winning journalist and producer, Gary Cogill, and sommelier and founder of Dallas Uncorked, Hayley Hamilton Cogill, lead guests through an interactive and tasty experience, discussing top movies of the year. Gary speaks to a movie palette and lists five of his picks for “Best of 2018”, while Hayley appeals to the taste palette with wines to match. Visit www.dallasarboretum.org to purchase tickets.
Daily and Seasonal Programming for A Tasteful Place:
Seasonal Tastings
Every day, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Try three free different samples featuring a hero vegetable, fruit or herb from the garden. Visit www.dallasarboretum.org/recipes for past, current and future recipes.
DEMONSTRATION COOKING: El Centro College Cooks
Every Monday, 11 a.m.-Noon
Donald and Charlotte Test Pavilion
Participate in this popular cooking demonstration, taught by Chef Jordan Swim from the college’s nationally recognized culinary school. Two new recipes are demonstrated each month.
November’s menu features Grilled Broccolini with Cotjia Cheese & Lemon and Swiss Chard with Pine Nuts & Garlic.
December’s menu features Cumin Roasted Cauliflower and Bitter Green Salad with Blue Cheese
Vendor Demonstrations and Sale
Popular vendors will demonstrate products throughout the holiday festival. Sample or purchase popular items from vendors including Pajama Sweets, Rakkasan Tea, Chocolate Bags, Steel City Pops, Pop Star and many others. Check the website regularly for a complete list of upcoming vendors in the garden.
DEMONSTRATION COOKING: Holiday Pies
Presented by Humble Pie
November 9 & December 14, 11 a.m.-Noon
Free with paid garden admission
Humble Pie celebrates the holiday season by demonstrating how to make fan-favorite holiday pies. Samples are available after the demonstration, and pies are available for purchase.
INTERACTIVE COOKING: Farm to Fork Series: Butter Up with Butternut Squash
Presented by Greer Farms
November 11, 1-3 p.m., $65
Learn to create crispy butternut fritters with creamy chipotle dipping sauce, butternut squash with chicken and spinach lasagna roll ups, and butternut squash harvest mousse with brandy snaps. Visit www.dallasarboretum.org/cookingclasses to register.
DEMONSTRATION COOKING: Chef-tastic Cooking Series
Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-Noon
Free with paid garden admission
Enjoy a demonstration from local chefs. They will demonstrate how to make one of their signature dishes using seasonal vegetables growing in the garden, with a small taste for attendees to try.
November 14 Chef Jon Thompson is the Executive Chef at Zaytinya in Frisco, Texas
December 5 Giuliano Matarese, Millie Lire
December 19 Jared Estes, Water Grill
INTERACTIVE CLASS: Succulents and Pumpkin Class
Presented by Ruibals
November 17, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., $55
Join Ruibals for a hands-on class to create a one-of-a-kind pumpkin and succulent centerpiece for a Thanksgiving-themed table. The class price includes a large pumpkin, five succulents, decorative supplies, and admission into the garden with parking. Visit www.dallasarboretum.org/cookingclasses to register.
HANDS-ON COOKING: Sushi & Dumpling Class
Presented by Tastebuds Kitchen
November 18, 1-3 p.m., $65
Learn the basics of creating fresh and delicious Uramaki, Maki and Temaki rolls that look great and taste even better. Master the gentle art of preparing and folding signature dumplings with an oh-so-good honey soy dipping sauce. BYOB. Visit www.dallasarboretum.org/cookingclasses to register.
HANDS-ON COOKING: Yeli Belly Chocolate Class
December 2, 1-3 p.m., $65
Get your hands on cacao here! This hands on chocolate class introduces flavor-infused chocolate ganache and rolling truffles. Each student gets an opportunity to sample a variety of chocolate, experiment with different flavors and take home a box of their own handmade chocolates! Visit www.dallasarboretum.org/cookingclasses to register.
HANDS-ON COOKING: Chef Zach Townsend Chocolate Class
December 8, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., $55
Nothing pairs better than champagne and chocolate. Sip on a glass of champagne while watching one of Dallas’ premier chocolatiers, Zach Townsend, teach guests the secrets of truffles. The class begins with participants sampling a selection of fine chocolates while the chocolatier discusses the origins of chocolate and how chocolate is made. After the tasting, guests don aprons for a fun lesson and demonstration creating sumptuous chocolate ganache as a center for classic French Truffles. Participants will also hand roll dark chocolate truffles and take them home in individual boxes to enjoy, along with a copy of the recipes. Visit www.dallasarboretum.org/cookingclasses to register.
HANDS-ON COOKING: Cooking with Wine Class (gluten-free menu)
Hosted by Tastebuds Kitchen
December 9, 1-3 p.m., $65
Join us as we cook some of our favorite dishes in this delicious, gluten-free menu that just so happens to include wine. Learn to make perfectly baked Salmon En Papillote with seasonal vegetables, Bacon & Leek Risotto, and Red Wine Poached Pears with hand whipped cream. Perfect for a special date night or an evening out with friends! Gluten-free & BYOB. Visit www.dallasarboretum.org/cookingclasses to register.
HANDS-ON COOKING: Holiday Brunch Class
Presented by Lorie Fangio
December 15, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., $65
Lorie Fangio, teaching chef and owner of A Taste of Paris™ culinary trips leads a mouthwatering holiday brunch workshop. Brunching is a wonderful way to entertain over the holiday season. Become armed with amazing recipes to serve visiting family and friends through the holidays and beyond. Visit www.dallasarboretum.org/cookingclasses to register.
INTERACTIVE COOKING: Young Chef’s Class
Presented by Young Chefs Academy of Frisco
December 22, 1-2:30 p.m., Adults $15, Children $10
Create a fun, memorable afternoon in an interactive adult/child cooking class making homemade gifts for the holiday kitchen. Visit www.dallasarboretum.org/cookingclasses to register.
INTERACTIVE COOKING: Over the Top Tapas Couples Class
Presented by Gil’s Elegant Catering
December 29, 3-6 p.m., $150
“Over The Top” Tapas is an exciting class that teaches students to create flavorful tapas. Learn to extract and impact the flavors of Spanish cuisine through hands on learning. This class was brought back by popular demand. Visit www.dallasarboretum.org/cookingclasses to register.
**2018 programming for A Tasteful Place is supported by Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District.
Holiday Activities for the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden
Animal Adventures with the Dallas Zoo (Appropriate for all ages)
November 12, 11:15 a.m.-Noon
The Dallas Zoo is bringing a few of their favorite friends for an animal encounter in the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. Stop by for a wild adventure with interesting critters.
TECH Truck (Appropriate for Ages 5 and up)
November 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Moody Oasis
Tinker, Engineer, Create, Hack! Join the TECH Truck staff from the Perot Museum in the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden for a hands-on experience.
Thanksgiving Weekend (All ages can participate!)
November 22-25, Throughout the Children’s Adventure Garden
Make the Children’s Adventure Garden part of your family tradition and get outside. Join us Thanksgiving Weekend for Thanksgiving-themed activities, crafts, and more.
ALL DAY: Creative Corner: Turkey Time, Exploration Center, Sponsored by Neiman Marcus
10 a.m.: Little Adventurers Activities, First Adventure
11a.m., 1 & 3 p.m.: Plant Lab: Colorful Canopy (ages 6 and up), Exploration Center
11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.: OmniGlobe Presentation: Thanksgiving Traditions, Exploration Center
Noon: Making the Mayflower: The Physics of Floating, Pure Energy
4 p.m.: Rockin’ Art!, Incredible Edible
Holiday Hunt for Santa’s Helpers (All ages can participate!)
November 24-December 24
Throughout the Children’s Adventure Garden
Help look for Santa’s helpers, like a frog on a log, a deer right here, a fox in the rocks, a squirrel on a whirl, an owl on a trowel, or a bobcat in a hat. Take a picture with four (4) of Santa’s helpers and bring them to the Exploration Center to redeem a prize.
Letter-Writing to Santa (Appropriate for Ages 5 and up)
Mondays-Fridays Only, All Day
November 26-December 24
Exploration Center
Come to the letter-writing workshop to write a letter to Santa. Special paper, pens, stickers; everything you would need to catch Santa’s attention is provided. Some of Santa’s helpers may stop by with some inside tips.
Creative Corner: Oh What Fun! (All ages can participate!)
Sponsored by Neiman Marcus
Saturdays and Sundays Only, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
December 1-25
Exploration Center
Stop by the Exploration Center and create a holiday craft to take home.
Plant Lab: Let It Snow (Appropriate for ages 6 and up)
December 3-23, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Exploration Center
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow… in the Plant Lab this December! Explore the wonders of melting, snowflakes, and endothermic reactions.
Plant Lab Extravaganza (Appropriate for ages 6 and up)
December 24-30, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Exploration Center
December 24 – Strawberry DNA
December 26 – Elephant’s Toothpaste
December 27 – Monster Molecule Mist
December 28 – Starchy Night
December 29 – How Sweet It Is
December 30 – Let It Snow
Creative Corner: New Year’s Wishes Sponsored by Neiman Marcus
December 27-31, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Exploration Center
As the new year sneaks closer, warm up in the Exploration Center and create a wishing wand. Using plant parts and other natural objects, decorate wands to take home and bring joy to those around. Frolic through the garden, using a wishing wand to wish New Year’s good luck to everyone.
Discounts:
BOGO Wednesdays*
Every Wednesday through December 26
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Buy one, get one admission every Wednesday.
C. C. Young Senior Thursdays
Every Thursday through December 27
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Seniors 65 and older get in for $11 general garden admission on Thursdays and receive a 20 percent discount in the Hoffman Family Gift Store. Discount available at ticket booth only.
Holiday at the Arboretum Featuring The 12 Days of Christmas Sponsors:
November 9-December 31, 2018
Presenting Sponsor: Reliant
Day 1: Partridge in a Pear Tree
Sponsored by Jeanne R. Johnson
Day 2: Two Turtle Doves
Sponsored by a Friend of the Dallas Arboretum
Day 3: Three French Hens
Sponsored by Faye C. Briggs
Day 4: Four Calling Birds
Sponsored by a Friend of the Dallas Arboretum
Day 5: Five Golden Rings
In honor of Great Grandparents Dolph and Evelyn Bosley and their 5 Gold Rings
Day 6: Six Geese A-Laying
In honor of Marilyn R. Corrigan and Catherine A Corrigan
Day 7: Seven Swans A-Swimming
Sponsored by Phyllis and Tom McCasland
Day 8: Eight Maids-A-Milking
Sponsored by Kathy and Gene Bishop
Day 9: Nine Ladies Dancing
In Honor of Chloe Simone Shea. Given by Holly & Tom Mayer, Maile and Charles Shea
Day 10: Ten Lords A-Leaping
Sponsored by The Margot A. and Carl J. Johnson Foundation
Day 11: Eleven Pipers Piping
Sponsored by a Friend of the Dallas Arboretum
Day 12: Twelve Drummers Drumming
Sponsored by Myron K. Martin
Tags: around town
