Dec. 4-11

Plan your weekend with Richardson's Things to Do e-newsletter, published weekly every Wednesday. 

Information on how to subscribe to the newsletter can be found at www.cor.net/ThingstoDo. 

  

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CityLine LIGHTS 

Join CityLine this holiday season to see more than half a million holiday lights that brighten CityLine in a cheerful glow. The moving icicle-styled lights in the trees and overhead lights draped over the plaza lawn will serve as a memorable backdrop for happy holiday memories. There will also be an 18-foot Christmas tree that will stand tall in the plaza for you to capture the perfect festive photo with friends, family and pets.  

Time: All day (through Jan. 4)
Location: CityLine Plaza, 1150 State St. 
Admission: Free
Additional details: CityLine LIGHTS - CityLine DFW

 

Dialogue Institute Dallas 2024-2025 Art Contest 

The Dialogue Institute Dallas announced its 2024-2025 Art Contest’s theme of “Empathy: Walking in Another’s Shoes.” High school and college students from charter, public and private institutions in the DFW area are eligible to participate. The categories include painting/drawing and photography/video.

Time: Submission deadline is now Dec. 31
Additional details: www.artcontestdfw.org 

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Dec. 4

Shop-Til-You-Drop 

Enjoy this original short play written by undergraduate theater minor Kyle Hurst. It is about a young woman who enters a mysterious grocery store called BIZ-ARRE-MART and becomes ensnared in a dystopian plot.  

Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m. (Wednesday)
Location: UT Dallas, University Theatre (TH), JO 2.702
800 W. Campbell Rd. 
Admission: Free
Additional details: Shop-Til-You-Drop

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Dec. 5

 

Vocal Majority Christmas Show 

This show will be packed with festive holiday songs that many have come to love from the Vocal Majority. 

Time: 7:30 p.m. (Dec. 5, 6, 8), 2 p.m. (Dec. 8)
Location: Hill Performance Hall, Eisemann Center 
Admission: $22-$72
Additional details: Events Calendar 

 

Alamo Drafthouse Time Capsule: 1974 - “Foxy Brown” 

Join Alamo Drafthouse to travel back in time to 1974 and watch “Foxy Brown.” The boundary-breaking Pam Grier stars in the role that made her an icon.  

Time: 7 p.m. (Thursday)
Location: Alamo Drafthouse, 100 Central Expy.
Admission: $10
Additional details: Foxy Brown | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

 

Guitar Night 

Join UT Dallas to enjoy an evening of performances from Guitar 1, Guitar 2 and Guitar Ensemble classes. 

Time: 6 p.m. (Thursday)
Location: UT Dallas, University Theatre (TH), 800 W. Campbell Rd. 
Admission: Free
Additional details: Guitar Night

 

Jazz Ensemble 

Join UT Dallas for a performance by the jazz ensemble.  

Time: 7:30 p.m. (Thursday)
Location: UT Dallas, Jonsson Performance Hall, 800 W. Campbell Rd. 
Admission: Free
Additional details: Jazz Ensemble

 

Kings of Swings Dance 

Enjoy an afternoon of dance and fun featuring Kings of Swings.  

Time: 1 p.m. (Thursday)
Location: Richardson Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd. 
Admission: Free
Additional details: Call 972-744-7800 for more information  

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Dec. 6

First Fridays 

The Eisemann Center hosts a small reception on the first Friday night of each month completely free and open to the public to celebrate the new exhibit in the Forrest and Virginia Green Mezzanine Gallery. The exhibit on display is “Camp Magic” by Melanie Brannan. 

Time: 6 p.m. (Friday)
Location: Forrest and Virginia Green Mezzanine Gallery, Eisemann Center
Admission: Free
Additional details: Event Details

 

A Rockabilly Christmas Radio Play 

It’s 1958, and America’s favorite radio station is celebrating the Yuletide with that new sound sweeping the country – Rockabilly! The live lineup features a dark-haired, hip swinging young singer from Memphis.  

Time: 7:30 p.m. (Thursday), 8 p.m. (Friday & Saturday), 2 p.m. (Sunday) 
Runs Dec. 6-22
Location: Richardson Theatre Centre, 518 W. Arapaho Rd. 
Admission: $24 adults, $22 seniors & students (Friday & Saturday)
$22 adults, $20 seniors & students (Sunday & Thursday)
Additional details: A Rockabilly Christmas

 

Alamo Drafthouse Time Capsule: 1974 - “Female Trouble” 

Join Alamo Drafthouse to travel back in time to 1974 and watch “Female Trouble.” The endlessly quotable fan favorite was directed by John Waters.  

Time: 9:30 p.m. (Friday)
Location: Alamo Drafthouse, 100 Central Expy.
Admission: $10
Additional details: Female Trouble | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema  

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Dec. 7

 

52nd Annual Christmas Parade 

Kick off the holiday season with the 52nd Annual Christmas Parade. This year’s theme is “Holidays Around the World.” Colorful floats, festive music and a joyous atmosphere will fill Plano Road.  

Time: 9 a.m. (Saturday)
Location: Parade will begin on Belt Line Road, head north on Plano Road, and end on Apollo Road
Admission: Free
Additional details: www.cor.net/Parade  

 

Santa’s Village 

Santa’s Village returns to Huffhines Park. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy the holiday festivities.  

Time: 6-9 p.m. - Operating Hours (Dec. 7-8, 13-15, 20-22) 
9 a.m.-9 p.m. - Stroll through Hours (Dec. 9-11, 16-19)
Location: Huffhines Park, 1500 Apollo Rd. 
Admission: Free
Additional details: Santa's Village at Huffhines Park

 

Richardson Community Band – Santa's Village 

Join the Richardson Community Band for a performance to celebrate the opening of Santa’s Village.  

Time: 6 p.m. (Saturday)
Location: Huffhines Park, 1500 Apollo Rd. 
Admission: Free
Additional details: Richardson Community Band

 

“The Nutcracker” with Tuzer Ballet Company

Join the Richardson Public Library as the Tuzer Ballet Company performs excerpts from the classic holiday ballet “The Nutcracker.” All ages are welcome.  

Time: 3:30-4 p.m. (First Performance) 
4:30-5 p.m. (Second Performance)
Location: City Council Chamber, Richardson City Hall
2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Suite 525
Admission: Free
Additional details: Event Calendar

 

North Pole in the Plaza 

Join CityLine for North Pole in the Plaza presented by State Farm. Step into a winter wonderland with snow, take a festive ride on the Choo Choo Express, get a face painting, listen to a DJ spin holiday tunes and capture the perfect holiday photos.  

Time: 1-5 p.m. (Saturday)
Location: CityLine Plaza, 1150 State St. 
Admission: Free
Additional details: North Pole in The Plaza

 

Hot Cocoa Crawl 

Sip, stroll and indulge at CityLine’s Hot Cocoa Brawl. Sample irresistible boozy or non-boozy hot cocoa from local restaurants, each with a different festive spin on the holiday drink.  

Time: 1-8 p.m. (Saturday)
(Other dates include Dec. 14)
Location: CityLine Plaza, 1150 State St. 
Admission: $15 (non-boozy), $25 (boozy)
Additional details: Hot Cocoa Crawl

 

To Be Like Me 

During this lecture, To Be Like Me LEADers (Leaders in Education and Advocacy for Disability) will share their stories of living with disabilities and answer questions. Through these interactions, the audience will increase their understanding of the challenges and gifts of people with disabilities. This Richardson Public Library-sponsored program is for all ages.  

Time: 1-2 p.m. (Saturday)
Location: City Council Chamber, Richardson City Hall
2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Suite 525
Admission: Free
Additional details: To Be Like Me

 

Game on: Board Games at the Library 

Adventure to the beyond with a Richardson Public Library-led game time. There will be a lot of options for solo or independent play such as Clue, Settlers of Catan, Pandemic, Sagrada, Sushi Go, Dixit and more. This program is for adults.  

Time: 3-5 p.m. (Saturday)
Location: Library Spring Creek Room, Richardson Public Library
2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Suite 500
Admission: Free
Additional details: Game on: Board Games at the Library

 

Alamo Drafthouse Movie Party: “Elf” 

Join Alamo Drafthouse for a sugar-fueled, interactive holiday spectacular and watch “Elf.” This movie party will include games, singing loud for all to hear and props. You will also receive your very own elf hat.  

Time: 3:30 p.m. (Dec. 7), 6 p.m. (Dec. 10)
Location: Alamo Drafthouse, 100 Central Expy. 
Admission: $15.16
Additional details: Elf Movie Party | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema 

 

Chunky Knit Snowman Workshop 

Join the Richardson Senior Center for a workshop where you will be guided step-by-step through techniques to make a chunky knit snowman. This workshop requires no needles or knitting experience.  

Time: 9 a.m. (Saturday)
Location: Richardson Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd. 
Admission: $40, registration required
Membership to the Senior Center is not required
Additional details: Call 972-744-7800 to register and for more information 

 

1st Saturday Walk & Talk Bird Tour

Join the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center to learn about the birds that live at the wetland. Learn how to use binoculars and field guides, keep a life list and identify birds.  

Time: 7:30-9:30 a.m. (Saturday)
Location: John Bunker Sands Wetland Center, 655 Martin Lane, Combine, TX
Admission: $10 (includes admission), registration required
Additional details: Programs - John Bunker Sands Wetland Center

 

“Holiday Classics” 

The Richardson Symphony Orchestra is collaborating with Stockton Helbing’s jazz sextet, Helbing’s Jazz Initiative, to perform holiday classics. Selections include arrangements of “Jingle Bells,” “All I Want for Christmas is You,” “The [Funky] Little Drummer Boy,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and more.  

Time: 7:30 p.m. (Saturday)
Location: Hill Performance Hall, Eisemann Center
Admission: $30-$90
Additional details: Event Details | RSO--Holiday Classics 

 

Royale Ballet – “The Nutcracker” 

Watch the Royale Ballet's performance of “The Nutcracker.”

Time: 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. (Dec. 7 & 8)
Location: Bank of America Theatre, Eisemann Center
Admission: $35-$38
Additional details: Events Calendar

 

Musica Nova 

Join UT Dallas to see students form the Advanced Orchestra and Chamber Music Ensemble as they perform orchestral and chamber music of all periods. They will perform under the direction of composer-conductor Robert Xavier Rodríguez and with guest artist Mikhail Berestnev on piano.  

Time: 7:30 p.m. (Saturday)
Location: UT Dallas, University Theatre, 800 W. Arapaho Rd.   
Admission: Free
Additional details: Musica Nova: Fauré & Beethoven

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Dec. 8

Alamo Drafthouse Movie Party: “The Polar Express” 

Join Alamo Drafthouse for an interactive holiday activity the whole family will love and watch “The Polar Express.” There will be props like a Santa hat, sleigh bells and some fun activity sheets to take home. 

Time: 11 a.m. (Sunday)
Location: Alamo Drafthouse, 100 S. Central Expy. 
Admission: $15.16
Additional details: The Polar Express Movie Party | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema 

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Dec. 9

Alamo Drafthouse Movie Party: “Gremlins” 

Join Alamo Drafthouse for a movie party and watch “Gremlins.” There will be props including 3D specs, light up necklaces and masks so you can choose #TeamSpike or #TeamGizmo.  

Time: 7 p.m. (Monday)
Location: Alamo Drafthouse, 100 S. Central Expy.
Admission: $15.16
Additional details: Gremlins Movie Party | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema  

 

Upswing Jazz 

Come out for an afternoon of dance and fun featuring UpSwing Jazz at the Richardson Senior Center.  

Time: 2 p.m. (Monday)
Location: Richardson Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd. 
Admission: Free, registration required
Membership to the Senior Center is not required
Additional details: Call 972-744-7800 to register and for more information 

 

“Together for the Holidays” - The Swingles 

Join the Swingles for a performance called “Together for the Holidays.” Their seamlessly blended and timeless sound quickly established them as one of the world’s most beloved and admired vocal groups.

Time: 7:30 p.m. (Dec. 9-10)
Location: Bank of America Theatre, Eisemann Center
Admission: $27-$42
Additional details: Events Calendar

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Dec. 10

In Case of Emergency with PAM Rehab 

Every wonder what you will need in case of emergency? Bring your medication list to the Richardson Senior Center and come ready to talk to an emergency nurse. You will work to create an updated medication list and packet with all the information you will need to be prepared.  

Time: 10 a.m. (Tuesday)
Location: Richardson Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd. 
Admission: Free, registration required
Membership to the Senior Center is not required
Additional details: Call 972-744-7800 to register and for more information 

 

Harp Ensemble 

Join UT Dallas for a performance by the harp ensemble.  

Time: 7 p.m. (Tuesday)
Location: UT Dallas, University Theatre, 800 W. Campbell Rd. 
Admission: Free
Additional details: Harp Ensemble

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Dec. 11

Streaming: What Is It? Why Do I Need to Know About It? 

Your family and friends stream, so why aren’t you? Mature adult tech trainer Daphne Lee will host the training that will show you how to watch TV shows, movies and videos on internet connected devices, including your TV. By the end of the session, you will understand the benefits of streaming, how to access it on various devices and how it can make entertainment more accessible and enjoyable. Membership to the Senior Center is not required.  

Time: 2:30 p.m. (Wednesday)
Location: Richardson Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd. 
Admission: $10, registration required
Must register by Dec. 10
Additional details: Call 972-744-7800 to register and for more information 

 

In beTWEEN Book Club 

Kids ages 9-12 can select, read and talk about the best kids’ books. They can then take a deeper dive with games, book trailers and more at the Richardson Public Library. 

Time: 7-7:45 p.m. (Wednesday)
Location: YS Storytime Room, Richardson Public Library
2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Suite 500
Admission: Free, registration required
Call 972-744-4358 or visit the Youth Services Help Desk to register
Additional details: In beTWEEN Book Club

 

Holiday Concert at the Senior Center 

It’s not the holiday season until the Richardson Community Band has played “Sleigh Ride” and “Christmas Festival” for those at the Richardson Senior Center each year. Expect many warm and fuzzy feelings.  

Time: 7:30 p.m. (Wednesday)
Location: Richardson Senior Center, 820 W. Arapaho Rd. 
Admission: Free
Additional details: Call 972-744-7800 for more information

 

Fire Department Toy and Food Drive

Donate to the Richardson Fire Department’s Toy and Food Drive benefiting the Network of Community Ministries. New toys and food items will be accepted at the following locations:

Time: Bins will be available through Dec. 11 
Additional details: Visit www.thenetwork.org for more information and ways to volunteer

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Day Camp Recruitment Fair – Apply Now 

Join the Richardson Parks and Recreation Department for a recruitment fair. Interview for available positions such as a summer day camp counselor or director. Several interview slots are available.  

Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Dec. 23)
Location: Heights Recreation Center, 711 W. Arapaho Rd. 
Admission: Apply and select an interview time now
Additional details: Day Camp Recruitment Fair

 

New Year’s Camp 

Registration is now open for the Heights Recreation Center for a New Year’s Camp. Kids ages 5-11 can enjoy various games, activities and winter-themed crafts both indoors and outdoors (weather-permitting). Please bring a lunch, water bottle, closed-toe shoes, a snack and warm clothes for the playground. An outside business will visit the camp each week to host a program.  

Time: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. (Jan. 2, 3 & 6)
Location: Heights Recreation Center, 711 W. Arapaho Rd. 
Admission: $135 (if registered by Dec. 19)
$150 (after Dec. 19)
Additional details: Activity detail | City of Richardson Parks and Recreation

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