10 To-Dos in Dallas This Season

Whether you’re ice skating circles around the country’s tallest indoor Christmas tree in the Galleria, taking a brisk walk around the scenic Turtle Creek area, or window-shopping at Highland Park Village with your eggnog latte from Starbucks in hand, it’s easy to see why Dallas shines extra brightly during the holidays. The sights and sounds tug at your heartstrings, while the abundance of shops and boutiques tug even harder at your purse strings.  If you find yourself in Big D on this season, be sure to check out our list of hot-spot specialty shops and events. 

1. Kacky and Carl

2722 Routh St., 214-295-4486 www.kackyandcarl.com

This uber-cool uptown shop is a must visit if you’re in the mood for a perfectly girly shopping experience. You'll find a perfectly smartly edited selection of reasonably priced separates, as well as dresses in classic and current trend silhouettes, prettying up racks in this quaint house turned boutique.  Note the owner’s additions of up and coming labels like the feminine dress line, Kirribilla, and the irresistibly cool collection from Dolan. From home accents to trendy accessories, you’ll feel the overwhelming urge to pet every item stacked and racked. Open Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.  

2. V.O.D.

2418 Victory Park Lane, 214-754.0644 www.vodboutique.com

Three little letters from three heavy hitters makes for a perfect spot to spend your shopping time. V.O.D. (standing for Valley of the Dolls) is the boutique brainchild of Jackie Bolin, Liz Thompson and Elizabeth O'Mahony, a style-trifecta with a combined background in fashion that would make a mannequin’s head spin. This Victory Park shop, which just received the retail award from Fashion Group International of Dallas, Inc., carries labels like Alexander Wang and Repetto, as well as a rotating collection of to-die-for finds from Archive Vintage (bonjour Chanel). Open Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

3. Zola’s Vintage

414 N Bishop, 214-943-6643 www.zolasvintage.com  

Make new friends with old classics during a treasure hunt at this kitschy shop located in the historic Bishop Arts District of Oak Cliff. The shopping experience is a little like looking for a designer needle in a haute haystack; keep an eye out for holiday wish list items like sequined party frocks and luxe fur-trimmed pea coats circa 1960. Open Sundays 12 to 5 p.m.   

4. Forty-Five Ten

4510 McKinney Ave., 214-559-4510 www.fortyfiveten.com 

For her. For him. For home. This exquisitely eclectic shop has it all and then some. After perusing the lavish labels that lively up the 8,000 square foot space, slip into the attached dining room area, The Team Room, for a champagne lemonade cocktail and a light lunch.  Open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

5. We Are 1976

1902 North Henderson Ave., 214-821-1976 www.weare1976.com

Brand new to the Dallas shopping scene, this 1976 tribute shop houses the coolest of the cool in art, home interiors, gifts and collectibles. From Blackbird Fly 35mm cameras and brass “birthday year” belt buckles to eco-friendly wooden home fixtures and vintage candy and confections, you’ll find the perfect blend of past, present and future. Open Monday to Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

6. The Nutcracker at the Winspear Opera House

2403 Flora St., 214-443-1000 www.dallasopera.org

A culturally glamorous night awaits at the newly opened Winspear Opera House during the final performance of The Nutcracker by the Texas Ballet Theater on Sunday, December 6^th. From the spectacular solar canopy to the shimmering performance hall chandelier, you’re promised a picturesque holiday experience. Tickets are $18 to $150.

7.  Purse and the Person Exhibit at The Women’s Museum

3800 Parry Ave., 214-915-0860, www.thewomensmuseum.org  

Celebrate one of women’s favorite accessories and check out a collection of over 100 vintage purses and the everyday objects that filled them. You’ll get an inside peek at the fashion and signature style that defined the 20^thcentury woman, and maybe find a trend worthy of recycling. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online or at the door. Open Tuesday to Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m. (Closed Mondays)

8. MetroPCS Fair Park Holiday at Fair Park

3809 Grand Ave., 214-670-8400 www.fairpark.org

This holiday event happens on Sunday, Dec. 6^th, from 2 - 7 p.m. Highlights include the unveiling of the newly renovated Esplanade Fountain with Bellagio-style “dancing water”, a Dallas Wind Symphony Quartet concert, a Dallas Cowboy watch party outside the fans can Centennial Building and the official City of Dallas Tree Lighting ceremony. Free and open to the public.

9. A Season of Wishes Holiday Concert by Turtle Creek Chorale at NorthPark Center

8687 N Central Expy Ste 1030, 214-361-6345 www.northparkcenter.com

On December 6^th, take a break from shopping the magnificent maze of luxury shops at NorthPark Center, including the newly opened Louis Vuitton store, and soak up the sounds of the season with a performance by the Turtle Creek Chorale. This holiday concert kicks-off at 5 p.m. in the NorthCourt between Nordstrom and Macy’s, and goes to benefit the North Texas Food Bank.  Canned goods and cash donations accepted.

10. 2009 Alexander Mansion of Dallas Holiday Home Tour

4607 Ross Ave. 972-949-2975 www.dallaswomansforum.org

Get into the holiday spirit with a tour of one of the most magnificent historic homes in Dallas on Sunday, December 6th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Home of the Dallas Woman’s Forum and a coveted event space for Dallas brides, the Alexander Mansion's authentic Italian columns and sweeping staircase are delightfully decked out in their holiday finest. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online or in person.