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Happy Pandemic Holidays

Dallas Christmas Traditions Take On a 2020 Twist

🎶 Don we now our safe apparel, Fa la la la la, la la la la (fa la la la la, la la la la). 😷

It’s time to deck the halls, but this year, the trimmings aren’t complete without festive face masks and a spritz of hand sanitizer! It may look and feel a bit different, but don’t let the 2020 holidays put you in a tailspin—you can still safely enjoy Dallas Christmas traditions and fine food in the great outdoors or from the cozy comforts of home. We’ve compiled some of our favorite festive ideas so your family can make the most of this magical season. Plus, each of our carefully curated recommendations supports local Dallas businesses and organizations. So, grab some hot cocoa and s’mores, gather ’round the fire pit, and plan to make your pandemic holidays merry. Who knows—you may just unwrap your family’s next Dallas Christmas tradition!

Bonick Landscaping Happy Pandemic Holidays

(Image courtesy of @coopwy)

2020 Dallas Holiday Activities

Want to get out and about in DFW this Christmas season? Layer that outerwear, pocket some Purell, and fasten your favorite face covering to attend some of the finest Dallas Christmas traditions our fabulous city has to offer.

Take the hectic out of your holidays! Venture out to the Dallas Arboretum for a spectacular display of lights and foliage. Holiday at the Arboretum, featuring the 12 Days of Christmas and Christmas village runs through December 31. Advanced reservations and face coverings for age 5+ are required for this limited entry, socially distant event.

Bonick Landscaping Happy Pandemic Holidays

To combat pandemic fatigue and support local music, the Meyerson’s infamous Dallas Symphony Orchestra has introduced the Concert Truck in 2020. These ingenious pop-up concerts offer seasonally-shortened, socially distant outdoor chamber music to enjoy the sounds of the holidays. Track the concert truck.

Find more contactless and socially distant outdoor Dallas Christmas events here.

Bonick Landscaping Happy Pandemic Holidays

Once you’ve had your fill of holiday lights and sound, it’s time to ward off the winter chill. Warm up properly on one of Dallas’ restaurant patios serving some of the best savory soups and hot bowls around. From classic grilled cheese and tomato soup to Vietnamese pho or Mexican pozole, you’ll surely find something splendid to please your palette.

Virtual Holiday Events

Date Night

This year, some of Dallas’ iconic holiday classics have gone virtual. Whether you prefer to slip into some cozy joggers or make it a swanky date night in Armani and Von Furstenburg, a well-stocked bar and comfortable seating are seasonal must-haves!

A Quarantini Christmas (Dec. 19)
Ricki Derek’s “A Merry Little Christmas Show” is a Dallas Christmas staple. This year, the scaled-back 2020 live stream version, “A Quarantini Christmas,” will be broadcasted from the Four Day Weekend Theater in Dallas. Enjoy the timeless, classic crooning and chortles from the comfort of home to get you in the holiday spirit. Purchase pay-per-view tickets at rickiderek.com.

Bonick Landscaping Happy Pandemic Holidays

Festive Family Fun

Hip Hop Nutcracker (Dec. 18)

Gather the family and enjoy a holiday mash-up of a remixed and reimagined classic from the safety of your sofa. Get your virtual tickets and see a preview of this spectacular show here.

Virtual Visit with Santa (Through Dec. 23)

A Dallas Christmas wouldn’t be complete for the littles without a visit to see the North Park Santa. This year, thanks to virtual visits, the kids can chat with Santa from the comfort of home. Time slots are limited, so book now. All proceeds will benefit Children’s Health.

Family Feast

Bonick Landscaping Happy Pandemic Holidays

Finally, it’s time for the festive family feast! While Christmas Eve dinner with the extended family may have been canceled, there are plenty of palatable options to please even the poshest of palettes.

Prefer to take the day off from cooking? Relish a relaxing restaurant meal from your own dining table. Choose merry main courses in an array of festive flavors like Pecan Lodge’s prestigious smoked turkey or ham, Homewood’s prime rib dinner, or Truluck’s beef tenderloin and King Crab legs. See more picks from Paper City.

For a truly decadent dinner, savor seafood from TJ’s or DIVE or rev up your holidays with a resplendent meal from the Ritz. View more divine recommendations from D Magazine.

Think outside the gift box with creative Christmas and cocktail kits from José. Select from three unique options including carnitas, tamales and churro, and hot chocolate kits. Bonus: They come complete with virtual tutorials from their in-house chef!

Take the hassle out of Christmas dinner with Primo’s Holiday Take & Bake Menu. Create a custom package with ginger apricot glazed ham or splurge on a seafood tower. Don’t forget dessert! From pies to Yule logs, see the sinfully delicious takeout options from Visit Dallas.

Even if you’re not dining in, be sure to give the gracious gift of added gratuity. Tipping over the top helps your favorite local restaurant’s employees enjoy the season with their families.

Bonick Landscaping Happy Pandemic Holidays

Your favorite Dallas Christmas traditions may have taken on a pandemic twist, but with a little creativity, you can still celebrate while simultaneously supporting your favorite local establishments and organizations.

Wishing you and yours a safe holiday season!

— by Tammy Dalke Vanderkolk