Farmers Branch is celebrating 50 days of “Christmas in the Branch” and the holiday season starts November 29, 2019 and lasts until January 17, 2020. Last year the festivities spanned five weeks, and this year reflects an extended schedule of ice time for Skating Under The Stars, and three dates to shop the Holiday Marketplace at The Grove.
SKATING UNDER THE STARS
November 29, 2019 – January 17, 2020 Enjoy Skating Under the STARS at our outdoor ice skating rink located at the Children’s Health StarCenter in Farmers Branch, at the corner of I-35E and 635. The outdoor ice rink hours will be as follows: November 29 – December 19, Monday – Thursday | 5 pm – 10 pm and Friday – Sunday | 2 pm – Midnight. December 20 – January 5, Monday – Sunday | 2 pm – Midnight and January 6 – 17, Monday – Thursday | 5 pm – 10 pm and Friday – Sunday | 2 pm – Midnight. Skating Under the Stars is closed for Christmas & New Year’s Day. General Admission (ages 4+): $10, Youth admission (3 & under): FREE, and Skate rental: $5. Group rates and private ice time is available.
Farmers Branch residents get free skating admission on November 29 – 30, and December 1, 7, 14 and 21 with proof of residency. A valid ID with a current Farmers Branch address must be provided at check out. Skate rental not included. Limit four per household.
In the case of inclement weather, please contact the StarCenter front desk to verify the outdoor ice rink is open at 214-432-3131.
BAH HUMBUG! A CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS
December 6, 2019 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Don’t be a Scrooge! Join us for a holly-jolly time at the Farmers Branch Historical Park and enjoy Christmas crafts and activities inside our historic structures; and, as always, a snack! Cost is $2 per person.
HOWLIDAY PAWTY & CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
December 6, 2019 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. This “howliday pawty” is a free furr-tastic evening with Santa, crafts, entertainment, strolling carolers, story time with Mrs. Claus, dance recital, fitness equipment and class demonstrations, refreshments, and opportunities to support local dog-friend organizations and more. This event will be taking place at the Barney Wood Bark Park and Farmers Branch Community Center.
DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS – EXHIBIT TOURS
December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. & December 6, 13, 20 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. See a literary classic come to life with the holiday exhibit, A Christmas Carol: A Celebration of Christmas Past. Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his journey visiting the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Tours are free and require no registration. Don’t be a humbug, come join us on a Christmas tour hosted by the Farmers Branch Historical Park. Our 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. tour will be lantern-led!
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING &
HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE
December 7, 2019 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. This is the annual seasonal kick-off celebration as we welcome in the yuletide with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting located at Liberty Plaza. Shop local vendors for unique handmade & homemade gifts at our Farmers Branch Holiday Marketplace in the Grove. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus who will have a red hot arrival courtesy of the Farmers Branch Fire Department at 5:00 p.m.! The Liberty Stage features local acts and Brad Adkins will be rocking The Grove Stage with additional entertainment provided by The Ones. Additional activities include the Lighting of the City and Stage Show, inflatables, trackless train rides, balloon artists, face painters, and holiday crafts. Call the event hotline for more information 972-919-1433.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL TEAS
December 7 and 14, 2019 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. & 3:30 – 4:45 p.m. Join us for an afternoon of live harp music, delectable treats, Christmas décor, and of course, tea. $40 per person; $30 per Friend of the Farmers Branch Historical Park member; space is limited and pre-registration is required by calling 972-406-0184.
“A DICKENS OF A DINNER” POP-UP DINNER IN THE PARK
December 13, 2019 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The second annual progressive pop up dinner to celebrate Christmas Past at the Historical Park. Sample canapés and cocktails as you tour the historic structures. As you stroll the grounds, enjoy Victorian Christmas carolers courtesy of Vocal Magic and characters from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol provided by Firehouse Theater. The evening concludes with a traditional Victorian dinner and dessert prepared by Cedar Creek Brewhouse and Eatery in the Dodson House. Ages 18 and up; alcohol provided for 21 + with ID, cost is $50 per person; space is limited and pre-registration required.
PANCAKES & PAJAMAS
December 14, 2019 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Fun for the whole family, Pancakes & Pajamas includes a scrumptious pancake bar, holiday craft, visit with Santa and more. Of course you should wear your comfy and cozy holiday pajamas! This event is held at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center and the cost is $5 per member or $8 for non-members. Call 972-247-4607 for more details.
HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE AT THE GROVE
December 14 and 21, 2019 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Shop for unique gifts from local vendors at the Holiday Marketplace at the Grove. Skate at the outdoor ice rink with your family and friends. Grab a bite to eat and drink at our concessions. Bring your camera to see Santa and Mrs. Claus benefiting local non-profits. Plus musical entertainment and tons of kids activities located at The Grove at Mustang Crossing.
THE CLOCK STRIKES NOON
December 27, 2019 10:00 – Noon The Farmers Branch Historical Park staff is counting down and prepared to ring in the New Year with your little ones at a reasonable hour. The morning will be filled with crafts, snacks, and celebrating 2020 at noon! Ages 5 – 12 (4 year-olds are permitted to attend with an older sibling), cost is $15 per child, space is limited and pre-registration is required.


