Latkes, donuts and dummies…oh my. When you think of Hanukkah, what comes to mind? Menorahs, dreidels, latkes and ventriloquists, right? Okay, okay, so maybe that last one not so much. But this month, nationally renowned ventriloquist Jonathan Geffner and his sidekicks present a comedic version of the Hanukkah story with a wacky puppet show. Arrive a little early and you and the kiddos can enjoy face painting, crafts, latkes and donuts. For an extra $10 you can even try your hand at puppetry with a ventriloquist workshop. Here, you’ll learn how to throw your voice and master some basic puppetry skills. The workshop is open to adults and kids 7 and older, and it includes an open discussion with Geffner, who will answer all your burning questions about ventriloquism – come on, we know you’ve got them. Adult tickets to the event are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Children and senior citizens can get discounted tickets for $8 in advance and $12 at the door. To purchase tickets, or for more information about the show, call the box office at 214-739-2737 or visit jccdallas.org.

Arts & Entertainment

Intimate Evening Concerts Friday, Dec. 1, Ian Moore; Saturday, Dec. 2, Darden Smith; Sunday, Dec. 3, The Blackthorne Project and Jonah Werner; Friday, Dec. 8, Johnny Lloyd Rollins, and Handclaps and Harmonies; Saturday, Dec. 16, Alejandro Escovedo. All shows start at 8 p.m. Discounts available for advance purchase. Bend Studio, 5014 McKinney. Call for ticket prices, 214-841-9642 or bendstudio.com.

Fridays at Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse Dec. 1, John Gorka ($15/$18); Dec. 8, Johnathan Byrd & Dromedary ($12/$15); Dec. 15-Dec. 29, closed for the holidays. All shows start at 8 p.m. A smoke-free, alcohol-free venue for live music. $12 unless otherwise noted. Northpark Presbyterian Church, 9555 N. Central, 214-363-0044 or unclecalvins.org.

Free Monthly Stroll Saturday, Dec. 2, 10:30 a.m., rain or shine. The hour-long, docent-led walking tour highlights architecture, tradition and history of the district. Tour begins in front of the Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art, 2010 Flora. RSVP 214-953-1977 or visit artsdistrict.org.

A Christmas Carol Through Sunday, Dec. 24. This Dickens holiday classic is the perfect gift for the whole family. Kalita Humphreys Theater, Dallas Theater Center, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd. Ticket information, 214-522-8499 or dallastheatercenter.org.

From Cranach to Monet Through Sunday, Dec.31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Offering 57 works from the extensive Perez Simon private collection, the exhibit features 46 different artists including masterpieces by Rubens, Van Dyck, Gauguin and Renoir. $8 adults, free for children under 12 and Thursdays after 5 p.m. Meadows Museum, Southern Methodist University, 5900 Bishop Blvd. 214-768-3785.

Community

T-Bar Tea Club Saturday, Dec. 2, noon-4 p.m. Monthly club devoted to friendship and learning about the world of tea. All tea lovers welcome. Free. Reservations for each meeting must be made in advance. The Cultured Cup, 8312 Preston Center Plaza Dr. 972-960-1521.

Junior League of Richardson General Meeting Wednesday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m. Holiday dinner meeting. Fajita buffet, $15. Reservations required by Friday, Dec. 1. La Hacienda Ranch, 17390 Preston. 972-644-5979 or visit jlrtx.com.

Holiday Cheer Tasting Saturday, Dec. 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Stop by for this 10th annual celebration, featuring Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee, one of the most expensive coffees in the world, and Noel Tea, Tea of the Holidays and a decadent drinking chocolate. The Cultured Cup, 8312 Preston Center Plaza Drive. 972-960-1521.

Oil Painting Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $20 per month with ID card. Walnut Hill Recreation Center, 10011 Midway. Contact Mary Ann, 214-352-7366.

One-Act Play Ages 5-8 on Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. Ages 9 and up on Mondays, 4-5 p.m. Young children of all ages will perform in seasonal holiday plays. Participants will learn how to memorize lines and create costumes. Each play is performed in a dinner theater setting. Participation is free, reservations for shows are $6. Churchill Recreation Center, 6906 Churchill. Contact Carol Burris, 214-670-6477.

Ramblin’ Round Dance Lessons Wednesdays, 6:30-9 p.m. Dancing in the round with cues given by a professional. $50 per couple per quarter. Churchill Recreation Center, 6906 Churchill. Contact Christine Hixon, 972-270-7292 or 214-670-6477.

Duplicate and Party Bridge Thursdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for duplicate bridge; and Tuesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m.-noon for party bridge. Duplicate players will need a partner. Churchill Recreation Center, 6906 Churchill. Contact Bill Frye, 972-247-5619.

Big-D Barbershop Harmony Chorus Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. Men of all ages who love to sing are invited to participate. Experience not required. Town Village North at 12271 Coit. 972-247-4345.

Family

Trains at NorthPark Saturday, Nov. 18 through Monday. Jan. 1 Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sundays, noon-6 p.m. Presented by Chase Bank Dallas, the exhibit benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas and features 40 vintage locomotives running along 2,500 feet of track. They will travel across America from the Golden Gate Bridge to Mount Rushmore, through Texas, Washington, D.C. and New York City. $5 adults, $3 children ages 2-12 and seniors. Free for children under 2. Discount tickets for $1 off each entry available at Tom Thumb stores. NorthPark Center, North Central Expressway US 75 at Northwest Highway. 214-631-7354 or rmhdallas.com.

Storytime Saturday Saturdays, 11 a.m. Parents and children are invited to participate together in interactive storytelling, improvisational comedy routines and sing-a-longs. Children’s Play Place, Level 3 (near Saks Fifth Avenue), Dallas Galleria, 13350 Dallas Parkway. 972-702-7100 or galleriadallas.com.

Alert Child of Texas Saturdays, 9-10 a.m. for ages 4-7, and 10-11 a.m. for ages 8 and older. Self-defense and anti-kidnapping classes brought to you by the Dallas Parks and Recreation Department. $8 per class with a $12 registration fee. Walnut Hill Recreation Center, 10011 Midway. 972-578-7555

Health & Fitness

Holistic Yoga Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-noon; and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-7 p.m. This class focuses on the mind/body connection while increasing flexibility, strength and balance. $85 a month or $10 per class. Churchill Recreation Center, 6906 Churchill. Contact Greg Moffett, 214-769-3889.

Tai Chi Wednesdays, 10-10:45 a.m. Gentle movements release stress by relaxing and rejuvenating the body while refreshing the mind. Participants of all ages and physical conditions can do the 20 simple movements. $6 per class, $5 for those 60 and over. Churchill Recreation Center, 6906 Churchill. Contact Sister Bernice Eidt, 214-350-5860.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Every fourth Wednesday. All patients, family members and friends affected by leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s and myeloma are invited to attend these support group programs. Free. Texas Oncology at Medical City Dallas, 7777 Forest, Ste. 400. 972-354-8303.

Library

Library Live! Saturday, Dec. 9, 1 p.m. The rich history of the Appalachian region is explored using oral tradition, work songs and ballads. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376.

Computer Confidence Course Saturdays, Dec. 9 and 16, 11 a.m. Learn about one of the following topics: How to use the Internet at the library and at home; or How to find books, both from home and at the library. Each class is self-contained and includes Internet practice. Park Forest Library, 3421 Forest. 214-670-6333.

Christmas Party Saturday, Dec. 16, 2 p.m. Stop by for Christmas snacks and crafts. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376.

Holiday Open House Saturday, Dec. 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy cookies and apple cider as the library staff shows appreciation to patrons for a wonderful year of service. Forest Green Library, 9015 Forest. 214-670-1335.

Kwanzaa Storytime Saturday, Dec. 30, 10:30 a.m. Celebrate Kwanzaa with stories, a short film and a craft. For children ages 3 to 6. Forest Green Library, 9015 Forest. 214-670-1335.

Dallas Lace Society Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Anyone interested in learning how to make bobbin lace, knit, tat or crochet is invited to attend informal and fun lessons, or to work on individual projects. No experience required. Forest Green Library, 9015 Forest. 214-670-1335.

Purls Knitting Group Fridays 1-3 p.m. Experienced knitters or come to learn. Everyone is welcome. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

Computer Classes Mondays (except Dec. 25), 5 p.m. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. For this month’s schedule, call 214-670-6376.

Infant/Toddler Development Time Tuesdays, 10 a.m. Children and parents/caregivers learn fun, inexpensive ways to practice speech, motor, cognitive and social development. For infants and toddlers. Park Forest Branch Library, 3421 Forest. 214-670-6333.

Preschool Storytime Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. Stories and activities for ages 3 to 5 and their parents/caregivers. Forest Green Library, 9015 Forest. 214-670-1335.

Preschool Storytime Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Stories and activities for ages 3 to 5 and their parents/caregivers. Park Forest Branch Library, 3421 Forest. 214-670-6333.

Preschool Storytime Thursdays 11 a.m. Stories and activities for ages 3 to 5 and their parents/caregivers. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376.

Preschool Storytime Fridays, 10:30 a.m. Stories and activities for ages 3 to 5 and their parents/caregivers. Preston Royal Branch Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

Toddler Time Tuesdays (except Dec. 26), 10:30 a.m. Stories and activities for ages 18-36 months and their parents/caregivers. Preston Royal Branch Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

Literary

Urban Engagement Book Club Thursday, Dec. 7, noon. Sponsored by Central Dallas Ministries, the December book is “Working,” by Studs Turkel. Open to the public, free. Highland Park United Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird. Contact Jeremy Gregg, 214-823-8710, ext. 127 or Jgregg@CentralDallasMinistries.org.

Schools

Cutz & Curls Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 7-9, 7 p.m. W.T. White High School presents this original musical with familiar songs for everyone in a barbershop/beauty shop setting. $6. 4505 Ridgeside Dr., 972-502-6200.

Seniors

Senior Connection Thursday, Dec. 7, 10-11:30 a.m. Support group dedicated to adults age 50 and older seeking employment. Program is “Rate Yourself in the Job Search” by Jill Plaff Waterbury, author of “Boomers Job Search Guide.” Free; RSVP required. The Senior Source, 1215 Skiles. Call 214-823-5700 or e-mail SESD@theseniorsource.org for program details. Theseniorsource.org.

SeniorNet Computer Classes This non-profit organization offers a variety of “how to” computer classes for today’s active older adult. Seven per class, one-on-one instruction with easy-to-follow instruction manuals. C.C. Young Retirement Community, 4847 W. Lawther. For a complete list of classes and dates, contact Mary, 214-841-2818.

Exercise for Older Adults Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9-10 a.m. A stretching and low-impact group exercise class for seniors, led by instructor Dorothy Glass. Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven, aangorina@jccdallas.org.

Senior Aerobics Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:15-9:15 a.m. A vigorous workout with less of the jumping, twisting and impact of traditional aerobics. $56 for eight classes. Churchill Recreation Center, 6906 Churchill. Contact Charles Plafcan, 214-954-0777.