photo courtesy New Friends New Life

photo courtesy New Friends New Life

Be the first to see the trains at NorthPark
The mall’s 16th annual miniature train exhibit — the largest of its kind in Texas — opens for the season this Saturday, featuring 1,600 feet of track winding through cityscapes from the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge to the Golden Gate Bridge. The event raises money for the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. The display is on Level One between Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom and continues through Jan. 4. Cost is $3-$7

Meet a local author
Join Dallas author Marney Makridakis at Barnes & Noble this Sunday at 3 p.m. for an inspiring afternoon as she shares tools and techniques from her new book, “Hop, Skip, Jump: 75 Ways to Playfully Manifest a Meaningful Life.” Free

New Friends New Life Home Tour
Homes in nearby Park Cities decked out in holiday decor will be featured during the 15th annual home tour, held this Sunday from 1-4 p.m. Proceeds benefit local nonprofit New Friends New Life. Tickets cost $30 at the door; home locations available online here.