The countdown to the holidays is a nail-biting stressor especially when maneuvering through Dallas but NorthPark has shared a nice list of festive events this season to get us through the hustle and bustle.
In addition to the slew of activities, for the fourth year, NorthPark Center partners with the Women’s Auxillary to Children’s Medical Center for A Season of Giving, which raises funds through signature holiday programs. This year includes visits and portraits with Santa, movies with a mission and breakfast with Santa Spectacular.
Each year the mall sees thousands of children visiting with Santa with last year bringing in about 4,500 children to see the new Santa portrayed by Joel Lagrone. Santa also visited with young patients at Children’s Health who spent their holidays in the hospital. The holiday season raised $270,000 to bolster Children’s Health to further medical research and provide high-quality patient care.
“NorthPark is honored to support the great mission of Children’s Health while also offering meaningful visits with our much loved Santa,” the owner of NorthPark Center, Nancy A. Nasher, said. “Through this important partnership, a magical tradition expands into an opportunity for families to share in the spirit of giving during the holiday season.”
The mall is known for its other numerous activities throughout the holiday season and while visiting with the guy from the north is a feat in itself, so are the other pinnacle events.
The Salvation Army Angel Tree
Nov. 3 to Dec. 2, 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Give presents, clothing and necessities through The Salvation Army Angel Tree. People can choose an angel by Dec. 2 and drop off unwrapped gifts at the mobile truck in the northeast parking lot on Dec. 1 and Dec. 2.
The Trains at NorthPark benefiting Ronald McDonald House of Dallas
Nov. 11, 2023 to Jan. 5, 2024, Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday, 12 – 6 p.m.
The annual tradition of the trains is back on track at its new location station on level one near Macy’s. The elaborate miniature toy train exhibit has been a staple for the holiday season for 25 years, featuring more than 600 unique train cars on a 1,600-foot set of tracks.
Bark + Build Pet Houses Benefitting SPCA of Texas
Nov. 17 to Dec. 3
The ninth annual of the Bark + Build returns in partnership with SPCA of Texas, the Dallas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and TEXO. This is a design-and-build competition and silent auction where architects, contractors and design teams collaborate on a one-of-a-kind dog house and even cat condos to benefit SPCA of Texas.
Movies with a Mission: Benefitting Children’s HealthSM
Select dates and showtimes
AMC at NorthPark makes it possible to support good causes while seeing flicks on the silver screen. Movies with a Mission was founded in 2021 to support pediatric mental health programs at Children’s HealthSM. Each ticket to a special screening includes a small popcorn and fountain drink. For this year, “Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” on Nov. 19 at 2 p.m., “Wish” on Nov. 26 at 2 p.m. and “Wonka” on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.
Visits and Portraits with Santa benefiting Children’s HealthSM
Nov. 24 to Dec. 24, Monday to Sunday
Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday, 12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. and Christmas Eve 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Time and time again the tradition of visiting Santa returns starting November 24 until Christmas Eve. The full experience includes a one-on-one visit, a photography session, a commemorative digital photo and a donation to Children’s HealthSM.
Stories and Songs with Santa
Nov. 24 to Dec. 24
Monday – Saturday, 10:30 a.m., Sunday, noon.
Santa leaves behind his holiday throne in his cottage to step onto the stage for a magical performance. He will sing songs and tell tales of the North Pole.
Scrooge Puppet Theater
Nov. 24 – Dec. 24
Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 12 – 6 p.m.
Each year, the Scrooge Puppet Theater is a favorite as it shares the classic tale of the inspiring yet despicable holiday character. Shows start at the top of every hour near Macy’s and Dillards.
The Tale of the Yeti’s Christmas Spaghetti
Nov. 24 – Dec. 24
Monday – Saturday, 11:30 a.m. – 5: p.m.; Sunday, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
When Santa can’t travel through a big storm and might cancel Christmas, the elves help with a mysterious yeti. Shows start on the half-hour.
The Twelve Days of Christmas Clock
Nov. 24, 2023 to Jan. 1, 2024
Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday, 12- 6 p.m.
The animated clock is inspired by historic clock towers in Europe and shares stories from the classic carol to the Twelve Days of Christmas every 15 minutes near Dillard’s Court.
Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption Pavilion benefiting SPCA of Texas
Nov. 24 to Dec. 23, 2023, 12 – 6 p.m.
The SPCA of Texas’ Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption Pavilion at NorthPark provides special adoption services for thousands of four-legged animals to find their forever home. Adoption counselors will be present to help families choose the right animal. Holiday-themed pet goodies will also be available to purchase at the Adoption Pavilion.
The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign
Nov. 24 to Dec. 24
The bells will be ringing at NorthPark throughout the season and all over the mall as guests are encouraged to donate any spare change to raise funds for a dozen Salvation Army centers in North Texas. Digital giving options are also available.
Sights and Sounds of the Season
Nov. 28 to Dec. 24
Many local schools, churches, synagogues, communities and professional groups will fill the NorthPark halls with holiday tunes. For a full list of schedule, times and who will perform, visit the website.
Camp Gingerbread Benefiting Shared Housing Center
Dec. 2 to Dec. 9, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Build your dream gingerbread house or cookie with Camp Gingerbread. All proceeds benefit Shared Housing Center, a nonprofit organization that provides affordable housing options and supportive services to those in need.
Gingertown Dallas benefiting Children’s Craniofacial Association Live Build
Dec. 5, 5 p.m.
The biggest gingerbread house exhibit in North Texas will have a live build on Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. and will be on view from December 6 to January 1, 2024. All proceeds benefit Children’s Craniofacial Association (CCA). The display honors talent from local designers, architects, engineers and construction firms.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Holiday Showcase
Dec. 5, 7 p.m.
Musicians from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) are decking the halls with a free holiday concert as well as the DSO Chorus and DSO Children’s Chorus.
Along with all the exciting events, NorthPark will have festive decor and installations displayed throughout the mall. Candy Santa and pecan reindeer will be flying high over Neiman Marcus Court. The handcrafted display consists of real pecans, almonds, red and black licorice, marshmallows and more to depict Santa and his reindeer.
