While retailers throughout North Texas are all set for the holiday shopping in the weeks ahead, the NorthPark Center elves have put together loads of family-friendly activities throughout November and December. Highlighting the roll-out of things to see and do are a number of those benefiting area non-profits like the following:
- The Salvation Army Angel Tree (Friday, November 8 – Thursday, December 5) Level One between Macy’s and Dillard’s. It’s simple! Just select an Angel by Thursday, December 5, and bring your unwrapped gift(s) to The Salvation Army Mobile Truck at NorthPark’s northeast parking area on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7.
- The Trains At NorthPark benefiting Ronald McDonald House Of Dallas (Saturday, November 16 – Sunday, January 5. Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.) Level One between Macy’s and Dillard’s. This uber family-friendly exhibition is an all-time favorite with more than 600 elaborate toy trains choo-chooing along 1,600 feet of track. Tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for children, $5 for seniors and youngsters under two get in free.
- Bark + Build Pet Houses benefiting SPCA Of Texas (Thursday, November 21 – Sunday, December 8) Level One between Macy’s and Dillard’s. One of a kind housing for canines and felines designed and constructed by the Dallas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and TEXO, the Construction Association, are on display and up for bidding thanks to a silent auction.
- Movies With A Mission benefiting Children’s Health (Thursday, November 21, at 6 p.m.) AMC NorthPark 15. Movies With A Mission Co-Founders Barrett Gibbins and Ella Kate Nayfa and their committee of 50 have arranged for a special screening of “Wicked” complete with a small popcorn and fountain drink. Tickets are going for $25 here.
- Visits And Portrait With Santa benefiting Children’s Health (Friday, November 29 – Tuesday, December 24. Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Sunday from noon to 5:30 p.m.; and Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Level One In Macy’s Court. Youngsters have the chance to have a one-on-one with NorthPark’s jolliest elf and have a photo of the get-together. But appointments must be made in advance for $25 benefiting Children’s. The schedule of available times will be released on Sunday, November 24, here.
- Home For The Holidays Pet Adoption Pavilion Benefiting SPCA Of Texas (Friday, November 29 – Monday, December 23 from noon to 6 p.m.) Level One between Macy’s and Dillard’s. Make the holidays truly memorable by adding your new best friend to the family. Whether it’s a cat or a pooch, they’ll be on display for eyeballing and meeting. However, word has it that fewer animals will be available on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign (Friday, November 29 – Tuesday, December 24) Throughout NorthPark. In addition to the monies dropped in the kettles, coins tossed into the Neiman Marcus and Dillard’s fountains will benefit The Salvation Army Of North Texas.
- Camp Gingerbread Benefiting Shared Housing Center (Saturday, December 7 and Saturday, December 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Level One between Macy’s and Dillard’s. Gingerbread is the taste of the season and to accommodate those taste buds, folks can decorate cookies and/or purchase a gingerbread cookie kit to build one up at home, or give to a friend?
Gingertown* - Gingertown Dallas Benefiting Children’s Craniofacial Association (Live build: Tuesday, December 10, at 5 p.m. and on view Wednesday, December 11 – Wednesday, January 1) Nordstrom Court. In just one evening, one of North Texas’ “biggest gingerbread house exhibits” will be created starting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10. It will be on display until New Year’s Day!
- Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert (Thursday, December 19, at 7 p.m.) NorthCourt’s Level One between Nordstrom and Macy’s) With “The Sights and Sounds of the Season” taking place throughout NorthPark from Tuesday, December 3 to Sunday, December 22, thanks to area school, church and synagogue groups, community organizations and professionals, one of the highlights will be a free holiday concert featuring Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra musicians.
For more information about all the goings-on at NorthPark, check here.
* Photo provided by NorthPark Center ** Photo credit: Justin Clemons, Justin Clemons Photograph