Kids and family events in Dallas-Fort Worth, December 10-16

by Alex Bentley

This week brings the usual Christmas events, plus those related to Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, so there's something for all December holidays.

See all kids and family events.

It's the most wonderful time of the year ... if you love Christmas-related events. If not, I feel your pain -- I'll try to throw a few bones your way.

It's been open a few weeks, but you can see if your kids have an inner ear problem at Balancing Act at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. The interactive exhibit, happening every day through May 9, 2010, allows children to test their skills on a variety of apparatuses, including a balance beam, stepping stones, and a wavy beam. Come for the science, stay for the fun of seeing kids fall down.

If you consider yourself an animal lover, then you might want to go to the Courtyard Theatre of Plano for Claus 4 Paws on Friday and Saturday night. The event, benefiting Operation Kindness, a no-kill animal shelter, will feature three short Christmas-themed shows, including A Charlie Brown Christmas.

The Biscuit Brothers

The Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas is giving you an early opportunity to schmooze with Santa with Deck the Hall and Breakfast with Santa on Saturday. $50 ($25 for children) will get you into the breakfast, but you can just attend the concert featuring the Biscuit Brothers if that's too rich for you.

Even though Kwanzaa won't take place until December 26, KwanzaaFest 2009 is scheduled at the Automobile Building at Fair Park in Dallas on Saturday and Sunday. The annual event will feature such things as mini-concerts, children's activities, and a 5K run/walk.

Do your kids like science and/or seeing things blow up? Then head out to the Irving Arts Center on Saturday (for one of two shows) for Doktor Kaboom! Look Out, Science is Coming! Doktor Kaboom promises high-larity as he puts on a series of experiments designed to involve, excite, educate, and entertain. Just to be safe, you may want to cover your kid's eyebrows.

Hanukkah starts at sundown on Friday, and the Galleria Dallas will host a Lighting of Galleria Dallas Hanukah Menorah on Sunday. The lighting will be led by Rabbi Dubrawsky, who's been a Jewish leader in Dallas for the last quarter-century.

Finally, the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra will perform their Holiday Magic show on Wednesday at the Meyerson Symphony Center. If you can't get out to see any of the various versions of The Nutcracker, no worries, as the GDYO will be playing selections from the holiday classic.