The City of Mesquite has a whole host of family friendly events coming up to kick off the holidays. Celebrations include everything from historic events with Father Christmas to a straight-out-of-a-movie tree lighting at the picturesque gazebo on the downtown square. Experience Christmas in the Park with hot cocoa and free pictures with Santa and savor the sights and sounds of the season at the Mesquite Arts Center with holiday music and theatre. Enjoy a hometown holiday like none other in the Rodeo Capital of Texas with Real. Texas. Holidays!
Jingle Jog: Nov. 29 at 10 a.m. in Downtown Mesquite, 113 Main Street. New this year to the Holiday roundup is Jingle Jog. It kicks off the season during Small Business Saturday. Unlike other runs, this one is a 0.5K and is termed a family-friendly “race for the rest of us.” Participants are encouraged to wear their most festive holiday attire, and enjoy a short jaunt filled with seasonal fun, including doughnut hole stations, holiday treats and merry pit stops. Registration starts at 9 a.m. Visit www.downtownmesquitetx.com/events for more information.
Christmas on the Square: Dec. 2 from 5-8 p.m. in Downtown Mesquite. Get in the spirit with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Christmas in the historic heart of Mesquite. Starting at 5 p.m., take photos with Santa and shop the gift market and food booths. Free hot cocoa and cookies (while supplies last). At 6 p.m., sing along to the “12 Days of Downtown Mesquite” and make memories as we light the community Christmas tree. Visit www.downtownmesquitetx.com/events for more information.
Christmas in the Park: Dec. 6-7 from 2-8 p.m. each day at Westlake Park, 600 Gross Road. Experience a holiday wonderland with lights, music and festive decorations. Admission is free and includes hot cocoa and cookies, arts and crafts, photos with Santa, community performances, special mailbox at the North Pole to write and drop off a letter to Santa and the Santa sendoff with a fireworks finale. Purchase a wristband for $12 to have access to face painting and unlimited rides on inflatables and attractions. Learn more at www.cityofmesquite.com/ChristmasInThePark.
Mesquite Community Band’s “Tinsel, Tunes & Tidings:” Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Concert Hall at Mesquite Arts Center, 1527 N. Galloway Ave. Delight your ears with this annual free holiday concert. All Mesquite Community Band concerts, including the annual holiday program, are free of charge and open to the public. Visit www.MesquiteArtsCenter.org/events for more information.
Christmas at the Ranch: Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. at Florence Ranch Homestead, 1424 Barnes Bridge Road. Celebrate history and the holidays. The 1871 historic home will be decorated for the holidays inside and out. Festivities include tours of the Florence home, sweet treats, craft stations to make old-fashioned tree ornaments, and a traditional Santa Claus for photo opportunities. Learn more at www.HistoricMesquite.org.
Mesquite Arts Theatre: “A Sherlock Carol:” Nov. 28-Dec. 14 in the Black Box Theatre at Mesquite Arts Center, 1527 N. Galloway Ave. Moriarty is dead… and Sherlock Holmes is a haunted man. But when a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Holmes to investigate the death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his gifts to solve a Dickens of a Christmas mystery! Experience the beloved characters of Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens in this heartwarming, witty, and highly theatrical holiday treat for all ages! Visit www.MesquiteArtsTheatre.org for tickets and showtimes.
Mesquite Symphony Orchestra’s “Winter Lights and Festival Nights:” Dec. 13 at 4:30 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. in the Concert Hall at the Mesquite Arts Center, 1527 N. Galloway Ave. The Mesquite Symphony Orchestra presents a joyful celebration of the holiday season featuring festive classics, choral music, and a special world premiere. Selections include “Sleigh Ride,” and “Christmastime is Here.” Buy tickets at MesquiteSymphony.org.
For more information, visit www.cityofmesquite.com/RealTexasHolidays.