12.03.10-12.05.10 WHITE ROCK MARATHON/HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO FREE No one says you have to endure 26.2 miles through the Dallas Arts District, Uptown, Turtle Creek, Highland Park, Swiss Avenue and around the lake. But you can be there to cheer on our neighbors, and observe the spectacle that is the MetroPCS Dallas  White Rock Marathon. Race-day activities will take place at Fair Park Dec. 5, beginning with a pre-race worship service at 7:40 a.m., followed by the singing of the National Anthem. Fireworks will kick off the races at 8 a.m., and the finish line closes at 2:30 p.m. Live bands will set up stages at several points along the course, including Hot House at the Granada Theater and Catdaddies on Swiss Avenue. Before the marathon, the Health & Fitness Expo will run noon-6 p.m. and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 3-4 at Fair Park’s Automotive Building, 1010 First Avenue. More than 85 vendors will set up shop, offering information on nutritional and  fitness products for running enthusiasts. For more details, including full schedules for the race and expo, visit runtherock.com. —Emily Toman

THROUGH 12.31
WHERE TEXAS FINDS ITS COLOR FREE
Scores of Texas artists from more than 30 different cities present an exhibit of original paintings and photography at the Dutch Art Gallery, 10233 E. Northwest Highway, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Tuesday-Friday. All works are for sale. For more details, visit dutchartusa.com.

THROUGH 01.02
MAGIC OF SANTA $10
The annual holiday festival at the Dallas Arboretum features more than 500 Santa Clauses in different shapes, sizes and colors from all over the world set in the historic DeGoyler Estate. Other activities include visits with Santa, a live reindeer, costumed characters and photos. The event is included with general admission to the park, $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $7 for children 3-12 and free for children under 3. Parking costs $7. For details, call 214.515.6500 or visit dallasarboretum.org

12.01 CASA LINDA TREE LIGHTING FREE
Casa Linda Plaza presents its holiday tree lighting 5-7 p.m. near the esplanade, featuring the Reinhardt Elementary Choir, Hexter Elementary Choir and “Encore” by Bryan Adams High School. Pictures with Santa will be available for $5, with proceeds benefiting For the Love of the Lake. Highland Park Cafeteria will offer refreshments at the event.

12.01
WRITER’S GARDEN $50-$100
The Writer’s Garden Literacy Series continues with a Christmas brunch with Jennifer Pickens, author of “Christmas at the White House”, 10 a.m.-noon at the Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland. For details, call 214.797.5966 or visit womenscouncildallasarboretum.org.

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12.03 LAKE HIGHLANDS HOME TOUR $10-$12 The Lake Highlands Women’s League will host its 32nd annual home tour 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at various neighborhood homes. The Holiday Market will be at Highland Oaks Church of Christ, 10805 Walnut Hill, and includes lunch 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., which requires separate $12 tickets in advance. The event raises money for Lake Highlands High School scholarships and community projects. For a full list of homes and other details, call Allison Brown at 214.503.8790 or visit lhhspta.org.

12.8
LHAECPTA MEETING, SWAP SHOP AND MEMBER SOCIAL FREE
The monthly gathering of the Lake Highlands Area Early Childhood PTA is from 9-11:30 a.m. at Highlands Christian Church, 9949 McCree. LHAECPTA members and anyone interested in joining are encouraged to shop, snack and mingle.  For more information visit lhaecpta.org.