Pam and Hans Massar of Dutch Art Gallery celebrating 50 years in business
Through Jan. 3
The 12 Days of Christmas
Last chance to visit the arboretum’s 12 elaborately decorated Victorian gazebos. Each one is filled with costumed characters, whimsical animals and winter scenes based on the Christmas carol.
Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, dallasarboretum.org, $10-$15
Jan. 2
Dragons and hurricanes
Master puppeteer Sandy Shrout tells a fairy tale, “How the Dragon Got its Fire,” which explores mythology and severe Texas weather. Find out what happens when some pirates encounter an unexpected hurricane in this 3 p.m. story time.
Forest Green Library, 9015 Forest, 214.670.1335, dallaslibrary.org, free
Jan. 2-Feb. 13
Hard-boiled
Film Noir detective Dirk Spatula is called out of retirement to help find a space alien on the run. Mix in a host of vixen spies, teleportation, shape shifting, voodoo and a werewolf. Don’t forget to throw popcorn at the stage.
Pocket Sandwich Theater, 5400 E. Mockingbird, 214.821.1860,
pocketsandwich.com, $12-$25
Jan. 13
Mütter’s marvels
Plastic surgeon Thomas Dent Mütter revolutionized modern surgery and founded the intriguing Mütter Museum in Philadelphia. A new biography about him, “Dr. Mutter’s Marvels: A True Tale of Intrigue and Innovation at the Dawn of Modern Medicine,” is the library’s book club selection this month. Meet at 6:30 p.m.
Skillman Southwestern Library, 5707 Skillman, 214.670.6078, dallaslibrary.org, free
Jan. 22
Grace Pettis
This Alabama-based folk singer/songwriter returns to Dallas for an 8 p.m. show.
Uncle Calvin’s Coffee Shop, 9555 N. Central Exwy., 214.363.0044, unclecalvins.org, $15-$18
Jan. 29-Feb. 28
Frog and Toad
This whimsical musical, “A Year with Frog and Toad,” follows two best friends and their quirky egos from hibernation to planting, to swimming, to sledding.
Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skillman, dct.org, 214.978.0110, $15-$28
Jan. 31
50 years of Dutch Art Gallery
Dutch immigrants Ann and Ben Massar parleyed their success in the grocery business in Holland into their dream of promoting art and culture upon moving to Dallas in the 1960s. Their gallery in the Northlake Shopping Center opened in November 1965. Since then, the gallery has hosted monthly events including rotating exhibits and demonstrations as well as two annual juried shows with local and national artists. Now a second generation, Hans Massar and his wife, Pam, run the gallery, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. “In Detail,” featuring oil paintings from White Rock Lake-area artist Steve Hahn, opens Jan. 31.
Dutch Art Gallery, 10233 E. Northwest Hwy., 214.348.7350,
dutchartgallery.net, free
Jan. 31
Too Cold to Hold Half Marathon
One month into your run-more, run-faster New Year’s resolution, test your skills. Race 13.1 miles along the newly paved trails of White Rock Lake’s west shores. Not quite there? 10k and 5k options are available too. Finishers receive medals, T-shirts and additional SWAG. Gun time is 8 a.m. Register online to avoid potential event sell-out.
Norbuck Park, 170 N. Buckner, runproject.org/toocoldtohold, $40-$89 (group discounts available)
