Celebrate the Holiday Season at Your Library!

Program Type:

Arts, Culture, & Literature

Age Group:

Family
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Event Details

Whether you love getting crafty, enjoy cozy storytime sessions, or want to immerse yourself in cultural celebrations and live music, we've got just the thing for you. No matter how you like to celebrate, join us in spreading joy and embracing the holiday spirit together!

 

For Children and Families

 

Christmas Photography Workshop with Melvin Bullock

Friday,  December 1 at  3:30 p.m.,  Mountain Creek Branch

Local photographer Melvin Bullock will guide young shutterbugs and their parents on a journey through the art of photography with a holiday twist. Participants will have the opportunity to learn the tricks of the trade from basic camera settings to composition, lighting  and storytelling through photographs.

 

Crafternoon: Frosty Fingers

Saturday, December 2 at  2:00 p.m., Forest Green Branch

Tuesday, December 5 at 3:15 p.m., Skillman Southwestern Branch

Wednesday, December 20 at  3:30 p.m., Vickery Park Branch

Thursday, December 21 at 3:15 p.m., Audelia Road Branch

Make beautiful snowflake ornaments using popsicle sticks and buttons. While supplies last.

 

After School STEAM: Holiday Festival

Tuesday, December 5 at 4:00 p.m., Prairie Creek Branch

Learn about the different holidays in December celebrated by people all over the world. All supplies provided. Recommended ages: 6-12.

Aprenderemos sobre diferentes días festivos en diciembre celebrados por personas de todo el mundo. Todos los suministros proporcionados. Edad recomendada: 6-12.

 

Upcycle City: Holiday Decor

Tuesday, December 5 at 4:30 p.m., Bachman Lake Branch

Wednesday, December 6 at 4  p.m., Oak Lawn Branch

Let's make our own city! This week will be making snow, string lights, and winter decor. Join us to create a town of your own that will be displayed in the library! This is the final installment of our UpCycle City series.

 

Festival of Lights!

Tuesday, December 5 at 4:30 p.m., Vickery Park Branch

Celebrate the holiday season with this FREE event that embraces cultures from all around the world in our own backyard! Music, hot cocoa, food, and gift bags will be at this year's Festival of Lights.

 

Crafternoon: Snow Globe Spectacular

Wednesday, December 6 at  3:30 p.m., Vickery Park Branch

Thursday, December 7 at  5 p.m., Paul Laurence Dunbar Lancaster-Kiest Branch

Saturday, December 16 at 2 p.m., Forest Green Branch

Thursday, December 28 at 3:15 p.m., Audelia Road Branch

Bring the magic of winter and holidays to life through the creation of snow globe ornaments using plastic cups. This hands-on program combines creativity and holiday cheer as kids get to design and craft their very own personalized snow globes. While supplies last.

 

Crafternoon: Frosty DIY Holiday Ornaments

Thursday, December 7 at  3:15 p.m., Audelia Road Branch

Tuesday, December 19 at 3:15 p.m., Skillman Southwestern Branch

Saturday, December 23 at 2 p.m., Forest Green Branch

Create your own unique holiday tree ornaments inspired by the winter season and the holiday spirit. While supplies last.

This program is brought to you by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.

 

After School STEM: 3D Holiday Tree

Thursday, December 7 at  3:30 p.m., Kleberg-Rylie Branch

Thursday, December 14  4:30 to 5:15 p.m., Pleasant Grove Branch

Friday, December 15 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Skyline Branch

Time to use your engineering skills to build a 3D Triangle Christmas tree!

Es hora de utilizar tus conocimientos de ingeniería para construir un árbol de Navidad triangular en 3D.

 

After School STEAM: Grinch’s Heart

Thursday, December 7 at 4:30 p.m., Pleasant Grove Branch

For this fun winter experiment, we will see if we can make the Grinch's heart grow!

En este divertido experimento de invierno veremos si podemos hacer crecer el corazón del Grinch.

 

Paper Plate Christmas Masks

Thursday, December 7 at 4:30 p.m., Lakewood Branch

Create a holiday themed mask using paper plates and other craft items!

 

Movie Wednesdays: Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws

Wednesday, December 13 at 2:30 p.m., Forest Green Branch

Budderball, B-Dawg, Rosebud, Buddha, and Mudbud return for this fantastic festive journey to the magical world of the North Pole. When Puppy Paws, the feisty son of Santa Paws, forgets the true meaning of the season, the Buddies must remind him that Christmas is not about what you get; it's about what you give. Rated G.

 

Winter Crafts: Holiday Picture Frames

Wednesday, December 13 at 4:30 p.m., Pleasant Grove Branch  

Season's greetings! Let's get creative and make holiday picture frames that can be kept as keepsakes or given as gifts!

¡Felicidades! Usemos nuestra creatividad para crear cuadros navideños que podamos conservar como recuerdos o regalar.

 

After School STEM: Gingerbread House

Thursday, December 14 at 3:30 p.m., Kleberg-Rylie Branch

Design your own holiday-themed gingerbread house! (non-edible)

 

Light Up Holiday Cards

Thursday, December 14 at  4:30 p.m. Lakewood Branch

Use your art and engineering skills to create a holiday card that lights up!

 

Holiday Movie and Craft Night

Thursday, December 14 at 5 p.m., Paul Laurence Dunbar Lancaster-Kiest Branch

Celebrate the season with a special holiday movie, then make wreath ornaments that you can hang on your Christmas tree.

 

Holiday Musical Performance

Thursday, December 14 at 6:30 p.m,. Skyline Branch

Gather the family and enjoy a live musical performance by Reuben Leal.

 

Cookie Decorating

Tuesday, December 12 at 5 p.m., Highland Hills Branch  - Registration is required.

Friday, December 15 at 3:30 p.m., Mountain Creek Branch

Saturday, December 16 at 1 p.m., Hampton-Illinois Branch

Decorate some festive holiday cookies to celebrate the season. All ages invited- kids bring your favorite adult to help. All supplies provided- limit of 32 cookies.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.

 

Gift Wrapping for the Family

Saturday, December 16 at 1:30 p.m., Prairie Creek Branch

Wrap up the holidays with our free gift wrapping station! Registration required.

¡Envueltete en nuestra estación de envoltura de regalos gratuita! Reservaciones obligatorias.

 

Flurries ‘n’ Fun

Saturday, December 16 at 2 p.m., J. Erik Jonsson Central Library

There's snow place like the library for a frosty fun winter program! Whether you're gearing up for an epic indoor snowball showdown, getting your hands gooey with some snow slime, or enjoying a snowlicious snow cones, get ready to celebrate all-things snow at the Central Library!

 

Sharing Holiday Traditions with The Writers Garret

Saturday, December 16 at 2 p.m., Park Forest Branch

Learn about holiday celebrations and traditions from around the world with The Writers Garret, then share your own special holiday activities through the art of writing and drawing! Create a book of holiday memories to cherish with family. https://writersgarret.org/

 

Gingerbread Houses Out of Cardboard

Tuesday, December 19 at  5 p.m., Highland Hills Branch

Wednesday, December 20 at 4 p.m., Polk Wisdom Branch

Friday, December 22 at 3:30 p.m.,  Mountain Creek

The gingerbread man needs help decorating his new home. This time, he wants it out of cardboard. Can you help make and decorate a house truly fit for Christmas? Registration is required.

 

Make and Take: Festive Holiday Craft

Tuesday December 19 through Saturday, December 23, Audelia Road Branch

Make and take your own festive holiday craft!  Best for ages 5 and up.  

Sponsored by the Audelia Road Library Friends.

 

Outdoor Movie Night! How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Wednesday, December 20 at 6 p.m., Kleberg-Rylie Branch

Bring the family for a kid-friendly screening of a holiday favorite.

 

Bilingual/Spanish Storytime (Hora de Cuentos) - Happy Holidays!

Thursday, December 21 at 10:30 a.m., Pleasant Grove Branch

Holiday-themed stories, songs and rhymes in Spanish and English to get ready to read! Suggested ages: 6 years old and under.

¡Cuentos, canciones y rimas con temas navideños en español e inglés para niños que quieren leer! Para edades de 6 años y menor.

 

DIY Ornaments

Thursday, December 21 at 5 p.m., Paul Laurence Dunbar Lancaster-Kiest Branch

Spread some holiday cheer with personalized ornaments that will brighten up your day! Make one for someone special in your life and keep the holiday cheer going!

 

Family Winter Movie-The Muppet Christmas Carol

Saturday, December 23 at 1:30 p.m., Pleasant Grove Branch

The Muppets' version of the Dickens holiday classic about a miser who's visited by three ghosts features Kermit the Frog as the penny-pincher's hardworking and loyal employee. Rated G

La versión de los Muppets del clásico navideño de Dickens sobre un avaro que es visitado por tres fantasmas presenta a Kermit the Frog como el empleado leal y trabajador del tacaño. Clasificado G

 

Holiday Craft: Ojos de Dios

Friday, December 29 at 2 p.m., Pleasant Grove Branch

Learn how to make Ojos de Dios with special guest Cara Mia Theatre! These traditional crafts serve as protection and good luck charms heading into the new year.

¡Aprende a hacer Ojos de Dios con la invitada especial Cara Mia Theatre! Estas artesanías tradicionales sirven como protección y amuletos de buena suerte de cara al nuevo año.

Provided by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture.

 

Christmas Storytime

Wednesday, December 20 at 10:30 a.m., Bookmarks in NorthPark Center

Celebrate the season with Bookmarks as we host a storytime that celebrates Christmas! We'll read a book, sing some songs, and do a craft to celebrate this season of giving.

Sponsored by Atmos Energy.

 

Winter STEM : Snowflakes and Hot Chocolate

Thursday, December 21 at 4:30 p.m., Pleasant Grove Branch

Using mini and jumbo marshmallows, toothpicks, hot cocoa and a little chemistry we will be making a tasty Christmas treat!

Utilizando bombones mini y jumbo, palillos, chocolate caliente y un poco de química, prepararemos una sabrosa bebida navideña.

 

Hoping for a Santa sighting? Check out a list of his library appearances here.

 

For Adults

 

Holiday Wreath Making

Saturday December 2 at 1 p.m., Preston Royal Branch

Saturday December 2 at 2:30 p.m., Kleberg-Rylie Branch

Make your very own holiday wreath! We will have season appropriate foliage and traditionally colored accents for both Hanukkah and Christmas. No experience necessary, bring your hands and your holiday cheer! Registration is required.

This program was made possible by Empowering Through the Arts.

 

Bilingual "Holiday Living Room" Painting Class with Eva Azul

Saturday December 2 at 1 p.m., Arcadia Park Branch

In celebration of the Holiday season local artist, Eva Azul will lead a painting class in which we will paint a cozy Christmas living room. Registration is required to attend this event. This event is for participants 16 years and older.

This program is provided by the Oak Cliff Cultural Center.

 

Wrap it Up

Monday, December 4 at 9 a.m., Arcadia Park Branch

Tuesday, December 5 at 5:30 p.m., Hampton-Illinois Branch

Wednesday, December 6 at 5 p.m., North Oak Cliff Branch

Thursday, December 7 at 5:30 p.m., Dallas West Branch

Take advantage of a quiet, kid-free place/time to wrap and organize your gifts for the holiday season. We will provide scissors, tape, and some paper. You are welcome to bring your own supplies as well.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.

 

Holiday Greeting Card Makerspace

Wednesday, December 6 at 4:30 p.m., Bachman Lake Branch

Thursday, December 7 at 4:30 p.m., Preston Royal Branch 

Saturday, December 9 at 1 p.m., Grauwyler Park Branch

Wednesday, December 20 at 4:30 p.m.,Oak Lawn Branch

Design and create hand-crafted greeting cards for your loved ones. All supplies will be  provided.

 

Preserving Holiday Recipes With Zines

Wednesday December 6 at 6 p.m., Park Forest Branch

Every family has its secret holiday recipes, but it's not always easy to get those recipes—or specific measurements—down on paper! Collecting family recipes preserves our family history and gives context to the lives our families lived, helping us create richer histories beyond just basic genealogy research. Capture your family's food heirlooms in a mixed media DIY zine and enrich your family's history through food. All supplies will be provided.

 

Senior Craft: Handmade Ornaments

Thursday, December 7 at 11 a.m., Preston Royal Branch 

In this special holiday edition of our Senior Craft Day, we will make handmade ornaments to welcome in the season!

 

DIY Holiday Gifts: Skin Care Trio

Saturday, December 9  at 2 p.m., Preston Royal Branch

It's the perfect pampering trio for the holiday season! We will be making three skin care products: sugar body scrub, oatmeal face mask and scented bath salts. You can give these to a loved one or treat yourself! Registration is required.

 

Holiday Music Flashback - Name That Tune!

Saturday, December 9 at 2:30 p.m., Pleasant Grove Branch

Get in the holiday spirit and flex your memory muscles with guest artist Kamica King as she presents a holiday edition of Name That Tune! Sing along to some holiday favorites and win prizes!

Sumérgete en el espíritu navideño y ejercita tus músculos de la memoria con la artista invitada Kamica King, que presenta una edición navideña de Name That Tune! Canta tus canciones favoritas y gana premios!

Provided by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture.

 

Researching Holiday Traditions

Tuesday, December 12 at 2 p.m., J. Erik Jonsson Central Library (8th Floor) and online via Zoom.

Opening presents the night before Christmas, eating grapes on New Year's Eve - what can your family's holiday traditions tell you about your heritage? The way a family gives gifts and celebrates the winter holiday season holds important stories written in between the lines of our genealogy. Learn more about documenting your family's holiday traditions and where to hunt for clues on their meaning.

This program is available both in-person and online via Zoom. Registration is required.

 

Native American Winter Landscape Workshop

Wednesday, December 13 at 5:30 p.m., Lakewood Branch

Inspired by the vivid imagery of the Native American poem "Thirteen Moons on Turtles Back," you'll create your very own winter wonderland, complete with a radiant full moon and twinkling stars. No prior experience is necessary. Registration is required.

Brought to you in part by the Office of Cultural Affairs.

 

Senior Game Day: Holiday Pictionary

Thursday, December 14 at 11 a.m., Preston Royal Branch

For this month’s Senior Game Day we will be playing holiday themed Pictionary! Try to get your teammates to guess a seasonal secret word by drawing a picture that represents it.

 

Winter Candle-Making

Saturday, December 16 at 11 a.m., Renner-Frankford Branch

Candle-making returns! Learn candle-making basics, such as wax properties and wicking. Choose from a seasonal selection of scents and pour your own candle. At the end, participants will be able to take home a 4-ounce container candle. All supplies provided. Registration is required.

*Please note that the candle wax can take up to 1 hour to cool down enough to take home, so please allow time to wait in the library.*

This program is made possible by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.

 

Earth Day Every Day! Holiday Recycling

Thursday, December 28 at 10 a.m., J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 5th Floor

What can we do with all the boxes, the holiday lights that don’t work anymore and other festive items after the holidays? Find out from Danielle!

Presented in collaboration with the City of Dallas Office of Environmental Quality.

 

D&D Movie One Shot - Nightmare Before Christmas

Saturday, December 23 at 10 a.m., Lakewood Branch 

Adventure awaits, will you answer the call?  Once a month we will gallivant off on a new quest in various cinematic universes. December’s destination is Nightmare Before Christmas. We will have pre-generated characters for players to pick from and all the materials needed. The first 45 minutes will be a quick introduction and set-up. Registration is required.

 

 

Hanukkah

 

Hanukkah Stories and DIY Dreidels

Tuesday, December 12  at 4 p.m., Renner Frankford Branch

Celebrate Hanukkah by listening to stories about the holiday and by making your own paper dreidel decoration! We'll also learn how to play dreidel.

 

DIY Dreidels

Wednesday, December 13 at 4 p.m., Fretz Park Branch

Thursday, December 14 at 4 p.m , Park Forest Branch

Celebrate Hanukkah by making your own paper dreidel decoration! We'll also learn how to play dreidel.

 

Hanukkah Storytime

Wednesday, December 13 at 10:30 a.m., Bookmarks in NorthPark Center

Celebrate the season with Bookmarks and the Aaron Family JCC as we host a storytime that celebrates Hanukkah! We'll read a book, sing some songs, and do a craft to celebrate this festival of lights.

Sponsored by Atmos Energy.

 

Kwanzaa

 

Kwanzaa Unity Cup

Thursday, December 21  4:30 p.m., Timberglen Branch

Kwanzaa is a celebration of African-American culture, held annually from December 26 to January 1. Each day during Kwanzaa, a drink is poured into the unity cup. Everyone takes a sip from the cup to signify the unity of the family and community. After drinking from the cup, the family honors their African ancestors. Design and construct your own unity cup to use during Kwanzaa.

Supplies provided by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.

 

Kwanzaa Snowflakes

Tuesday, December 26 at 5 p.m., Highland Hills Branch  - Registration required

Wednesday, December 27 at 4 p.m., Polk-Wisdom Branch - Registration required

Thursday, December 28 at 4:30 p.m., Paul Laurence Dunbar Lancaster-Kiest Branch

Celebrate one of Kwanzaa’s Seven Principles: ‘Creativity’ by personalizing your own snowflake ornament with markers, paint, glitter, and more!

 

Kwanzaa Storytime

Wednesday, December 27  at 10:30 a.m.,  Bookmarks in NorthPark Center

Celebrate the season with Bookmarks as we host a storytime that celebrates Kwanzaa! Enjoy storytelling and drums by Percussion Things, and do a craft to celebrate this festival of African American culture and heritage.

Sponsored by Atmos Energy.

 

5th Annual Jerry Pinkney Day & Kwanzaa Celebration

Saturday, December 30 at 1 p.m., Forest Green Branch

This Kwanzaa event will celebrate the works of award-winning children's author and illustrator Jerry Pinkney. Bring the entire family and immerse yourself in African dance, Music, Food, Storytelling, Kwanzaa crafts, and the works of other African-American children's authors.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library and the Office of Cultural Affairs.

 

 

All Dallas Public Library locations will be closed Monday, December 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday.