Totally Texas -- All is bright at Candlelight

Candlelight at Dallas Heritage Village

1515 S. Harwood

Dallas

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I’m a sucker for equines of any species, but this post’s illustration of Nip, one of Dallas Heritage Village’s pair of horse-sized Mammoth Jack donkeys, doesn’t put you in a holiday spirit, what will? How about strolling candle-lit paths through the village’s nineteenth-century buildings decked in Victorian-era holiday decorations? Or listening to choirs, storytellers and other local entertainers at three venues throughout the park?

There’s always lots of music at Candlelight, the Village’s annual holiday program. But this year, hear the stories behind favorite carols with its “Songs of the Season” theme.

It’s this Saturday and Sunday, December 13-14, from 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. daily. Tickets for the annual program benefiting the museum are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (age 65 and older), $8 for children ages 4-12. Kids under four get in free.

Carriages pulled by an antique tractor or Nip and his donkey friend Tuck trundle through the village, and interpreters in period costume bring the past to life in the Village’s dozens of historic buildings from the period 1840-1910.

There are craft activities for children and photo sessions with Santa in the Depot (with its “Timeless Trains” exhibit). Nip and Tuck are also more than willing to provide photo ops.

Food trucks will be on hand, and the Village’s Guild members offer plenty of homemade treats for sale. Beer and wine are available at a separate location.

Dallas Heritage Village is located just south of downtown Dallas, near the junction of I-30 and I-35. Onsite parking is $5 per vehicle, valet parking $10. Some free parking is also available at the Dallas Farmers Market, across the bridge on Harwood Street. Because of this special event, the Village will not be open during its usual daytime hours this weekend.

For directions and additional information, including an interactive map of the Village, see www.dallasheritagevillage.org/.