The Countdown to Christmas Continues at the Most Exciting Light Show South of the North Pole

 The Light Park in Texas is dazzling holiday-goers this season with record-breaking attendance numbers.

“The response to The Light Park this year has been incredible,” says Matt Johnson, Co-Creator of the immersive, mile-long, drive-thru holiday spectacular. With six locations across Texas, The Light Park offers nightly displays featuring millions of synchronized lights dancing to an electric mix of music curated by DJ Polar Ice from the North Pole’s #1 Hit Radio station, K-GLO.                           

Johnson attributes part of the surge in attendance to their per-vehicle pricing model. “Our pricing makes it possible for everyone—pets included—to experience the fun together,” he says. “Guests can enjoy the world’s longest light tunnel, groove to high-energy tunes, and capture the moment no matter the weather. We also have options like food and beverage bundles, light-up wands, and magic glasses to make it an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

To make the most of their visit, guests are encouraged to plan ahead by checking The Light Park’s website at www.thelightpark.com. A user-friendly calendar highlights busier dates, and all tickets must be purchased in advance online. Prices start at $39 per vehicle* and vary by showtime (weekdays vs. weekends).

The Light Park will remain open until January 1^st or 5^th, depending on which location. Visitors must stay in their vehicles throughout their visit and are welcome to bring snacks to enjoy during the drive. For added fun, pre-purchased snacks and souvenirs are available to enhance the experience.

*Vehicles over 30 feet, including limousines, trailers, and buses, are not permitted.

For more information or to view a flyover video, visit www.thelightpark.com.

Mondays - Thursdays: 5:30 - 10:00pm

Fridays - Sundays: 5:30 - 11:00pm

CHRISTMAS WEEK HOURS

Dec 20-29: 5:30-11pm

Where:

Frisco (runs through 1/5/25)

Riders Field

7300 Rough Riders Trail

Frisco, TX 75034

Arlington (runs through 1/5/25)

Hurricane Harbor Arlington

1800 E Lamar Blvd, Arlington, TX 76006

Katy (runs through 1/5/25)

Typhoon Texas Waterpark Parking Lot

555 Katy Fort Bend Rd

Katy, TX 77494

Round Rock (runs through 1/5/25)

Dell Diamond

Parking Lot

3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665

San Antonio (runs through 1/1/25)

Retama Park Parking Lot

1 Retama Pkwy

Selma, TX 78154

Spring (runs through 1/1/25)

Hurricane Harbor Parking Lot

21300 Interstate 45 N

Spring, TX 77373

Prices: $39-$125

To Purchase Online: https://www.thelightpark.com/

About The Light Park

The Light Park offers six parks in Texas: Round Rock, Spring, Katy, Selma, Arlington and Frisco. Each Park features more than one million LED animated lights and boasts the world’s largest synchronized LED light tunnel. Opens November 1^st, 2024. Shows start at 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (weekdays), and 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (weekends and Christmas week); visitors can enjoy a safe and unique experience as they drive through the one-mile holiday light show curated to seasonal music.

A Night of Grace and Giving: The 2025 DSOL Debutantes Shine Bright

In a show of elegance and holiday splendor, the 2025 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League debutantes took center stage at a cocktail reception and seated dinner on November 27, 2024, at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.

Guided by the gracious DSOL President Dixey Arterburn, the debutantes, their esteemed honor guards, and families were welcomed to this cherished tradition.

The evening unfolded under the expert direction of Presentation Ball Co-Chairs Ginger Sager and Barbara Averitt, who introduced Stan Gardner as emcee. With his hallmark charm, Stan presented each of the 44 debutantes who gracefully took the stage and was joined by an honor guard escort for the presentation. Each young woman received a thoughtful gift from Eiseman Jewels NorthPark. 

Honorary Chairs Shirley and Bill McIntyre were unable to attend. 

The presentation was followed by a seated dinner. Event chair Nikki Beneke ensured the menu was as elegant as the occasion called for. Entrees included butternut squash ravioli and the season’s traditional turkey. The plentiful desserts included pumpkin spice trifle, holiday pies and the Meyerson’s signature apple pie bread pudding.

Families with rich DSOL traditions added a layer of legacy to the event, including second debutantes from the Cy Barcus, Joel Ciarochi, Garner Newton, Julian Potter, and Taylor Stone families. Meanwhile, the Patrick Tribolet family celebrated their third daughter's debut, a testament to the timelessness of this grand occasion.

Esteemed guests included Linda Burk and John Gilmore, Katherine and Key Coker, Janie and David Condon, and Jennifer and Todd Olson, among others.   

Dixey Arterburn’s two daughters, both past Debutantes, flew in to attend this year’s festivities. Hailey Arterburn Kutter, a 2012 Debutante, traveled from Chicago with her husband, James. Libby Arterburn was presented in 2014 when Dixey served as Presentation Ball Chair.

“I am so excited to have both of my daughters in town for this wonderful family Thanksgiving Eve Presentation,” said Dixey.

Earlier in the day, Libby had a mishap that resulted in a serious injury to her thumb. After spending several hours at Baylor Emergency receiving medical treatment, she made it to the Meyerson just in time—arriving with a splint on her throbbing thumb.

The evening also brought together Hailey Arterburn Kutter and Jane Gilmore, who made their debuts together in 2012. The two first met at Northwestern University, where they joined the same sorority and became close friends. Their mothers, Dixey and Linda Burk, also forged a strong friendship during that time and remain close to this day.

The evening was the start of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend which included a mixer for the debs and honor guard, as well as a Bow Boot Camp for the debs.

During the Christmas Holidays, the debs will return for another busy schedule of parties and bow practice. All the many events will culminate with the 39th Presentation Ball which will be held on February 15, 2025.

The 2025 Debutantes are:

Brooke Barcus, Brooke Makenna Barnes Lauren Brown, Alexa Grabow, Abby Carlisle, Sara Cashion, Sara Cavey, Olivia Barber, Elle Chavis, Rebecca Ciarochi, Olivia Coker, Isabelle Eggart, Annabel Everitt, Finley Galvin, Eliana Lourdes Garcia, Sophie Goelzer, Elizabeth Goelzer, Camille Gravel, Katherine Hess, Grace Hoverman,  Sydney Hoyl, Madeleine Hubach, Kaylie Hudnall, Harper Knight,  Ella-Rose Levy, Lily Lynch, Ivy Mazzucchi, Julia Montgomery, Grace Cathryn Morrison, Natalie  Brooke Newton,  Anne Blanche Peacock,  Ava Perpall, Caroline Petrikas, Ellie Porray, Vivian Potter, Alexandra Sargis, Grace Schlafer, Hannah Jackson, Maddy Grace Sporl, Mary Stone, Ava Tribolet, Natalie Van Arsdale, Samantha Ward, and Annabeth Winn.

The Presentation Ball, which was first held in 1987, is the largest fundraiser for the DSOL. This annual celebration, dreamed of by visionary Tincy Miller, has become a cornerstone of the DSOL's mission.

Since its inception in 1946, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League has embraced the mission to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through service, education, and fundraising, contributing over $23 million to outreach and education programs.

In the grand symphony of philanthropy and tradition, the 2025 DSOL Presentation Ball will be a celebration of legacy, elegance, and the enduring spirit of giving.

The Presentation Ball is sponsored by Avondale Dealerships. PaperCity is the media sponsor. 

Photos by Gittings and Deborah Brown

Three Premier Downtown Dallas Hotels Partner to Elevate Convention Experience

Sheraton Dallas Hotel, Dallas Marriott Downtown, and JW Marriott Arts District Hotel Join Forces to Welcome Business Travelers with Vibrant Downtown Accommodations

DALLAS - December 9, 2024 - In an exciting move to strengthen Dallas’ position as a premier destination for business and leisure travel, three prominent downtown hotels—Sheraton Dallas, Dallas Marriott Downtown, and JW Marriott Arts District Hotel—are teaming up for the Dallas Downtown Connection, a comprehensive and elevated experience for convention-goers and corporate travelers. This new collaboration unites the strengths of each property, providing guests with unparalleled access to versatile event and meeting spaces, upscale amenities, overflow guest rooms, and a wide range of services designed to make every business trip smooth and memorable.

Conveniently linked by a sky bridge, the Sheraton Dallas Hotel and Dallas Marriott Downtown provide unmatched access to a seamless meeting experience. Just minutes away, the JW Marriott Arts District Hotel offers approachable luxury and boasts a prime location in the heart of the iconic, bustling Arts District, placing guests at the doorstep of Dallas’ cultural and entertainment hub.

Together, these three hotels elevate the convention and business travel experience with:

• 292,000 square feet of flexible meeting space

• 81 breakout spaces

• 2,615 guest rooms

• 9 restaurants and bars, including 2 grab-and-go markets

• Easy access to Downtown Dallas parks for outdoor event options

Sheraton Dallas, the largest hotel in Texas and second largest Sheraton hotel in the world, is situated in the epicenter of downtown, inviting guests to Dare to Discover Our Dallas. With over 230,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, it offers an impressive setting for team meetings, training, conferences, and business events in the heart of the city. The conference center and expansive pre-function areas can accommodate up to 5,000 attendees. The seasoned event management team thrives on innovation, collaborating closely with meeting planners to develop fresh solutions and deliver exceptional experiences.

Sheraton Dallas has 1,841 guest rooms to include 283 suites and 22 presidential; four food and beverage outlets; over 230,000 square feet of meeting and event space; large fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment; pool with stunning views of Downtown Dallas; and an outdoor terrace garden featuring fresh herbs and vegetables that are utilized in the hotel’s dining outlets. 

At the edge of the Arts District, Dallas Marriott Downtown presents endless possibilities for hotel travelers to retreat in the heart of Dallas, as it is connected to Plaza of the Americas and provides an unparalleled vantage point to host meetings and events. The hotel offers 40,000 square feet of flexible event space, top-notch service, and a skilled in-house culinary team to personalize catering needs. With 416 guest rooms and suites, Dallas Marriott Downtown offers premium accommodations and guest amenities, featuring King beds in every room, flat-screen TVs with streaming capabilities, a Clean Air filtration system integrated into all rooms, and a buzzing restaurant and bar for happy hours, late-night bites, weekend brunch, and more.

Pacific Plaza Park. Photo Credit: Sheraton Dallas. View the image here.

Steps away from the Sheraton Dallas and Dallas Marriott Downtown is Pacific Plaza Park, complete with 3.7 acres of green space for a memorable, outdoor Dallas Downtown Connection experience. Sheraton Dallas offers catering options in this space which count towards group contracted food and beverage minimums. Other park features include:

• 614-foot-long Indiana limestone seat wall traversing the entire park

• Over 140+ planted trees

• 31,950 square feet of lawn

• Light and standard outlets throughout the park

• Outdoor amplified sound, allowed in conjunction with a special event permit between the hours of 9 AM and 10 PM

JW Marriott Dallas Arts District Hotel is an exceptional location in the Arts District, minutes from renowned shopping, dining and entertainment, including Klyde Warren Park – recently named the “#5 Best City Park in the country” by USA Today – and the American Airlines Center. Each of the 10 versatile, light-filled meeting venues, totaling 22,218 square feet, provides the ideal backdrop for creative events designed to foster connection. At over 7,700 square feet, its Harwood Ballroom can accommodate up to 480 people.

JW Marriott Dallas Arts District Hotel features 22 floors with 9 guest suites and 258 guest rooms that are spacious and beautifully designed to encourage relaxation and productivity. Floor-to-ceiling windows immerse guests in the dynamic Dallas life, while in a tranquil oasis. With tailored catering options, resident restaurants, and a cafe market offering convenient dining, guests can indulge in handcrafted cocktails and curated menus—all without ever having to leave the hotel.

As major convention hubs in the heart of Downtown Dallas, these hotels are committed to delivering the highest standards of hospitality, catering to the growing demand for large-scale events, conferences, and trade shows. Dallas Downtown Connection aims to attract more conventions to the city, enhancing Dallas’ reputation as a vibrant business destination. Whether attending a convention or simply exploring the rich culture of downtown Dallas, visitors will experience seamless service, premium accommodations, and a dynamic environment to make their stay in this vibrant city truly exceptional.

Sheraton Dallas Hotel is located at 400 Olive St, Dallas, TX 75201. For images, please view the Digital Media Kit. For more information, visit www.SheratonDallas.com. For more information about events, contact the Sales team at SheratonDallasSales@Sheraton.com.

Dallas Marriott Downtown is located at 650 N Pearl St, Dallas, TX 75201. For more information, visit www.Marriott.com/Daldt/. For more information about events, contact the Sales team at Carson.Honeycutt@Marriott.com.

JW Marriott Dallas Arts District is located at 800 N Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201. For more information, visit www.Marriott.com/Dalja/. For more information about events, contact the Sales team at Sarah.Florsheim@Marriott.com.

About Sheraton Dallas Hotel: 

The Sheraton Dallas Hotel is an urban downtown Dallas destination located only steps away from the city’s vibrant arts and business districts, and adjacent to the DART rail line. Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, guests of the Sheraton Dallas can experience the culture, sports centers, entertainment, shopping and dining options that have made Dallas a world-renowned destination. It is the 2nd largest Sheraton Hotel in the world, featuring 1,841 guest rooms and over 230,000 square feet of meeting and event space, the hotel combines form, function and style to host a video conference for 10 or a gala for 5,000. For more information about the Sheraton Dallas, or to make a reservation, visit www.SheratonDallas.com. From the U.S. and Canada, reservations for any Sheraton hotel worldwide can be made by visiting www.marriott.com/sheraton.

About Sheraton® Hotels & Resorts 

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts makes it easy for guests to feel welcome at over 430 hotels and resorts in nearly 75 countries and territories around the world. As the most global brand within Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of extraordinary hotel brands sitting at the center of hundreds of communities around the world, Sheraton has a rich heritage in creating a sense of belonging for guests, wherever they are in the world. Sheraton is currently undergoing a major brand transformation, creating a signature community experience for the next generation of travelers and locals alike at properties across the globe. The new vision for Sheraton features intuitive design, tech-forward experiences, and upgrades to everything from public space and F&B to flexible meeting space. To learn more, visit www.sheraton.com. Stay connected to Sheraton on Facebook, and @sheratonhotels on Twitter and Instagram. Sheraton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. 

About Marriott Hotels® 

With over 590 hotels and resorts in more than 65 countries and territories around the world, Marriott Hotels is evolving travel through every aspect of the guest's stay, helping to relax, clear minds, stimulate new ideas, and anticipate travelers’ needs, leaving them inspired to reach their full potential. Boldly transforming itself for mobile and global travelers who blend work and play, Marriott leads the industry with innovations, including the Greatroom lobby and Mobile Guest Services that elevate style & design and technology. To learn more, visit www.MarriottHotels.com. Stay connected to Marriott Hotels on Facebook, @marriott on Twitter and @marriotthotels on Instagram. Marriott Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

ABOUT JW MARRIOTT DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT

The first hotel under the JW Marriott flag in the city of Dallas, JW Marriott Dallas Arts District is located in the center of the Dallas Arts District, the largest contiguous arts district in the United States featuring multiple world-class museums, performance halls, and significant architecture. The hotel features three food and beverage outlets including 800 North, a ground-level coffee and cocktail bar; Margaret’s, a three meal farm-to-table concept with contemporary American menu; and Vincent’s, the 11th floor outdoor lounge with wrap-around views of the downtown skyline offering seasonal handcrafted cocktails. Business meets pleasure with over 20,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space and 267 guest rooms featuring mid-century modern design with elements inspired by the fine arts that surround the property on every side. Days may be spent enjoying the sunshine on the 11th floor mid air pool, and evenings spent on short strolls to Arts District landmarks. For more information, call 214-347-9499 or visit jwmarriottdallasartsdistrict.com.

ABOUT JW MARRIOTT

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW Marriott is a tribute to the founder of Marriott International, J. Willard “J.W.” Marriott, who prioritized his own well-being so that he could take better care of others. Inspired by his approach to life and rooted in holistic well-being, JW Marriott properties offer a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are more than 100 JW Marriott hotels in more than 35 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

# # #

Murder and Matrimony in the Castello

by

Tessa Floreano

An atmospheric and immersive historical mystery with a touch of forbidden attraction set in the late 1890s in northern Italy.

Murder and Matrimony in the Castello by Tess Floreano is a new historical mystery set in the late 1890s in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. With an engaging main character and suspenseful domestic mystery wrapped in an immersive historical setting, I felt I was side-by-side with a new best friend as she prepared for her Yuletide wedding in a miasma of menace. 

When bride-to-be Renata Bombonetti witnesses a man plunge to a certain death from the top of a tower on the grounds of the castello, she is shocked to discover that no one else seems to know that this tragedy has even occurred. Puzzled by Placido’s failure to greet her and her family upon their arrival at his home, his absence vaguely explained away by his relatives as he was away handling a furniture delivery, her concern grows day by day with the arrival of cryptic notes, the disappearance of the best man and his pregnant wife, and still no bridegroom. Renata determines she must investigate. 

Renata is a likable, enthusiastic, young amateur sleuth and diehard fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes. While her mother had ensured her training in the administration of an aristocratic household, her father, an early advocate of higher education for women, has nurtured her intellectual growth. Her investigation is hampered by conservative societal expectations for her gender and station in life, a hostile castello staff left too long to their own devices, and the appearance of an intriguing but aggravatingly temperamental local police inspector with whom Ranata shares some definite chemistry. Her best friend, Nataliz Nunzio, proves a true “die or ride” sidekick, if for no other reason than she effectively distracts Renata’s mother from figuring out what her daughter is up to. 

The plot is compelling, and it is not until the big reveal that the identity of those responsible for the accidents and murder becomes clear; the author really keeps you guessing. Still, I felt one suspect’s motive for mayhem was weakened by our lack of contact with them and the dearth of character development. While one is present and vocal about their grievances, the other is absent for most of the story, no history of animosity is given to support the motive, and they don’t take any action to further their intentions against their actual target other than issuing a threat for them to come out of hiding or else. However, it was an acceptable explanation and perhaps one that will prove to become more understandable as the series progresses. 

I recommend MURDER AND MATRIMONY IN THE CASTELLO to readers of cozy and traditional historical mysteries. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

Located at 3131 Turtle Creek Boulevard in Dallas is the newest branch of Chambers Bank, which opened its first Texas location in North Texas on December 16, 2024.

Here also stands almost 100 years of banking built on trust, relationships and human connections – now available to Texans in a way that offers convenience and expert assistance with a full-service suite of personal and business banking solutions, including loans.

“By launching full-service banking in Texas, we are adding even more value to the successful relationships we have built in Texas over the years,” said J.R. Meeks, senior executive vice president at Chambers Bank. “This new Dallas branch gives us the opportunity to provide the full complement of the Chambers Bank experience to our clients in the Lone Star State.”

Chambers has tapped North Texan J.J. Gomez, an industry veteran with almost three decades of experience, to lead the Dallas branch and to introduce the DFW community to a style of banking based on personal relationships and backed by a strong tradition of trust.

“In a busy and connected world, we believe it is important to know your banker. We want to get to know you and offer personalized services to help you achieve your financial goals,” said Gomez. “Our team members all live here in DFW, and we strongly value the relationships with our clientele and in our community. Chambers is committed to giving back and playing an integral role in the ongoing success of life and business here in North Texas.”

Chambers Bank-Texas houses traditional banking amenities like teller services and lending and also features advanced technology and design. The bank is committed to providing convenient services paired with the human element, creating the kind of relationships with clientele that define a bespoke concierge banking experience.

Chambers Bank was founded on the belief that nothing is more important than relationships, and the most important aspect of a good relationship is trust. In 1930, Judge John Ed Chambers opened the doors to a community bank driven by a commitment to quality, service and local values. Today, those very same ideas form the foundation of a thriving enterprise with a presence across the state of Arkansas and into Texas. Integrity and stability are hallmarks of the bank, which has grown to include more than $1.3 billion in assets. Today, the bank upholds the same dedication to personal relationships it has for almost 100 years, a testament to its enduring success, blending innovation with tradition in a way that honors the past while simultaneously looking to the future.

“The Chambers family is excited to expand our footprint to Texas,” said Chambers Bank CEO and Chairman of the Board John Ed Chambers, III. “We love the Dallas community and the people of the Metroplex, and we look forward to building additional banking relationships in Texas.”

With the addition to the new Dallas location, Chambers Bank now operates 24 full-service branches in Arkansas and Texas.

Chambers Bank is a family-owned, community-focused financial services company headquartered in Danville, Arkansas. Founded in 1930, Chambers Bank currently operates 24 branches in Arkansas and Texas.