This holiday season, North Texas is invited to experience one of China’s most treasured living art forms as Tianyu Lights Festival illuminates Grand Prairie. Master lantern artisans from Zigong, Sichuan Province—renowned as the “Lantern Capital of the World”—have arrived to present a stunning collection of handcrafted lanterns, transforming the festival grounds at Texas Trust CU Theatre into a glowing world of Chinese mythology, folklore, and cultural tradition.

With a history spanning more than 1,000 years, Chinese lantern-making is far more than decoration—it is a rich storytelling art form rooted in symbolism, philosophy, and communal celebration. Tianyu Lights Festival represents the highest expression of this tradition, blending sculpture, painting, engineering, and narrative design into an immersive cultural experience.

Unlike modern light installations, every lantern featured at Tianyu Lights Festival is entirely handmade. Artisans construct steel frameworks by hand, wrap each form in silk, and meticulously paint every detail. Dragons symbolize power and prosperity, lotus flowers represent purity, and pandas reflect harmony with nature—each lantern carries cultural meaning passed down through generations.

“A lantern is never just a shape,” says Huiyuan Liu, Event Manager at Tianyu Lights Festival. “Each design tells a story deeply connected to Chinese culture. This is not simply a light show—it is living heritage.”

The artisans behind Tianyu Lights Festival are not assembling prefabricated displays; they are living bearers of an ancient tradition, trained through the centuries-old master-apprentice system known as Shi Fu–Tu Di.

“The work of our artisans is a performance in itself,” Liu explains. “They hand-shape the steel, stretch the silk, paint every detail, and adapt designs on-site. Just as importantly, they teach—sharing the meaning and techniques behind the art so its cultural essence is truly understood.”

Visitors are not simply viewing illuminated sculptures—they are witnessing a live cultural presentation, where craftsmanship, creativity, and storytelling converge.

In 2008, the Zigong Lantern Festival was officially designated a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China, recognizing its irreplaceable cultural value. While themes have evolved to reflect modern influences and global audiences, the core techniques remain unchanged, allowing artisans to use ancient methods to tell new stories.

Tianyu Lights Festival exemplifies this balance of tradition and innovation, preserving authenticity while engaging visitors of all ages.

The presence of Zigong artisans in Grand Prairie offers a rare opportunity for the community to experience a culturally unique art form that fosters cross-cultural appreciation and understanding. Every beam of light reflects centuries of knowledge, patience, and artistry.

Texas A&M University College of Dentistry’s tips for a teeth-friendly holiday season

Celebrating the holidays can be both fun and safe for your oral health if you think ahead. Dr. Stephen McDonald, clinical associate professor in comprehensive dentistry at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, and Dr. Partha Mukherji, clinical assistant professor in comprehensive dentistry at the dental college, offer tips to keep your mouth healthy.

The holidays are full of family gatherings, parties and other opportunities to eat indulgent foods. However, those holiday treats can wreak havoc in your mouth.

Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas offers tips to help you survive the holiday season with your healthy smile intact, even if you eat a little treat here and there.

Don’t graze on sugary snacks, said Dr. Stephen McDonald, clinical associate professor in comprehensive dentistry. Indulge, rinse with water and be done with it, at least for a while.

“The amount of sugary foods and candy consumed during the holidays isn’t great for your waistline or your blood glucose level, but it probably isn’t the most important factor in regard to your dental health,” McDonald said. “The amount of time that your teeth are exposed to the acid produced by the sugar-ingesting bacteria is the key factor when it comes to cavities or tooth decay.”

Seek snacks low in sugar, such as pears, which stimulate saliva production. Other teeth-friendly foods include unsalted nuts, carrots and avocados.

Keep to a routine

Whether traveling, attending parties or shopping, don’t put off brushing and flossing. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. Floss at least once daily.

“While the ingredients in brands vary, all toothpastes contain mild abrasives that help remove food debris and stains on teeth,” McDonald said. “Look for the ADA Seal when purchasing toothpaste.”

If you are on the go, pack travel-size toothpaste, floss and mouthwash to remove food particles and plaque.

Eat cheese

Pair cheese when choosing cavity-causing foods for in-between-meals snacking. Chewing cheese increases saliva flow and helps clear cavity-causing bacteria and sugar. An Academy of General Dentistry study found that eating cheese kept pH levels elevated for up to 30 minutes.

When the mouth is exposed to low pH for prolonged periods, cavity-causing bacteria can thrive, said Dr. Partha Mukherji, clinical assistant professor in comprehensive dentistry. The range for a healthy mouth is 6.2 to 7.6, slightly acidic to neutral.

Drink water, rather than soda

Drinking water before meals makes you feel fuller and less likely to overeat. If you replace sugary drinks with water, you also wash away food particles, encourage saliva production and reduce the chances of decay.

Keep these tips on your checklist, and you will enjoy all the holiday festivities and enter 2026 with a healthy mouth.

The Heights Church in Richardson will hold two Christmas Eve worship services on Wednesday, December 24, at 3 PM and 5 PM, welcoming individuals and families from across the community to gather and celebrate the hope, peace, and joy of the Christmas season.

Each hour-long service will feature Christmas music and message, a story time for kids and a candle lighting within a family-friendly atmosphere. 

Located at 201 W. Renner Road in Richardson, The Heights Church has long been known for its strong focus on families and its commitment to helping people grow in their faith at every stage of life. The church offers robust kids and student ministry programs that support young people as they learn, ask questions, and develop a deeper understanding of their faith in age-appropriate and engaging ways.

The Heights’ kids and student ministries play a central role in the church’s mission to serve families, offering consistent programming that partners with parents to nurture faith at home and in the church community. This commitment to the next generation has made The Heights a trusted place for families seeking connection, spiritual growth, and support.

Christmas Eve services at The Heights Church are open to the community, who are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for seating and fellowship.

For more information about Christmas Eve services or The Heights Church, visit theheights.org/christmas.

The magic of Disney arrives in Dallas this holiday season for a three-week engagement as Disney’s Beauty and the Beast takes the stage at the iconic Music Hall at Fair Park, presented by Broadway Dallas. Perfect for families, date nights, and theater lovers of all ages, this limited-engagement production promises to be one of the most enchanting events of the year.

About the Show

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the celebrated stage adaptation of the Academy Award®-winning animated classic. With breathtaking costumes, whimsical characters, and the unforgettable music of “Be Our Guest,” “Gaston,” and the timeless title ballad, this production brings the heart and magic of the original story to vivid life.

This season’s staging also celebrates the first North American touring in 25 years offering Dallas audiences a special opportunity to experience this beloved musical in a grand theatrical setting.

Performance Dates & Times

December 16, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Music Hall at Fair Park — Dallas, TX

Audiences can choose from a variety of dates, including matinées and evening performances throughout the holiday season. With school breaks and festive gatherings in full swing, this is an ideal time to share the magic with family and friends.

About the Venue

The Music Hall at Fair Park is one of Dallas’ premier performing arts venues, known for its rich history, excellent acoustics, and world-class productions. Its spacious, elegant design makes it the perfect backdrop for a show as visually spectacular as Beauty and the Beast.

Tickets & Planning Tips

Tickets are available through BroadwayDallas.org and Ticketmaster, the official outlets for this production. Because this show is expected to be a major holiday highlight, early booking is strongly recommended.

A few tips:

• Arrive early to enjoy Fair Park’s seasonal ambiance and ease parking.
• Weekend and matinée performances tend to sell out fastest.
• Purchasing from official sources ensures valid entry—Broadway Dallas cannot assist with third-party reseller issues.

Why You’ll Love This Production

Timeless Storytelling: Belle’s journey—from her quiet provincial life to the enchanted halls of the Beast’s castle—remains as moving and magical as ever.

Iconic Music: Experience the songs you know and love performed live with full orchestration.

Broadway-Caliber Magic: Expect stunning sets, show-stopping choreography, and the polished production quality Broadway Dallas is known for.

Perfect for All Ages: Recommended for ages 6+, making it a wonderful introduction to theater for younger audiences.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or creating new memories with your family, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Music Hall at Fair Park is a holiday season must-see. Step into the magic, embrace the wonder, and be our guest for one of the most anticipated theatrical events of the year.

For more information and snag your tickets, visit here.