Addison Celebrates the Holidays by Rockin' Around the Circle

Celebrate the holidays in Addison, Texas, throughout the month of December with nearly three dozen different special events that will be offered for the very first time in the Town’s signature green space, Addison Circle Park. Called Rockin’ Around the Circle, the events run from Dec. 5-22, just in time for Santa to make his annual run.

The fun begins at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 with a very special lighting – but it’s not your typical Christmas tree lighting. The Addison Performing Arts Centre has an iconic two-story glass entry known as the Cake Topper. Come count down with family and friends at 5 p.m. as the Town lights up the Cake Topper, creating the perfect red and green backdrop for holiday photos. This magical moment will also include a Holly Jolly Bar, where guests can enjoy holiday caroling by Vocal Magic, light hors d’oeuvres and plenty of holiday cheer – including beer, wine and a few special holiday-themed cocktails.

Following the Cake Topper lighting is the season’s first performance of The Beulaville Baptist Book Club Presents: A Bur-Less-Q Nutcracker. In the play, the women of the Beulaville Baptist Book Club are in dire straits financially, and as a last-ditch attempt to save their book club, they decide to do a fundraiser performance of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” The ballet troupe gets food poisoning, and the group hires the Velvet Kittens Burlesque Dancers to do the performance – not knowing what “burlesque” means. The end result? The most original, unusual and comical Nutcracker you have ever seen! Performances begin Dec. 5 and run Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Dec. 29. The play is meant for mature audiences.

That same evening, The Addison will host the first of three performances of Frozen Jr., based on the enchanting modern Disney classic about the powerful bond between sisters and discovering one’s hidden potential. The Arise Acting Studio show features all the memorable songs from the animated film, plus five new songs written for its Broadway production. The production continues at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6-8.

At 6 p.m Friday, Dec. 6, the biggest event of the season happens: the Addison Circle Holiday Tree Lighting. Addison Circle Park will transform into a winter wonderland filled with holiday magic, featuring a performance by Emerald City All Stars, who will play a mix of holiday tunes and the high-energy hits for which they are known; cozy carriage rides and a special Holiday Wish Floating Lantern release into the Water Gardens that will set the night aglow. There will also be s’mores and hot cocoa stations plus photo ops with Santa Claus. Mayor Bruce Arfsten will be on hand to light the tree, which will feature lights that dance along to Christmas tunes including the classic “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Bring new and unwrapped adult socks, blankets, canned food and toys to donate to DART's Stuff a Bus.

On Saturday, Dec. 7, bring your pup to Addison Circle Park for Feliz Navi-Dog. Everyone loves FREE pictures with Santa ... even our furry friends! Save the date for a sweet holiday memory with your four-legged friend. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will also feature animal adoptions from Addison Animal Services, vendors selling animal accoutrements and FREE pup cups from Java & Hopps.

Join Fernando the Artist for an evening of art, drinks and good company at The Addison at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 for a Holiday Sip & Paint. No artistic skills needed. Grab a drink from the bar and follow along with Fernando as he guides you through painting a picture of your choice. This event is perfect for a night out with friends and family. The event will repeat at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19.

For those seeking to participate in their theater experience, on Friday, Dec. 13, The Addison is hosting the murder-mystery dinner Grandma Got Run Over by a What? During Christmas, the one time of year the entire Frostwood family gathers reluctantly together under the watchful eye of its' matriarch, Virginia. This year promises to be as full of poisoned tongues and backstabbing as any other – until the unthinkable happens: Someone has murdered Virginia Frostwood! Use your skills to determine whodunit in this lively Christmas mystery. The dinner-and-show event repeats on Dec. 14, 20 and 21.

On Sunday Dec. 15, head to The Addison for Festive Legends: Holidays Around the World. Keep your holiday spirits bright with help from the Plano Symphony Orchestra’s strings section and dancers from Pure Movement Dance in Allen. The troupes will take guests on a trip around the world in 45 minutes with holiday carols, traditions, dances and fun! This interactive program invites kids onstage to be part of the action and culminates in a Christmas sing-a-long for the whole family. Arrive early to earn a Plano Symphony fun patch and try out instruments at the Instrument Petting Zoo in the lobby one hour prior to the concert. Tickets are $17 for the 1 p.m. performance. Guests are invited to bring an item to donate to Metrocrest Services.

On Friday, Dec. 20, have a Groovy Christmas at The Addison. This immersive holiday show blurs the lines between performers and guests. A brand-new production from 6 o’Clock Dance Theatre artistic directors Jen Mabus and Zach Ingram, this special show will feature dance, music and vocal performances. And nothing is off limits for The Holiday Cheermeister, who is sure to make a special appearance! The event’s interactive format, and mix of traditional and nontraditional songs, all come together in a cohesive evening examining the essence of the holiday season — from gift-giving to time with (or without) loved ones. The show will also be performed Dec. 21-22.

Finally, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, stretch out your body in preparation for holiday feasts by doing some yoga – with goats dressed in Christmas sweaters. Get your GOGA on while pet goats graze and jump around (or on) you at this event in Addison Circle Park. Proceeds from this class directly benefit Goat Yoga Dallas’ animals and local nonprofit initiatives. Tickets are $20 for kids 5-12 and $32 for adults at Eventbrite.

But that’s not all the holiday magic Addison has to offer. Carriage rides through the Town’s Christmas lights are available every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Nov. 29 through Dec. 22. Cozy up and take in the festive sights and sounds as you glide through the beautifully decorated Addison Circle District. Perfect for creating warm holiday memories with loved ones, these carriage rides are a magical way to experience the district’s winter wonderland ambiance. Carriages can take up to nine guests; ticket prices depend on group size. See the ticketing website for details.

And the restaurants and businesses around Addison Circle are getting in on the holiday action as well. Several are offering specials and discounts through the holidays. See visitaddison.com/holidays to find out more.

ADDISON ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CIRCLE EVENTS

Events take place at Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle, or The Addison Performing Arts Centre, 15650 Addison Road.

Cake Topper Lighting

4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 at The Addison

Free

visitaddison.com/event/cake-topper-lighting/97/

Frozen Jr.

7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 8 at The Addison

$21 students, $31 adults

visitaddison.com/event/frozen-jr/91/

Tree Lighting Ceremony

6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 at Addison Circle Park