Finding a Little Christmas Queer this Holiday Season
Discover the perfect LGBTQ+ soiree to add some cheer to your holiday celebration.
Dallas' LGBTQ+ community loves any excuse to throw a party or dress up for a theme, so you'll find plenty of ways to celebrate the joy and magic this time of year at several annual events in the gayborhood and beyond. For the very latest holiday happenings, make sure to check out Dallas' current LGBTQ+ events.
Win big money at yuletide Gaybingo
The holiday season kicks off before the Thanksgiving turkey's even been thawed. Each November, Resource Center's popular Gaybingo fundraiser takes on a holiday theme because they take December off. Players are encouraged to dress in the theme, whether it's Ugly Sweater, Winter Wonderland, or Snowball. Reservations book well in advance, so make sure to grab a seat as soon as the November edition is announced.
Immerse yourself in holiday music with the Turtle Creek Chorale
One of the LGBTQ+ community's most beloved traditions takes place each December as the world-renowned Turtle Creek Chorale men's chorus presents its holiday spectacular. The show's title changes each year, but the program always features traditional carols, hilarious holiday hijinx, and a full orchestra to fill the venue - and your heart - with beautiful music.
Tour the most festive neighborhoods on a little yellow bus
You know it's the holiday season when you drive through a fancy neighborhood and the homes are lit up so brightly they can be seen from outer space. But it's hard to enjoy the full spectacle when driving yourself, so joining a holiday light tour can offer a new, laid-back way to get the full perspective. Several companies offer the chance to sit back and relax on everything from a motorcoach to a horse-drawn carriage. I See Dallas takes to the streets in a decorated tiny yellow bus that you can rent out for just you and your closest friends and family.
Get in the spirit of the season with some Christmas Pops
Each year, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents several Christmas Pops concerts with grand orchestrations, rousing sing-alongs, indoor snow flurries, as well as an appearance by jolly old Mr. Claus himself.
Scrooge around with the Dallas Theater Center
All over town, local theater troupes stage versions of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, but Dallas Theater Center always produces one of the best Broadway-level spectacles. The creative team always puts a different spin on the timeless tale of redemption, including a female Scrooge in the past, as well as wonderfully diverse casts and characterizations.
Don your best gay apparel for a holiday-themed drag brunch
Drag brunches in Dallas are among the rowdiest parties in town any month of the year, but as the holidays approach, the drag queens get in an even more festive mood themselves. Be on the lookout for special seasonal editions of drag brunch at Commons club inside Virgin Hotels Dallas in the Dallas Design District, or the gayborhood at Mr Misster or Cedar Springs Tap House. Local fundraising queen Marsha Dimes also hosts a monthly drag brunch in which all proceeds are donated to a local charity.
Be a dear, give a bear
The annual Teddy Bear Party raises money for multiple nonprofit organizations that help children and families, and fight for LGBTQ+ rights, including Cook's Children's Hospitals, Family Equality Council, and Equality Texas. Each participant is asked to bring a stuffed teddy bear in addition to fundraising efforts throughout the night.
Ring in the New Year in the gayborhood
End the year on a high note with a New Year's Eve party at one of the many LGBTQ+ bars and clubs along Cedar Springs Road. Whether you're looking to dance, listen to live music, or simply compare resolutions with friends, you'll find the party you're looking for at Round-Up Saloon & Dance Hall, Dallas Woody's, Sue Ellen's, Cedar Springs Tap House, Station 4 (S4), JR's, Mr Misster, TMC, and Alexandre's.