Community Connections – Holiday Events Around DFW for Military Families
by Judy Jigarjian

The holiday season is here. Traditionally this is a time of joyful celebration, yet for military service members and their families it can also be a challenging time.  
Staying connected with your community can help, so we are sharing a special list of events and activities here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Family Fun – Santa Day
Ho, ho, ho! 
Come visit the Frontiers of Flight Museum, Love Field, for an exciting day, 
Sunday, December 4, 2022, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
A very special guest, Santa, will be flying in on a helicopter and there will be fun activities for kids of all ages! Don’t be shy either -take your picture with Santa, too, plus enjoy music, treats and refreshments.

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Rejoice! FREE Sing-A Long -Messiah - Broadway Baptist Church
Sunday, December 4, 2022, 7:00 pm; Doors open at 6:15 pm.

Many of our military service members are talented musicians, but you don’t need to be to enjoy this event. For this holiday concert, come be part of the chorus and sing out loud!

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Explore! A classic ballet features a youth cast.
Dallas Black Dance Academy presents Espresso Nutcracker
Saturday, December 10, 2022, 7:00 pm

Experience this magical holiday event In-Person at the Majestic Theater or get Virtual Tickets and share a delightful evening with your children and grand kids.

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Got a sweet tooth? FREE Virtual Holiday Cookies
Thursday, December 8, 2022 2:00 pm
Join the USO In The Kitchen with Chef Joel - Holiday Sugar Cookies

Share holiday traditions with military spouses around the world while creating a delicious cookie the whole family can enjoy. We invite you to turn on your camera and join us in the kitchen. The ingredients list and recipe link will be in your confirmation email!

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We serve you.  FREE  Operation Homefront - Holiday Meals for Military
Saturday, December 10, 2022, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sign up now – reservations are limited.

Many military families are separated during the holidays due to deployments and others travel long distances to be together.
Jillann Ivan, Area Manager, Operation Homefront, stated “We will provide 150 families with a Holiday Meal Kit that includes all the traditional food items along with a voucher for a turkey from H-E-B.  This allows families to celebrate the holiday together, in their homes, with their families. 

Families that are eligible: Post 9/11 wounded, ill, or injured service member of any rank, both currently serving and those no longer serving in the military, or All Ranks, Active Duty, Guard and Reserves, any duty status.”

Holiday Meals for Military is Operation Homefront’s way of saying thank you for your service and sacrifices that you have made for our country!

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Escape! Lightscape at Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Nightly from 5:45 pm – 9:00 pm through January 8, 2023

Make this your new holiday tradition, after dark.

Wander along a beautifully illuminated walking trail.  Behold wondrous sights, sounds and color featuring suspended strands and tunnels of light, a fire garden, undulating wave of bluebonnets, singing trees, treetop sculptures, and artistic installations, while toasting marshmallows over a fire and drinking hot chocolate and other seasonal drinks at stations along the trail.

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Remember, Honor, Teach
Saturday, December 17, 2022, 11:00 am

Wreath-laying ceremonies to honor our nation's veterans who are laid to rest.

Participate locally through these two chapters:
Wreaths across America - Flower Mound - NSDAR
Wreaths Across America - Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery

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