LIKE MIKE: How many couples in the crowd to see Michael W. Smith's Christmas with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra played one of his hits at their wedding? Probably enough to fill a chapel, at least. But Bono's good buddy has done more than just serenade Christian brides and grooms with piano ballads. He's won 24 Dove awards, 3 Grammys and an, um, coveted spot on Sean Hannity's Freedom Concert tours. See the artist George W. commisioned to write a song for 9/11 perform tunes with a bit more cheer at the Meyerson. 7:30PM. Find tickets here.
ORNAMENTAL MOOD: If there's a reason why the handpainted elk goes on such-and-such branch at x distance from the garland on your tree, you'll identify with the folks behind Deck the Halls at the Old Red Museum. Staff and volunteers associated with nonprofits like the Deaf Action Center and the North Texas Food Bank have decorated 12 trees to illustrate Dallas County holiday traditions, and you can vote for the mini-exhibits of sorts by packing the box under your favorite tree with donations. The museum is open until 5PM.
SPARKLY SQUARE: So we can't find the official source of promotional claims that Frisco's Christmas in the Square is indeed the biggest synced-up holiday lights and music display in Texas. But 100,000 lights, 9.1 miles of wiring and 5.5 miles of extension cords -- that's where they all went! -- seems about right. After all, the city's all-or-nothing Christmas spirit was documented as a model of American holiday excess in Tinsel: A Search for America's Christmas Present. In this spot, though, there's just the townie Market Place where specialty vendors set up shop, so you can focus on the show without Stonebriar to drown out the wonder. 5:30-9:30PM.
