Can you believe 2018 has almost come to an end? Presents have been opened and New Year's Eve is just around the corner, which means now is the time to finalize your plans for ringing in 2019. Fortunately, there are many great options for entertainment in the DFW area. Here are some of our top choices for this NYE. 

1. The Dallas Symphony's New Year's Eve: Meyerson 'Til Midnight 

Why not spend your last night in 2018 surrounded by beautiful music? The Dallas Symphony Orchestra will play at 7:30, then guests will be invited to participate in post-show festivities until 12:30 AM. The after party includes a live band, a dance floor, a bar and plenty of amazing photo opportunities. Snag your ticket today. 

2. Megaparty at Happiest Hour in Dallas 

Balloon drops, champagne, city views and live DJs. What more could you really want from an epic NYE celebration? Come raise the roof with Happiest Hour from 9 PM to 2 AM. Tickets start at $50 for general admission. 

3. Dance the Night Away at Cowboys Red River 

Here in Texas, we like to two-step our way into the new year. That's why Cowboys Red River Dance Hall is hosting a New Year's Eve Bash for people over the age of 18. For $10 ($20 for people ages 18-20), you can spend the last night of 2018 drinking and dancing to live music. 

4. Watch the Fireworks at Reunion Tower 

Whether you're watching from near the tower or across the city, you won't want to miss "Reunion Tower Over the Top NYE 2018." The panoramic firework spectacular will light up the sky starting at 11:59, and be prepared for something even more impressive than last year's display. 

5. Lonestar NYE Live at Globe Life Park in Arlington 

Starting at 9 PM at this one-of-a-kind event, you can experience an unforgettable night packed with live music, champagne, fireworks, confetti, party favors and a ball drop. Tickets start at $25 for general admission and go up to $300 for "Platinum Admission," which gets you a dinner buffet and a late night pizza party, as well as access to the VIP lounge. 

6. Free Concert at The Rustic in Dallas 

On December 31st at 9 PM, Bryce Merrit will be performing live at one of Dallas' most unique venues. As long as you RSVP soon, you'll get in for free. If you buy the VIP tickets, you'll get guaranteed admittance, a complimentary midnight champagne toast and NYE appetizers. Listen to Merrit's soul-infused pop tunes while preparing to welcome 2019 in a fun, affordable way. 

7. The Dallas NYE Ball at the Crowne Plaza Hotel 

If you want to dress up and feel a little ritzy on NYE, then this ball is right up your alley. There are three party floors complete with photo backdrops and unparraled entertainment. Your admission ticket gives you access to some of Dallas' top DJs, party favors, games, beer pong, dance floors and many other highlights. Get yours today. 

8. Lights All Night at Dallas Market Hall 

Ever since 2010, this annual event has attracted tens of thousands of people. This is a huge night of electronic music complete with lasers, lights and confetti. This event doesn't technically fall on December 31, but we'll label December 28th as close enough if you want to ring in the new year with big names like Gucci Mane and Tiesto. Get your tickets online now. 

9. Beats and Bubbly at the Perot Museum

For $110 per person, you'll receive access to all five levels of this stellar museum, as well as party favors, professional pictures, sweet treats and so much more. At midnight, you'll ring in the new year with a confetti countdown you'll never forget. Spend the evening wining and dining while wandering around the various exhibits, then finish it off with a bit of excitement. 

10. Brew Years Eve in Dallas 

If you love breweries, this is the place to be when that ball drops. There will be local music, food trucks, and plenty of beer at the Noble Rey Brewing Co. in Dallas. Plus, there are tons of arcade and video games to play, so you can have a blast while you wait for 2019 to make an appearance. Tickets are available here. 


How will you be spending NYE this year? Let us know in the comments! 

Christmas is just a handful of days away, but it's not too late to squeeze in a few last festive activities. From ballet shows to holiday plays, here are the top five events you can snag last-minute tickets to this weekend. 

Dallas Theater Center's A Christmas Carol 

Dicken's beloved classic is hitting the stage once again at Wyly Theater in Dallas. Watch as three spirits come to visit grouchy old Ebeneezer Scrooge in an attempt to change his money-grubbing ways. Choose between any of the many showtimes from now until December 30. Tickets are available at dallastheatercenter.org. 

Enchant: The World's Largest Christmas Light Maze and Market 

Why just drive around and look at Christmas lights when you can wander through a field packed with them? Your ticket to this lights maze in Arlington also gives you access to a cute little Christmas market. Stroll around underneath the fake snow and listen to Christmas music as you snap dozens of great photos. If you want to pay a little extra, you can even ice skate amongst the brilliantly-lit trees. The park stays open from now until December 30. Tickets are available at enchantchristmas.com/arlington. 

Gaylord Texan's ICE featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 

From now until January 1, drop by the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine to visit a true winter wonderland. ICE features walk-through exhibits of more than two million pounds of ice sculptures, all kept at a frigid 9 degrees Fahrenheit. This year, the theme includes everyone's favorite reindeer, as well as a beautiful depiction of the Nativity scene. Use the code "JOLLY" to save on certain dates. Tickets are available here. 

Holiday at the Arboretum 

As always, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is putting on a Christmas display for viewers of all ages. The show's theme, "The 12 Days of Christmas," features a dozen elaborate gazebos filled with depictions from the song. See beautiful ladies dancing and bedazzled birds singing, then sip on some hot chocolate as you wander through the rest of the gardens. The displays stay up until December 31. Tickets are available at dallasarboretum.org. 

Trans-Siberian Orchestra in Concert 

On Saturday, December 22, the critically-acclaimed Trans-Siberian Orchestra will perform two shows from their beloved winter tour. Listen to classics like "O Come All Ye Faithful" performed in the rock opera style. Grab your tickets to either the 3 PM or 8 PM shows at American Airlines Center before they're gone. 


What events are you attending this weekend? Let us know in the comment section! 

From now until December 23, the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington is open to all local residents. Stop by to explore a traditional German holiday market complete with gifts, decorations, food, and treats. Munch on a few snacks while you get last-minute Christmas shopping done, and be sure to check out all of the handcrafted German gifts. 

The market is family-friendly and free to visit. There are even forms of live entertainment to check out, as well as designs from real Christmas markets overseas. To check the market out, stop by at 1650 E. Randol Mill Road in Arlington sometime this next week. Vendors arrive at 11:00 AM and stay until 9:00 PM most days (10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays). 

It's the season of giving, which means now is the perfect time to select a charity and contribute a donation. However, don't just pull a random charity's name out of a hat. When you donate, you should really think about who you're giving to and what the organization will do with the new funds. 

To help you narrow down the best charity for your passion and money, use these helpful tips while researching various non-profits and groups. 

1. Check Out Charity Navigator 

This website has rated more than 9,000 charities based on their transparency, financial health and accountability. This can help you find an organization that will use your donation effectively and honestly to make a difference. Search charities you already know about to see their ratings, or view Charity Navigator's top ten lists for inspiration. 

2. Think About What Cause Is Important to You 

Donating becomes much more important and personal when you consider which organizations you're passionate about. If you or a relative suffered from childhood cancer, give to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. Have a passion for animals? Consider donating to Last Chance for Animals or Animal Welfare Society. There are millions of different charity types in the world, so don't assume that you've heard of them all before. 

3. Steer Clear of Charities That Don't Offer Information About Their Finances 

It's always nice to know exactly how your donation will make an impact, both for the sake of your own curiosity and for safety reasons. Real charities with legitimate agendas will be happy to discuss their programs and finances, so don't fall prey to any organizations that keep secrets or pressure you into giving. 


Where are you donating this holiday season? Leave suggestions in the comments below! 

Before we dive into the details of this brilliant, terrifying show, let's clear one thing up: this Netflix original is not just for horror movie fanatics and people who like to be scared. It's also for people who appreciate high-quality and addicting stories of personal battles, relationships and mental health. The Haunting of Hill House has so much more to offer than jump scares, so even if you're not a fan of scary movies, keep reading. 

There are dozens of reasons to watch this critically-acclaimed series, if not more, but today we're just talking about the top five. If you're not ready to watch all ten episodes this weekend after reading them, then you're truly missing out on what has been dubbed "the first great horror TV series."

1. The cinematography is stunning.

Regardless of how you feel about scary movies and shows, anyone can appreciate the effort that went into filming this production. For instance, in episode six, there are long chunks of unedited shots. You'll find yourself wondering how the actors worked around this filming technique and what the massive set must look like to allow for such maneuvering. Furthermore, the coloring and special effects in every scene contribute to an overall aesthetic that will please any lover of film or art. 

2. Everything, from the costumes to the shocking scares, is perfectly planned.

Nothing about The Haunting of Hill House is sloppy. Whether it's a jean jacket on a character or a ghost lurking in a hall, everything was intentionally placed to draw the viewer in. You won't find any pathetic jump scares or unnecessary suspense in this show, which is refreshing in a world of poorly-plotted horror movies. 

3. Many of the most terrifying elements are subtle.

Over the course of the series, there are dozens of hidden ghosts that are almost invisible to the naked eye. You might even need to re-watch episodes in order to note all of the terrifying details in the background. Additionally, the dialogue is packed with foreboding elements, and if you pay close enough attention, you'll notice the puzzle pieces the writers planted in every episode. 

4. The show is more about family than it is about terror. 

Because the show follows a set of siblings and their two parents, many of its themes stem from their family dynamics and complicated relationships. You'll find yourself immensely interested in every character's backstory, and the creators do an excellent job of setting up questions only to draw out long, horrifying answers. The story is equal parts moving and terrible, and like thousands of others, you'll be addicted after episode one. 

5. It's morbidly fun to solve the mysteries along with the characters. 

What's with the Bent-Neck Lady? Who is Luke playing with in the woods? What really happened to Olivia? Each episode reveals a new secret, and if you like playing detective, you'll get a real kick out of trying to solve the convoluted, disturbing mysteries. 


Have you watched The Haunting of Hill House yet? If so, what did you think of it? Leave your opinions in the comment section!