DALLASITES101 - YOUR 101 TO LIFE IN DALLAS & BEYOND

15 NEIGHBORHOODS & HOMES IN DALLAS WITH EXTRAVAGANT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS! What better way to get into the holiday spirit than driving around Dallas to admire (and judge) Christmas lights!? We’ve rounded up some of the best neighborhoods and homes to check out for holiday decor! NEIGHBORHOODS M Streets Cruise through the charming “M Streets” to spot cozy craftsman homes decked out for the holidays! Highland Park Big homes mean BIG decorations! Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to drool over some jaw-dropping mansions! Deerfield Known for their displays + they are offering carriage rides for the full experience! Swiss Ave Historic street with classic decorations! Don’t miss the mansion wrapped in a massive red bow! Regents Park Residents hand-fold 2,500+ paper bags to line the streets with glowing luminaries! Interlochen 200+ homes feature dazzling lights and creative displays! HOMES 10455 County Road 133, Celina Home transformed into a holiday amusement park with 1M+ lights, a carousel, Mrs. Claus’ bakery & more! 1600 Wagon Wheel Drive, Allen This home turns into a theater, playing highlights from Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually, and more! 5016 Keating Street, Fort Worth This home features 60 choreographed songs + an app to vote for your favorite while enjoying the display! 8624 Palermo Way, McKinney This home has a giant Buc-ee’s inflatable! + they are taking donations for The American Heart Association! 1655 Plummer Drive, Rockwall 150K+ lights to honor Nathaniel Hughes and raise funds for Meals on Wheels. 4521 Wisdom Way, Haltom City This viral home’s light shows include past themes like Selena + Texas Rangers. Word on the street this year is Wicked! 3809 Hazelhurst Drive, Frisco (Pictured in the first video) the @burkman_holiday_home is an iconic Dallas attraction! 2701 Dublin Park Drive, Parker Synchronized lights + an official Toys for Tots drop-off! 4615 Allencrest Lane, Dallas Don’t miss the over-the-top giant inflatable Santa—perfect for Christmas photos!

20+ NYE PARTIES IN DALLAS! Whether you’re looking for skyline views, club vibes, or a chill and romantic dinner, we’ve rounded up some of the best NYE parties happening in Dallas! 🥂 @CATCH Four-course prix-fixe dinner at this new swanky restaurant ⏰ 5:30-7pm or 8-10pm | 🎟 $155 or $250 @THEADOLPHUSHOTEL Upscale soirée with live music & champagne ⏰ 8pm-1am | 🎟 Starting at $125 @AKAITX Vibey club with live music & champagne ⏰ 9pm-2am | 🎟 Starting at $10 @BABOUSDALLAS Retro Studio 54-inspired bash with music & cocktails ⏰ 9pm-2am | 🎟 Starting at $200 @CATBIRDDALLAS cocktails, a red carpet, and paparazzi on a swanky rooftop ⏰ 8pm-2am | 🎟 Starting at $150 @COLUMBIANCC Open bar, apps, party favors, midnight champagne & caviar toast ⏰ 9pm-2am | 🎟 $400 @CITIZENDALLAS Nightclub with live DJs & specialty drinks ⏰ 10pm-2am | 🎟 Starting at $50 @CROWNBLOCKDALLAS Panoramic views, elevated bites & a sparkling toast ⏰ 9pm-1am | 🎟 $250 @DOUBLEDSDALLAS 70s prom-themed bash with music & drinks ⏰ 9pm-2am | 🎟 Starting at $150 @ITLLDOCLUB Party with legendary @FelixDaHousecat ⏰ 9pm-2am | 🎟 Starting at $25 @HAPPIESTHOURDAL Rooftop bash with skyline views, DJs & champagne ⏰ 9pm-2am | 🎟 Starting at $150 @LAMINADALLAS Latin-inspired party with food, drinks & dancing ⏰ 9pm-2am | 🎟 Starting at $50 @PETESDUELINGPIANOBAR Sing your heart out with dueling pianos ⏰ 8pm-1:30am | 🎟 Starting at $25 @REGINESLOUNGE Speakeasy vibes with dancing, cocktails & champagne ⏰ 9pm-2am | 🎟 Starting at $200 @THEVILLAGEDALLAS Ski-themed party with twinkling lights & faux snow ⏰ 8pm-1am | 🎟 Starting at $35 @WDALLAS Rooftop views, an open bar & live music ⏰ 9pm-2am | 🎟 Starting at $160 @THECRESCENTDALLAS Boujee champagne popsicles, 24k bombs, bites & desserts ⏰ 8pm-12am | 🎟 Free @SUEELLENSDALLAS Inclusive celebration with DJs, dancing & a midnight toast ⏰ 9pm-2am | 🎟 $15 @RITZCARLTONLASCOLINAS Live Orchestra, champagne toast, & a buffet ⏰ 7:30pm-12:30am | 🎟 $150 or free with hotel stay @THERUSTICDALLAS Live music & a midnight toast ⏰ 7pm-12:30am | 🎟 Free Comment NYE for the full list

THERE’S A BRAND-NEW ELEVATED FOOD HALL WITH 5 CONCEPTS AND A FULL BAR JUST STEPS AWAY FROM THE AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER Welcome to the neighborhood, @VictorySocialEatery ! Overseen by James Beard-nominated chef @ChefJHarm , the new elevated food hall is a must-visit if you’re in Victory Park. Swing by before or after a concert or game and bring the whole crew! HOW IT WORKS From fast casual to full-service dining, come in and order at the counter or sit down and let a waiter come to you! Order from whatever station you like and pick and choose across all menus, as each concept shares the same kitchen so you can get a little bit of everything. They have a spacious dining hall, a private dining room to rent out, a covered patio, and a streetside patio coming soon! 👀 Here’s what you can expect: COFFEE & BREAKFAST Rise & Thyme is reopening its all-day cafe at Victory Social with coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, tacos, bagels, and more, available for dine-in or to-go! SOUTHERN COMFORT FOOD Birdie, which is an original concept from their head chef, has a focus on Southern comfort food and fried chicken with an Asian twist. Their Katsu sandwich was one of our favorite things we tried! ALL-AMERICAN BISTRO Park Bistro is perfect for grabbing a quick bite featuring salads, sandwiches, and soups! Since they are at the bottom of a large office building, there is lots of traffic for quick service, so keep that in mind. CONTEMPORARY MEXICAN Itza Cocina offers tacos, burritos, and bowls with fresh tortillas and tons of flavor. NEAPOLITAN PIZZA AND PASTA D’oro Italiano is serving up Neapolitan-style pizzas and pasta out of their giant pizza oven, cooking pizzas in under 2 minutes. Pro tip: those who don’t eat pork can order their pepperoni pizza made with 100% beef! FULL-SERVICE BAR Don’t forget about the drinks! They also have a full bar with a variety of cocktails, beers, and wines to enjoy while you dine. 📍2323 Victory Ave

*giveaway below* LUXURY NEW YEARS EVE PARTY WITH LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AT THE RITZ-CARLTON DALLAS, LAS COLINAS Start the new year in style with the @RitzCarltonLasColinas at their inaugural Diamonds & Bowties celebration! With live music, elevated dinner, a night of dancing, and a champagne toast, it’s sure to be a luxurious night to remember! DIAMONDS & BOWTIES Tickets include live entertainment from the @JordanKahnOrchestra , an elevated buffet dinner, 2 drink tickets, festive gear, and valet parking! Pro tip: there are only a limited number of tickets for those who don’t have an overnight stay! LIVE ENTERTAINMENT + MUSIC The highlight of the evening is a performance by the Jordan Kahn Manhattan Orchestra, playing all your favorite hits, sure to get everyone on the dance floor! HOTEL PACKAGES Booking a stay at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas over 12/31 grants you exclusive access to this event, with no extra charge for event tickets! Make sure to select the “Diamonds & Bowties New Year's Event Package” when making your reservation. THE DETAILS The evening will run from 7:30 pm–12:30 am and all attendees must be 21 or older! Tickets for non-hotel guests are $150. WIN 2 FREE TICKETS We're teaming up with @RitzCarltonLasColinas to give away 2 tickets to their NYE party! To enter: + Like this post + Follow @RitzCarltonLasColinas and @Dallasites101 + Tag who you want to join you (each is an entry)! + The winner will be announced on 12/26, and tagged in this caption! 📍4150 N MacArthur Blvd, Dallas, TX 75038

UNIQUE WAYS TO GIVE BACK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AND 12 VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES AROUND DALLAS The holidays are here and a time for joy, connection, and generosity! We can’t think of a better way to fully embrace this season than giving back. With the help of @CommunitiesFoundationofTexas , we’re sharing meaningful ways to make an impact in our community – whether through gifts or hands-on opportunities around Dallas.  YOUR GUIDE TO GIVING  CFT makes it so easy to give and breaks it down in 4 ways at CFTexas.org/GivingGuide: 🎁 Give a Gift in Their Name: Support a local non-profit that matches your giving goals with a gift in someone’s name at NorthTexasGivingDay.org 🎁 Give the Gift of Giving: Create a donor-advised fund to create a lasting legacy of generosity while receiving immediate tax benefits. 🎁 Give Gifts from Local Non-Profits: Shop handcrafted and unique goods that make a local impact with every purchase. See a curated list at CFTexas.org/GivingGuide 🎁 Give with CFT: Support transformative community projects that address critical needs in our region HANDS-ON VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES @AustinStreetCenter : Serve meals during Christmas week, sort donations, and more @DallasCAC : Donate toys or money to brighten a child’s holiday @DallasLIFEShelter : Drop off donations at 1100 Cadiz St. @DallasZoo : Donate new toys, plushies, and books thru 12/31. The zoo staff will deliver them to Dallas Life Shelter @MissionArlington : Volunteer at the Christmas store thru 12/23—perfect for groups — or donate Christmas gifts @NotMySonDFW : Donate gifts or volunteering at their event on 12/23 @NorthTexasFoodBank : Donate to the mobile pantry, distribute meals, or watch A Christmas Carol at Wyly Theatre (donations benefit food bank) @OurCalling : Prep and serve meals, coffee, and more during Christmas week @SalArmyNTX : Be a bell ringer, support an Angel Tree, or help sort and distribute gifts for children and seniors in need @TheSeniorSource : Create holiday notes and cards, record festive videos or carols for residents @UGMDallas : Help serve meals through 12/27 @VNATexas : Help deliver Christmas meals to seniors on 12/25

6 UNIQUE WAYS TO CELEBRATE NYE AROUND DALLAS When we think of New Year’s Eve celebrations, we may typically think of fancy dinners or parties with champagne, balloon drops and glitzy decor but what about those of us who want to mix it up and do something unique, while still doing something? We have rounded up some options around town, explore them below! @FOURDAYWEEKENDCOMEDY Dallas and Fort Worth’s hilarious improv troupe is hosting an NYE event with a cocktail-style dinner, champagne toast and show. 🎟️ $115pp @EATALYDALLAS For those who don’t want to stay out late, Eataly’s celebration is from 4-7pm featuring all-inclusive food and drink tastings at various stations! 🎟️ $45 @DALLASSTARS GAME Cheer on our Stars as they take on the Buffalo Sabres on New Year’s Eve at 7pm! 🎟️ $50pp @DALLASSYMPHONY Head to the beautiful Morton H Meyerson Symphony Center for an evening of music from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Upgrade to the VIP ticket for a pre-show 5-course buffet dinner and intermission reception. 🎟️ $55pp CLASSICAL OPEN MIC Another option with classical music, @thewinetherapist_ in Lakewood is hosting an open mic night featuring classical music starting at 8pm. Bring your instrument and play, or listen to others. 🎟️ FREE @LOOPTHELAKE The 21st annual 15k Loop-the-Lake fun run around White Rock Lake is the perfect way to celebrate NYE super early, at 7am! 🎟️ donation-based Have you heard of any others?! Shout them out below in the comments!

OVER-THE-TOP SHAREABLE DRINKS, POOL, TVS, A MASSIVE PATIO, AND FREE CHILI?! SAY HELLO TO DALLAS’ NEWEST 25,000 SQ FT. DIVE BAR! 🤠 Dallas dive bars, watch out because we’re OBSESSED with @rodeocolddtx ! East Dallas’ newest watering hole is serving up a fresh twist on Texas dive bar classics with epic food, jumbo screens for game days, and a cozy vintage vibe! RODEO COLD Rodeo Cold comes from founders Robert Drummond and Ian & Eric Fletcher, and is a tribute to the Fletcher brothers’ father, Stan, one of the original bartenders at the first-ever Chili’s on Greenville Ave. (1978)! Located just down the street from that iconic spot, Rodeo Cold pays homage to classic neighborhood bar vibes with its super unique personality! THE 25,000 SQ FT DIVE BAR Step inside and you’ll feel transported to an old-school Texas dive bar—vintage posters, quirky knick-knacks, neon signs, and a pool table. Our fave? The HUGE patio! Still being renovated, but once done, it’ll feature a central bar, booths, cornhole, beer pong, crawfish boils, and a giant movie screen for game days! UNIQUE BAR FOOD Creative, Texas-inspired bites like: 🥒 Fried & Gon to Heaven: fried okra, pickles, or jalapeños 🐄 Wrangler Danglers: deep-fried beef balls 🌶️ Frito Chili Pie: wagyu chili, Fritos, cheese & garlic crema 🥩 Give ‘Em the Finger: steak fingers with Texas toast, fries & gravy 🍔 The Heifer: wagyu smash burger FUN COCKTAILS Bold drinks like: 🍌 Monkey Bomb: banana bourbon shot in fruit punch Happy Dad 🥃 Red River Punch: whiskey lemonade in a shareable cup 🍯 Giddy Up: vodka, cold brew, cream & honey 🥤 Trinity Shiver: vodka shot topped with a frozen drink (like Dr. Pepper or cherry limeade) FREE CHILI!? Yep, FREE chili at midnight for every customer, a nod to the OG Chili’s! DETAILS Rodeo Cold is at 3826 Ross Ave., open Tues-Fri 3pm-2am, and Sat-Sun 11am-2am!

STEP BACK IN TIME AT THIS 70’S INSPIRED FRIED CHICKEN AND PIZZA SPOT IN PLANO! 🍕 This new retro restaurant and bar is nestled along the Boardwalk at Granite Park in Plano, serving groovy vibes, hand-thrown pizza, craft cocktails, fried chicken, and more! We’ve been patiently waiting for @SeagerandSonsTX to open and it did not disappoint! 1970’S-INSPIRED RESTAURANT From the team behind @UnionBearBrewing , @SuburbanYachtClub , @TheYardMckinneyTX , and @CadillacPizza , this nostalgic hangout features warm wood paneling, earthy green leather, terrazzo tabletops, and vintage records spinning in the background. With lo-fi stereos, guitars on the walls, and a dimly-lit walk-around bar, this entire space feels like you’ve been transported to the 70s! P.S. Don’t forget to grab a matchbox on your way in, and take a look inside behind the matches for a sweet surprise! 🍺 HAND-THROWN PIZZA, FRIED CHICKEN, AND MORE Enjoy hand-stretched pizzas, secret-recipe fried chicken, and unique appetizers like Cacio e Pepe fritters and crab rangoon dip. The Boogie Nights pizza was hands-down our favorite, topped with fried chicken, alfredo ranch, pickles, smoked gouda, and chipotle hot honey drizzle. You also HAVE to try their Jimmy sandwich on their freshly made focaccia, a nod to @Jimmys_Food_Store ’s Italian sandwich! CRAFT COCKTAILS & BUBBLES Don’t miss their custom cocktails like the Banana Bread Old Fashioned or the Black Cherry Bourbon Slush! Or do what we did and pair your fried chicken with a bottle of bubbles… the perfect and most unassuming pair! 🥂 LOCATION AND DETAILS Find Seager and Sons at 5800 TX-121 #106 right on the Boardwalk at Granite Park! It’s open Mon-Thurs from 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat until midnight, and Sunday until 10pm.

NEW YEAR’S EVE COUNTDOWN PARTIES WITH OPEN BARS + SPECIALITY DINNERS IN THE HARWOOD DISTRICT Celebrate 2025 in style with premium open bars, live music, and festive dinners all in the heart of the city with the @HarwoodDistrict ! Keep reading for all the countdown parties and dinners in one of our fav neighborhoods in Dallas! NEW YORK DISCO GLAMOUR PARTY @BabousDallas Studio 214 is bringing 1980’s New York disco glamour to the party this NYE! Purchase tickets for a premium open bar from 9pm-12am with passed hors d’oeuvres, and a midnight champagne toast! NYE COUNTDOWN AT HAPPIEST HOUR Join the countdown at @HappiestHourDal at their New Year’s Eve bash starting at 9PM with multiple ticket tiers available: 🎟️Super Premium Tickets: Premium open bar, elevated buffet, live DJ, and midnight countdown with a champagne toast on the rooftop | $250 pp 🎟️Premium Tickets: Premium open bar, live DJ, and midnight countdown with a champagne toast on the main floor and patio | $150 pp ROOFTOP PARTY AT TE DESEO Ring in 2025 on La Terraza at @TeDeseoDal with a premium open bar from 9pm to midnight! Plus, a live DJ, and a midnight toast | $125 pp NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNERS 🍝 @DolceRivieraDal : 3-course prix-fixe menu and optional wine pairing with a champagne toast at midnight | $95-$125 pp 🥩 @StillwellsDallas : Along with the regular menu, they’re offering Beef Wellington served with potato purée, roasted carrots, and truffle bordelaise! Pair each course with award-winning wines and seasonal cocktails | $ varies 🐘 @ElephantEastDal : 3-course prix-fixe menu with seasonal dishes and a live DJ starting at 9:30pm, plus a midnight champagne toast | $95 pp 🥂 @SaintAnnDallas : Specially curated New Year’s menu featuring chef-created dishes including signature favs and celebratory specials. Plus, enjoy live music and a midnight countdown | $75 pp 🥐 @MercatBistro : 3-course prix-fixe chef-curated menu featuring French-inspired dishes paired with premium wines and champagnes, live music, and a complimentary toast | $85 pp 💃 @TeDeseoDal : Special menu featuring bold Latin-inspired dishes, party favors, and a midnight countdown | $ varies

13 BOOKSTORES AROUND DFW TO COZY UP AND FIND A NEW READ We love heading to a bookstore to cozy up on cold or rainy days, so we wanted to round up our favorites in DFW! Check out our list below of our favorite spots to shop and unwind with a great book, and let us know if we missed any in the comments! 📖 @BlushBookstore : Dallas’ first and only romance-exclusive bookstore, featuring a variety of genres like fantasy, dark romance, young adult, contemporary, historical, and LGBTQIA+ | Bishop Arts @DeepVellumBooks : Small indie bookstore with a wide selection of books and an impressive poetry section | Deep Ellum @HalfPriceBooks : The HPB flagship store –and the largest location in the US– is right here in Dallas! Plus, a built-in @LaCasita_Coffee to sip while you browse | Vickery Meadow @InterabangBooks : Locally-owned bookstore with a relaxed vibe, a great selection of trending and new books, a children’s section, and weekly story times | Lovers Lane @LogosBookstore : Serving DFW since 1974, this quaint Christian bookstore specializes in religious reads | Snider Plaza @LuckyDogBooks : A Dallas go-to for buying and selling used books, movies, and music for over 50 years | East Dallas and Oak Cliff @NeighborBooksTX : Charming two-story bookstore housed in a late-1800s building with plenty of spots to read and hang | Mckinney @PoetsBookshop : Colorful store with a curated selection of great literature, including several banned books | Bishop Arts @Read.Shop : Two-story bookstore and coffee shop with a focus on non-fiction reads | Henderson @RecycledBooksDenton : Largest used bookstore in Texas, housed in a historic building that was once an opera house | Denton @TaschenLibraryDallas : Intimate bookstore inside of @TheJouleDallas , featuring books on travel, pop culture, and art, and niche gifts | Downtown @TheWildDetectives : Bookstore-meets-bar with light bites, books, and community events | Bishop Arts @WhoseBooks : Female-owned and community-minded bookstore with a mission to be a “third space” for readers | Oak Cliff

DOG-FRIENDLY BAR, PATIO, AND RESTAURANT, THOMAS AVE. BEVERAGE CO. IS OFFICIALLY BACK IN UPTOWN We are so excited for all of the growth coming to Uptown and the return of @TABCTavern is no exception. We’ve been eyeing their opening progress over the past few months and finally got to check them out! THOMAS AVE. BEVERAGE CO. The owner of @TheStandardPour and @Parliament_Dallas , both staples to Uptown, has opened a new venture at the corner of Thomas and Allen. TABC, which originally closed in 2013 under a different owner, is now returning to its former glory. Over the past year, the 100+-year-old building has been transformed into a moody and sophisticated bar and restaurant. Plus, we learned that both the inside and outside are dog-friendly!🐶 THE FOOD MENU The dinner menu is simple with a range of options like paninis, flatbreads, salads, and specialty dishes like steak frites and grilled salmon. We will have to go back and try the dinner menu, but it seems the star of the show is the drinks (which makes sense since Bev. Co. is in the name)! AFFORDABLE HAPPY HOUR We arrived at 5pm when they opened for happy hour and Y’ALL… most of the drinks and shots were literally $5! Come by 5pm-7pm Tuesday through Sunday and all day Monday for glasses of wine at $7, beers for $4, and specialty cocktails ranging from $5-6. Although there weren’t any food specials, the appetizers were relatively affordable. We tried the Queso and Friends, aka queso with beans, dip, and salsa, as well as the pork sliders! DRINKS WE TRIED 🌶️Ranch Water (topped with a full-size jalapeno) 🫚Lucky Mule (in a rainbow cup) 🥒Zen Gimlet (thyme vodka, lime, ginger, and cucumber) SPACIOUS PATIO & MOODY INTERIOR Based on the bright white walls by the entrance, you wouldn’t expect to walk into a dimly lit dining area, adorned with red lights, and artwork galore. We got there at 5pm and there was already another group waiting to snag a table, so it is clearly already pretty popular in the neighborhood. The patio is massive, with tons of fire pits, booth seating, TV’s, and looks like an ideal spot to catch some sports games! 📍2901 Thomas Ave - Open 5pm-2am daily