Best Things to Do in Dallas This Week

The week after Christmas always seems to move at a glacier’s pace: It’s a weird transition period between holidays and a return to the real world — school starts back up, work suddenly expects you to stop taking days off and do something, and the glitter and gold fade into the gray of January. But before you’re thrown back into the gauntlet, plan a few diversions this week that will help you get the most out of what’s left of your holidays.

Open Classical
8 p.m. Tuesday, December 29
BuzzBrews Lemmon Avenue
4334 Lemmon Ave.
Free
A classical twist on the open mic, this weekly event interjects a little bit of culture into your diner experience. Professional musicians line up next to amateurs and aspirers to fill the room with violin solos, opera arias and horn concertos. If you’ve been aching to dust off your clarinet skills, sign up for a slot at openclassical.org or just sit back and watch things get eclectic.


Kwaanza: A Harvest Celebration
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 30
Bookmarks in NorthPark Center
Free
There’s more than a little rhythm to go around at this cultural celebration geared toward little wigglers. Storyteller extraordinaire Melody “Afi” Bell shares stories and songs about the history of Kwaanza, accompanied by steady and stirring beats from African drums. After the program concludes, engage them in arts and crafts activities with local artist VET of FOUND OBJECTs Studio.

3014 Space New Year’s Eve
9 p.m. Thursday, December 31
3014 Space
3014 Canton St.
$20-$30
This art-centric celebration is a gallery show, performance art and concert all wrapped up in one aesthetically pleasing package. Explore Eric Trich’s projection mapping installation, Diffusion, and see him perform live; catch sets from Boston Kassidy, Lily Taylor and Blue, The Misfit; and count down to midnight in an atmosphere that’s both experimental and inspiring. Tickets to the event, which starts at 9 p.m. Thursday, are $20 in advance and $30 at the door. Find more information on Facebook.


Panther Island Ice
11 a.m. Friday, January 1
223 NE 4th St., Fort Worth
$11
Pile on your scarves and mittens, and indulge fantasies of triple salchows while you stumble around this outdoor rink in Fort Worth. Even if you’re gonna cling to the wall the whole way ‘round, there’s something super sweet about the memories you’ll have of watching your friends and families bust their ass on the ice. Extra bonus: When you’re back in your office chair next week, that bruise on your backside will give you something to smile about. $11 includes your skate rental and tax; visit pantherislandice.com.


Lone Star Circus: Zingari
5:30 p.m. Saturday, January 2
Dallas Children’s Theater
$22-$48
If you thought your holidays were a juggling act, wait until you see the feats of daring accomplished in the intimate space at Dallas Children’s Theater during this circus spectacle. A tribute to the Gypsy roots of the circus, Lone Star Circus: Zingari combines aerialists, equilibrists, jugglers and clowns for a show that does double duty as a magical date night or a diversion for kids on the tail end of their holiday vacations. Tickets are $22 to $48 at dct.org.