As we were leaving Main Street Garden Friday night, the 6-year-old who lives in my house wondered what the what was under the tarp covering Neiman Marcus's storefront. I told him: They're building a tunnel for kids to crawl in. He didn't believe me. I lifted him up to peek through a small tear in the tarp. What you see at right is what he saw on Friday -- a bit of the tube as it snakes its way through one of the windows.
At which point my son said, "What if somebody gets sick or scared in the tunnel?" A practical lad. I told him, well, if nothing else, parents standing outside the window will have a terrific view of the chaos that will ensue. I look forward to seeing how this plays out beginning Friday night, when Neimans unveils the holiday window as part of the City Lights shindig scheduled in Main Street Garden, during which Turtle Creek Chorale, Dallas Wind Symphony and Dallas Theater Center will perform following the lighting of Thomas Balsley's 60-foot-tall Christmas tree, which we mentioned a few weeks ago.
DowntownDallas's press release follows for those in need of further instructions. Also: Might wanna bring your raincoat and your rubbers.
Update: Here's more info on the tree, including pictures.
NOW PLAYING! At Main Street Garden.
CityLights spectacular kicks of the holidays Downtown
Downtown Dallas - Neiman Marcus, DOWNTOWNDALLAS and the City of Dallas are thrilled to host a landmark year of City Lights on November 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Holiday festivities begin at the legendary flagship Neiman Marcus Downtown, and continue down Main Street to the new Main Street Garden park.
Launched in 2005, City Lights has brought a new tradition to Downtown - an event for all of Dallas to gather and enjoy a spectacular array of lights, entertainment and special surprises. This year's event, highlighting the new park, will be one for the record books.
The evening will begin at the corner of Main and Ervay at 6:30 p.m., with the crowd gathering in anticipation of the lighting of the historic Neiman Marcus façade (7:00 p.m.). Following the lighting, Neiman Marcus will unveil this year's holiday windows - always a tightly kept secret, but never dull thanks to the creative genius of Ignaz Gorscheck, Vice President of Stores Visual, Design and Planning. This year's hint...be sure and bring the kids for an unparalleled energetic journey through fantasy and fun! Inspiration for the design was drawn from the minds of students at St. Philip's School (beneficiary of the 2009 Crystal Charity Ball) and Reconciliation Outreach.
Following the window unveil, at approximately 7:15 p.m., expect Santa's sleigh to arrive in Downtown Dallas, then follow him in grand style with a promenade east on Main Street to Main Street Garden. There, DOWNTOWNDALLAS will unveil its brand new signature holiday tree (approx. 7:40 p.m.), one like no other in the country (see attached fact sheets for details!). Santa will call upon his magical powers to create a choreographed show of dancing light up, down and around the 65-foot metal masterpiece. Giving Santa the base of his work is famed firm LightSwitch, creator of the unparalleled light design at Millennium Park in Chicago, and Excitement Technologies. In fact, the tree is so grand, that rentals will be available throughout the holiday season for those who wish to hold their seasonal festivities in a 500 square foot room INSIDE of the tree.
After the tree lighting at approximately 8:00 p.m., the Turtle Creek Chorale, Dallas Wind Symphony and Dallas Theater Center will hold performances on the Main Stage at Main Street Garden. And for the rest of the evening families are invited to enjoy face painting, balloon animals a bounce house and other holiday themed activities on the park - including a replay of the entire evening's production, projected movie-style on the buildings surrounding the park. And don't leave your pooch at home! Holiday pet photos will be available at the Main Street Garden Urban Dog Run. Throughout the Main Street District, restaurants will feature specials and activities, and grown-ups are invited stroll down to Pegasus Plaza and enjoy the Cocktail Corner featuring DJ Billy Biscuits.
Inside Neiman Marcus Santa will return for photos and wish lists, and donations of $25 will be accepted for First Book, a national organization that provides new books to children in need.
Neiman Marcus Downtown is located at 1618 Main Street. Main Street Garden is located at 1902 Main Street, a full city block bounded by Main, Commerce, St. Paul and Harwood.
Parking: Park in a CityPark garage for $2 after 5:00pm. Look for the blue and yellow CityPark signs at garages located at: DalPark (corner of Commerce and Ervay); Metropolitan Garage (corner of Elm & Field); Third Rail Lofts (1407 Main Street, entrance on Elm). Please note that street closures will occur throughout the afternoon and evening, so plan ahead. Or ride DART to the Akard Street or St. Paul Street Stations!
