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Friday, April 19, 2024
From glittering holiday light displays to spectacular seasonal shopping, Southlake, Texas, is the perfect destination for holiday cheer! The beginning of Home for the Holidays, a season-long celebration of Christmas, has been the unofficial start to the holiday season in Southlake for more than 13 years. As a resource for all of the holiday happenings, the City of Southlake Economic Development and Tourism Department has once again launched www.HomefortheHolidaysSouthlake.com to help residents and visitors make plans for a fun-filled holiday season.
A month full of seasonal events and activities kicks off on Saturday, November 21, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Southlake Town Square with the Annual Tree Lighting Celebration sponsored by Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine. This community event features the Mayor’s illumination of all the holiday lights on Town Square buildings, trees, and the magnificent holiday tree in front of Town Hall followed by a surprise show. In the spirit of giving, event attendees are encouraged to bring a canned food item to kick off Christmas is for Children at the Police and Fire booth in front of Town Hall. Guests at the event will enjoy a four-lane snow hill, snow man building, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday crafts, complimentary photos with Santa, and holiday treats. Holiday entertainment will be provided by the Southlake Community Band and Southlake school choirs on stages in Family and Frank E. Cornish IV Parks. With free parking and free admission, this cheerful launch of the holiday season should be top on your holiday to do list.
Although the Annual Tree Lighting is only one night, Home for the Holidays spans the entire season with many more festive activities in Southlake. The holidays would not be complete without a visit with Santa. Guests may stop by Santa’s Village at Family Park in Southlake Town Square to have pictures taken with Santa or to simply drop off Christmas wish letters at the Village Post Office.
Tour the beautifully decorated Southlake Town Square in vintage fashion by horse-drawn carriage. Workhorse Ranch and Old Tyme Carriage Co. will once again provide carriage rides to Town Square visitors on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings through Christmas Eve.
The Holiday Concierge in Southlake Town Square can help guests stay organized during the rush of the holiday season. Located between the Boardroom Salon for Men and Barse Jewelry, this service assists guests in browsing movie showtimes, buying gift cards, checking restaurant menus, getting directions and information about stores, and making dinner reservations.
With more than 130 stores in Southlake Town Square alone, as well as many other popular retailers in Shops of Southlake, Southlake Corners and Gateway Plaza, shoppers will find a variety of options for completing their holiday shopping list. Shoppers can even keep track of Black Friday hours and locations to find the best holiday buys this season.
There are plenty of activities for children and families to get into the holiday spirit. Holiday Break Camp Mania offers three different opportunities for children to have a fun and safe environment to enjoy arts and craft activities, field trips and plenty of play time. Children can enjoy two opportunities to have Breakfast with Santa and share their wish list with him, as well as make holiday crafts. With two chances to hear Christmas stories read aloud during Story Time at the Station and Story Time with Mrs. Claus, holiday cookie decorating in Town Hall, and a New Year’s celebration during Noon Year’s Eve Party, there is no shortage of family activities in Southlake this holiday season.
The holiday season is also a time for giving back. The Southlake Fire and Police Departments are once again participating in a Toy & Food Drive. The goal of Christmas is for Children is to help families who otherwise would not have a holiday celebration by fulfilling children’s Christmas wish lists. You can help by bringing a new unwrapped toy, clothing items or non-perishable food to a designated drop-off location. Volunteers are also needed for Toy & Food Basket Assembly.
Visitors and residents are invited to attend two municipal open houses. The Marq Grand Opening on December 12 will offer guests the chance to see Southlake’s newest community facility while enjoying refreshments and holiday music, and the first annual Library Open House on December 19 will offer crafts, activities, food and more, with a special guest appearance by the Dallas Christmas Carolers.
Hilton Southlake Town Square is the ideal location for out-of-town guests to stay throughout the holiday season. Located in the middle of all of the seasonal excitement, Hilton Southlake also offers event space for holiday parties and catering from Copeland’s of New Orleans, including famous Cajun Fried Turkeys.
This holiday season, make Southlake your Home for the Holidays! For additional details, including dates and times for all of the exciting seasonal activities, visit the website or call (817) 748-8019. Businesses and community organizations may submit information for posting to visitinfo@visitsouthlaketexas.com.
It’s almost that time of year again! What better way to kick off the Holiday season in Southlake than with the annual Home for the Holidays Tree Lighting Celebration.
This year’s Tree Lighting Celebration is less than two months away and will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2015 from 4:30 – 8:30 PM in Southlake Town Square. Event festivities will begin at 4:30 PM with all the traditional activities and crafts. There’s something for everyone in the family including; holiday refreshments, Christmas carolers, ornament and cookie decorating and of course, live entertainment by the Southlake Community Band and local choirs. Plus, don’t miss out on strolling holiday characters!
A special thanks to Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine for being this year’s Title Sponsor!
The Tree Lighting Ceremony will be at 6:30 PM; after the tree is lit, continue to enjoy Southlake Town Square, get pictures with Santa or even go tubing on the custom snow hill!
While the holidays are always fun, magical and the perfect time to spend precious moments with your family, they are also a time to reflect and think about others that may be in need. This year, The City of Southlake is partnering with Christmas is for Children with a Fill the Tahoe food drive. Families are encouraged to bring canned, non-perishable food and cereal to donate to Christmas is for Children.
Please visit www.HomefortheHolidaysSouthlake.com to see all the event details including the entertainment schedule and parking information. If you have any questions, please call (817) 748-8019. If you are interested in sponsoring this event please email sponsorships@ci.southlake.tx.us.
We hope you and your family will the City as we light up the Town Square and kick-off the holiday season!
The 14th annual Oktoberfest of Southlake returns to Town Square from October 2 – 4, 2015. Hosted by the Southlake Chamber of Commerce and presented by Millennium Title and Grubbs Infiniti, the family friendly event is one of the largest German-inspired festivals in the area.
Attendance for the weekend is expected to exceed 100,000 this year. With free parking and admission, everyone is encouraged to come and enjoy this community event that offers everything from live entertainment, food and beverages to wiener dog races.
Live entertainment will take place all weekend on two stages. Micah Blalock, Brave Combo and School of Rock return, joining other performers like The German Band of North Texas, the Alpine Dancers and the Carroll Jazz Band, just to name a few.
Food vendors will be stationed throughout the event offering a wide variety of concessions including everything from authentic German cuisine to traditional fair food. Up to 100 area arts and crafts exhibitors will offer hand-crafted products for sale, including jewelry, furniture and artwork. There will also be a special area for children, which will feature bounce houses, rock climbing, an obstacle course and much more.
Oktoberfest Wiener Dog Race – Photo courtesy of Southake Chamber of Commerce
The wildly popular wiener dog races will take place on Saturday morning of the festival, beginning with the costume parade at 9:30 AM and races at 10:00 AM. Dachshund owners may register their dogs online for a $20.00 entry fee or on site for a $25.00 entry fee.
Hours of operation for Oktoberfest Southlake are Friday 5:00 to 11:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday 12:00 to 5:00 PM. For additional information, contact the Southlake Chamber of Commerce at 817-481-8200 or visit www.OktoberfestSouthlake.com.
Clayton Reed, lead pastor of Southlake Baptist Church was named Southlake Citizen of the Year at the 2015 Awards Banquet hosted by the Southlake Chamber of Commerce, Thursday, June 18th, 2015.
Reed has been active in his support of the citizens of Southlake and the City leaders. He provides counsel and guidance for many leaders in the community. He is frequently called out in the middle of the night helping the Southlake police with domestic calls and tragic loss situations. Reed often offers prayer before city council meetings. Reed is married and has seven children.
With the success of last year’s “Night at the Improv” Awards Banquet, it was suggested the Chamber keep the theme for this year’s event. The banquet was held at the Hilton Town Square featuring The Hunter Sullivan Band and comedian Paul Varghese.
Chamber President Mark Guilbert said, “We are honored and excited to host such a great event to highlight the excellence of Southlake’s citizens. This community is a giving, philanthropic city; we want to recognize those that exceed the standard.”
Awards
The Awards Banquet is a time that the Southlake Chamber takes to recognize and honor outstanding local leaders and businesses for making a difference and inspiring others within the community and Chamber. The awards presented our listed below:
Citizen of the Year – the most coveted Chamber Award, celebrates outstanding effort, service and contribution to the community and recognizing excellence in leadership to make this City a better place for everyone. This year’s winner is Clayton Reed.
Corporate Business of the Year – recognizes and celebrates the dedication and service of a business to the region and making it a better place for all to live or do business while exemplifying a commitment to excellence. This year’s winner is Frost Bank.
Civic Group of the Year – recognizes and celebrates an organization that has had a positive impact through their involvement in the community and as a result of actions taken by the organization to improve the lives of others. This year’s winner is SPARK (Students and Parents Against Risks to our Kids)
Small Business of the Year – recognizes and celebrates service and commitment to the community while building on the City’s strong business and community environment and exemplifying a commitment to excellence. This year’s winner is Wildwood Grill.
Volunteer of the Year – celebrates outstanding volunteer service and contribution to the community and Chamber and recognizing excellence in leadership, dedication to improving the lives of others, and an ability to motivate others to follow their lead in service. This year’s winner…it’s a tie! Lindsay Polyak with Knutson CPA, LLC. and Sheri Mills with GRACE.
Youth of the Year – This award recognizes a local student for dedication and achievement in the Southlake area. This year’s winner is Sarah Friske.
Chamber Director of the Year– This award is presented to the person who has demonstrated the utmost professionalism and enthusiasm with regards to chamber involvement. This year’s winner is Todd Winch, Marriott Solana.
Chamber Chairman’s Award – This award recognizes exceptional performance and dedication to the continued success of the Southlake Chamber of Commerce in 2015. This year’s winner is Mayor Laura Hill.
Chamber President’s Award – This award recognizes exemplary service to the Southlake Chamber of Commerce through the dedication of time, resources and ideas that have served to enhance chamber success and opportunities. This year’s winner is Bill Buffington, Audit Visuals.
Ambassador of the Year – This award recognizes efforts going above and beyond to create a positive environment for the chamber membership through dedication and service to the ambassador committee. This year’s winner is Norm Downing, U.S. Health Advisors.
WWII Douglas A-26 Invader
A new addition has been made to the Stars & Stripes event this year! On Friday, July 3, 2015 at approximately 8:10 PM and again at 8:30 PM a WWII Douglas A-26 Invader, named Spirit of Waco, will do a celebratory aerial display over Southlake Town Square during the patriotic ceremony.
The aircraft’s flight pattern will run south from State Highway (S.H. 114) over Town Square’s Rustin Park.
This World War II light bomber was built in 1943 by Douglas Aircraft Company and was deployed from 1944 to 1950 at three USAAF bases. Through the hard work of the Invader Squadron (a branch of the Commemorative Air Force) the plane has been fully restored and has been doing airshows since 1982.
The aircraft is currently based at Meacham Airport in the hangar of the Vintage Flying Museum.
We welcome everyone to come enjoy this exciting flyover as we celebrate and honor our Nation’s independence.
For more information about the Invader Squadron or Spirit of Waco visit click here.
For more information about Southlake’s 17th annual Stars & Stripes event visit www.StarsandStripesSouthlake.com.
The Arts Council Northeast and the City of Southlake are pleased to present the 2015 MasterWorks Summer Concert Series at Family Park in Southlake Town Square. The 2015 lineup includes exciting performances from The Space Rockers, Live 80, The Key West Band, Limelight, Me & My Monkey, the Southlake Community Band, and Brave Combo. With music styles range from high energy variety to mix-rock polka and Beatles tributes to surf music there’s sure to be something for everyone in the family!
Concerts are Free MasterWorks Summer Concert Series in Southlake Town Square this summer! Come join us on Saturdays from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise indicated below:
| June 13 | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Live 80 | Variety |
| July 3 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | The Key West Band | Surfing Music |
| July 3 | 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM | Limelight | High Energy Variety |
| Aug 8 | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Me and My Monkey | “The Beatles Tribute” |
| Sept 12 | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Southlake Community Band | Variety Wind Ensemble |
| Oct 10 | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Brave Combo | World Music Mix Rock-Polka |
Previous year’s MasterWorks summer concert series attendees!
Fireworks from Stars & Stripes 2014
Kids getting temporary tattoos at Stars & Stripes 2014.
It’s that time of year again; Southlake’s annual Stars & Stripes celebration is right around the corner and preparations for the highly anticipated event are in full-swing. Sponsored by Verizon Wireless of Southlake, this year’s event will be held on Friday, July 3, 2015 from 6:00 – 11:00 PM in Southlake Town Square.
Start making plans with family and friends to come see what all the Stars & Stripes buzz is about! The Southlake Community Band will kick-off the evening with patriotic music in Family Park at 6:00 PM followed by an uplifting patriotic ceremony featuring local artist Jayden Goldberg singing the National Anthem. The 1943 Douglas A-26 Invader bomber plane will also make an overhead appearance during the ceremony!
Relax and enjoy the rest of the evening with music and activities for all ages, including crafts, games and inflatables for the kids. Attendees will enjoy concessions to entertain all taste buds, including Southlake favorites like Feed Store BBQ and Burger Shack. There will also be new options for every palate including Mexican, Italian, desserts and more! Frank Edgar Cornish, IV Park will play host to a variety of activities for all ages, balloon artists and live music featuring the Key West Band and Limelight. Kids young and old will enjoy a spectacular fireworks show that incorporates music from patriotic favorites to pop hits after the sun goes down.
Attendees can stay late and enjoy the sounds of Limelight along with late night snacks from popular food trucks in Frank Edgar Cornish, IV Park until 11:00 PM.
Keep an eye out for more details about a new feature to Stars & Stripes this year, the Star Experience which will include reserved seating!
For a complete list of activities and event information, please visit the event website at www.StarsandStripesSouthlake.com. If you have questions, please contact the Community Services Department at (817) 748-8019.
Check back on MySouthlakeNews.com for upcoming information regarding t-shirt sales, event parking and detailed event information. The City looks forward to celebrating our Nation’s Independence with you!
Register now for the Sweetheart’s Dance. Register online (link below) or call Community Services at (817) 748 8019.
Create lasting memories with your child, niece, nephew or grandchild at the City of Southlake’s Annual Sweetheart Dance! This is not just a daddy-daughter Valentine’s Day dance, the whole family is invited to join us for a night full of dancing, desserts and fun surprises.
This year’s dance will be held on Saturday, February 7th in Southlake Town Hall Lobby from 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. Each year, there is a new, exciting theme. This year’s theme is “A Magical Evening” where you will enjoy a night of magical surprises! There will be a live DJ, fun games for the kids to play, on-site photo flipbooks and tons of tasty treats. There will be a special candy bar, where the young ones will be able to decorate a take-home box and fill it with all of their favorite candies! The limo rides around Southlake Town Square are also back by popular demand!
Children of all ages will remember the fun they had at the Sweetheart Dance for years. One parent noted that “My daughter still talks about how much fun she had at the ball, her name for the Sweetheart Dance, and she is so excited that we will be going again this year!” Another parent exclaimed “Priceless Memories! Thank you for such a fun event!”
You can register online or at the Community Services office located at 1400 Main St, Suite 210. Tickets are $12.00 per person (parents must register as well) and pre-registration is required. Tickets are going fast, so be sure to register early for this event! For more information please contact 817-748-8019.
Santa has moved the 2014 Home for the Holiday’s event to Sunday, November 23, 2014. See you at 5:30 p.m.
UPDATE: Santa is not letting Mother Nature get in his way. He is bringing the Home for the Holidays Tree Lighting event to Southlake on Sunday, November 23, 2014. We will have a great celebration complete with Elsa, Anna and Olaf in Frozenland, guaranteed snow, the snow hill, live entertainment and of course Santa who will help us turn on the holiday lights for the first time this season.
Santa has made the call though to keep the horses warm so they will be hanging out with his reindeer in his stables instead of offering carriage rides.
The Tree Lighting kicks-off the holiday season with hometown traditions and new, exciting activities for the family. Due to Saturday’s rain forecast, this year’s event will be held on Sunday, November 23rd from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Southlake Town Square.
All the fun and entertainment will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Family Park with entertainment, crafts, the 4-lane snow tubing hill, strolling characters and concessions. For all the Frozen fans out there, a “Frozen Wonderland” will also begin at 5:30 p.m. with snowman building with Olaf and photo opportunities with Elsa and Anna.
The fun continues as Santa Claus arrives to Southlake Town Hall for the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. After Mayor John Terrell welcomes in the holidays, Santa Claus will switch on the lights from the Town Hall balcony. Once Town Square is lit, Santa Claus will make his way to Santa’s Village located in Rustin Pavilion to listen to your wish lists and take free photos with your family.
The Southlake Community Band will provide holiday cheer throughout the evening.
Rustin Pavilion:
Please visit www.SouthlakeHomefortheHolidays.com for complete event information and to view the event & parking maps. If you have any questions, please contact Southlake Community Services at (817) 748-8019.