The holiday season is just flying by, isn’t it? It seems like yesterday that we were eating turkey and now here it is with just a little more than a week until Christmas!

If you’re like me, this week can feel a bit like a Christmas tsunami. We’re getting hit with a  wave of holiday events, preparations and family gatherings. It can all be a bit overwhelming to the point where you want to put a moratorium on the HO HO HO. But even though things might be a bit chaotic, be sure to make time to get out there and enjoy what’s left of the most wonderful time of the year with your favorite little person.

Besides being fun, this week’s picks are definitely on the unexpected side. Here are a few for you to try on for size.

Take a wintery (pretend) ski trip up to the top of Mt. Reunion Tower this Friday night. That’s right, Dallas’ ball in the sky will transform into a ski lodge for their Après at Reunion Tower event. Ride a lift up to the GeO-Deck and Cloud Nine and enjoy themed food and beverage, interactive experiences and photo opportunities with ski-themed decor. There will also be a costume contest with prizes, so be sure to dress up your snow bunnies!

Photo: NorthPark Center

Face it, you’re going to have to go to the mall. Whether its to pick up the White Elephant gift or to get those cat socks your daughter has been wanting, there’s no escaping it. You’re going to the mall. Sprinkle a little magic into that hectic last-minute present run with a stop at NorthPark Center’s Gingertown.  Now in its tenth year, the annual confectionary metropolis is one of the biggest gingerbread house events in North Texas with proceeds benefiting Children’s Craniofacial Association.  This year’s theme is a recreation of the city of Venice. Come see candy canals and cookie gondola drivers on level one in Nordstrom Court through December 24.

Photo: shutterstock.com

Because you know the season just isn’t complete until you hear the phrase, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” you simply can’t miss ArtCentre Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Story.” Follow Ralphie Parker in his quest for a Red Rider BB gun, his run-in with the evil Scut Farkus, and of course, his father’s love affair with a leg lamp. The final performances are this weekend so don’t wait to get tickets!

Photo: Vetro Glass Blowing Studio & Fine Art Gallery

Still looking for the perfect gift for granny? How about something handmade? Kids can help create a unique present at Vetro Glassblowing Studio’s Traditional Ornament event. Participants choose colors from a palette, apply the colors to the hot molten glass, and then watch a professional glassblower finish the one-of-a-kind ornament. Families and friends are encouraged to come watch and take photos in the stadium seating area of the studio. One last thing – because your ornament needs to cool down slowly, it won’t be available for pick-up until the following business day after 3 p.m. Reservations are required and slots fill up fast, so don’t wait.

Last, but certainly not least, you absolutely cannot let another Christmas pass without experiencing the greatness that is Dallas TubaChristmas! For those not in the know, TubaChristmas is an out-of-the-ordinary and extra Christmasy free concert. But hold on there, this isn’t just any holiday concert. This is a concert composed entirely of tubas and euphoniums–over 200 at last count. They play traditional carols with a fabulous oompah-oompapa beat and best of all, you get to sing along.  You can see the 42nd annual TubaChristmas at Thanks-Giving Square in downtown Dallas at noon Christmas Eve. Don’t forget to bring your funny hats and jingle bells.