Remember Icemageddon 2013 – the winter storm that blew through North Texas the first week of December in 2013?  I sure do. We spent four frosty days without power or heat. The heat part was bad, but what was worse was the lost weekend of holiday prep. As everyone knows, those eight days between Thanksgiving and Christmas are more precious than gold. It’s when everything yuletide related gets done. When Icemageddon took out the power in my neighborhood no cookies were made, no lights were put up, and no cards were sent out (my address list was held hostage by a dead laptop). It also meant no neighborhood tree lighting ceremony, no holiday parade, and no outdoor concert. They, like dozens of other events in the area, were cancelled due to the weather.

The rainy, cold weather we experienced last weekend wasn’t nearly as bad as three years ago, but multiple holiday events were cancelled or postponed nonetheless. With one less weekend left to enjoy the Ho, Ho, Ho we only have one sensible option and that is to pack double the fun into this coming weekend.  Sounds reasonable, right?

Here are some seasonal offerings that will more than make up for last weekend’s wash out.

Looking for something different? Check out the Twinkle Light Boat parade. Photo: Scott’s Landing Marina

A number of holiday parades were cancelled last week, but luckily one of the most unique parades of the season has been rescheduled for this Saturday night. The Twinkle Light Boat Parade is a floating parade made up of water crafts decorated in sparkling seasonal lights. The floating procession begins at Twin Coves Marina and picks up entries at each marina including Scott’s Landing and Silver Lake. If you can’t make it to any of those spots you can see it from the shores of Lake Grapevine.

Have yourself a merry little old-fashion Christmas at Candlelight. Photo: Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park

Start a new family tradition at Candlelight, Dallas Heritage Village’s annual yuletide event. This year marks the 45th anniversary of Candlelight and it’s the grand finale to a year-long celebration of Dallas Heritage Village’s Golden Anniversary. Enjoy strolling carolers, live music and hayrides along candlelit paths. For the tinies, there will be holiday crafts and a visit with St. Nicholas. If you’re hungry, food trucks will be on site, as well as bake sale goodies like traditional kettle korn and nuts. Be sure to take the time to explore the historic buildings in the village which will be decked out in period decorations. The Candlelight Celebration happens this weekend from 3 to 9 p.m.

Nutcracker Short N’ Sweet is a treat for everyone. Photo: Pinterest/April Cain Photography

Have you been wanting to see ‘The Nutcracker’ but are wondering if the kiddos have it in them to sit through a lengthy ballet? Woodrow Dance Theatre’s production of ‘Nutcracker Short ‘N Sweet’ might be just the ticket. The shortened adaptation of the classic features 100 students from Long Middle School, Woodrow Wilson HS, and 60 guest dancers from feeder elementary schools. Performances happen Thursday and Friday evening, and Saturday morning. To make the ballet even sweeter, the troupe is also presenting a Land of Sweets Breakfast before the Saturday morning performance. You and your little snowflakes can dine with the Sugarplum Fairy, the Nutcracker, and Santa for just $5.

Come in your jammies for the Polar Pajama Party. Photo: Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Celebrate the holiday classic, ‘The Polar Express’ at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History‘s Polar Pajama Party. The entire family can drink hot chocolate, meet Dynamo, and create winter-y arts and crafts. After the party head into the theater to watch ‘The Polar Express: An IMAX Experience.’ It all happens this Saturday with your choice of a morning or evening party.

Join the Las Posadas procession this Sunday. Photo: Latino Cultural Center

Head to the  Latino Cultural Center Sunday afternoon for its annual Posada Dallas. For those of you wondering, Las Posadas is the Latin American tradition of re-enacting Mary and Joseph’s search for  lodging in Bethlehem. If you’d like to participate, meet at Central Square Park at the corner of Swiss Avenue and Oak Street Sunday at 4 p.m. The procession will walk down Swiss Avenue to the LCC plaza where carolers will be welcomed by mariachis and a Matachines dance troupe. The festivities will continue with live music on the plaza and crafts throughout the building.