The Gift of Style: Holiday Shopping in Dallas

Food, fashion, and football are hallmarks of Dallas. To satisfy two of the three cravings, locals and visitors both rely on the city’s amazing shopping centers. Though shoppers congregate to gossip and caffeinate in Starbucks at every one, these centers also offer unique boutiques that can’t be found anywhere else in Texas. Discover the premier retailers, dining, and holiday amusements:

NorthPark
Socialites flock to this nationally-ranked retailer for its savvy mix and special events. In November, the eagerly awaited Nordstrom opens, as well as 28 new stores including Porsche Design, Ted Baker of London, and Juicy Couture. The expansion complements existing classics such as Burberry, Lacoste, and Tiffany’s. Take a break at the Mermaid Bar in Neiman Marcus or just grab a table at one of the many restaurants. The calendar is full with choral, orchestral, and dance groups performing throughout the holidays. Enjoy free performances from Scrooge or stories from Santa. DIFFA Rouge, an auction of designer gifts benefiting the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, is just one of several charity events.

Highland Park Village
Fashionistas get their fix at this gorgeous outdoor center. Built in 1931, this Dallas landmark is host to posh retailers like Chanel, Hermes, St. John, and Jimmy Choo. Calypso Christiane Celle, favored by celebrities for its bohemian chic, opened its only Texas store in HPV this summer. The easy American style of Tory Burch comes to the center this February. Join friends for a fabulous lunch at Mi Cocina (or just grab a quick Kobe burger and shake at Who’s Who). Indulge in a carriage ride after the tree-lighting ceremony. Horse drawn carriages offer tours of neighborhood Christmas lights all season long.(For reservations, visit www.threejayscarriages.com or call 214-521-6717).

Galleria Dallas
Hip Mommies (and Daddies) can satisfy squirrelly kids and the style quotient. Gleaming from its multi-million dollar renovation, the Galleria boasts hundreds of stores and a new ice skating center. Where else can you find Versace, Celine, and a Saturday afternoon story time? Fashion-forward Zara joins the Galleria in November. The center is thoughtfully designed, with children’s stores grouped in one area, luxury boutiques in another. Grand Luxe CafÃ?© offers delectable cheesecakes – a treat for the whole family. The Grill brings 4-star dining in 2006. The center features the tallest indoor Christmas tree in the country and a holiday ice skating extravaganza. MissileToes (an agile Santa with sparking skates) and Brian Boitano join the line-up of celebrity skaters.

West Village
Bright Young Things live and play in this hot neighborhood. The fusion of residence and retail allows tenants proximity to cafes, bars, restaurants, shops, and a hip cinema. The Magnolia offers indie films and cocktails you can take right to your seat. Shoppers adore the rock star ready Cowboy Cool, eclectic furnishings at Legacy Trading Company, and access to marvelous designers at Premium93. Apothecurious, a shop of fresh handmade body care and facials, has just joined their ranks. Dining ranges from sake and dumplings at Tom Tom Noodle House to Ferre’s addictive Italian dishes.

What’s HappeningâÂ?¦
Holiday Events in Dallas

November 11th Nordstrom Grand Opening at NorthPark (10 a.m.)
November 11th to December 12th Salvation Army Angel Tree at NorthPark
November 11th to December 27th SPCA Pet Adoption Center at NorthPark
November 12th Dallas Opera Orchestra Concert at NP (4 p.m.)
November 17th to 19th “Share the Blessings” toy & food donations at NP
November 19th to December 24th Santa in his Village at Galleria
November 19th to January 1st Toy Train Exhibit at NorthPark
November 20th DIFFA Rouge at NorthPark (7 – 10 p.m.)
November 25th Ben Agosto & Tanith Belvin Skating Show
at Galleria (12 noon)
November 25th Grand Tree Lighting at Galleria (12 noon)
November 25th Angel Tree Kickoff Parade at NorthPark (11 a.m.)
November 25th Tree lighting at Highland Park Village
November 25th Illumination Celebration at Galleria (noon, 2, 4, 6, & 8 p.m.)
November 25th to December 23rd Storytime with Santa at NP (11 a.m. weekdays, noon on Sundays)
November 25th to December 23rd Scrooge at NorthPark
November 25th to December 24th Santa Claus at NorthPark
November 26th Holiday Cheer Carolers at Galleria (2 – 4 p.m.)
November 26th Dorothy Hammill Skating Show at Galleria (7 p.m.)
November 26th to December 31st Carriage rides at Highland Park
November 27th Sounding Brass musicians at Galleria (1 – 3 p.m.)
November 29th to December 24th “Sounds of the Season” performances at NorthPark
December 3rd Brian Boitano Skating Show at Galleria (7 p.m.)
December 3rd Sounding Brass musicians at Galleria (1 – 3 p.m.)
December 3rd to 4th Camp Gingerbread (edible house-making) at NP
December 4th Holiday Cheer Carolers at Galleria (2 – 4 p.m.)
December 10th Yuka Sato Skating Show at Galleria (7 p.m.)
December 10th Sounding Brass musicians at Galleria (1 – 3 p.m.)
December 11th Holiday Cheer Carolers at Galleria (2 – 4 p.m.)
December 17th “Treats of Christmas” (unique confections) at NP
December 17th Caryn Kadavy Skating Show at Galleria (7 p.m.)
December 17th Sounding Brass musicians at Galleria (1 – 3 p.m.)