Christmas weekend is finally upon us, Dentonites. It’s time to give and receive thoughtful gifts, to stuff our faces with homemade cranberry sauce (hey, some of us like it!), casseroles, and pies, and to watch a handful of classic movies. But first, spread some holiday cheer with friends and family by hitting the town this cool and sunny weekend. There are a few events to incite the anticipation of Old Saint Nick’s arrival or to keep your spirits up in case Krampus makes an appearance. Mingle through the jingle, Denton.

Thursday, December 22

Mom Jeans USA So Lit Tour
Killer’s Tacos, 7 PM
Mom Jeans, California emo/indie band, brings their So Lit Tour through Killer’s Tacos. Joining the bill is dream-pop trio Astragal, braving the trek from Houston to make us a little starry-eyed, along with Denton’s own Rei Clone, Wren, and Quinn Breitfeller. You can grub until 10 PM and drink until 12 AM. Spice up your Thursday with live music and tacos—they go hand in hand, after all.

Little Jack Melody’s 2nd Annual Christmas Show and Singalong
Dan’s Silverleaf, 8 PM
Little Jack Melody with his Young Turks will be hosting their 2nd annual Christmas Show and Sing-Along at Dan’s Silverleaf. Featuring Ryan Thomas Becker as the choir leader, Danny O’Brien on fretted trombone, and L’Angelo Mysterioso on tuba, this brass band holiday sing-along will deliver “street corner style poignance” to the stage. To add to the holiday spirit, there will be a pass-the-hat collection for Our Daily Bread. Caroling and cocktails? Sounds like a jolly good time! $10.

Friday, December 23

Hooligans Holiday Party and Ugly Sweater Contest
Hooligans, 7 PM
If you haven’t had your fill of holiday parties and you’re itching to wear that ugly sweater one more time, head to Hooligans on this eve of Christmas Eve for their Holiday Party and Ugly Sweater Contest. Sport your tackiest top, and schmooze over drinks and food. Sweaters will be judged after 11 PM—prizes and trophies will be awarded to the top three entries. Don’t be a Scrooge and get out there!

Daniel Markham, Danny Diamonds, Dim Locator, Cicada Killers
Dan’s Silverleaf, 7 PM
Kick off your holiday weekend with some of Denton’s finest at Dan’s Silverleaf. Rock ‘n’ roller Daniel Markham will shake the stage with his metal-esque melodies, Danny Diamonds delivers the manic pop stylings of Daniel Rush Folmer, and Dim Locator brings the blues with a Texas-style twang. Cicada Killers, desert rock from Arizona, opens. According to the event page, these folks may get inebriated enough to sing a Christmas song or two. Huzzah! Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the door. Music starts at 8 PM.

The Square Nots, Noogy, Turd Cutter, Caldonia, Cody Boyd, Words So Strong
Killer’s Tacos, 9 PM
A Texas constant: live music and tacos. Be part of what keeps us even-keeled, and head to Killer’s Tacos for a night of punk, folk, rock, and a little dash of hip hop—and tacos, lest we forget the tacos. This killer (see what we did there) bill is jam-packed with tons of energy and a lot of (s)punk. Get your fill of tasty tacos before the kitchen closes at 10 PM. Music begins at 9 PM.

Mojo, In Spite of Madness and Nathan Wilson
The Abbey Underground, 9PM
Mojo is playing their last show of the year on a bill that includes In Spite of Madness and a solo set from Nathan Wilson. The show offers a little bit, a little of that in the form of funk, electronic, grunge and acoustic stylings. Go take advantage of all that variety without ever leaving the dark, subterranean comfort of The Abbey. As always at Abbey, admission is FREE and music starts at 10.

Blake Helpert, MAPLE, The Grand Optimist, Christine Rian and Marcia Keys
Midway Craft House, 8PM
If you’re a little anxious about time spent with the family this weekend, head on over to Midway Craft House for some mellow indie and folk tunes to ease you into the holiday. Christine Rian and Marcia Keys hailing from Athens, TX  join local acts Blake
Helpert, MAPLE and The Grand Optimist in front of Denton’s own infamous cooler backdrop. FREE show and music begins at 8.

Saturday, December 24

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through downtown, it mostly was quiet but no need to frown. If you want pizza, Mellow Mushroom is down to serve up some of the best pizza around. If your goals are strictly boozier, perhaps Bearded Monk or Cool Beans will sate the choosier. If you want more, there's Dusty's and Lou's, add an arcade and try Game Changers' food. They'll fill your bellies and fix you up right, and keep you in good spirits all through the night. 

Sunday, December 25

It's Christmas, ya animals! You've probably got better things to do but, if you don't, or if those better things quickly devolve into uncomfortable political conversations and you need to escape, we've got you covered. II Charlies, Riprock's, Lucky Lou's, Cool Beans, Dusty's and Game Changers are all verified as open for your Christmas business. Note that several bars will be getting a late start: Lou's will open at 8 PM,  Riprocks will open at 6 PM, II Charlie's will open at 5 PM and their kitchen will be closed. Merry Christmas!

Header Image Design by Brittany Keeton