Dallas, December 31, 2025
The Dallas-Fort Worth area has been bustling with notable events in arts and culture, including prestigious film awards, art exhibitions, and performances. The Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association Awards recognized outstanding films, while the Virgen de Guadalupe Art Exhibition celebrated diverse artworks. Additionally, upcoming events like the Dallas International Film Festival and New Year’s Eve celebrations add to the vibrant cultural scene in this region.
Dallas-Fort Worth Arts and Culture Highlights
Dallas, Texas – The Dallas-Fort Worth area has recently celebrated several significant events in arts and culture, showcasing the region’s vibrant creative scene.
31st Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association Awards
On December 17, 2025, the 31st Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association Awards honored the year’s best films. “One Battle After Another” led with five awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson, and Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio. Other notable winners were “Sinners” for Best Cinematography and “Sentimental Value” for Best Foreign Language Film.
Virgen de Guadalupe Art Exhibition at the Latino Cultural Center
The Latino Cultural Center in Dallas is hosting the 2025 Virgen de Guadalupe Art Exhibition, featuring works from over 70 artists. The exhibition runs from December 6 to January 16, with a reception on December 6. It pays tribute to La Virgen de Guadalupe through paintings, sculptures, and mixed media.
Jenny Saville: The Anatomy of Painting at The Modern
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth presents “Jenny Saville: The Anatomy of Painting,” the first major U.S. exhibition dedicated to the British painter. On view from October 12, 2025, through January 18, 2026, the exhibit features large-scale oil paintings and drawings challenging traditional notions of beauty and identity.
Meow Wolf’s ‘The Real Unreal’ Exhibition in Grapevine
Meow Wolf’s latest exhibition, “The Real Unreal,” opened on July 14, 2023, in Grapevine, Texas. The immersive experience tells the story of Ruby and Gordon Delaney, exploring themes of family and the supernatural. The exhibit is located in the Grapevine Mills Mall.
Upcoming Events in Richardson
Richardson, a suburb of Dallas, is hosting several events from December 24 to 31, 2025. Activities include winter break camps, a puzzle-solving challenge at Great Room Escape, and New Year’s Eve celebrations at Repertory Company Theatre and Free Play Richardson.
Dallas International Film Festival 2026
The 20th edition of the Dallas International Film Festival is scheduled for April 23-30, 2026. The festival has been a significant platform for filmmakers since its inception in 2007, showcasing a diverse range of films from around the world.
Dallas International Piano Competition
The Dallas International Piano Competition, established in 2012, is a biennial event hosted by the Dallas Chamber Symphony. The competition is open to pianists aged 18-35 and typically spans three rounds over several days, featuring concerto and solo repertoire.
Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Upcoming Performances
Dallas Black Dance Theatre, the oldest continuously operating dance company in Dallas, has been performing across the United States and around the world for nearly half a century. In 2024, Dallas voters approved a $1.25 billion bond measure that includes an allocation of more than three million dollars to DBDT for the renovation and upgrade of their building in the Dallas Arts District.
Challenges Facing North Texas Museums
Museums in North Texas are facing challenges related to funding, staffing, and increasing costs. The American Alliance of Museums estimates that 40% of museums receive some type of federal funding, and approximately one-third had a government grant or contract canceled this year. These cuts have resulted in canceled or reduced programming for various communities.
Best Light Displays in DFW
The Dallas-Fort Worth area offers several impressive Christmas light displays. Highland Park Village, for example, lights up 1.5 million Christmas lights each year from mid-November to February, a tradition since 1951. Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere and even take holiday carriage tours.
New Year’s Eve Events in Dallas
Dallas is hosting various events to ring in the new year. The Dallas Bach Society is presenting its annual New Year’s Eve concert featuring baroque and classical orchestral music, including Mozart’s “Exsultate jubilate,” at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Additionally, the Dallas Theater Center is presenting “A Christmas Carol” through December 30, 2025.
Upcoming Museum Exhibits in Fort Worth
Fort Worth museums are showcasing several notable exhibits. The Noble Planetarium offers new shows exploring sites like Mars and the edge of the solar system. The Amon Carter Museum presents “East of the Pacific,” highlighting early Asian American artists’ influence on contemporary art. The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth features “Jenny Saville: The Anatomy of Painting,” dedicated to the British painter’s work.
Conclusion
The thriving arts and culture scene in the Dallas-Fort Worth area exemplifies the resilience and creativity of local artists and entrepreneurs. As they navigate through challenges and celebrate successes, it is essential to support local events and organizations that enrich our community. Together, we can foster a vibrant economy and a rich cultural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the 31st Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association Awards take place?
On December 17, 2025, the 31st Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association Awards honored the year’s best films.
What is the Virgen de Guadalupe Art Exhibition?
The Latino Cultural Center in Dallas is hosting the 2025 Virgen de Guadalupe Art Exhibition, featuring works from over 70 artists from December 6 to January 16.
What is the Dallas International Film Festival?
The 20th edition of the Dallas International Film Festival is scheduled for April 23-30, 2026, showcasing a diverse range of films from around the world.
What challenges are North Texas museums currently facing?
Museums in North Texas are facing challenges related to funding, staffing, and increasing costs, with many reporting canceled or reduced programming.
What are some notable New Year’s Eve events in Dallas?
Dallas is hosting events like the annual New Year’s Eve concert by the Dallas Bach Society and performances of “A Christmas Carol” by the Dallas Theater Center.
Key Features
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association Awards | December 17, 2025 | Dallas | Honoring the year’s best films with five awards to “One Battle After Another.” |
| Virgen de Guadalupe Art Exhibition | December 6 – January 16, 2026 | Latino Cultural Center, Dallas | Exhibition featuring works from over 70 artists. |
| Jenny Saville: The Anatomy of Painting | October 12, 2025 – January 18, 2026 | The Modern Art Museum, Fort Worth | Exhibit showcasing large-scale works challenging traditional beauty. |
| Dallas International Film Festival | April 23-30, 2026 | Dallas | Significant platform for filmmakers showcasing diverse films. |
| New Year’s Eve Events | December 31, 2025 | Various Venues, Dallas | Includes concert by the Dallas Bach Society and Dallas Theater Center performances. |
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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
