Irving Animal Services wants to give the gift on every Irving Animal Care Campus (IACC) shelter pet’s wish list a lovable home for the holidays. All pets 1
tree stands, lights, tinsel, nails and ornaments. Plastic bags covering the tree should be removed. All fresh-cut Christmas trees collected as part of this program will be mulched and made available for a nominal fee at Hunter Ferrell Landfill.
For more information about the Christmas Tree Roundup or
Areas throughout Las Colinas have transformed into dazzling displays of holiday merriment with over half a million lights and a herd of 68 reindeer that will shine through Jan. 7.
Light locations include:
● Island Greens at the intersection of N. O'Connor Road and John W. Carpenter Fwy.
● Las Colinas Urban Center at North O'Connor Blvd. between Las Colinas Blvd. and Riverside Dr.
● Rochelle Park from Sonora Ct. to E. Northgate Dr.
● Founder's Park at Riverside Dr. and John W. Carpenter Fwy. (southeast corner)
● E.O.Perry Flower Clock at N. O'Connor Road and John W. Carpenter Fwy (southwest corner)
● Las Colinas Blvd. between High Terrace Lane and Fluor Dr. strongly encouraged
Residents visiting light locations are reminded to pay attention to oncoming traffic and parking signs, and only cross streets at crosswalks. n
Irving is 'The Multinational Community' in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
Data from the 2020 census shows the City of Irving is growing at a faster pace than originally anticipated, as well as becoming more ethnically and racially diverse. The U.S. Census Bureau has promised to release additional data from the 2020 census, but it’s not expected until the middle of next year.
Unexpected High Growth
The Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Program produces the official population estimate for non-census years. In 2019, Irving’s population was calculated to be 239,798. However, the 2020 census counted 256,684 Irving residents. This unexpected surge was likely the result of a more accurate and extended counting process in 2020.
Uneven Growth
The data from the 2020 census shows that the majority of Irving’s population growth is occurring north of Northgate Drive. Analysts point to the area’s new residential subdivisions and the Urban Center’s multifamily unit increases as the main driver. As a result of this uneven growth, the City of Irving redrew its council districts in spring 2022. The new council
districts
The City of Irving’s racial and ethnic mix of the population is changing.
Data from the 2020 American Community Survey shows that approximately 39 percent of Irving residents are foreign-born. Mexico, India and El Salvador are the nations that have contributed the most new Irving residents. But the most interesting fact, analysts point out, is that the number of U.S.-born residents has held steady for decades. Looking at growth from 1990 to 2020, foreign immigration is driving the city’s growth. n
Dec. 2 | Noche Buena: A Christmas Spectacular
Presented by Irving Arts Center
7:30 p.m. | $27.50-$42.50
A unique collaboration between Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles and Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar blends indigenous culture, Spanish heritage and influences from other cultures into a holiday celebration like no other. Inspired by the traditions and customs celebrated in Mexico on Noche Buena (Christmas Eve), these two highly acclaimed performance ensembles from Los Angeles perform together in Irving, one night only.
Dec. 3-4 | The Nutcracker
Presented by Ballet Ensemble of Texas
● Dec. 3 | 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. | $30-$35
● Dec. 4 | 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. | $30-$35
Four performances will feature more than 200 dancers, guest artists and alumni Breanne Granlund and Nathan Vendt from American Ballet Theatre.
Dec. 10 | Home for the Holidays with Joslin Dsouza and the Irving Chorale
Presented by Irving Symphony Orchestra
7:30 p.m. | $39-$50 Holiday classics will be performed by piano virtuoso Joslin Dsouza and the Irving Chorale, backed by the Irving Symphony Orchestra.
Dec. 11 | Remember When…?
Presented by New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving
3:30 p.m. | $10-$20
Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite Op. 71a will be performed as dancers from Momentum Dance Company take the stage. An audience sing-along of traditional holiday seasonal favorites is also included in the program.
Dec. 16 | Holiday in Sound, Irving Symphonic Band and Irving Silvertones Group
Presented by Irving Symphonic Band
7:30 p.m. | $12.50-$15
The Irving Symphonic Band welcomes special guests The Irving Silvertones for its annual holiday program.
Dec. 17 | Aquiles Machado, Tenor
Presented by Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra
7:30 p.m. | $17.50-$47.50
Tenor Aquiles Machado will perform with the Las Colinas Symphony. Other highlights will include a traditional sing-along of Christmas carols.
YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAMS
Dec. 1 | JumpstART Stories & Art: Winter Animals
10 a.m. | Free
This month’s program features chilly winter tales and art inspired by some our favorite winter animals.
Dec. 3, 10 and 18 | Santa Saturdays
2 to 4 p.m. | Free
Skip the line at the mall and bring the kiddos to Irving Arts Center for Santa Saturdays. Drop in between 2 and 4 p.m. on the first three Saturdays of December for a chance to make holiday cards and crafts and visit with Santa. Do not forget your camera!
Dec. 11 | Second Sunday Funday: The Art of the Holidays + Teen Open Studio
1 to 4 p.m. | Free
Find your inner artist and celebrate the season with creative arts and crafts activities for the whole family. Teens can participate in an open art studio held during the same timeframe.
$1,500 INCENTIVE FOR NEW FULL-TIME CITY EMPLOYEES
Get hired by the City of Irving and earn up to $1,500, in addition to regular pay! For those hired through Jan. 31, 2023, the City of Irving will pay new full-time employees $500 after their first 30 days, six months, and one year of employment for a total of $1,500. Payments are made if there are no attendance or disciplinary issues.
Visit CityofIrving.org/Jobs for a list of available positions. n
Free to view. Open Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. No advance reservation needed.
Aquí/Ahora (Here/Now)
Through Jan. 7 | Carpenter Lobby Gallery
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Irving Arts Center presents a group exhibition which highlights local Latinx artists and Art Connection members: Alfredo Santesteban, Fannie Brito, Flores, José Angel Hernandez, Maria Ruenes and Ximena M. Peryea. The exhibited works span a variety of media; painting, drawing, mixed media, assemblage, sculpture and photography are featured.
Showing the World One Sketch at a Time: Urban Sketchers DFW Through Jan. 28 | Focus Gallery
An exhibition featuring 30-35 framed drawings by more than 20 individual members from DFW group of Urban Sketchers. The Urban Sketchers blog was created as a place “for all sketchers out there who love to draw the cities where they live and visit, from the window of their homes, from a cafe, at a park, standing by a street corner … always on location, not from photos or memory.”
A Christmas Carnival of Animals: 30th Annual Holiday Exhibition and Tree Decorating Competition Dec. 1-31 | Main Gallery
A tradition three decades old, the Main Gallery undergoes a complete transformation becoming a wonderland of decorated trees by various community groups and schools. Viewers are invited to vote for their favorites …. with cash prizes and bragging rights at stake! Surrounding these magnificent trees, artwork created by Irving Independent School District students adorns the walls.
Hello Sophie: The Picture Book Art of Sophie Blackall Dec. 3-Feb. 25 | Dupree Lobby Gallery Curated by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) in Abilene, Texas, “Hello Sophie: The Picture Book Art of Sophie Blackall,” showcases the work of award-winning children’s author and illustrator Sophie Blackall.
Faces of the Southern Ocean: Wildlife Photography by J.J. L’Heureux Dec. 10-Feb. 25 | Courtyard Gallery
The work of photographer, painter, adventurer and naturalist J.J. L'Heureux is featured in this exhibition. Amazing photos from her travels in Antarctica reveal the penguins, seals and unique birds who make their home in the frozen landscape of the Southern Ocean.
Winter Break Camp Register today for camp taking place Dec. 19 to 22 and Dec. 27 to 30 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Irving recreation centers. The camp is open to elementary students, and the cost is $80 per week. Campers will play games and make arts and crafts in a supervised environment. Snacks will be provided daily. Register in person at a neighborhood recreation center or online at CityofIrving.org/IrvingRec . Space is limited.
Cimarron Park Recreation Center
201 Red River Trail, (972) 910-0702
● Dec. 9 | Irving Teen Summit
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Ages 13-17 | Free Meet other area teens for engaging activities.
● Dec. 14 | Home School Holiday Movie Day
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Ages 6-12 | $5
Feature film will be "Home Alone." Price includes snacks and a drink.
Georgia Farrow Recreation Center
530 W. Davis Drive, (972) 721-2519
● Dec. 8 | Candy Land Creation
11 a.m. to noon | Ages 3-6 | $5
From Mr. Mint’s Candy Cane Forest to the Lord Licorice Castle, the world of Candy Land is filled with imaginative landscapes and architecture. Let this enchanting game inspire creative minds to build delicious gingerbread creations. Register by Dec. 5.
Heritage Senior Center
200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-2496
● Dec. 16 | Heritage’s Annual Christmas Party
10 a.m. to noon | Ages 50 and older | Free Members are invited to celebrate the holiday season at the Heritage Senior Center. There will be an ugly Christmas sweater contest, entertainment and more. Registration deadline is Dec. 13.
● Dec. 16 | Texas Christkindl Market Day Trip
4 to 8 p.m. | Ages 50 and older | Free
Enjoy a trip to one of the largest open-air holiday markets in the Southwest. Inspired by a cherished German tradition, this family friendly market features a unique shopping experience for holiday
gifts, decorations and unique one-of-a kind finds. Registration deadline is Dec. 14.
Lively Pointe Youth Center 909 N. O’Connor Road, (972) 721-8090
● Dec. 15 | Lively Makes a Deal Christmas Edition 4 to 7 p.m. | Ages 11-17 | Free
This is the Christmas game show of the year! There will be prizes for all contestants with a grand prize winner.
Mustang Park Recreation Center
2223 Kinwest Parkway, (972) 556-1334
● Mondays | Holiday Craft Series 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. | Ages 6-12 | Free Make fun holiday-inspired, do-it-yourself projects that the kids can take home.
● Dec. 17 | Santa’s Workshop Express
6 to 9 p.m. | All ages | Free
What is better than a sleigh ride ... a train ride! Enjoy this family fun event with pictures with Santa and much more. No registration required.
Northwest Park Recreation Center
2800 Cheyenne St., (972) 721-2529
● Dec. 9 | Edible Holiday Creation
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Ages 6 and older | $5
Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with some edible craft projects, games and more. All children 10 and under must be accompanied by a parent. Register by Dec. 2.
Annual Winterfest is Coming
Irving Public Library’s annual Winterfest is coming to town! All ages are invited to attend a month of festivities, including special musical performances, crafts and book clubs. Visit CityofIrving.org/Library to check out the full December calendar of these and more library programs. Contact (972) 721-2440 for information about MiY Zone Makerspace program registration requirements.
Dec. 5 | Girls Night Out Book Club | Adults
7 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library
This month, discuss the featured title “The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot” by Marianne Cronin. Available instantly on Hoopla Digital and in print, while copies last.
Dec. 8 | Tried and True Book Club | Adults
7 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library
The group alternates monthly between classic titles and nonfiction. December’s selection is “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle,” a Sherlock Holmes mystery published in 1892 by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Dec. 10 | Novel Fiction Book Club | Adults
10 a.m. | Valley Ranch Library
Join other readers to discuss “Small Great Things” by Jodi Picoult. Copies are available instantly on Hoopla Digital and in print, while copies last.
Dec. 10 | Chautauqua Presents: A Smooth Brew
Christmas | All ages
2 p.m. | South Irving Library
This special event includes songs by the barbershop quartet Smooth Brew and holiday crafts.
Dec. 14 | Flutasia Flute Choir | All ages
7 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library
Get into the spirit of the season with this musical performance.
Dec. 15 | DIY Geek Chic: MiY Zone Personalized Ornaments | Teens
6 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library
Create an ornament to take home during this Makerspace program. Open to teens in grades 6-12.
Dec. 17 | Dallas Puppet Theater | All ages
2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library
The entire family is invited to one of the three performances to enjoy this merry puppet show.
Dec. 21 | Ho-Ho Holiday Harp | All ages
4 p.m. | South Irving Library
Listen to stories and seasonal favorites with harpist Kinsey Mitton, and take home a hot chocolate treat bag filled with goodies.
Dec. 22 | Ring in the Holidays with Mrs. Claus | All ages
2 p.m. | South Irving Library
Celebrate with storytelling, puppetry and magic with performer Margaret Clauder.
Dec. 22 | Jingle All the Way Party | All ages
2:30 p.m. | West Irving Library
A real reindeer pays a visit, along with one of Santa’s elves.
Participate in photo opportunities and crafts; enjoy prizes and sweet treats.
Dec. 29 | Creature Teacher | All ages
2:30 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library
Learn about the wondrous winter lives of animals.
Dec. 29 | Anime Club Winter Celebration | Teens
6 p.m. | Valley Ranch Library
Fans of anime, manga, drawing and more wrap up the year by joining this holiday gathering. For ages 13 and older.
The online calendar at CityofIrving.org/Library provides more details, including information about virtual programs and services available around the clock.
Indoor Pool Schedules
Heritage Aquatic Center (HAC)
200 S. Jefferson St. | (972) 721-7310
● Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 7:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
● Tuesday, Thursday | 5 to 8:30 p.m.
● Saturday | 1 to 5 p.m.
North Lake Natatorium (NLN)
5001 N. MacArthur Blvd. | (972) 756-0860
● Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 5 to 9 p.m.
● Tuesday, Thursday | 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
● Saturday | noon to 4 p.m.
Register online at CityofIrving.org/IrvingRec for any of the following aquatic activities.
Power
Join Power H20 for a medium- to high-intensity water fitness class designed for cardioconditioning endurance and body-toning.
Senior EZ Water Aerobics
Dec. 5-30 | 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. | 18+ | $20 | HAC
This low-impact class is performed in shallow water and is designed to improve joint stability, coordination, heart health and strength.
Senior Pep Water Aerobics Dec. 5-30 | 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. |
Add a little pep to a workout routine and join this upbeat morning class to increase strength, endurance and flexibility.
Aqua Sunrise Aerobics
Dec. 6-29 | 7 to 7:45 a.m. | 18+ | $16 | NLN
Join this early morning aqua aerobics class. This low-impact class is performed in shallow water and is designed to improve joint stability, coordination, heart health and strength.
Night Steppers Water Aerobics Dec. 6-29 | 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. | 18+ | $10 | HAC
Join this upbeat evening class to increase strength, endurance and flexibility.
AquaStars
Dec. 10 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Under 18 | HAC
This program is custom-designed for children with special needs, ages 18 and younger. Participants must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. Every second Saturday, AquaStars provides special needs children with an opportunity to experience the excitement of water play.
Swim with Santa Dec. 17 | 3 to 5 p.m. | Under 18 | HAC
See Santa in his festive floaties as he makes a splash at the Heritage Aquatic Center. The afternoon will include hot chocolate, candy canes and family swim.
FREE GUARD READY SESSIONS AVAILABLE ON SATURDAYS
Get lifeguard ready with Guard Ready. Ages 14 and older work with an instructor to improve swimming skills and pass the pretests. All participants are eligible to attend City of Irving Lifeguard Certification once they pass the pretests. Irving Parks and Recreation hires Red Cross-certified lifeguards, ages 15 and older, for part- and full-time positions at its aquatic facilities.
Register in person at the North Lake Natatorium, 5001 N. MacArthur Blvd., or call (469) 446-0201 or (469) 435-1626.
The upcoming free sessions are available on Saturdays: ● Dec. 3, 10, 17 and 31 noon to 2 p.m.
Visit CityofIrving.org/Lifeguard for more information. n
The Irving Parks and Recreation Department's annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. observance will take place on Sunday, Jan. 15. The essay contest winners will be recognized at the event.
The essay theme this year is Rise to the Level of Love. There are three age categories: grades 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Judging will be based on clarity, grammar and how well the theme is developed, depending on the age of the writer. The essay should be no more than a page in length or 500 words. Deadline for entry is Jan. 5.
For more information, visit IrvingEvents.org or call (972) 721-2501. n
The Irving Police Department (IPD) reminds residents to follow these holiday theft prevention tips to prevent a Grinch from ruining the holidays.
At Home
● Do not leave empty product boxes on the porch to advertise new electronics or appliances purchased.
● Consider using light timers or leave the lights on if going out of town.
● Request that packages be shipped to an Amazon, FedEx or UPS package locker/ delivery center instead of the front porch.
● Report suspicious activity in the apartment complex or neighborhood.
Vehicles
● Always lock car doors and roll up windows.
● Always remove valuables from the car. If needed, lock valuables in the trunk.
● When possible, park in well-lit areas to prevent catalytic converter thefts.
Traveling
● Drivers are reminded to be patient and plan ahead to allow for plenty of travel time.
● When dropping off purchases in the car, drive and park the vehicle in a different spot so other shoppers are not aware of any items being dropped off.
Individuals should be aware of their surroundings when shopping and at home. Additionally, if buying something from someone online or on an online marketplace for in-person delivery, use IPD’s Exchange Safe Zone at 305 N. O’Connor Road.
Visit CityofIrving.org/Police for more crime prevention tips. n
Irving Solid Waste Services will collect bagged leaves and grass clippings at the curb on regular collection days. Leaf and grass bag pickup is unlimited and does not count towards the 15 trash bag limit.
Residents can also drop off unbagged leaves and grass clippings for Irving's mulch program at the Hunter Ferrell Landfill at no charge.
Irving’s Think Green … Be Green leaf management webpage has additional tips on how lawn and landscape waste can benefit Irving yards all year long: CityofIrving.org/ Leaf-Management n
Irving residents will soon see orange cones as they drive along MacArthur Boulevard. Beginning in January 2023, the City of Irving Capital Improvement Program (CIP) will launch a two-year project that runs from Metker Street to Byron Nelson Way.
On Sept. 1, the Irving City Council approved the $27,967,633 project along MacArthur Boulevard. The goals of the project are to improve drainage, water system infrastructure and quality of streets. The project scope includes:
● New storm drainage installation from Metker Street to Hadrian Street.
● New wastewater main installation from Metker Street to Murl Drive and from Jeffrey Trail to South Coker Street.
● New water main installation from Rochelle Road to Northgate Drive and from Northgate Drive to Cottonwood Valley Drive.
Crews will begin work during the first quarter of 2023 on MacArthur Boulevard Segment 1, which runs from Northgate Drive to Byron Nelson Way. The project includes new storm drainage installation along the southeast corner of MacArthur Boulevard and Northgate Drive, as well as a new water main from Northgate Drive to Cottonwood Valley Drive.
Additionally, the Traffic and Transportation Department’s Streets Division will be improving MacArthur Boulevard from Byron Nelson Way north to State Highway 114 as part of Year 6 of the Road to the Future Program. This $5.5 million project will lead off by repairing and replacing various concrete panels, sidewalks and intersection pedestrian ramps, as well as adjusting some median noses at critical intersections along the roadway. In addition, crews will be adding a right turn lane into Singley Academy.
Improvements are scheduled to commence in December and should be finished by the summer of 2023. Once this work is complete, this section of MacArthur Boulevard will undergo a process to mill or remove all of the old asphalt, and then resurface the roadway with new asphalt. Among the many benefits are not only a repaired roadway subgrade, but a smoother ride and new pavement markings for vehicles and pedestrians at intersections.
During construction, one lane each way will be in place for northbound and southbound traffic; however, residents are encouraged to seek alternate routes when possible.
Visit CityofIrving.org/Road2Future for more information on the city’s ongoing infrastructure initiatives. n
Irving will hold its annual Wreaths Across America event to honor fallen military service members with a wreath laying ceremony.
Saturday, Dec. 17 | 11 a.m. Oak Grove Memorial Gardens | 1413 E. Irving Blvd.
During the ceremony, Irving’s Police and Fire Departments Honor Guards, as well as Police Chief Derick Miller and Fire Chief Victor Conley, will escort wreaths to be placed at the flag of each U.S. military branch. Afterward, the departments will lay additional wreaths at the graves of fallen Irving Police and Fire service members. Event volunteers will lay additional wreaths on service members’ graves in the memorial gardens.
The ceremony coincides with the national campaign to honor and remember the nation’s fallen service members with a wreath-laying ceremony during the holidays. n
This year’s display is open to the public Dec. 3-26 from dusk to 10 p.m., weather permitting. The free light display affords a leisurely stroll through one of the jewels of Irving’s Heritage District, Centennial Park at 444 W. Second St. The park is decorated with 60,000 lights on the fences, trees and bridge. Walkways are lighted on each side to keep pathways visible for visitors after dark. City staff will wear uniforms day and night so that visitors can ask questions about the display. Portable restrooms are available. Biking is prohibited through the display. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (972) 721-2501. n
Electronic newsletters are an Irving resident’s source for the latest Irving news and announcements delivered to your inbox. Subscribers receive updated news and information concerning construction projects, special event details, trash collection, holiday closure reminders and much more.
Simply enter in your information and select one of email lists below:
● Beyond the Stacks − Irving Public Library's Newsletter
● City Spectrum Digital − City of Irving's Weekly Newsletter
● Irving Boulevard Project Updates
● Irving Legislative Insider − Texas Legislature Activities
● Neighborhood News − Neighborhood Association Weekly Newsletter
Subscriber privacy is protected; email addresses will never be sold to a third-party vendor. In addition, subscribers can easily unsubscribe at any time.
Visit CityofIrving.org/Newsletters to sign up. n
