In observance of Christmas, there will be no residential trash, curbside recycling or brush/bulky collection on Monday,
Twice-Per-Week Trash Collection is Back!
Solid Waste Crews Will Collect Unlimited Bags of Leaves and Grass Clippings on Trash Collection Days
As part of the return to twice-per-week trash collection on Dec. 4, Solid Waste Services also will collect unlimited bags of leaves and grass clippings on regular trash collection days.
Brush Debris Collection – Unlimited Volume
Unlimited bagged leaves and grass clippings
Trim brush to 4 feet in length and max weight 50 pounds
Stumps/logs no longer than 2 feet in diameter
Stack neatly at the curb with cut end toward the street
Residents can also drop off unbagged leaves and grass clippings for Irving's mulch program at the Hunter Ferrell Landfill, 110 E. Hunter Ferrell Road, at no charge.
Visit CityofIrving.org/SWS to view the collection guidelines and map.
Across America event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 16 at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens, 1413 E. Irving Blvd. Each year, the Irving Fire and Police departments join the Irving AMBUCS to help honor the memory of veterans by laying wreaths on their graves.
Visit CityofIrving.org/WreathsAcrossAmerica for more information on sponsoring a wreath or volunteering.
Irving Holidays at Heritage event series will kick off the season with the festive annual Holiday Parade
Gas, Electric Winter Weather Tips
Prepare for the cold and potential inclement weather this winter by following a few utility tips from Atmos and Oncor.
Natural Gas Tips from Atmos
Never use an oven or gas stovetop to heat your home.
Close the fireplace dampers unless a fire is burning to keep warm air from escaping.
Sign up for text alerts and follow @AtmosEnergy on social media for utility news.
Smell gas? To report a gas leak, call 911 and then the 24/7 Atmos Energy emergency number at (866) 322-8667.
Electricity Tips from Oncor
Seal windows and cracks in the home to reduce air leaks.
When at home, set thermostat to 68 degrees and keep air vents open to increase circulation.
Follow @Oncor on social media or download the Oncor app for timely updates.
Report a power outage on the Oncor app or online at StormCenter.Oncor.com. Text “REG” to 66267 to sign up for messages and report power outages.
Electronic Resident Newsletters
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
All is Bright: A Season of Lights at Irving Arts Center
Celebrate the holidays in spectacular fashion each year at Irving Arts Center. The lights will shine a bit brighter this year with a slate of Christmas-inspired events that most certainly will live up to this year’s theme - All is Bright: A Season of Lights.
Dec. 1-31 | Decorated Holiday Trees
The Main Gallery will be transformed into a wonderland of decorated trees, each branch adorned by various school and community groups. A tradition in its 31st year, these trees are more than just fun; they are serious business with cash prizes and bragging rights at stake! Vote for your favorite tree through Dec. 31 on the Irving Arts Center’s Facebook and Instagram pages by liking your favorite tree. The trees are displayed with a backdrop of holiday-inspired art, created by Irving Independent School District students on the walls.
TICKETED EVENTS
Dec. 1-3 | The Nutcracker
Presented by Ballet Ensemble of Dallas Times Vary | $30-$40
Four performances will feature more than 200 dancers from Ballet Academy of Texas, guest artists Melody Mennite (Principal Dancer, Houston Ballet) and Sterling Baca (Principal Dancer, Pennsylvania Ballet) along with Alumni Adrian Fite of Ballet West Academy.
Dec. 9 | Home for the Holidays
Presented by Irving Symphony Orchestra
7:30 p.m. | Ticket Price: $39-$50
The Irving Symphony Orchestra is bringing back the Irving Chorale along with Joslin Dsouza and his exciting group with new music and arrangements.
Dec. 10 | Songs for the Holidays
Presented by New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving (with special guests, the Irving Chorale)
3:30 p.m. | $10-$20
Featuring the heavenly voices of Dallas Arts District Chorale in selections from Handel’s “Messiah,” and a carol sing-along!
Dec. 15 | Mariachi Herencia De México: A Mariachi
Christmas Presented by Irving Arts Center
7:30 p.m. | $34.50-$47.50
Celebrate the holidays with A Mariachi Christmas featuring Mariachi Herencia de México. The Latin Grammy-nominated band performs Christmas favorites from south of the border and beyond, including holiday hits like “Feliz Navidad,” “Los Peces en el Río” and “Ave Maria,” as well as reimagined versions of such classics as “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland”
and many more! Filled with music and holiday cheer, this colorful celebration of holiday traditions is perfect for the whole family. Add some love, light and mariachi to your holiday season this year with Mariachi Herencia de México’s joyful music!
Dec. 16 | London is Calling Season Concert No. 3
Presented by Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra Featuring Mario Rocco Ferraro, Miramba.
7:30 p.m. I $39-$50
Dec. 22 | Movin’ On’
IMPAC Now Presents a David Moore Productions Musical
7 p.m. | $47.50-$102.50
Based on the true events of five individuals, the musical deals with a wide variety of topics and issues including Multiple Sclerosis, Domestic Violence and Secrets.
Jan. 5 | Ann Hampton Callaway Sings the ‘70s Plus Inspired Originals
Presented by Irving Arts Center
7:30 p.m. | $42.50
Do not miss the Tony nominated Broadway star and platinum selling singer/songwriter in “Ann Hampton Callaway Sings the '70s" for a night of rousing and beautiful classics. Callaway covers hits from the great songwriters of the time — Carole King, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel and John Lennon along with some '70s inspired originals. For a feel-good time of holding hands, clapping, singing along and taking a walk down memory lane, this is the show to see!
FREE FAMILY HOLIDAY FUN
Dec. 2, 9 and 16 | Santa Saturdays
2 to 4 p.m. | Free
Of course, it would not be Christmas without a visit from you know who. Do not get caught waiting in line for a mall Santa! Swing by for a quick photo with Santa Claus, and make holiday cards and crafts. Bring your camera.
Dec. 7 | JumpstART Stories & Art: Winter Animals
10 a.m. | Free Brrrr! Enjoy tales of winter along with craft activities inspired by animals who love the cold.
Dec. 10 | 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 and festive arts and crafts activities. Drop-in anytime between 1 and 4 p.m. for this free, fun-for-allages event.
For more information about all activities planned, visit IrvingArtsCenter.com
SOUTHWEST
PARK UPDATES TO START IN EARLY
2024
The new year will bring $3 million in updates to Southwest Park, 2800 W. Shady Grove Road, for residents and visitors. After public meetings in February and May 2022, community input and feedback helped develop a plan that brings several new amenities to the open space, including:
Shaded
IRVING ARTS CENTER IN THE GALLERIES
Free to view. Open Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. No advance reservation needed. Guided tours are offered the first Saturday and second Sunday of every month at 2 p.m.
Over, Beyond, Between: Landscape and the Transcendent (Paintings by Dawn Waters Baker)
Through Jan. 6 | Focus Gallery
Dawn Waters Baker was born and raised in the Philippines, moving to Dallas at the age of 19 to attend Dallas Baptist University. Through her art, Baker captures the emotional and spiritual landscape, translating the shared human story through the metaphor of nature.
Matthew Cordell’s Neighborhood
Through Feb. 4 | Dupree Lobby Gallery
Featuring the works of author and illustrator
Matthew Cordell, the exhibit was organized by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature in Abilene, Texas. Cordell, the winner of the 2018 Caldecott Medal, has illustrated many works of poetry, children’s books and other novels. He also has released writings of his own, including “Hello, Neighbor! The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers,” an authorized picture book biography of Mister Rogers. Cordell’s artistic style, specifically in his Caldecott-awarded book “Wolf in the Snow,” combines realistic and cartoon-like techniques in his illustrations.
Close to Me, Far from Me: Paintings by Tuncay Topcu
Through Feb. 24 | Carpenter Lobby Gallery
This exhibition, presented in collaboration with the Contemporary Islamic Art Forum, features the work of Tuncay Topcu. Topcu is an important representative of the Abstract Expressionist approach in contemporary Turkish painting, whose works can be found in prestigious institutions and private collections around the world. His abstract paintings are notable for their expressive paint strokes and rich colors, as well as organic and amorphous areas which are defined by the presence of a bold black line.
Mariachi Herencia will perform in Irving Dec. 15, putting the merry in mariachi.
Hiring incentive!
New Full-Time Employees Can Earn up to $3-$5K as a Hiring Incentive!
CityofIrving.org/Jobs
For more information, call (972) 721-2696 or visit CityofIrving.org/HR.
Parks and Recreation Activities
Cimarron Park Recreation Center
201 Red River Trail, (972) 910-0702
Dec. 9 | Breakfast with Santa
10 a.m. to noon | Ages 5-10 | $5
A pancake breakfast with crafts and photo ops with Santa. Participants must be accompanied by an adult.
Georgia Farrow Recreation Center
530 W. Davis Drive, (972) 721-2519
Dec. 8 | Christmas Tree Decoration
10 a.m. to noon | Ages 4-8 | $5
Get into the festive spirit and decorate a personal mini tree to take home to show off. RSVP required by Dec. 4.
Heritage Senior Center
200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-2496
Dec. 6 | Gift Wrap Happy Hour
10 to 11:30 a.m. | Ages 50 and older | Free Bring gifts, and join in for a wrapping good time. Light refreshments, holiday music and wrapping supplies will be provided. RSVP required by Dec. 4.
Dec. 22 | Members' Christmas Party
10 to 11:30 a.m. | Ages 50 and older | Free Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with holiday music, friends, games and a visit from Santa. Tickets will be distributed and a congregate meal will be served at 11:15 a.m. RSVP required by Dec. 15.
Lee Park Recreation Center
3000 Pamela Drive, (972) 721-2508
Fridays | Friday Fiesta Teen Program
6 to 8:30 p.m. | Ages 12-17 | $5 Teens can spend extra time at the recreation center playing games, creating arts and crafts projects and more. This program includes a meal. RSVP required by the Thursday prior.
Mustang Park Recreation Center
2223 Kinwest Parkway, (972) 556-1334
Dec. 7 | Senior Field Trip (Gaylord ICE)
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Ages 50 and older | $5
Bring a friend or make some new ones on this adventure. Departs and returns to Mustang Park Recreation Center.
Dec. 9 | Winter Pickleball Tournament
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Ages 18 and older | $5 per team Looking for some fun and friendly competition? Join an all-day tournament. Games will be based on age brackets. Participants must bring their own paddles.
Dec. 15 | Santa’s Workshop Express
6 to 9 p.m. | All ages | Free
Choo-Choo! The Polar Express is here! Take a trip around Santa's workshop in a kid-friendly, small train.
Northwest Park Recreation Center
2800 Cheyenne St., (972) 721-2529
Dec. 8 | Characters of Christmas Dance
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Ages 6-11 | $5
Dress as your favorite holiday character, and enjoy music and dancing, a costume contest, games and light refreshments. RSVP required by Dec. 4.
Library Programs, MiY Zone Classes & Book Clubs
Winterfest Herald in the holiday season with Winterfest, Irving Public Library’s annual December program series. Valley Ranch Library hosts the festivities, which include musical performances, a puppet show, crafts, free gift wrapping and more. Check out the online calendar for details at CityofIrving.org/Library. Call (972) 721-2440 for information about MiY Zone Makerspace program registration requirements.
DECEMBER SCHEDULE AND PROGRAMS
Each library location offers free activities for all ages and interests. In addition, the online library is always open by visiting the website and social media.
Dec. 8 | Friday Night Library
7 p.m. | South Irving Library | All ages
All aboard the Polar Express! Arrive in jammies, partake in seasonal treats, make crafts and ride on a trackless train. Teens will also host the “All Wrapped Up” program beginning at 7 p.m.
Dec. 8 and 16 | All Wrapped Up
Dec.
STAY CONNECTED AND READY TO PLAY
The Irving Parks and Recreation Department’s Winter Activities Brochure is now available! It provides information on how to schedule, sign up and register for the upcoming camps, classes, programs and activities available through April 30. The guide includes schedules by age groups and information for all Irving recreation centers. Pick up the Winter 2023 Brochure at any recreation center or view online at CityofIrving.org/ RecSchedules
Search Facebook for @IrvingParksandRec and “Like” the page to stay up-to-date with what is going on in Irving Parks and Recreation — events, programs, schedules and more. Visit CityofIrving.org/Parks for more information.
IRVING INDOOR AQUATIC ACTIVITIES
Indoor Pool Open Swim Hours
Heritage Aquatic Center (HAC) 200 S. Jefferson St., (972) 721-7310
teens, while supplies last. Limit of 5 items per person. No oversize items are accepted and no boxes are provided.
Dec. 9 | Chautauqua: Dallas Brass Band
2 p.m. | South Irving Library | All ages
Spend the afternoon with a musical performance by this local ensemble.
Dec. 9 | MiY Zone Edible Education: Holiday Cookies
2:30 p.m. | West Irving Library | Ages 8-12
Get in the holiday spirit by baking and decorating cookies, and afterward, indulge in hot chocolate. Space is limited, and registration is required at the West Irving Library reference desk beginning one week before the program.
Dec. 15 | Holiday Storytime: Pajama Party
7 p.m. | West Irving Library | Kids
Kids are invited to wear their favorite pajamas after the library closes for the day and enjoy a story, crafts, hot apple cider and cookies.
Dec. 30 | Winter Ball
5:30 p.m. | West Irving Library | Grades 8-12
Celebrate a magical end to the year at this after-hours party.
Lake Natatorium (NLN) 5001 N. MacArthur Blvd., (972) 756-0860
For the most up-to-date information, visit CityofIrving.org/Aquatics
Irving Aquatics Christmas Vacation Dec. 16 | All ages | $2 Children; $3 Adults | HAC It is not Christmas without the Griswold Family! Decorate a float and boat with festive decorations. Best float will win a trophy! Afterwards, enjoy the classic movie, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
Chromebooks are now ready for eligible cardholders to borrow from a self-service locker at Valley Ranch Library. The Chromebooks are available on a first-come, first-served basis for a two-hour loan period and may be used anywhere inside the library. Eligible account types for checkout are full-service adult cards in good standing.
SCAN ME
SCAN ME
and
Plastics #1-3, 5-7*
Construction Progress Continues Along MacArthur Boulevard
collects household recycling in blue bags once a week. Among the items recycled are plastics. Recyclable plastics have a
Plastics #4 are not accepted; this includes grocery, produce and frozen food bags. These can be returned at most stores in a container located at the entrance.
Plastic containers need to be rinsed
and dry before placing in a blue bag without caps or lids.
ENTER THE 2024 MLK ESSAY CONTEST
In Irving, two roads extend north and south through the entire city: Belt Line Road and MacArthur Boulevard. The city continues to make major improvements to Belt Line Road and now, MacArthur Boulevard will soon see fewer orange cones and more traffic flow.
The 2.17-mile project on MacArthur between SH 114 and Byron Nelson also includes improvements to Byron Nelson from Leland Boulevard to MacArthur Boulevard. The project involved milling and overlay, as well as improved subgrade of roads for a better driving experience for commuters. The project also included adding updated accessibility ramps and repairing sections of sidewalks in the area.
The City of Irving will soon complete part of the MacArthur Boulevard project, from State Highway 114 to Byron Nelson Way. The $4.8 million project, which started in January, is part of Year 6 of the city’s Road to the Future projects.
Irving students in grades 3-12 are invited to enter the 2024 City of Irving Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest.
This year’s theme is 60 Years of Illuminating Change: Celebrating Dr. King’s Nobel Peace Prize Legacy. Essays should discuss the enduring impact of King’s work and the progress made, as well as the challenges that persist to this day.
Essays should be no more than 500 words and will be judged on clarity, grammar and the depth of understanding of King's legacy and the vision for the future. The deadline to enter is Jan. 2.
The contest age categories are:
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8
Grades 9-12
Contest winners will read their winning essays during an observance Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. at Carpenter Performance Hall in the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd.
For more information on the theme and how to enter, visit IrvingEvents.org
The Traffic and Transportation project complements the city’s current $27.9 million MacArthur Boulevard Capital Improvement Program project, which runs from Byron Nelson Way south to Metker Street and improves drainage, water system infrastructure and the quality of streets. In November, construction began on Phase II of the project from Metker Road to Northgate Drive. Phase II is expected to run through February 2025.
The City of Irving has big plans for Year 7 of the Road to the Future program, including construction on Walnut Hill Lane from MacArthur Boulevard west to Gateway Drive. Additionally, Walton Boulevard between Ranch Trail and Market Place Boulevard is planned as the next major road construction project.
Stay in the loop on the city’s road construction projects by following @theCityofIrving on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Visit CityofIrving.org/Road2Future for more information on street projects.
Holiday Theft Prevention Tips
The Irving Police Department's (IPD) holiday wish this year is for residents to enjoy a safe holiday season. IPD shares these helpful tips for residents to be alert and aware while shopping for gifts:
Gift Exchange/Pickup
Buying a present on an online marketplace? Use IPD’s exchange safe zone to meet for package pickup at 305 N. O’Connor Road.
Package Deliveries
Schedule delivery with a carrier and require a signature on deliveries.
Track packages for estimated arrival time.
Ask a neighbor to pick up packages if you are not at home.
Shopping
Park in well-lit areas.
Have car keys out and ready to enter your vehicle. Do not leave keys or fobs in vehicles.
Always lock car doors and roll windows up.
Always remove valuables from the car. If needed, lock valuables in the trunk.
When dropping off purchases in the car, drive and park the vehicle in a different spot so others are not aware of any items being dropped off.
While shopping this holiday season, drivers are reminded to be patient and plan ahead to allow for plenty of travel time.
If a resident sees a crime in progress, contact IPD. For emergencies call 911, and for non-emergencies call (972) 273-1010.
Follow @IrvingPD on social media and visit CityofIrving.org/Police for more crime prevention tips.
Residential Carport Permit Required
Installing a carport to protect vehicles? Homeowners are required to request a permit from the Inspections Department for carports that are freestanding or attached to another building. Carport permits are a minimum of $65 and ensure that the structure is safe and compliant with city codes.
Carports must be fully open on two sides (including the entrance), allow parking for no more than two vehicles, should not exceed 10 feet in height (the lowest eave line of the carport) and must be inspected upon completion of work. Visit CityofIrving.org/Permit or call (972) 721-2371 for more details.
Solid Waste Services Christmas Tree Roundup Runs Dec. 27-Jan. 14
Residents can properly dispose of fresh-cut Christmas trees for recycling during Irving’s annual Christmas Tree Roundup from Dec. 27 to Jan. 14.
Fresh-cut Christmas trees will be collected as part of the city’s weekly curbside brush/bulky waste pickup.
Residents can also bring Christmas trees to any of the following drop-off locations during the collection dates:
Cottonwood Creek Park, 4051 N. Story Road
Hunter Ferrell Landfill, 110 E. Hunter Ferrell Road (7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday; closed on city holidays)
Las Colinas Service Center, 5964 Riverside Drive (southern section of the parking lot)
Southwest Park, 2800 W. Shady Grove Road
Whether placing trees at the curb or dropping off, residents must remove all decorations, such as 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.
Visit CityofIrving.org/SWS or call (972) 721-8059 for more information about the Christmas Tree Roundup or other city recycling programs.
