The holiday season is upon us! And there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate in Plano, McKinney, and around Collin County.

This section has details on all the best kid-friendly celebrations, parades, and season-long events. Also, check back often as events are added throughout the season.

Click on the tabs below, organized by date. A list will populate under each tab, listing events throughout that date range.

And be sure to view our entire guide to help you find tree farms, light displays, and more! This year we feature new categories: Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Years happenings! So visit those sections for holiday-specific events in those categories.

For EVEN MORE festivities around the metroplex, visit our local guides for the Dallas and Fort Worth areas.

November 18 

Christmas in the Square
The Square :: Frisco

Frisco Square has a nightly holiday light spectacular set to music on 107.3 FM (and piped in through speakers), shopping all around the square, and an outdoor ice rink. Select nights include carriage rides and visits with Santa. Through January 8.


November 19

Holiday in the Park
Six Flags :: Arlington

Each year, Six Flags over Texas transforms into a winter wonderland with sparkling lights, festive decorations, seasonal treats, and lots of activities, rides, and heartwarming shows. Select dates through December 31.


November 20 

Christmas Capital of Texas
Historic Downtown :: Grapevine

Grapevine is the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” so you should hop over to the link and take a look at everything on the docket. Through December 30.


November 21 

Miracle on 134th Street
Celina

Visit Santa in his 8,500-square-foot workshop and enjoy magical outdoor lights, Sugar Plum Fairy Island, a Christmas carousel, train rides, food trucks, fire pits and s’mores, gift shops, and more. Through December 23.


November 30 

Cookies with Santa
Fairview Town Center :: Fairview

This year, there are three dates to meet Santa for cookies! Your ticket includes a cookie decorating kit, Santa visit to the table, a gift bag for each child (or toddler gift for kids under two), story time with Santa, and a photo area where children can sit on Santa’s lap. Thursdays through December 14.


December 2 – 27

Breakfast with Santa
Fairview Town Center :: Fairview

This popular event is back and bigger than ever. Santa visits your table, character-breakfast-style, and each child will receive a gift bag (if under two, a toddler gift).

Christmas Lights, Chocolate, and Sips Tour
Batch Bakery :: Frisco

Named by USA Today as one of the best holiday experiences in the metroplex, this dessert and light display tour is one for the books. Head to Batch Bakery in Frisco to kick off the night via motor coach. Tickets from $49.


December 3 – 31

Stations of the Nativity
St. Andrew Methodist Church :: Plano

Explore the St. Andrew campus at your own pace from dawn to dusk, listening to inspiring audio-guided messages about the birth of Jesus at ten stations via QR codes.

November 18

Holiday Kickoff
Grandscape :: The Colony

Start the season right with live performances, reindeer, photos with Santa, and snow. Free!

Light the Night
Watters Creek :: Allen

Get in the spirit with caroling, carriage rides, children’s holiday crafts, and festive entertainment! KISS FM will emcee, and Santa arrives at 6:30 p.m. to light the tree, a glittering display of 145,000 lights synchronized to music. Free!


November 19

Lights at Legacy
Shops at Legacy :: Plano

Come out to The Shops at Legacy for live entertainment, Santa photos, toy soldiers on stilts, balloon artists, free train rides, and complimentary food and drink samples. Free!

Fort Worth Parade of Lights
Downtown :: Fort Worth

Over one-hundred floats will participate in this year’s holiday tradition, which started forty years ago. While the parade begins at 6:00 p.m., be sure to arrive early to reserve a spot, sip hot cocoa, or shop and dine downtown. Free!


November 24 – 26

Home for Holidays
Downtown :: McKinney

Historic Downtown McKinney kicks off the season with a big weekend festival of live music, food, kids’ activities and crafts, Santa visits, and a unique shopping experience. Free!


November 29

Christmas on the Square
The Square :: Celina

Featuring live musical performances, amusements, food, and a dazzling tree lighting ceremony in the Historic Downtown Square. Free!

December 2

Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Gerault Park :: Flower Mound

Watch twinkling floats parade down Spinks Road to Gerault Park for the tree lighting ceremony with choir performances, pictures with Santa, activities for kids, local vendors, food trucks, and more. Free!

Dickens 2023
Downtown :: Plano

This family celebration in Historic Downtown Plano’s Arts District includes a real snow slide, food, fun, shopping, and photos with Santa. Don’t miss the tree lighting ceremony in Haggard Park at 7:00 p.m. Free!

Holly Jolly Celebration
Downtown :: Allen

The City of Allen brings extra cheer to their annual holiday celebration this year. The event kicks off with a one-mile fun run, followed by fun family activities, and lighting the dazzling 46-foot tree. Free!

Merry Main Street
Main Street :: Frisco

Lots going on here including a holiday market, tree lighting, family activities, live music, a parade, and more. The festival is free!

Prosper Christmas Festival and Parade
Town Hall :: Prosper

This annual event in Downtown Prosper has lots of kid-friendly activities, including a fun zone and the Kids Christmas Shoppe. Note: The Rotary Club Christmas Parade begins at 2:30 p.m. Free!

Tree Lighting Celebration
Princeton Municipal Center :: Princeton

Celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season with the annual tree lighting, Santa visits, Feed the Community hosted by Princeton Public Works, and much more. Free!

Wylie Arts Festival
Downtown :: Wylie

Shop for art, handmade crafts, and unique gifts at The Cross Church Event Center. They’ll have lots of festive fair foods too. Free!


December 3

Advent Celebration
St. Andrew Methodist Church :: Plano

A Christmas train ride, an 8-foot snow tube, photos with Santa, and captivating performances by the Children’s Choir and Imperial Brass make this an event to remember. The Children’s Department offers a unique nativity experience, taking you back in time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Free!

Festival of Lights Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Downtown :: Wylie

Wylie makes a big deal out of Christmas, with an art festival, parade, and tree lighting ceremony. Free!


December 4

Andrew Peterson Presents Behold the Lamb of God
St. Andrew Methodist Church :: Plano

Experience a captivating journey led by Nashville singer-songwriter and author Andrew Peterson, accompanied by a group of talented artists. They will present unique folk-roots interpretations of the Christmas story, from Old Testament to New. Tickets from $37.


December 6

Sachse Christmas Extravaganza
Sachse Municipal Complex :: Sachse

The evening begins with a parade and tree lighting, followed by visits with Santa, a petting zoo, train rides around the complex, and a winter wonderland surprise you won’t want to miss. Free!


December 7

Christmas in the Park
Murphy Central Park :: Murphy

Holiday performances, food and craft vendors, kids’ activities, Santa pics, a Christmas parade, tree lighting, and more. They ask that you bring a new, unwrapped toy for the annual toy drive benefitting the Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center. Free!

Cookies with Santa
Fairview Town Center :: Fairview

Your ticket includes a cookie decorating kit, Santa visit to the table, a gift bag for each child (or toddler gift for kids under two), story time with Santa, and a photo area where children can sit on Santa’s lap.


December 8

CPKC Holiday Express
Downtown :: Wylie

Board the train, visit with Santa and his elves, and tour the inside of the cars, each with a different theme and all festively decorated. It rolls up at 4:00 p.m. Free!

Holidays at the Heard
The Heard Museum :: McKinney

Bundle up to see lights and holiday decor as you walk the half-mile Heard nature trail. Through December 9.


December 9

Journey to Bethlehem
First United Methodist :: Plano

See the Christmas story come to life at this walk-through nativity event at First United Methodist Plano. It’s outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather. Make online reservations to secure a specific time. Free! Through December 10.

Journey to Christmas Live Nativity
St. Paul Lutheran :: Plano

In this event’s 31st year, St. Paul Lutheran takes you on a trip through the interactive Bethlehem Village and six lively scenes leading up to the birth of Christ. Free!

Parade of Lights
Downtown :: McKinney

This annual Rotary Club parade features an emcee, decorated floats, McKinney ISD drill teams and bands, antique fire trucks, and of course, Santa. Free!

Saturday Flurries Screening of Elf!
Shops at Willow Bend :: Plano

Bring your blankets and chairs, and enjoy a screening of this Christmas favorite, complete with a movie-themed event! Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the restaurants at The District. Free!

Ugly Sweater Sip & Shop
Watters Creek :: Allen

Join for a fun shopping event at Watters Creek Village, benefiting Toys for Texans and Animal Rescue Crusade. With at least 12 stops and various merchants, it’s a great chance to find unique gifts while supporting community non-profits. Don’t forget to bring a new unwrapped toy or pet item, register at the link, and check-in at 945 Garden Park Drive for a day of shopping and sipping.


December 10

Christmas Music Festival
St. Andrew Methodist Church :: Plano

Head to the Sanctuary for a festive celebration featuring carols, choirs, and a full orchestra. For more holiday fun, meet Santa and his reindeer out front to take photos in his sleigh, complete with falling snow.


December 14

Cookies with Santa
Fairview Town Center :: Fairview

Your ticket includes a cookie decorating kit, Santa visit to the table, a gift bag for each child (or toddler gift for kids under two), story time with Santa, and a photo area where children can sit on Santa’s lap.


December 16

Children’s Nativity Service
St. Andrew Methodist Church :: Plano

Children in fourth and fifth grade can take center stage reciting Christmas songs, Bible readings, and reenacting the Nativity story. Enjoy the show or register at the link above.

December 17

Service of Comfort and Hope
St. Andrew Methodist Church :: Plano

For those facing challenges during the holidays, Reverends Arthur Jones and Jennifer Powell offer companionship, music, reflection, and comfort, reminding us that even in difficult times, we are not alone.


December 23

Christmas Candlelight Service
St. Andrew Methodist Church :: Plano

The church offers childcare for ages three months to five years during this traditional, candle-lit service. Additional services, including contemporary, available on December 24.


December 24

Christmas Candlelit Services
St. Andrew Methodist Church :: Plano

Childcare available for ages three months to five years during these contemporary and traditional, candle-lit Christmas Eve services.


December 31

Jazzberry Jammin’ New Year’s Eve
Crayola Experience :: Plano

Kids can celebrate the New Year with daytime festivities featuring confetti countdowns, dance parties, and character appearances at 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. There will also be fun crafts like coloring pages, New Year’s crowns, and resolution lists. Free with general admission.


Ongoing

November 18 

Christmas in the Square
The Square :: Frisco

Frisco Square has a nightly holiday light spectacular set to music on 107.3 FM (and piped in through speakers), shopping all around the square, and an outdoor ice rink. Select nights include carriage rides and visits with Santa. Through January 8.


November 19

Holiday in the Park
Six Flags :: Arlington

Each year, Six Flags over Texas transforms into a winter wonderland with sparkling lights, festive decorations, seasonal treats, and lots of activities, rides, and heartwarming shows. Select dates through December 31.


November 20 

Christmas Capital of Texas
Historic Downtown :: Grapevine

Grapevine is the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” so you should hop over to the link and take a look at everything on the docket. Through December 30.


November 21 

Miracle on 134th Street
Celina

Visit Santa in his 8,500-square-foot workshop and enjoy magical outdoor lights, Sugar Plum Fairy Island, a Christmas carousel, train rides, food trucks, fire pits and s’mores, gift shops, and more. Through December 23.


November 30 

Cookies with Santa
Fairview Town Center :: Fairview

This year, there are three dates to meet Santa for cookies! Your ticket includes a cookie decorating kit, Santa visit to the table, a gift bag for each child (or toddler gift for kids under two), story time with Santa, and a photo area where children can sit on Santa’s lap. Thursdays through December 14.


December 2 – 27

Breakfast with Santa
Fairview Town Center :: Fairview

This popular event is back and bigger than ever. Santa visits your table, character-breakfast-style, and each child will receive a gift bag (if under two, a toddler gift).

Christmas Lights, Chocolate, and Sips Tour
Batch Bakery :: Frisco

Named by USA Today as one of the best holiday experiences in the metroplex, this dessert and light display tour is one for the books. Head to Batch Bakery in Frisco to kick off the night via motor coach. Tickets from $49.


December 3 – 31

Stations of the Nativity
St. Andrew Methodist Church :: Plano

Explore the St. Andrew campus at your own pace from dawn to dusk, listening to inspiring audio-guided messages about the birth of Jesus at ten stations via QR codes.

November

November 18

Holiday Kickoff
Grandscape :: The Colony

Start the season right with live performances, reindeer, photos with Santa, and snow. Free!

Light the Night
Watters Creek :: Allen

Get in the spirit with caroling, carriage rides, children’s holiday crafts, and festive entertainment! KISS FM will emcee, and Santa arrives at 6:30 p.m. to light the tree, a glittering display of 145,000 lights synchronized to music. Free!


November 19

Lights at Legacy
Shops at Legacy :: Plano

Come out to The Shops at Legacy for live entertainment, Santa photos, toy soldiers on stilts, balloon artists, free train rides, and complimentary food and drink samples. Free!

Fort Worth Parade of Lights
Downtown :: Fort Worth

Over one-hundred floats will participate in this year’s holiday tradition, which started forty years ago. While the parade begins at 6:00 p.m., be sure to arrive early to reserve a spot, sip hot cocoa, or shop and dine downtown. Free!


November 24 – 26

Home for Holidays
Downtown :: McKinney

Historic Downtown McKinney kicks off the season with a big weekend festival of live music, food, kids’ activities and crafts, Santa visits, and a unique shopping experience. Free!


November 29

Christmas on the Square
The Square :: Celina

Featuring live musical performances, amusements, food, and a dazzling tree lighting ceremony in the Historic Downtown Square. Free!

December 1 – 9

December 2

Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Gerault Park :: Flower Mound

Watch twinkling floats parade down Spinks Road to Gerault Park for the tree lighting ceremony with choir performances, pictures with Santa, activities for kids, local vendors, food trucks, and more. Free!

Dickens 2023
Downtown :: Plano

This family celebration in Historic Downtown Plano’s Arts District includes a real snow slide, food, fun, shopping, and photos with Santa. Don’t miss the tree lighting ceremony in Haggard Park at 7:00 p.m. Free!

Holly Jolly Celebration
Downtown :: Allen

The City of Allen brings extra cheer to their annual holiday celebration this year. The event kicks off with a one-mile fun run, followed by fun family activities, and lighting the dazzling 46-foot tree. Free!

Merry Main Street
Main Street :: Frisco

Lots going on here including a holiday market, tree lighting, family activities, live music, a parade, and more. The festival is free!

Prosper Christmas Festival and Parade
Town Hall :: Prosper

This annual event in Downtown Prosper has lots of kid-friendly activities, including a fun zone and the Kids Christmas Shoppe. Note: The Rotary Club Christmas Parade begins at 2:30 p.m. Free!

Tree Lighting Celebration
Princeton Municipal Center :: Princeton

Celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season with the annual tree lighting, Santa visits, Feed the Community hosted by Princeton Public Works, and much more. Free!

Wylie Arts Festival
Downtown :: Wylie

Shop for art, handmade crafts, and unique gifts at The Cross Church Event Center. They’ll have lots of festive fair foods too. Free!


December 3

Advent Celebration
St. Andrew Methodist Church :: Plano

A Christmas train ride, an 8-foot snow tube, photos with Santa, and captivating performances by the Children’s Choir and Imperial Brass make this an event to remember. The Children’s Department offers a unique nativity experience, taking you back in time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Free!

Festival of Lights Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Downtown :: Wylie

Wylie makes a big deal out of Christmas, with an art festival, parade, and tree lighting ceremony. Free!


December 4

Andrew Peterson Presents Behold the Lamb of God
St. Andrew Methodist Church :: Plano

Experience a captivating journey led by Nashville singer-songwriter and author Andrew Peterson, accompanied by a group of talented artists. They will present unique folk-roots interpretations of the Christmas story, from Old Testament to New. Tickets from $37.


December 6

Sachse Christmas Extravaganza
Sachse Municipal Complex :: Sachse

The evening begins with a parade and tree lighting, followed by visits with Santa, a petting zoo, train rides around the complex, and a winter wonderland surprise you won’t want to miss. Free!


December 7

Christmas in the Park
Murphy Central Park :: Murphy

Holiday performances, food and craft vendors, kids’ activities, Santa pics, a Christmas parade, tree lighting, and more. They ask that you bring a new, unwrapped toy for the annual toy drive benefitting the Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center. Free!

Cookies with Santa
Fairview Town Center :: Fairview

Your ticket includes a cookie decorating kit, Santa visit to the table, a gift bag for each child (or toddler gift for kids under two), story time with Santa, and a photo area where children can sit on Santa’s lap.


December 8

CPKC Holiday Express
Downtown :: Wylie

Board the train, visit with Santa and his elves, and tour the inside of the cars, each with a different theme and all festively decorated. It rolls up at 4:00 p.m. Free!

Holidays at the Heard
The Heard Museum :: McKinney

Bundle up to see lights and holiday decor as you walk the half-mile Heard nature trail. Through December 9.


December 9

Journey to Bethlehem
First United Methodist :: Plano

See the Christmas story come to life at this walk-through nativity event at First United Methodist Plano. It’s outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather. Make online reservations to secure a specific time. Free! Through December 10.

Journey to Christmas Live Nativity
St. Paul Lutheran :: Plano

In this event’s 31st year, St. Paul Lutheran takes you on a trip through the interactive Bethlehem Village and six lively scenes leading up to the birth of Christ. Free!

Parade of Lights
Downtown :: McKinney

This annual Rotary Club parade features an emcee, decorated floats, McKinney ISD drill teams and bands, antique fire trucks, and of course, Santa. Free!

Saturday Flurries Screening of Elf!
Shops at Willow Bend :: Plano

Bring your blankets and chairs, and enjoy a screening of this Christmas favorite, complete with a movie-themed event! Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the restaurants at The District. Free!

Ugly Sweater Sip & Shop
Watters Creek :: Allen

Join for a fun shopping event at Watters Creek Village, benefiting Toys for Texans and Animal Rescue Crusade. With at least 12 stops and various merchants, it’s a great chance to find unique gifts while supporting community non-profits. Don’t forget to bring a new unwrapped toy or pet item, register at the link, and check-in at 945 Garden Park Drive for a day of shopping and sipping.


December 10 - 16

December 10

Christmas Music Festival
St. Andrew Methodist Church :: Plano

Head to the Sanctuary for a festive celebration featuring carols, choirs, and a full orchestra. For more holiday fun, meet Santa and his reindeer out front to take photos in his sleigh, complete with falling snow.


December 14

Cookies with Santa
Fairview Town Center :: Fairview

Your ticket includes a cookie decorating kit, Santa visit to the table, a gift bag for each child (or toddler gift for kids under two), story time with Santa, and a photo area where children can sit on Santa’s lap.


December 16

Children’s Nativity Service
St. Andrew Methodist Church :: Plano

Children in fourth and fifth grade can take center stage reciting Christmas songs, Bible readings, and reenacting the Nativity story. Enjoy the show or register at the link above.

December 17 - 23

December 17

Service of Comfort and Hope
St. Andrew Methodist Church :: Plano

For those facing challenges during the holidays, Reverends Arthur Jones and Jennifer Powell offer companionship, music, reflection, and comfort, reminding us that even in difficult times, we are not alone.


December 23

Christmas Candlelight Service
St. Andrew Methodist Church :: Plano

The church offers childcare for ages three months to five years during this traditional, candle-lit service. Additional services, including contemporary, available on December 24.


December 24 - 31

December 24

Christmas Candlelit Services
St. Andrew Methodist Church :: Plano

Childcare available for ages three months to five years during these contemporary and traditional, candle-lit Christmas Eve services.


December 31

Jazzberry Jammin’ New Year’s Eve
Crayola Experience :: Plano

Kids can celebrate the New Year with daytime festivities featuring confetti countdowns, dance parties, and character appearances at 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. There will also be fun crafts like coloring pages, New Year’s crowns, and resolution lists. Free with general admission.


Are we missing an event? Please email [email protected] to add to this guide.