The holiday season is upon us, which means more parties, more obligations, and much more running around. It can be a lot, so stock up on extra sheet masks and eye cream now. I recently saw a photo of a lady driving her car wearing a sheet mask. Let’s not do that. At best, it’s terrifying to small children and fellow drivers. But I digress. We are in the home stretch of 2017, and I can’t even believe it! If the kids need a break from the hustle and bustle, or you have family in town and want to get out of the house, we’ve got you covered. And for even more holiday goodness, don’t miss our 2017 Guide to Winter Events in Collin County!
Below you’ll find a list of some of our favorite December events in Collin County. Be sure to PIN IT for later OR subscribe to our Newsletter and have our monthly guides sent straight to your inbox. Enjoy!
All Month :: Dinosaurs Live!, the outdoor, life-size animatronic dinosaur exhibit continues at the Heard in McKinney. If you’ve not been, be advised that the trails are good for jogging strollers but not really suitable for strollers with small wheels. Here’s a link to more visitor tips. $11/adults, $8/kids 3-12, two & under free.
All Month (select dates) :: Theatre Britain presents The Three Musketeers in the style of a traditional British panto. Cheer the heroes, boo the the villains, and enjoy wacky characters, corny jokes, and oodles of audience participation. It’s a show specifically for kids and families. Lots of matinee and evening times and dates, so check the link for which one works best for you. Tickets start at $12.
December 2 :: Merry Main Street at Simpson Plaza in Frisco is a kid-friendly event with Santa photos, children’s choirs, and a kids holiday store. Listen to how cute this holiday store is – a special store giving children ages 3-12 the chance to shop for moms and dads. Nothing in the store is more than $5. “Santa’s Helpers” will assist children as they shop. Adults are not allowed in the shop, and all shoppers will go home with wrapped gifts. Cute, right? 5-9pm.
December 2 :: Burn some calories in the most festive way possible at the Santa Run Texas, a 5K run and 1-mile walk, with a family and pet-friendly festival after. A five-piece Santa suit is included with registration, meaning you get to (and should!) wear it for the run. Afterwards, enjoy hot cocoa/coffee, live music, free food, Vendor Village, and Santa’s Playground, where kids can visit Santa. 8-11am. Register here.
December 6, 13, 20 :: Studio Movie Grill Plano presents SMG Classics: Holidays on Wednesday nights this month. Elf is probably your best bet, unless you have older kids, in which case you might consider A Christmas Story or Christmas Vacation. Check the link to confirm dates and times. 7:45pm. Tickets are $5.
December 8 :: This month’s Fun on the Farm at Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano includes a special visit with Santa. Children ages 2-5 can enjoy story time, cookie decorating, and wagon rides, then a photo and visit with Santa. 10:30am-12pm. Register in advance, $15 for a parent/child ticket, $12 for additional children.
December 9 :: Gingerbread for Humanity is a gingerbread house decorating party that benefits North Collin County Habitat for Humanity. They provide the assembled gingerbread house plus icing and tons of candy, OR you can opt for a take-home kit with an assembled house and all you need to decorate it. Mrs. Claus will be at the party for photos. $30 if you register by December 3, $35 after that. 10am-2pm. Register early because they sell out.
December 9 :: Caroling opportunity! Meet at the Roy and Helen Hall Library for lyrics and sheet music, then walk through historic downtown McKinney singing holiday classics. Choirs and groups welcome, and holiday attire is encouraged. 4:30-6pm. Free!
December 9 :: Take advantage of the early sunset with a stargazing party at Frisco Commons Park. The Texas Astronomical Society will set up about a dozen telescopes for you to use, weather permitting, of course. Check the link for details and a hotline you can call to check for cancellation. 6-10:30pm. Free!
December 11 :: The Westin Stonebriar Frisco hosts a Sugar Plum Fairy Tea featuring desserts & snacks, story time, a Nutcracker character parade, and excerpts from The Nutcracker performed by the Collin County Ballet Theatre Youth Ensemble. This event always sells out, so don’t delay. Purchase tickets here. 3pm. Tickets $40.
December 14 :: Schimelpfenig Library in Plano celebrates the holiday season with stories, songs, and a baby owl I’m Not Santa puppet show. Designed for ages 2-6. 10:30-11:30am. Free!
December 14 :: Join Play Street Plano for a Hanukkah Celebration with stories, games, crafts, and traditional Hanukkah treats like brisket and potato latkes (from Eatzi’s) and jelly donuts. Book online, $11 per person. Reserve a spot for each attending family member over age one, including parents & grandparents. Kids under one do not need a reservation.
December 17 :: Head to the Simpson Plaza outside Frisco City Hall for the 4th annual Community Chanukah Celebration featuring a giant menorah lighting, latkes, dreidels and chocolate gelt, music, art, bounce houses, and more. 4:30-5:30pm. Free!
December 20 :: Visit and do an activity with the mouse from If You Give A Mouse A Cookie at the Haggard Library in Plano. If you can’t make it, the mouse will be at the Davis Library in Plano on December 22. Both days at 3pm. Free!
December 27 :: Avoid going stir crazy over winter break with Make It- Take It Movies at the Davis Library in Plano. Watch the LEGO Batman Movie and make a related craft. 2pm. Free!
December 28-30 :: Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! at the Allen Events Center is a brand new show about teamwork, featuring all your favorite Sesame Street characters. Shows at 11am, 3pm, or 5pm, and tickets start at $35.
What else is going on? Let us know in the comments!
