The most wonderful time of the year always seems to sneak up on us, but this time we’re well prepared. Regardless of budget, where you live or what brings a smile to your face, our comprehensive list features more enchanting things to do than you can imagine. We’ve organized them alphabetically by city and then chronologically by start date. Events that have already begun appear at the top. Pricing details (including several free events), address info and links to each venue’s website make it easy to plan your end-of-year adventures. (All information is subject to change). Make sure to look beyond Collin County for events in Dallas and Tarrant counties, as well as outlying areas within driving distance.
Allen
Turkey Skate
- Annual ice-skating event to burn off those Thanksgiving calories.
- Admission: $7
- Skate rentals: $3 (free with nonperishable food donation)
- Nov. 29, 1-4 p.m.
- Allen Community Ice Rink at Credit Union of Texas Event Center, 200 E. Stacy Road, Suite 1350, Allen
- cityofallen.org
Letters to Santa
- Fun opportunity to get wish lists to the North Pole.
- Free
- Nov. 29-Dec. 13
- Joe Farmer Recreation Center or the Don Rodenbaugh Aquatics Center, Allen
- cityofallen.org
Holly Jolly Celebration
- 5K and Fun Run, tree lighting, food trucks and drone show among the activities.
- Free
- Dec. 6, 4-8 p.m.
- Allen Dr. & Main St., Downtown Allen
- cityofallen.org
The Nutcracker
- The Allen Civic Ballet, the Allen Philharmonic and guest artists join together for a live musical presentation.
- Tickets: $20-$60
- Dec. 6-7
- Allen High School Performing Arts Center, 300 Rivercrest Blvd., Allen
- allencivicballet.org
North Pole
- Immersive North Pole experience with breakfast, crafts, photo ops and gifts for purchase.
- Free
- Dec. 13, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Joe Farmer Recreation Center is located at 1201 E. Bethany Drive, Allen
- cityofallen.org
Pet Santa’s Reindeer
- Pet and chat with live reindeer before their big Christmas Eve flight.
- Free
- Dec. 18, 5-8 p.m.
- Allen Heritage Village, 450 St Mary Dr., Allen
- cityofallen.org
Holiday Skate
- Annual ice-skating event with music and a holiday sweater contest.
- Admission: $7
- Skate rentals: $3 (free if wearing holiday sweater)
- Dec. 20, 1-4 p.m.
- Allen Community Ice Rink at Credit Union of Texas Event Center, 200 E. Stacy Road, Suite 1350, Allen
- cityofallen.org
Carrollton
Joe Dickinson’s Ebenezer Scrooge
- Musical version of the holiday classic, performed annually since 1981.
- Tickets: $25-$42
- Nov. 28-Dec. 23
- The Pocket Sandwich Theater, 1104 Elm St., Carrollton
- pocketsandwich.com
A Vintage Christmas in Old Town
- Santa and Mrs. Claus, reindeer, crafts and a holiday train highlight this morning festival.
- Free
- Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-noon
- Historic Downtown Carrollton, 1100 Elm St., Carrollton
- coppelltx.gov
Santa on the Square
- Toy soldiers on stilts, live reindeer, tree lighting, photos with Santa and crafts.
- Free
- Dec. 6, 4-8 p.m.
- Historic Downtown Carrollton, 1106 S. Broadway St., Carrollton
- cityofcarrollton.com
Carrollton Wind Symphony Holiday Concert
- The “Winds of Winter: A Holiday Celebration” featuring a variety of seasonal music.
- Free
- Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.
- Creekview High School, 3201 Old Denton Road, Carrollton
- carrolltonwinds.org
Fairview
Visits with Santa
- Meet and greet with the big man in the red suit.
- Tickets: $10 (booking fee benefits charity)
- Nov. 29-Dec. 23
- Fairview Town Center, 329 Town Place, Fairview
- fairviewtowncenter.com
Fairview Lights Up the Holidays
- Santa, two tree lightings, stage performances, bounce house, live reindeer and carolers.
- Free
- Nov. 29, 5:45 p.m.
- West Side of Town Hall, 372 Town Place, Fairview
- fairviewtowncenter.com
Breakfast with Santa
- Brunch buffet, storytime with Santa and the chance to take pics with your own camera Saturdays in December.
- Tickets: Free (children under 2)-$35
- Dec. 6, 13, 20, 9 a.m.
- Profound Foods, 163 Fountain Ct., Fairview
- fairviewtowncenter.com
Cookies with Santa
- Cookie decorating, gift bags, storytime and personal camera photos with Santa Thursdays in December.
- Tickets: Free (children under 2)-$25
- Dec. 11 & 18, 6:30 p.m.
- Profound Foods, 163 Fountain Ct., Fairview
- fairviewtowncenter.com
Elf Jr.
- Musical version of the beloved Buddy the Elf movie.
- Tickets: $13-$25
- Dec. 12-20
- NTPA Fairview Youth Theatre, Cornerstone Black Box, 302 Town Place, Fairview
- ntpa.org
Frisco
Santa at The Star
- Santa Claus pics set against a backdrop of a Dallas Cowboys fan-themed set at The Star.
- Photo packages: From $39 (includes a printed 5×7)
- Through Dec. 24 (reservations recommended)
- The Star, 3625 Star Blvd., Suite 310, Frisco
- santaatthestarinfrisco.as.me
Santa Photos at Stonebriar Centre
- Make lifetime memories with Santa pics.
- Tickets: $20-$60
- Through Dec. 24
- Stonebriar Centre, 2601 Preston Road, Frisco
- shopstonebriar.com
The Light Park
- Magical, mile-long drive-through holiday light experience.
- Tickets: From $30 per vehicle ($80 for a season pass)
- Through Jan. 4
- Riders Field, 7300 Rough Riders Tr., Frisco
- thelightpark.com
Blitzen’s Bar at PGA Frisco
- 2nd annual holiday pop-up bar “where cocktails sleigh.”
- Free entry
- Through Jan. 9
- Omni PGA Frisco Resort, 3255 PGA Pkwy., Frisco
- pgafrisco.com
Three Empires Brewing: The Winter Bubble Experience
- Private, twinkle-lit bubbles decked out with holiday decor and cozy blankets.
- Tickets: $150-$225 (90-minute reservation, includes charcuterie and beer)
- Through Feb. 15
- Three Empires Brewing, 6990 Main St. #200, Frisco
- threeempiresbrewery.com
Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza
- The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform with Santa Claus and other special guests.
- Free
- Through Dec. 20, 6 p.m.
- Ford Center at The Star, 9 Cowboys Way, Frisco
- visitfrisco.com
Photos with Cowboy Santa
- Snag a 4×6 photo with Cowboy Santa at his ranch house.
- Free
- Through Dec. 20
- Omni PGA Frisco Resort, 4341 PGA Pkwy., Frisco
- pgafrisco.com
Christmas in the Square
- Largest choreographed light and music show in North Texas, plus carriage rides, ice skating and Santa.
- Free
- Through Jan. 5
- Frisco Square, 8843 Coleman Blvd., Frisco
- friscosquare.com
Winter Wonderland at La Parisienne Frisco
- Holiday-themed cocktails, mocktails, afternoon tea service and plenty of photo-worthy decor.
- Tickets: $33-$59 (tea service); all other beverages a la carte
- Through Feb. 1
- 6740 Winning Drive, Suite 1000, Frisco
- parisienneusa.com
Tree Lighting at Kaleidoscope Park
- First-ever tree lighting ceremony at recently debuted park.
- Free
- Nov. 21, 7-9 p.m.
- Kaleidoscope Park, 2401 Internet Blvd., Suite 101, Frisco
- kaleidoscopepark.org
North Texas Turkey Trot
- Thanksgiving Day 1-mile, 5K, 10K and virtual fun runs benefiting the Miracle League of Frisco.
- Tickets: $30-$55
- Nov. 27, 7:55 a.m.
- 6101 Frisco Square Blvd., Frisco
- northtexasturkeytrot.com
Home on the Range for the Holidays
- Activities and experiences throughout the resort, including “Merry Mini Golf,” real reindeer, a Cowboy Santa and kick-off concert Nov. 29.
- Tickets: Free with paid add-on experiences
- Nov. 29-Dec. 20
- Omni PGA Frisco Resort/Monument Realty PGA District, 3255 PGA Pkwy., Frisco
- eventbrite.com
Merry Main Street
- Santa & Friends Parade, school choirs, holiday gift market and tree lighting.
- Free
- Dec. 6, 3-7:30 p.m.
- Simpson Plaza in Frisco Square, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd., Frisco
- friscotexas.gov
Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland
- A fusion of circus performances and holiday music for the whole family.
- Tickets: $29-$102
- Dec. 26, 7 p.m.
- ticketmaster.com
Garland
A Garland Christmas on the Square
- Festive celebration featuring tree lighting to kick off the season.
- Free
- Dec. 4, 5-9 p.m.
- Downtown Garland Square, 520 W. State St. Garland
- visitgarlandtx.com
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
- Madcap holiday staple centered around a rowdy bunch of kids putting on a church pageant.
- Tickets: $15-$25
- Dec. 5-13
- Plaza Theater, 521 W. State St., Garland
- corptheatre.org
McKinney
6 Annual Tour of Trees
- Trinity Falls presents its annual Tour of Trees featuring the artistry of 10 elaborate holiday trees inside model homes.
- Free
- Through Dec. 14
- 7801 Trinity Falls Pkwy., McKinney
- trinityfalls.com
Home for the Holidays
- Holiday displays and events kick off Thanksgiving weekend with Santa, crafts and a carousel.
- Free
- Nov. 28-30 (tree lighting Nov. 28)
- McKinney Main Street, 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney
- mckinneytexas.org
Believe! 5K/1-Mile Fun Run
- Annual family-friendly race, benefiting The Holy Family School of McKinney.
- Registration: Free-$35
- Nov. 29, 8-10 a.m.
- Dr. Glenn Mitchell Memorial Park, 300 W. Louisiana St., McKinney
- runsignup.com
52nd Annual Holiday Tour of Homes
- Tour several private residences and buildings in historic downtown McKinney adorned for the holidays with breakfast and dessert add-on options.
- Tickets: $35-$50
- Dec. 6 & 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Chestnut Square, 315 S. Chestnut St., McKinney
- chestnutsquare.org
Holidays at the Heard
- Outdoor evening of lights and holiday entertainment on a half-mile trail, including some decked-out dinosaurs.
- Tickets: Free-$17
- Dec. 12-14
- Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl., McKinney
- heardmuseum.org
26th Annual McKinney Christmas Parade of Lights
- “Christmas Songs”-themed parade by the McKinney Rotary Club.
- Free
- Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m.
- Dr. Glenn Mitchell Memorial Park, 300 W. Louisiana St., McKinney.
- mckinneyrotary.org
Murphy
Christmas in the Park
- Outdoor party with Santa, food and beverage vendors, a gift market and tree-lighting ceremony.
- Free
- Dec. 6, 4-8 p.m.
- Murphy Municipal Complex, 206 N. Murphy Road, Murphy
- murphytx.org
Plano
Photos with Santa
- Pictures with the jolly old guy in red with special sensory-friendly and pet-friendly photo opportunities on select days.
- Photo Packages: From $20-$60
- Through Dec. 24
- The Shops at Willow Bend, 2405 Dallas Pkwy., Plano
- shopwillowbend.com
Salvation Army Angel Tree
- Grant the wishes of North Texas neighbors by purchasing requested gifts from wishes on the tree.
- Free
- Through Dec. 6
- The Shops at Willow Bend, 2405 Dallas Pkwy., Plano
- shopwillowbend.com
Thanksgiving Week at Legacy Hall
- Friendsgiving trivia, dueling pianos, an ’80s party band and a Fleetwood Mac tribute round out a week of activities.
- Tickets: Free-various prices
- Nov. 25-28
- Legacy Hall, 7800 Windrose Ave., Plano
- legacyfoodhall.com
Plano Turkey Trot
- 8th annual Thanksgiving Day 5K run/walk with Shipley Do-Nuts at the finish line.
- Registration: Free-$60
- Nov. 27, 7:30 a.m.
- Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, 5901 Los Rios Blvd., Plano
- txruns.com/planoturkeytrot
Lights on the Farm
- Historic farmstead gets transformed into a beautiful wintry spectacle with several theme nights sprinkled in.
- Tickets: Free-$15
- Nov. 30-Dec. 28
- Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 W. 15th St., Plano
- heritagefarmstead.org
O Little Town of Tumbleweed
- Western-themed holiday show with a Cowboy Santa, outlaws and a big Christmas pageant.
- Tickets: $20
- Dec. 5-20
- Art Centre Theatre, 1400 Summit Ave. Suite E, Plano
- artcentretheatre.com
Dickens in Downtown Plano
- Annual tree lighting with hot cocoa, a snow slide and photos with Santa and the Grinch.
- Free
- Dec. 6, 4-9 p.m.
- Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th St., Plano
- plano.gov
Legacy Hall December Hall-i-Days
- A month of shopping and live entertainment options, including a Taylor Swift tribute band.
- Tickets: Free–prices vary by event
- Dec. 7-27
- Legacy Hall, 7800 Windrose Ave, Plano
- legacyfoodhall.com
Scrooge! The Musical
- Community production with more than 130 local actors.
- Tickets: $18-$28
- Dec. 10-21
- Courtyard Theater, 1509 H Ave., Plano (Dec. 12-15); Rodenbaugh Theatre at the Shops at Willow Bend, 6121 W. Park Blvd., Plano (Dec. 18-22)
- ntpa.org
Home for the Holidays
- The Plano Symphony Orchestra and Plano West Chorale perform together.
- Tickets: $33-$90
- Dec. 21, 4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
- Robinson Fine Arts Center, 1800 Alma Dr, Plano Plano
- planosymphony.org
Richardson
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
- PDT Dance Arts presents a high-energy holiday show.
- Tickets: $22-$27
- Nov. 21 & 22
- Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts, 2351 Performance Dr., Richardson
- eisemanncenter.com
The Nutcracker
- Chamberlain Ballet production of the Tchaikovsky staple.
- Tickets: $33-$113
- Nov. 28-30
- Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts, 2351 Performance Dr., Richardson
- eisemanncenter.com
Christmas Spectacular
- The Vocal Majority returns to the Eisemann for a healthy dose of holiday cheer.
- Tickets: $22-$72
- Dec. 4-7
- Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts, 2351 Performance Dr., Richardson
- eisemanncenter.com
3rd Annual Holiday Radio Play
- Variety show by Rusty Harding presented in the style of an old-time radio play.
- Tickets: $22-$24
- Dec. 5-21
- Richardson Theatre Centre, 518 W. Arapaho Road, Suite 113, Richardson
- richardsontheatrecentre.net
Richardson’s 52nd Annual Christmas Parade
- Themed “Holidays Around the World,” this celebration benefits the Network of Community Ministries.
- Free
- Dec. 6, 9 a.m.
- Begins at Richardson High School, 1250 W. Belt Line Road, Richardson
- cor.net
Santa’s Village at Huffhines Park
- Photos with Santa, musical performances, kids activities, hot cocoa and snacks.
- Free
- Dec. 6-21 (Saturdays and Sundays), 6-9 p.m.
- Huffhines Park, 1500 Apollo Road, Richardson
- cor.net
Hot Cocoa Crawl
- Boozy and non-boozy cocoa stops at a variety of businesses.
- Tickets: From $20
- Dec. 12 & 13
- CityLine Plaza, 1150 State St., Richardson
- eventbrite.com
CityLine Merry Market
- Market with numerous vendors, local artisans and holiday-themed crafts for kids.
- Free
- Dec. 12 & 13
- CityLine Plaza, 1150 State St., Richardson
- citylinedfw.com
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony
- The Festival of Lights begins with the lighting of Richardson’s largest menorah.
- Free
- Dec. 16, 5-7 p.m.
- CityLine Plaza, 1150 State St., Richardson
- citylinedfw.com
North Pole in the Plaza
- Winter wonderland featuring real snow, holiday photo ops, a choo-choo train and festive tunes.
- Free
- Dec. 20, 1-5 p.m.
- CityLine Plaza, 1150 State St., Richardson
- citylinedfw.com