Plano is such a lively city to shop and stay for the holidays. Many find themselves here for the seasonal cheer offered by high-end shopping, charming boutiques, and remarkable restaurants and hotels. Plus, there are more than 15 holiday events of all kinds for you to take part in across the city. With so much to offer, we hope you visit us soon. After all, ’tis the season!
Holiday Lights
The Lights at Legacy
November 19 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Bring a little holiday glee to your annual shopping spree by combining fun and festivity with some productive holiday list-checking at #LightsatLegacy. Enjoy holiday crafts with Mrs. Claus, magic with Mr. Scrooge, rides on the Atmos Energy Christmas train, live entertainment, caricatures, face painting, plus the lighting of the 65 foot Christmas tree at 6:30 p.m. Photos with Santa will be available, sponsored by Plano Profile, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Children’s Health. Free to attend.
Deerfield Lights Display
December 1-31
Drive through this famous Plano neighborhood in December for a spectacular holiday lights display. Deerfield is located between Preston Road and Coit Road. Enter from Legacy Drive, heading north on Colonnade or Archgate (noting one-way and restricted-turn signs along Old Pond Drive and Hallmark). View the rout map here. Carriage rides and Segway tours can be reserved in advance. A tree lighting ceremony will be held on November 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the clubhouse. Santa will be there for kids to visit from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Special guest, Mayor LaRosiliere will attend this event and flip the switch to light the tree around 7:15 p.m. Jody and Rebekah from KLUV will emcee the event. The Plano West Golf Team will sell cocoa and treats as well. Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center Plano will also be collecting spare change for the Change for Children’s program.
Holiday Shopping
‘Neath the Wreath Holiday Gift Market
November 9 & 11 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; the 10th from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; and the 12th from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Over ten thousand attendees join in holiday shopping during the Junior League of Collin County’s annual ‘Neath the Wreath Holiday Gift Market at Plano Event Center. This fundraiser features the best in holiday and home decor, ladies clothing and accessories, gifts, jewelry, children’s items, and gourmet food from over 100 carefully selected merchants. Tickets are $12 in advance at Tom Thumb stores in Collin County. Tickets are $15 at the door. Due to limited space, no strollers please.
Plano Christmas Market
November 18-19 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Plano Christmas Market will showcase handmade holiday gift items made of fabric, wood, ceramic, and glass. Other exhibitors will have jewelry and clothing for adults and children along with candles and soap. There will also be a great selection of salsas, jams, nuts, and dips for gifts or holiday parties. In addition, Collin County seniors will stock the Hip Hip for Gray booth with a variety of crafts including quilts, baby items, ornaments, and more! Admission is free.
Mistletoe Market
December 17 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Stuff your stockings at the Mistletoe Market in Downtown Plano! The shops and restaurants on 15th Street will have special, limited-time offers as well as sidewalk pop-up shops to help you cross those last-minute items off your list. Bring the whole family! Kids can take photos with The Grinch sponsored by Old Community Well. Hot cocoa and mimosas will also be served.
Festive Holiday Events
Dickens in Downtown Plano
December 1 at 5:30 p.m.
Enjoy this free annual holiday celebration with snow tubing slides, an Ice Fight Stage (where ice sculptors compete for applause), horse-drawn carriage rides and the annual tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. at Haggard Park. And for the first time ever, Dickens will feature a Holiday Car Show on 15th street presented by the DFW Camaro Club. Dickens is located at Haggard Park, McCall Plaza and on a limited section of 15th Street in Downtown Plano. Free parking is available at Plano Municipal Center and public lots off 14th Street. Families and leashed dogs are welcome!
Decorate Your Own Ugly Sweater
December 1 from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Start the holiday season off by decorating your very own tacky Christmas sweater art piece. Pipe & Palette Home Outfitters is offering this unique event in the Downtown Plano Arts District during Dickens. Tickets are $48 available online or at Pipe and Palette. All the materials will be supplied for you, including Christmas sweater and all decor. Bring your own beverage if over 21.
Lantern Light at Heritage Farmstead Museum
December 2 from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Heritage Farmstead Museum of Plano will host its 31st annual Lantern Light, a holiday family event for all ages. This year’s event is themed “1929: The Great Texas Snow.” Lantern Light is a unique holiday experience that provides Heritage Farmstead Museum visitors the opportunity to recall holiday traditions from days gone by. The event will include tours of the holiday exhibit in the Farrell Wilson House, children’s crafts in the one room school house, wagon rides, candle dipping, historic demonstrations, storytelling, songs of the season in the historic pole barn, delicious treats and photos with Santa. The event will also feature a snow mountain and sledding area for all to enjoy. Sledding is $2 per run, three runs for $5 or unlimited runs via a bracelet purchased for $10. Admission is $5, with children 2 and under being admitted for free.
Toys for Tots Celebration
December 2 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Join Preston Village Shopping Center for fun, festivities and giving for their annual Toys for Tots Party! Visit with Santa, ride the Choo Choo Express, have some bounce house fun, have your picture taken inside a snow globe, and do some robo-snow boarding! Please bring a new unwrapped toy to support DFW Toys For Tots.
Plano Lions Christmas Parade
December 9 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
It wouldn’t be the holidays without the Plano Lions Christmas Parade. The parade starts in the parking lot of the Plano ISD Administration building and travels west on 15th Street then north on Independence, east on Parkhaven, and ends at Plano Senior High School.
Stella Olsen Cookie Party
December 9 from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
The Wooden Spoon in downtown Plano is holding its annual Stella Olson Cookie Party. They will have seven kinds of cookies and you are asked to bring a tray of cookies to share. Don’t forget to bring your recipes if you’d like to exchange. The Wooden Spoon Scandinavian shop was built by Joseph Forman in 1867. That sounds old, but it’s not nearly as historic as Christmas cookie traditions that have been passed on for generations and are still celebrated each year at The Wooden Spoon.
Downtown Plano Art & Wine Walk: ‘Tis the Season
December 14 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Continue your holiday shopping at the Downtown Plano Art & Wine Walk! Get an early start to the weekend by sipping selected wines at your favorite shops throughout the Downtown Plano Arts District while enjoying live music, curated art exhibits and shopping discounts just for Wine Walkers. Participants who visit six or more stops can win gift certificates to local shops and restaurants at the end of the evening. Every participant receives a collectible glass, passport and wine tasting guide. Tickets pre-purchased online are $12 and walk-up tickets at the event are $18.
Lakeside Market Carriage Rides
November 25-December 16 starting at 5:30 p.m.
Enjoy the beauty and festivities of the holiday season at Lakeside Market Plano with Saturday evening carriage rides November 25 – December 16 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Trail Ride with Santa at Southfork Ranch
December 16 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Enjoy Southfork’s famous trail rides with Santa by your side. Advanced reservations are required. Minimum age to ride is 8 years old. Head over to southforkranch.com to book your ride.
Photos and Breakfast with Santa
Photos with Santa at Willow Bend
November 10 – December 24 during mall hours.
This is one of the most magical times of the year for youngsters; it’s time to sit with Santa and share their wish list. And for parents? It’s time to capture memories with photos of youngsters on Santa’s lap on the lower level Grand Court at the Ice Palace, a 30-foot globe complete with light snow falling, a light show, and more! Each child will receive a cookie plate from Santa just for visiting. Skip the line this year with Santa’s Fast Pass!
Breakfast with Santa at the Shops at Shops at Willow Bend
November 11 at 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
The Shops at Willow Bend has planned a holly, jolly Breakfast with Santa! Along with a chance to meet Santa – and whisper a few wishes in his ear – there will be a complimentary breakfast for children 14 and younger from Chick-fil-A, face painters, balloon artists, and holiday crafts. Children of all ages are invited to join the fun that starts in the Food Court.
Cookies & Milk with Santa and Mrs. Claus
November 18 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy some milk and cookies. There will be treats for the children and photo opportunities. Advance registration required. Reserve your child’s space by emailing Karen.Crowder@cbre.com or calling 972-543-0369 Option O.
Visit with Santa at Collin Creek Mall
November 18-December 24; various times
Visit Santa and take a photo with him daily during the holiday. Santa will be located on the lower level by the Children’s Play Area inside Collin Creek Mall.
Pet Photos with Santa at Shops at Willow Bend
November 27-December 1 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
While many of us take pictures of our pets every day, this is a special time of year for our furry family members (and their moms and dads). Well-mannered cats, dogs and other friendly pets are invited to spend time in the Grand Court on the lower level at Willow Bend Mall with Santa in the Ice Palace and have photos taken to mark the occasion. All pets will receive a special treat from Santa. All pets must be on a leash or in a lightweight carrier and be up-to-date on shots. Pet owners can enter the mall through any entrance except for the Food Court.
Pet Photos with Santa at Collin Creek Mall
November 28, December 5, December 12, and December 19 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Bring your dogs and cats to Collin Creek Mall for a special photo with Santa. Photo packages are available.
Santa Photos at The Shops at Legacy
December 2-24; various dates and times
Bring the kids for photos with Santa at The Shops at Legacy. Enjoy a peek at the magical “Santa’s Village” while getting your moment with the red-suited jolly ol’elf himself. Book your appointment by calling 972-834-4300 or go online to reserve your spot and avoid the lines. Santa Photos are located at Shops at Legacy North next to the former Bachendorfs Shop. Enjoy Santa’s Sweet Shop and a “letter to Santa” writing nook and North Pole mailbox!
Fun on the Farm: A Visit with Santa
December 8 from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m
Santa is visiting the Farmstead! Stop by to hear a story, decorate cookies, ride in the wagon, and get a picture with Santa! A parent/child combo ticket is $15. See their website for additional pricing options.
Breakfast with Santa at Amazing Jakes
December 9 from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa at Amazing Jakes! Plus, enjoy an opportunity to meet and take your own picture with Santa. Upgrade your breakfast to include unlimited rides or video games. Online reservations are required. All guests must purchase breakfast to receive entry.
Breakfast with Santa at Carpenter Rec Center
December 9 from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Santa is making a special trip to Carpenter Park Recreation Center to eat breakfast with you and your family. While enjoying tasty breakfast treats, create your Santa wish list and holiday crafts. Little ones can enjoy some one-on-one time with Santa and receive a souvenir photo. Cost is $9 per family.
Holiday Productions
Chamberlain Performing Arts presents The Nutcracker Ballet
November 24 at 7 p.m. and November 25 & 26 at 2 p.m.
Come enjoy this fabulous holiday tradition of one of the most famous ballets the world has ever known. Chamberlain Performing Arts’ production of The Nutcracker features New York City Ballet principal dancers Tiler Peck and Tyler Angle. Tickets range from $15-$100.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
December 1-December 8; various performance times.
Plano Children’s Theatre and North Texas Performing Arts present “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” When Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism he sees among everyone during the Christmas season, Lucy suggests that he become director of the school Christmas pageant. Charlie Brown accepts, but this proves to be a frustrating endeavor. When an attempt to restore the proper holiday spirit with a forlorn little Christmas fir tree fails, he needs Linus’ help to discover the real meaning of Christmas. Performed by grades 1-8 at the new NTPA location inside The Shops at Willow Bend. Tickets and showtimes here.
A Christmas Carol
December 1-10; Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Saturday matinee at 2 p.m., and Sunday Dec. 10 only at 3 p.m.
Genesis Children’s Theatre presents this Charles Dickens classic! Tickets range from $10-$15.
Men of Note: A Little Christmas
December 2 at 2:30 p.m.
The Men of Note, a cappella men’s chorus providing entertainment, education and service to the Collin County/North Dallas community, will present their annual holiday concert at Courtyard Theater. The Men of Note Chorus is known for its harmonious singing and entertaining programs, as well as serving the community. Tickets are available on their website, from any chorus member, or at the theater before the show for $15.
North Texas Performing Arts presents “Scrooge”
December 6-17; see show times on their website.
Ebeneezer Scrooge has spent all his life accruing gold and allowing all his loved ones to slip through his hands. On Christmas Eve 1843, Scrooge is given the gift of one more chance to redeem himself for mankind and for his soul. “Scrooge” opens in the new Mainstage Theatre at the Willow Bend Center For The Arts with five-shows December 6-9. The show then moves to the Courtyard Theater in downtown Plano for a second weekend of five shows December 14-17. Tickets range from $10-$20.
Edge Dance 2017 Christmas Spectacular
December 7 & 8 at 7 p.m.; the 9th at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; and the 10th at 2 p.m.
Enjoy this holiday production by students of the Edge Dance Performing Arts Center.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 8-23; Fridays and Saturdays at 6 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 1 p.m.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson is a heartwarming and humorous tale of a town that has its annual Christmas nativity reenactment shaken up when the rowdy Herdman clan high-jacks the play. The narrator introduces the Herdmans as the worst kids in the history of the world and goes on to detail their crimes. They smoke, curse, bully kids at school, steal, and even set fire to an old abandoned schoolhouse. The product of an absent father and a mother who would rather work two jobs than parent her children, the six Herdmans take care of themselves. Tickets are $15.
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play by Art Centre Theatre
December 8-23. Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays & Saturdays at 8:30 p.m.; Sunday matinee at 3:30 p.m.
It’s a Wonderful Life is a holiday staple for many families, and there’s no better way to kick off the season than to see the old favorite in a whole new way — live on stage. This show-within-a-show takes place on December 24, 1946 in Studio A at WSTG Radio, where a cast of actors is preparing to present It’s a Wonderful Life live to the listening audience. The ensemble re-enacts the beloved story of George Bailey, a young man who has given up on his dreams and stands on a bridge on Christmas Eve, ready to end it all. A guardian angel intervenes and shows him all the lives he’s touched throughout the years without even realizing it. Tickets are $15.
The Gift of Christmas featuring the Living Nativity
December 9-17. Various show times; see their website for details.
The Gift of Christmas is a Prestonwood Baptist Church tradition and one of the highlights of the holiday season with thousands of guests attending every year. This visually stunning multimedia event is complete with special effects, a nearly 1,000-member cast and choir, live orchestra, flying angels, and much more! The program will keep you fully engaged for a powerful 90 minutes, the perfect length for every family member to enjoy. It is complete with all your Christmas favorites, including the Living Nativity. With camels and kings, flying angels and beautiful virtual scenery, the Christmas story comes to life in a breathtaking way. The scenic pieces, costumes, and choreography are highlighted by a brilliant, original musical score, arranged and orchestrated just for Prestonwood. Tickets range from $16-$55.
A St. Andrew Christmas
December 10 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
This year’s concert titled “Christmas Carols from the Aspen Grove” will be all music, featuring internationally acclaimed British vocal ensemble VOCES8, the St. Andrew Chancel Choir, the Salt and Light Youth Choir, Children’s Choirs, a 45-member professional orchestra, and the magnificent Létourneau pipe organ. Tickets range from $10-$20.
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play by Rover Dramawerks
December 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, & 23 at 8 p.m. and the 17th & 24th at 2 p.m.
Rover Dramawerks welcomes back AmeriStage Players to present the beloved American holiday classic as it comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, along with live sound effects, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Tickets range from $14-$22.
Home for the Holidays
December 17 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
With over 150 musicians, Home for the Holidays includes seasonal favorites for orchestra and chorus, the popular audience sing-along, visitors from the North Pole, humor, the great pipe organ at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, and plenty of surprises. Tickets range from $14-$42.
Holiday Films
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
November 19 at 2 p.m.
Angelika Film Center in Plano presents this Family Flashback Film. Jim Carrey stars in this live-action adaptation of the classic children’s story by Dr. Seuss. High atop Mt. Crumpet, the Grinch observes the residents of Whoville joyously preparing to celebrate Christmas. Finally, the Grinch decides he has had enough of all this happiness, and with the wary aid of his dog Max, the Grinch conspires to steal Christmas from Whoville, making off with their presents, holiday decorations, Christmas trees, and everything else used to enjoy the holiday. Tickets are $8 available here.
Home Alone
December 9 at 10 a.m.
Angelika Film Center in Plano presents another Family Flashback Film. Home Alone is the beloved family comedy about a young boy named Kevin who is accidentally left behind when his family takes off for a vacation in France over the holiday season. Once he realizes they’ve left him “home alone,” he learns to fend for himself and, eventually has to protect his house against two bumbling burglars who are planning to rob every house in Kevin’s suburban Chicago neighborhood. Tickets are $7.50 available here.
Please visit the event’s individual websites for the most up-to-date information. For more events in Plano, click here.
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- Credit: Visit Plano
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- Credit: Visit Plano
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- Credit: Visit Plano
