Updated: 12/2/2022
The holiday season is knocking on our doorsteps! From Broadway-esque holiday performances and shopping events to famous holiday light displays and traditional tree lighting ceremonies, Plano has amazing events of all kinds to celebrate the season. Get your tickets and fill up your calendar, because holiday cheer is all around in Plano, TX!
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Plano Holiday Events
The Salvation Army Angel Tree
November 4 – December 3
The Salvation Army Angel Tree, a holiday tradition since 1979, will be in the Grand Court at The Shops at Willow Bend during mall hours. The Angel Tree serves millions of children every year. Stop by to pick up your Angel tag, then shop for your adopted Angels at The Shops at Willow Bend and return them to the Angel Tree by the given deadline on each tag.
Snowflake Bazaar
November 12
Shop with 100+ vendors for jewelry, crafts, pastries, clothing, candles, and more at Plano West Senior High School. Raffle drawings will be held throughout the weekend and The Cafe’ will have snacks and drinks to keep you fueled for your weekend of shopping. Admission is FREE and open to the public.
Photos with Santa
November 17 – December 24
Bring your Christmas list and see Santa at The Shops at Willow Bend in Macy’s Court on the lower level. Make your reservations online before you visit.
Santa’s Arrival Party
November 19
Join The Shops at Willow Bend the morning of Saturday, November 19 from 11am – 1pm to welcome Santa. This event is free to attend. Stop by to enjoy freebies, live entertainment, costume characters, and more.
Plano Holiday Market
November 19
Plano Holiday Market at Carpenter Park Recreation Center from 9am – 5pm is a fun and free event that showcases handmade holiday gift items made of fabric, wood, ceramic, and glass. Other exhibitors have jewelry and clothing for adults and children, along with candles and soaps. There will also be a wonderful 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.
Christmas Bazaar
November 19
Join Plano’s John Paul II High School for a little Christmas shopping on November 19 from 8am – 3pm. This free event features over 150 unique vendors and some new added fun.
Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience
November 19 – January 3
Deck the halls with tons of color! Colorful Christmas is back at Crayola Experience. Come enjoy holiday fun the Crayola way by making handmade gifts from the heart, complete a seasonal scavenger hunt and more. It’s a holiday hullabaloo with SNOW much to do! Purchase tickets here.
Lights at Legacy Pre-Party
The Shops at Legacy North in Plano will host Santa Claus and his helpers during its “Lights at Legacy Pre-Party” on Sunday, November 20, from 1pm-4pm. This free, outdoor holiday celebration is open to attendees of all ages and will be located at 7401 Lone Star Drive in Plano. Festivities include photos with Santa Claus ($10), a 10-foot frozen ice slide for both children and adults ($10), a winter wonderland snow party with real snow, Hank FM Party Patrol, kids’ craft stations and games, holiday music, rides on the Marriott Christmas Train, and food and beverage specials from on-site restaurants. In addition, the event is serving as an official Toys for Tots donation location, so attendees are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy to donate to local needy children.
Lights at Legacy
November 20
Mark your calendars for holiday fun for the whole family at Lights at Legacy from 4pm – 7pm! At this free event, enjoy live music, entertainment, festive photo-ops and so much more.
Pet Photos with Santa
November 21 & 28, December 5 & 12
Pet photos with Santa is back at The Shops at Willow Bend from 4pm – 7pm at Santa’s set in Macy’s Court. Please make reservations online.
PJ Party Night
November 22 & 29, December 6, 13, & 20
Each Tuesday at The Shops at Willow Bend from 11am – 7pm, you’re invited to take professional photos with Santa wearing your coziest holiday pajamas. Proceeds from each PJ Party Night event will be donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Those wishing to take photos with Santa wearing regular clothes (not pajamas) are also welcome. Families will find Santa in his festive holiday home on the lower level in Macy’s Court. To reduce overall wait times, families are strongly encouraged to make a reservation in advance.
Lights on the Farm
November 25 – December 30 (select days)
Thanksgiving week marks the return of Lights on the Farm to the Heritage Farmstead Museum. The historic farmstead is transformed into a delightful winter wonderland with more than one million lights and numerous animated holiday displays. The all-outdoor event features a quarter-mile trail through the property showcasing stunning holiday light creations and animated displays crafted by First Choice Lights. This is the perfect event to enjoy a new family tradition and experience holiday cheer. Guests will enjoy a 20-foot Christmas tree, tasty treats such as hot cocoa, kettle corn and make your own s’mores. There’s even a chance to visit with Santa and take a photo in Santa’s farmshop.
November 25 – December 18 – Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 6pm – 9pm
December 21 – December 30 – Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 6pm – 9pm
The Nutcracker
November 25-27
Through out the years, Chamberlain Ballet’s The Nutcracker has become a holiday tradition for thousands of North Texas families. Performances feature special guest artists, Tiler Peck and Tyler Angle.
Make & Take: Decorate a Gingerbread House
November 26, December 4, 10, 22, & 23
This holiday tradition means fun for everyone, young and old alike. An authentic Swiss Lebkuchen (gingerbread) house, lots of royal icing and mountains of candy and edible decorations will be ready and waiting; just bring your imagination and creativity. A box will be provided for you to transport your masterpiece home. Due to limited space, paid registration for the class is limited to one person/one house or two people/one house. This all ages event requires a ticket for each attendee.
Deerfield Holiday Lights
December 1-30
The spectacular Deerfield Holiday Lights display runs December 1-30 from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. on weekdays and 7 p.m.-11 p.m. on weekends. This is no ordinary neighborhood with holiday lights! People come from all over north Texas to see the dancing Santa’s, millions of twinkling lights, and larger than life displays. Deerfield Holiday Lights brings on the ultimate holiday cheer!
Happy Hour Hike
December 1
C’mon, get happy with Legacy West and Plano Magazine at the Happy Hour Hike, a monthly sip-and-shop event where guests enjoy wine, beer and cocktails while discovering new shops, restaurants and experiences throughout the Legacy West neighborhood. There will also be a photo op, live music and shopping discounts. Come dressed in your holiday fun attire!
Ugly Sweater Photos
December 1, 8, 15, & 22
Each Thursday at The Shops at Willow Bend from 11am – 7pm you are invited to take professional photos with Santa wearing your ugliest holiday sweater. Those wishing to take photos with Santa wearing regular clothes (not ugly sweaters) are also welcome. Families will find Santa in his festive holiday home on the lower level in Macy’s Court. To reduce overall wait times, families are strongly encouraged to make a reservation.
Wreck the Halls
December 2-3 & 16-17
Add some screams to your holiday season with Wreck the Halls. This is the Dark Hour Haunted House holiday celebration that fans have been waiting for. A graveyard infested with Sugarplum fairies, twisted toymakers, a raging Krampus, murderous snowmen and a host of other holiday characters that can’t wait to get their cold hands on you. Plus, survive a snowball fight for your life as you flee from this yuletide nightmare. Wreck The Halls is colder and bolder this year with more Holiday lights and frights!
The Gift of Christmas
December 2-11 (dates & times vary)
The Gift of Christmas is a Prestonwood tradition and has become one of the highlights of the Christmas 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 100 minutes, the perfect length for every family member to enjoy. It is complete with all your Christmas favorites, including the beautiful Living Nativity. Featuring camels and kings, flying angels and eye-popping virtual scenery, the Christmas story comes to life in a breathtaking way. A bold lighting and scenic design gives a unique look to inspire and engage the audience, enhancing the message of The Greatest Story Ever Told! The scenic pieces, costumes and choreography are highlighted by a brilliant, original musical score, arranged and orchestrated just for Prestonwood and this special event.
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
December 2-18 (dates & times vary)
Don’t touch your dial! America’s favorite holiday classic is live on stage, re-enacting as if it’s on an actual 1940s radio station, with every memorable character, wacky sound effect, and the heartwarming conclusion of the iconic film recreated live before your ears and eyes! With humor and humanity, George Bailey’s tale of love, loss, and redemption brought to life! A heaven-sent gift for the entire family.
Santa Photos at Shops at Legacy
December 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, & 22-23
The Shops at Legacy offers visits with the red-suited Santa at Santa’s Village, located off Bishop Road next to Kilwins. Photo packages start at $60.
Santa Photos at Legacy West
December 3-4, 10-11 & 17-18
Santa Claus is coming to town and stopping by Legacy West. Whether you are in search of a Santa who looks like your kiddos, desire to see what most consider traditional Santa or you just want an amazing Santa experience, Legacy West is the place. And Photography by Misty has the right team. They will feature White Santa on Saturday, and each Sunday look for their beloved Black Santa. Either way, you cannot go wrong. Reserve your session today!
Dickens in Downtown Plano
December 3
Kick off the season with Dickens, a free annual event in the heart of the Historic Downtown Plano Arts District from 5pm – 10:30pm. Join us for this annual celebration which includes a real snow slide, food, fun, shopping, photos with Santa, and the annual tree lighting at 7pm! This is a family-friendly event. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Candy Cane Course
December 3
Join us for the annual Candy Cane Course at Red Tail Pavilion, a Christmas-themed run that is perfect for the whole family. The fun includes great swag (designer shirt, custom medal), chip-timing, live results and awards, free photos, costumes contest, free kids’ dash, great post-race food, and plenty of fun activities.
Christmas Village
December 3
Warehouse Church is hosting their 3rd annual Christmas community outreach event. It is a free event that has lots of Christmas activities from retail vendors, food, games, prizes and of course, Santa.
Breakfast with Santa at Neiman Marcus
December 3
Neiman Marcus at The Shops at Willow Bend invites you and your family to join them for Breakfast with Santa. The menu includes:
- Coffee, Hot Chocolate, OJ & Apple Juice
- Mimosa for adults 21 and over
- Preset on the tables Assorted Breakfast Pastries.
- Brioche French Toast with Whipped Cream, Fresh Berries & Vermont Maple Syrup
- Scrambled Eggs with Herbed Creme Fraiche ( kids served plain )
- Apple Wood Smoked Bacon & Breakfast Sausage Crispy Red Bliss Potatoes with Red Peppers & Onions
- Winter Fruit Compote
Kris Kringle’s Sip, Shop, and Mingle
December 4
This is a holiday pop-up shopping event at the ArtCentre of Plano. Enjoy the beautiful art while you sip a little “holiday joy” and shop with their amazing vendors.
Sensory Santa
December 4
In partnership with Autism Speaks, The Shops at Willow Bend is hosting a morning of Santa photos catered to those with sensory needs. Overhead music will be turned off, lights will be dimmed, crafts will be available, and Santa photos will be available for purchase.
Christmas Watercolor Workshop
December 4
At this watercolor workshop held at Lyla’s Boutique in Downtown Plano, Denysse Felts will lead participants in painting various Christmas and holiday illustrations using watercolor and basic handlettering techniques to create a Christmas ornament and a few Christmas cards! Your Christmas ornament will be the perfect addition to your tree year after year, or would even make a sweet gift that you can cross off your list! Your Christmas cards will warm a loved ones heart as they receive a handwritten letter from you this holiday season! Make it a girls or Moms night out (or even a date night!) and join us for painting, free wine, and shopping at 20% off!
Elf Movie Night at Legacy Hall
December 5
Spread Christmas cheer with Legacy Hall by attending their free Elf Movie night! Bundle up and watch the movie on their 24ft LED screen in the Box Garden. Make sure to grab The Worlds Best Cup Of Hot Cocoa from Mallow Box and dinner from 20+ eateries! This is a FREE event, therefore General Admission registration does NOT guarantee seating.
Elf Movie Trivia at Legacy Hall
December 6
Don’t be a Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins! Bring your best buddies and come test your knowledge of Elf culture at the jolliest trivia of the season. Arrive early to grab dinner and drinks from 20+ eateries and bars within Legacy Hall. The teams with the most points will win these presents!
- 1st Place: $100 Hall Pass
- 2nd Place: $75 Hall Pass
- 3rd Place: $50 Hall Pass
Bring a smart device (i.e. phone, tablet, or laptop) to safely send in answers from your table. PRO TIP: If you have a larger team, a device with a larger screen like a tablet is easier to play on. Buy in is $30 per team of up to six players. Only one ticket needs to be purchased for the whole team. Space is limited, so buy your ticket now!
Scrooge, The Musical
December 7-11 & 14-18
Join us as we celebrate the 12th anniversary of an NTPA Christmas celebration tradition! This Plano holiday tradition features a fast-paced and fun full-length live musical production, pre-show Christmas carols, and more. North Texas Performing Arts Community Theatre proudly announces its Christmas Tradition “Scrooge, The Musical,” a show by award-winning songwriter, Leslie Bricusse, creator of the musical versions of “Jekyll & Hyde” and “Willy Wonka”. Receiving four Academy Award nominations and five Golden Globe nominations in its movie version, “Scrooge” closely follows the plot of Charles Dickens’ acclaimed book, A Christmas Carol. NTPA will offer again it’s “Gift to the Community” performance for veterans and underprivileged and disadvantaged children, families and groups by offering two special “No Admission” shows. Each year over twenty organizations connect guests and NTPA, resulting in over 500 attendees to this special event. Individuals or organizations interested in participating in this year’s “Back to the Community” Christmas Celebration should reach out to [email protected].
Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tale of the Coming of Christ
December 8
On December 8, at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary, St. Andrew United Methodist Church will host “Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tale of the Coming of Christ”. An advent song concert – the only Dallas-Fort Worth stop on the national tour – featuring Nashville singer-songwriter and author Andrew Peterson with guest artists The Arcadian Wild, Jess Ray, Jill Phillips, Andy Gullahorn, and Skye Peterson. The two-part concert brings artists together for a “songwriters in the round” in the first half and a performance of the “Behold the Lamb of God” album performed in full in the second half.
Toys & Tunes at Legacy Hall
December 9
Tis the season to spread holiday cheer at Legacy Hall! Bring your whole family for a holiday celebration with a live performance by country music star, Neal McCoy, and a surprise visit from the REAL Santa Claus! Both Texas State Senator Angela Paxton and State Representative Matt Shaheen will be helping make this the best Christmas EVER by sharing a special gift to Toys for Tots! Be an elf yourself and bring a toy (per person) for free entrance to the show or donate $20 at the door.
Elf, The Musical
December 9-12 (dates & times vary)
Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
Elf Jr., The Musical
December 9-18
This version of Elf, The Musical is casted by children & alumni actors of Genesis Children’s Theatre.
An Epic Christmas with Epic Unplugged
December 10
Epic rock songs and a few holiday favorites expertly performed by a full band and string section. Inspired by MTV Unplugged, Epic Unplugged is an unforgettable, all-live music experience. Fans of all ages and backgrounds can sing along to epic rock from Queen, Muse, Pink Floyd, Killers, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, and more!
Holiday Parade & Toyland Festival
December 10
Join us for the 2022 Holiday Parade in Downtown Plano! A Festival in Toyland will be held in the north parking lot of the Plano Municipal Center building immediately following the parade. Stop by to see the winning floats, Santa and Ms. Claus, enjoy holiday music, crafts, food trucks, vendors and a winter kid zone! Toyland will be open until 1:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by The Plano Rotary Club, Plano East Rotary Club, North Texas Pioneers Rotary, Plano Metro Rotary Club, Plano West Rotary and the City of Plano.
Nutcracker Market
December 10
Come get a jump start on all your holiday shopping all while supporting local small business owners including: women’s and children boutique clothing, home, holiday and garden décor, gourmet food items, handmade and fashion jewelry and so much more.
The Legacy of Harmony Christmas Show
December 10
Come see a wonderful Christmas show put on by The Legacy of Harmony, a premiere performing chorus. From barbershop to gospel to doo wop, these folks are sure to warm your heart with their harmonies.
Mistletoe Market
December 11
Stuff your stockings at the Mistletoe Market in Downtown Plano. On Sunday, December 11th from 11am-4pm the shops and restaurants in downtown Plano will have special offers and promos to help you cross those last-minute items off your list. Bring the whole family to the arts district for the Grinch themed festivities.
Grinchmas Cocktail Dinner
December 13
Join Urban Rio for their Grinchmas Cocktail Dinner in Downtown Plano. Enjoy five courses paired with five cocktails. Reservations are required.
Feliz Navidad with Lara Latin
December 16
Bring your friends for dinner, drinks, and dancing to a live show by Lara Latin at Legacy Hall. Lara Latin is a high energy band that can play classic/contemporary salsa, merengue, cumbia, bachata, chacha, and Latin fusions. Get to Legacy Hall early with friends and have dinner from nearly 20 eateries. Even that picky cousin of yours will find something they enjoy.
Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
December 16
Join Legacy Hall for a self-guided bar crawl through the three floors and five bars of Legacy Hall. For $50 per person, you will receive all of the following:
- 5 Specialty Drinks: These drinks will ONLY be available for this event!
- 1 Souvenir Hall-iday Glassware
- 1 General Admission ticket to our Friday night concert in the Box Garden (Showtime is 8PM)
- Access to an afterparty with DJ Yuna in Tonic Bar & Lounge
Grab your friends and slip on your most ridiculous holiday getup – sweaters, onesies, and costumes are highly encouraged! Don’t wait to buy tickets.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 16-18
The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world, so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. There’s not supposed to be biting or cigar-smoking in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Christmas story, they definitely have rewrites! Soon everyone from the terrified pint-sized shepherds to the furious church ladies are calling for reluctant director Grace Bradley to fire the Herdmans. It’s up to Grace and the Reverend to help their community see the Christmas story and the Herdman kids through new eyes in this buoyant musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic. Silent night? Not a chance. But sometimes a little joyful noise is just right for Christmas. This program is adapted for students and adults with cognitive disabilities.
Breakfast with Santa at Legacy Hall
December 17
Bring your whole family and experience Legacy Hall-iday magic with the REAL Santa Claus! Bundle up in the Box Garden to see The Man In Red read Christmas tales while you enjoy tasty family-friendly breakfast options like savory egg sandwiches and fluffy waffles! Santa is bringing extra magic this year with a live reindeer! Grab a picture with Blitzen to seriously up your Christmas card game. Once your belly is full, you can send a letter to the North Pole at our Letters To Santa Station so Santa knows EXACTLY what you want to see under the tree. Mallow Box will keep you warm with toasty Christmas Tree Hot Cocoa piled high with homemade marshmallows, candy canes, chocolate sauce, and more! **This treat is hard to come by, so we HIGHLY recommend pre-ordering one at checkout.
Christmas Carols and Candy Canes
December 18
At 5 p.m. on December 18 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, celebrate the season at Christmas Carols and Candy Canes with the international award-winning British vocal ensemble Apollo5, accompanied on the piano by Taylor Davis, creative director of traditional music and worship, St. Andrew. This festive light-hearted evening features favorite Christmas carols and fun for the whole family.
The Dreidel Race
December 18
The Dreidel Race proudly presents a community-wide festival of lights 5K & 1M fun run. Gather your friends and family, or just bring yourself, for this one-of-a-kind holiday tradition as we lace up for latkes and get ready to run, walk, and spin our way to the finish line.
Home for the Holidays
December 18
Home for the Holidays includes seasonal favorites, the ever-popular audience sing-along, humor, and even a few surprises. Joining the Plano Symphony Orchestra will be Fela (Héctor’s niece) and the Plano Civic Chorus. Fela, a singer and actress, came to prominence performing alongside Mexican superstar Alejandro Fernández. She later led Big Band Jazz de México and starred as Nala in the Mexican production of Disney’s The Lion King.
Polar Express Movie Night at Legacy Hall
December 21
“Why, to the North Pole, of course! This is the Polar Express!” All aboard! You’re invited to Legacy Hall’s first Polar Express movie night! If you’re a true believer, you won’t want to miss this magical experience. Check-in and grab dinner at 6:30pm and the movie begins at 7pm. Admission is $15 per child and includes:
- [1] Golden ticket onto the Polar Express and a train ride around Legacy Hall.
- [1] Hot Chocolate from Mallow Box.
- A photo opportunity inside our GIANT snow globe.
A Very Eclectic Christmas
December 23
Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas is coming to Courtyard Theater. Follow the story of a young bird, named Max and his family, as they begin their journey south for the winter. When Max gets blown off course and ends up at the North Pole…his adventure begins! Dancing toy soldiers, caroling worms and performing poinsettia’s, light up the stage in Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas. Audiences of all ages will treasure this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits, including Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Tchaikovsky.
New Year’s Eve 2022
Jazzberry Jammin’ New Year’s Eve
Join Crayola Experience for their Jazzberry Jammin’ New Year’s Eve Party on Dec. 31. This colorful celebration, complete with confetti and dance parties, lets tiny tots ring in the new year and be in bed before midnight.
New Year’s Eve at Legacy Hall
Go to disco heaven at DFW’s premier New Year’s Eve event at Legacy Hall with three floors of live entertainment, 5+ craft bars, and a HUGE midnight celebration! Select eateries will open for delicious late night bites. Try not to catch disco fever with The Rich Girls’ mesmerizing performance from 8pm-10pm in the Lexus Box Garden. Whether you’re into classic throwback disco or modern mixes, each floor gets groovier with a different DJ and Instagrammable moments. Flower Wall Dallas is taking this party up a notch with a never before seen mashup of entertainment and décor. Early Bird ticket pricing ends December 6.
Stay the Night with Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West
Ring in the New Year in style, then take the elevator home. Celebrate NYE with two general admission tickets to Legacy Hall’s New Years Eve party, complimentary overnight self-parking for one vehicle, 2pm late checkout on the day of departure + an overnight stay in one of their modern guestrooms.
- Two general admission tickets to NYE party at Legacy Hall
- 2pm late checkout
- Complimentary overnight self-parking
- Promotional code: EVE
- Valid stay dates: December 31, 2022 – January 1, 2023
New Year’s Eve at Eddie V’s Prime – Plano
Eddie V’s is rolling out the red carpet for New Year’s Eve, and you are on the list.
David Whiteman Band at Marriott at Legacy Town Center
Ring in the 2023 in with The David Whiteman Band, Dallas premier party band at the Marriott Hotel Dallas/Plano. The most versatile and entertaining dance/party bands in America. Covering the widest range of genres, featuring Current Top 40, Pop, R&B, Funk, Hip Hop, Rock, Latin and a variety of Dance music. Come for the party or make it a weekend. Great packages to select from.
New Year’s Eve at the Yellowstone
Grab your Stetson hat, cowboy boots and go footloose as we celebrate New Year’s Eve with a night full of foot stompin’ songs, heroic cowboys and villainous gamblers at the Yellowstone. This immersive experience, a step back in time to the 1890’s, includes a performance on stage and a saloon casino in the lobby (before the show and at intermission). Each ticket comes with 5 casino chips. Chips can be redeemed for prizes at the end of the night.
For more dun in Plano this holiday season, explore Plano’s attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
