Plano Holiday Event Guide 2021

Dickens Holiday in Plano

Updated: 12/27/21

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 BACK in Plano!

Plano Holiday events

Photos with Santa at The Shops at Willow Bend
November 12-December 24
Bring the kiddos to meet and take a photo with the big man himself at The Shops at Willow Bend this holiday season. Make your reservations ASAP (except for December 22-24 are walk-ins only). Pet photos with Santa are also available on November 29, December 6, December 13, and December 20 between 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

Snowflake Bazaar
November 13-14
The annual Snowflake Bazaar is your one-stop shopping source. Buy locally crafted items for the holidays, home, and other occasion – seasonal items, floral design, gourmet specialties, jewelry, toys, candles, home accessories, ladies and children’s apparel, personalized items, handbags, and so much more! There will be more than 100 vendors as well as food for purchase. Come by and shop to support the Plano West Mighty Wolfpack Band. Sponsored by the band Booster Club, this annual event is the largest annual fundraiser for the band. Admission and parking are FREE.

Plano Christmas Market
November 20
Plano Christmas Market 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! 

The Market at Legacy North
November 21
Shop local at The Market at Legacy North. This FREE pop-up market features more than 30 curated local small business vendors, live music, amazing food and drinks, art installations, giveaways, and more!

The Lights at Legacy
November 21
The magic and excitement of the holiday season is here! Join us for Lights at Legacy for an evening of wondrous entertainment, photos with Santa Claus, giveaways, and much more! Entertainment begins at 4 p.m. Our holiday tree, presented by T-Mobile, will light at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Lights on the Farm
November 26-December 26
This holiday season, the Heritage Farmstead Museum will be bedazzled with more than one million twinkling holiday lights and filled with animated yuletide displays as part of the venue’s first-ever Lights on the Farm holiday event. Lights on the Farm will take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening November 26 to December 26, but will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The all-outdoor event will feature a quarter-mile trail through the property showcasing stunning holiday light creations and animated displays crafted by First Choice Lights. Guests will also enjoy a 20-foot Christmas tree, refreshments such as hot cocoa and make-your-own s’mores, and a chance for the youngest guests to visit with Santa. There will also be plenty of dazzling selfie photo opportunities throughout the farm property. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Tours begin every evening the display is open beginning at 6:00 p.m. Guests will be allowed entry into the property every 20 minutes and the last guests will be admitted at 9 p.m. The Farmstead will close at 10:00 p.m. on event evenings.

The Nutcracker presented by Chamberlain Ballet
November 26-28
Chamberlain Ballet began staging The Nutcracker in 1989. Through out the years, this holiday tradition has grown to become a favorite for thousands of North Texas families. This season they will feature New York City Ballet Principal Dancers Tiler Peck and Tyler Angle; Chamberlain Ballet is proud to present the North Texas community with two of the finest professional dancers performing today. Photo credit: Ryan Williams.

Small Business Pop-Ups at Legacy West
November 26-December 19
Stop by Legacy West’s Mistletoe Mall to shop small businesses through the holiday season! Located between Starbucks Reserve and Filson, the Mistletoe Mall offer small business pop-ups Friday-Sunday between 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Complimentary Gift Wrapping at Legacy West
November 26-December 23
Stop by Legacy West’s ‘Sleigh All Day’ for complimentary gift wrapping every Friday-Sunday from November 26 through December 23 to enlist Santa’s helpers in making the presents under the tree even more exciting! *Limited to two gifts per person.

Santa Photos at Legacy West
November 26-December 23
Santa sessions include a 10 minute session with Santa and a professional portrait (one candid shot and one formal shot). Two enhanced digital images are delivered within 1 week. Reservations are recommended.

Make & Take: Decorate a Gingerbread House
November 27
This holiday tradition means fun for everyone at Central Market’s Cooking School (ages 7+). 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. Light snacks will be provided as well as a box for you to transport your masterpiece home.

Modern Wreath Making Workshop at Legacy Hall
December 1
Put a twist on a classic favorite with Legacy Hall’s Modern Wreath Making Workshop. Get into the holiday spirit as the Creative Arts Guild of Wylie instructors lead you to create a modern wreath design of live greenery on a slim brass hoop. The metal and natural elements combine to create a modern fresh look for a classic holiday favorite. Unwind and sip on a glass of wine as you work on your holiday creation. Attendees will also receive a drink token and a Hall Pass gift card for dinner.

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 in Plano, TX. 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!

Drinks & Dreidels IV at Neighborhood Goods
December 1
Let’s Light up Legacy West! Drinks and Dreidels returns for the fourth year. This time, in the heart of Legacy West in Neighborhood Goods. Join the community at 7:30 p.m. outside Neighborhood Goods for a celebratory public Menorah lighting. Then, at 8 p.m. bring the fun inside for an exclusive party for young Jewish professionals.

Plano Christmas Light Tour
December 1-January 1
View cheery front yards…including sparkling lights, shimmering trees, animated musical shows and ringing sleigh bells—sure to delight everyone!  A self-guided driving tour, driving directions are provided to each of the sparkling homes the parents’ group has curated for you. To experience the tour right now: download the free Built Story app, available for iOS and Android. Once in the app, just search Plano Moms. Each tour costs $10 and supports the Tour Creator. Once purchased, Tour Takers can start, pause, stop and re-take the tour as many times as they wish for 30 days. Skip the time constraints, hassle, and crowds now with this yuletide activity! Grab the hot chocolates, pile your crew in the car, play some holiday tunes and discover the magic of Plano with this self-guided Christmas lights tour. 

Prestonwood Christmas Tree Lighting
December 1
Join Prestonwood Baptist Church for this festive tradition as they kick off the Christmas season. Invite your friends to experience Prestonwood on this special evening for the entire family and enjoy the tree lighting at 6 p.m., plus photos with Santa, a snow hill, food trucks, inflatables, a Polar Express Train, Christmas hayrides, crazy games, and free hot chocolate, popcorn, and candy.

Holiday Cocktail Workshop
December 2
An evening of holiday themed mixology at Sweet Home Bath & Body! Make and enjoy three delicious cocktails and learn all kinds of tips and tricks for making your holiday drinks sparkle and shine. Shake your way into the holiday spirit, sip on seasonal sparkling delights, and smile and laugh with friends old or new. Light nibbles and water will be provided.

Dickens in Downtown Plano Arts District
December 4
Kick off the season with Dickens, a FREE annual event nestled in the heart of the Historic Downtown Plano Arts District. Expect all the favorites for this annual celebration, including free s’mores, a real snow slide, ice wars, and a Victorian twist complete with Scrooge, Victorian music and entertainment, and free photos with a Victorian Santa. There will also be carolers from Plano Independent School District, a Trimmed Tree Trail, multiple food and beverage options and more than 50 artists. Don’t miss the tree lighting at 7 p.m. This is a family-friendly event; leashed dogs are welcome.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever presented by The Art Centre Theatre
December 3-19
In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids–probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem – and the fun – when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on! This delightful comedy is adapted from the best-selling young adult book, and has become a holiday staple for groups across the United States! Features plenty of great roles for children and adults, a few favorite Christmas carols, and a lot of laughs!

A Santa Experience
December 4
Christ United Methodist Church is so excited to invite you on this special tour of Santa’s village. Enjoy Hurts Donuts, coffee, hot chocolate, and a nativity story. There will be fun games, prizes, and of course photo ops with Santa! This year’s Santa experience will include many beloved traditions such as sweet treats and warm drinks, Mrs. Claus’s Library, a “Letters to Santa” station, and of course, Santa on his sleigh! Families will register for a time slot to enter Santa’s village in order to help space out attendees. To provide a safe and comfortable environment for all attending, they are encouraging both mask-wearing and physical distancing indoors.

Merry & Bright at The Boardwalk
December 4
The first annual Merry & Bright extravaganza event is at The Boardwalk at Granite Park! Join us for a day full of merriment that will be sure to brighten up your holiday season. As you enter The Boardwalk you will find a fully immersive winter wonderland photo op where you can snap a snowy good picture. Around the corner, you will see a holly jolly market that is the perfect place to find your stocking stuffers. Santa is not on the rooftop just yet because he will be at The Pavilion with his sleigh in tow for everyone to take pictures with him. Don’t forget to bring a toy or two for boys and girls in need because Toys for Tots will be hosting a toy drive. To top off the glad tidings happening around The Boardwalk there will be festive violin music being played. The holiday ambiance will be something you will not want to miss out on.

DFW Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
December 4
Guess who’s back…back again…Santa’s back…tell a friend. We’re back folks. The DFW Ugly Christmas Sweater Party lives on. This year they have a new venue and a new charity (DFW Canines for Veterans). Go find the ugliest Christmas or holiday sweater you can and join us for an amazing evening filled with fun, food, and games thanks to the wonderful people at Bottle Rockets Bar in Plano.

Legacy West Music Series: Holiday Edition
December 4, 11 & 18
Enjoy live music presented by Axiom Music every Saturday night through the holidays at Legacy West. Enjoy best of holiday pop, jazz quartets, carolers, and more!

Brunch with Santa at Fogo de Chão
December 5
Join us for a very special brunch at Fogo de Chão Plano. Complimentary photos with Santa will be included. Reserve your seats today. Kids ages 0-6 are free and ages 7-12 are half-priced. To reserve your seats email [email protected] or call 469-662-8898.

Elf Movie Night at Legacy Hall
December 8
Don’t be a Cotton-Headed Ninny-Muggins… come out to see Elf on the big screen at Legacy Hall! General admission to the Box Garden is FREE, but if you have the most Christmas Spirit, we recommend reserving a table for your elves. Bundle up in the Box Garden with the World’s Best Cup Of Hot Cocoa from Mallow Box and enjoy the film on our 24ft LED screen. There are nearly 20 eateries to choose from for dinner inside Legacy Hall. We recommend spaghetti from The Italian Job, but it’s BYOS – Bring Your Own Syrup.

Scrooge! The Musical presented by NTPA
December 9-12 & December 16-19
This Plano Christmas 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. This performance now in its 11th year has been critically acclaimed and plays to sell-out crowds. The Dallas Morning News called the production “brilliant … robust and passionate” and it regularly tops Local Profile’s “Must See” event for the Christmas season.

The Gift of Christmas at Prestonwood Baptist Church
December 10-19
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! 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.

Mistletoe Market in Downtown Plano
December 11-12
Stuff your stockings at the Mistletoe Market in Downtown Plano. Explore shops and restaurants that will have special offers and promotions to help you cross those last-minute items off your list.

Breakfast with Santa at Carpenter Park Recreation Center
December 11
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 own Santa wish list and holiday crafts. Little ones can enjoy some one on one time with Santa and purchase a souvenir photo.

St. Paul’s Journey to Christmas
December 11
The Journey begins with a walk through our Interactive Bethlehem Village. See the Merchants of the day on the Streets of Old Bethlehem, children can try the tasks of the day such as grinding flour on a stone and more. Upon leaving Bethlehem Village you can hear Christmas music as you exit to the outdoors to see the Special Night come Alive before you! Guests will then enjoy the Christmas Story told through 6 lively scenes. You will journey through six live outdoor action scenes depicting the major events leading to the birth of Christ. This lively production is performed by members of the church and community, dressed in costumes from that era. The whole family will enjoy the special effects provided by the live animals. End the evening with a Christmas cookie and hot chocolate or hot cider. So load up your entire family to experience this FREE interactive LIVE nativity come alive before you.

Story Time with Mrs. Claus at Legacy West
December 11 & 18
Hosted by local photographer Misty Hoyt, Mrs. Claus will be reading stories every 30 minutes at Sleigh All Day (located in front of Nike) on Saturdays throughout the holiday season.

The Legacy North Pole
December 12
Come mingle and get a photo with Kris Kringle and his real, live reindeer at The Legacy North Pole between 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Activities include: photos with Santa ($10 to reserve), 10ft. frozen ice slide for both kids and adults to enjoy, a snow party, brunch and beverage specials with restaurants and retailers, music, letters to Santa drop-off, and much more!

Christmas Festival of Music
December 12
St. Andrew presents a Christmas Festival of Music during the 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services in the sanctuary, open to all at no cost. Enjoy favorite carols through stunning arrangements for all choirs (children, youth, and chancel) and congregational singing accompanied by symphony brass and organ.

Night of Wonder in the Workshop
December 17
Come on out for a holly jolly time in Santa’s workshop! Listen to a story, drink hot cocoa, write a letter to Santa and take a hike through the candy cane forest. Event will be in-person with an online option. A zoom link and activity PDF will be provided prior to the event. Please bring a flashlight. Registration is per family.

Stories with Santa at Legacy Hall
December 18
Bring your whole family to experience Legacy Halliday magic with stories read by the REAL Santa Claus on stage! Bundle up in the Box Garden to see Santa Claus read Christmas tales at two different time slots: 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. General Admission to this event is free, but we highly recommend reserving a picnic table at checkout to guarantee seating during the first or second reading.

Table Reservations Include:

  • A reserved table for 4 or 6 guests during either of the two time slots:
  • Slot 1: 10:30am – 11:30am
  • Slot 2: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
  • $15 Hall Passes for each guest at the table
  • Holiday marshmallow decorating kits (2-3 depending on table size)

Santa is bringing some extra magic this year with a live reindeer! Grab a picture with Blitzen to seriously up your Christmas card game. Meet the Collin County Moms at the Letters to Santa Station so you can tell the big man EXACTLY what you want for Christmas. Then, do some fun holiday crafts. Plus, don’t miss the Mallow Box Marshmallow Decorating Station to create your own tasty holiday masterpiece. Holiday Marshmallow Decorating Boxes are available for pre-sale for $7 at checkout and come with [1] large holiday-shaped marshmallow, icing, and toppings. Quantity is limited so reserve yours now!

Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl at Legacy Hall
December 18
Dear Santa, I can explain… Join us for a self-guided Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl through the three floors and 5 bars of Legacy Hall! Grab your friends and slip on your most ridiculous holiday getup – sweaters, onesies, and costumes are highly encouraged! After you’ve tasted specialty Halliday Cheer at each of their bars, make your way to Tonic Bar & Lounge [2nd Floor] for a DJ party [21+] with mixes by DJ Yuna. For $45 per person, you will receive all of the following:

  • 5 Specialty Drinks: These drinks will ONLY be available for this event!
  • 1 Souvenir Holiday Glass
  • 1 General Admission ticket to The Elton Johns in the Box Garden
  • Access to the DJ Party in Tonic Bar & Lounge

Christmas Concerts on the Pond
December 18-20
St. Andrew presents three distinctive evenings of music at Christmas Concerts by the Pond, each beginning at 7 p.m. Five food trucks will be on site each evening. In case of inclement weather, concerts will move into St. Andrew’s sanctuary. Admission for each outdoor concert is $5, benefiting Beacon of Light, St. Andrew’s community mental health ministry.

On December 18, the St. Andrew Band, featuring Josh and Krista Miller, presents “A Rockin’ Christmas,” a night of Christmas classics, complete with special guests. On December 19, St. Andrew partners with Dallas Theater Center to present, “A Rhythm and Blues Christmas,” featuring Liz Mikel and Alex Organ, both members of the Dee and Hal Brierley Resident Acting Company of the Tony Award winning Dallas Theater Center. Mikel, a Broadway and film/TV star, is widely known for her portrayal of Corinna “Mama” Williams, mother of star running back Brian “Smash” Williams, on the NBC television series Friday Night Lights. Organ, artistic director of Second Thought Theatre, has many local and regional theater credits with film/TV experience including Law & Order: SVU. The duo will present an entertaining evening of Christmas music with a Motown flair. On December 20, Imperial Brass presents “A Jazzy Christmas,” featuring jazzy holiday favorites for the whole family.

Home for the Holidays presented by Plano Symphony Orchestra
December 19
Don’t miss this holiday musical tradition in North Texas. This year’s Home for the Holidays will feature musical guests The Vocal Majority and Fela. Winning medals in every international competition they have entered, the Vocal Majority’s medal count includes 13 gold medals, three silver medals and one bronze medal. The Vocal Majority has released more than two dozen recordings that feature their diverse musical repertory, including sacred and inspirational, patriotic, time-honored babershop, jazz, Broadway, pops and Christmas. Along with the Vocal Majority will be Fela, Hector Guzman’s niece. The singer and actress came to prominence performing alongside Mexican superstar Alejandro Fernandez. She later led Big Band Jazz de Mexico and starred as Nala in the Mexican production of the hit musical The Lion King.

The Market at Legacy North
December 19
Shop local at The Market at Legacy North. This FREE pop-up market features more than 30 curated local small business vendors, live music, amazing food and drinks, art installations, giveaways, and more!

New year’s eve events

Jazzberry Jammin’ New Year’s Eve
December 31
Families can ring in the New Year during the afternoon with colorful family fun! Mid-day countdowns at 12:00pm & 2:00pm with a streamer launch to ring in the New Year.

Special crafts & coloring pages available all day (included with admission):
• Star in your own New Year’s coloring page at Be A Star
• Craft your own 2022 New Year’s crown at Activity Studio
• Create your 2022 resolution list at Colossal Caddy

Cabaret Soiree at Legacy Hall
December 31
Ring in 2022 with an extravagant Cabaret Soirée New Year’s Eve Party [21+] at Legacy Hall! Experience a glamorous New Year’s Eve with the ultimate party band Live 90, mixes by DJ Yuna & DJ Cantu on the 2nd and 3rd floors, a HUGE balloon drop at midnight, a champagne toast, and more! Legacy Hall’s three floors will all have something exciting to discover including can-can dancers, photo ops, and a cirque performer. With over 20 eateries and bars to choose from, there is something for everyone to indulge in from late night bites to craft libations! Buy your ticket now – Early Bird General Admission pricing will end on December 13th. General admission is $50; table reservations and VIP Lounge available.

David Whiteman Band New Year’s Eve Experience
December 31
Join the David Whiteman Band for their second annual New Year’s Eve party! They’ll celebrate with you as we bring in 2022 at the Marriott Dallas/Plano at Legacy Town Center. The David Whiteman Band is one the most versatile and entertaining dance/party bands in America. Covering the widest range of genres, featuring current yop 40, pop, R&B, funk, hip hop, rock, Latin and a variety of dance music. Special Guest: DJ Scorpio, Michael Hernandez, and Sam Putney. Get your tickets NOW!

New Year’s Eve at Bottle Rockets
December 31
Celebrate the New Year with the newly opened Bottle Rockets at The Shops at Legacy. More details to come.

NYE Dinner & Music at The Holy Grail
December 31
NYE at the Holy Grail Pub includes a four course beer and cocktail pairing dinner at 7 p.m. followed by live music at 9 p.m. Happy Hour specials all day!

New Year’s Eve with Sugarbush
December 31
Come ring in the New Year at Plano Sports Tavern with live music from Sugarbush!

New Year’s Eve at KAI at Legacy West
December 31
Ring in the New Year at KĀI Legacy West! KĀI at Legacy West offers early seating for dining reservations from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. They will be offering their regular dinner menu and their NYE Omakase menu. KĀI at Legacy West also offers a late seating for dining reservations starting at 10 p.m. and will be offering a prix fixe NYE menu and NYE Omakase menu. Guests will enjoy a live DJ performance, party favors and a complimentary midnight bubble toast, to kiss 2021 goodbye! VIP tables available.

New Year’s Eve at Shark Club USA
December 31
Shark Club will have a free champagne toast and appetizer buffet at the stroke of midnight with great drink specials and the DJ’s from True Sound Coalition ripping up the tunes. The Sandman Signature Hotel is connected as well, so book your rooms soon so you don’t have to rush home. No cover charge. Book your tables now through Open Table or just give Shark Club a call at 469-535-5200. 

New Year’s Eve Dinner at XO Coffee
December 31
Enjoy a low-key NYE at XO Coffee for $60 per person (drinks not included). Call or text your reservation to 214-757-6735. Space is limited. Visit the event page to view the menu.

NYE with Shane Torres at the Plano House of Comedy
December 31
We are sure you want to get 2021 over as badly as we do. What a great way to do it then at the House of Comedy for some great laughs and fun times. They have 2 showtimes to choose from. The 7:00pm show is for those who want to get home early to bring in the new year. The 10:00pm show is for those who want to celebrate with us at the House of Comedy. The late show will include the show ticket, access to our midnight deli buffet, party favors and a glass of champagne to bring in 2022.

About the Headliner:

Shane Torres is a stand up comedian, writer, actor, and podcaster. Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Shane landed in Portland, Oregon and began his comedy career. Shane has performed on festivals all over the globe including Montreal’s Just For Laughs, Comedy Central’s Clusterfest, San Francisco Sketchfest, Bonnaroo, Outsidelands, Bumbershoot, Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin, Red Clay Comedy Festival, High Plains in Denver, Laughingskull, New York Comedy Festival, Laughfest, and many more.

His television appearances to date have included Conan twice, Comedy Central Half Hour Special, IFC’S Comedy Bang Bang, NBC’S Last Comic Standing (barely), Tru Tv’s Comedy Knockout, NBC’s Red Nose Day, and Ron White’s Comedy Salute To The Troops on CMT. He has been heard on such popular podcasts such as Savage Love, All Fantasy Everything, Comedy Bang Bang, Doug Loves Movies and Bertcast. He tours frequently across the states and can often be found performing in a comedy club, theaters, and music venues near you. In March of 2019 his Comedy Central web series Shane Torres Conquers Fear is being released.

For more events in Plano, explore our online event calendar.


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