It's that time of year to join in on the holiday happenings — and of course that includes driving around, looking at magical lights.
If you are hoping to enjoy the spectacular displays, there are plenty in North Texas that the whole family will love.
Deerfield Holiday Lights
Where: Legacy Drive at Archgate Dr, Plano
Why here: Annual display with carriage rides
Experience the dazzling Deerfield Holiday Lights exhibition in Plano, TX, lighting up the nights from Dec. 1 to 30. Weekdays shine from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., while weekends extend the luminous display until 11 p.m.
If you are hoping to make the experience even more magical — carriage rides are the way to go. But book now because they sell out fast!
Walnut Street
Where: 6942 Walnut Street, Frisco
Why here: Classic nativity scene
Feel free to leisurely appreciate the exhibition, and afterward, enthusiasts are invited to stroll through a dazzling tunnel of lights leading to the front garden, where additional Christmas lights and a classic nativity scene await.
Tucker Hill
Where: 2100 State Blvd., McKinney
Why here: Neighborhood competition with day and night visibility
The Tucker Hill neighborhood in McKinney is transformed into a sophisticated winter wonderland, and they take decorating seriously: Neighbors compete for the title of “Best Holiday Décor;” past winners brought the holiday cheer with North Pole signage, large candy canes and lollipops and a massive Christmas tree. The community also awards a “best daytime” award, so it’s worth a drive before dark.
Brookshire Drive Holiday Lights Extravaganza
Where: 3601 Brookshire Drive, Plano
Why here: Holiday displays
Since 1998, the homeowners have adorned their residence with approximately 30,000 lights and 20 floodlights, featuring displays that have showcase beloved characters including those from The Wizard of Oz and Frozen.
Prosper Tunnel of Lights
Where: Beechwood Drive, Prosper
Why here: Fully lit tunnel
In the Whitley Place neighborhood of Prosper, along Beechwood Drive, the entire street features a literal tunnel of lights that leads all the way up and around the cul-de-sac.
Established in 2018 by the Judd family, this holiday lights experience has become a favorite tradition in Prosper. The 2023 season of Prosper's Original Tunnel of Lights on Beechwood Drive is open from Nov. 23 - Dec. 31. from 6-10 p.m.
Westridge Drive Light Show
Where: 2709 Westridge Drive, Plano
Why here: Synchronized light show
Park near the home and enjoy the synchronized light show featuring more than 50,000 LED lights. Look for the sign in front of the house that tells guests which radio station to play during the nightly show.
The Burkman Holiday Home
Where: 3809 Hazelhurst Drive, Frisco
Why here: Pictures with the Grinch
The Burkman home is known for its impressive homage to holiday cheer. Highlights over the past 20 years include a life-sized gingerbread house with a smoking chimney, a garage-turned-miniature Christmas village and more than 25,000 lights on the facade. Among the cast of penguins, reindeer and polar bears is a gigantic Santa overseeing the operation. This year, the Grinch will also be in attendance, ready to take pictures with kids (donations are not required, but encouraged).
Independence and Biscayne Drive
Where: Biscayne Drive off Independence Parkway, Plano
Why here: Massive displays of favorite characters
These neighboring homes light up the block with colored lights that twinkle from the treetops down to the snow-covered lawn-turned-ice rink where Snoopy and the Peanuts crew hang out. Two model trains with toys from Santa chug around railroad tracks and expect some familiar faces from America’s favorite street: Big Bird, Cookie Monster and Elmo.
Clinton Drive
Where: 1000 Clinton Drive, Plano
Why here: 85,000 synchronized lights
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Janet's Christmas wonderland, featuring an astounding 85,000 lights synchronized to festive music, accompanied by playful elves, graceful reindeer and Santa himself. The lights will illuminate the night sky from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. every evening, weather permitting, starting from Thanksgiving and continuing until New Year's Eve. Additionally, seize the opportunity to meet Santa on Dec. 16 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., weather permitting.
Vitruvian Lights
Where: Vitruvian Park — 3966 Vitruvian Way, Addison
Why here: Over 1.5 million lights
If you’re up to walking instead of driving, this is the perfect light show for you. This year, Vitruvian Lights opened early but the magical experience will be here until January. Walk through the park and explore more than 1.5 million lights on 555 trees.
This article was originally published on Nov. 27, 2023.