10 Family-Friendly Holiday Happenings In North Texas

The holiday season is the most magical time of the year to spend with family. So if you have guests visiting from out of town, or you’re looking for fun with the kids — North Texas has plenty of holiday events. 

Dude Perfect Tree Lighting

When: Dec. 1
Where: 3725 PGA Pkwy, Frisco
Cost: Free

If you’re looking for ways to spice up your holiday season, PGA Frisco has the perfect opportunity for the whole family. Dude Perfect, known for their seemingly impossible trick shots, will be helping Santa light up the PGA’s Christmas tree. 

Parade of Lights 

When: Dec. 2
Where: 4930 South Colony Blvd, The Colony
Cost: Free

The annual event, organized by The Colony Parks and Recreation Department, is set to bring festive cheer throughout the town. The festivities kick off with the Parade of Lights at 5:45 p.m., following a route starting at Peters Colony Elementary parking lot, heading west on Nash to Blair Oaks and then south to The Five Star Complex. 

Simultaneously, at 5 p.m., Holiday In The Park takes place at Perryman Park, 4930 S. Colony Blvd. This event promises lively holiday music and performances, engaging activities, thrilling rides and a beautifully illuminated holiday trail.

Brunch With Santa

When: Now - Dec. 17
Where: 9305 Preston Road, Frisco
Cost: $10
Tickets 

Don't forget your camera for this chance to capture precious moments with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. They'll be strolling around the venue, interacting with children and spreading holiday joy during a delightful breakfast. 

While indulging in a delectable buffet-style brunch, Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead festive sing-alongs. The whole family can join in the fun, singing beloved holiday tunes and sharing in the joyous spirit of the season.

Scrooge - The Musical

When: Dec 6 - 10
Where: 1509 H Ave, Plano
Cost: $18
Tickets

NTPA Community Theatre presents "Scrooge - The Musical," a fast-paced and fun full-length, live musical production. This classic Christmas show includes pre-show Christmas Carols, family fun and more. This wonderful Plano Christmas tradition, now in its 11th year, is critically acclaimed and plays to sell-out crowds. 

Charlie Brown Christmas at Lights on the Farm 

When: Dec. 9
Where: 1900 W 15th St, Plano
Cost: $12 adult, $7 kids
Tickets

 Celebrate the holiday season with a unique experience at the Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano. Enjoy scenes of the Christmas classic presented by Moondance Theater. Meet Charlie Brown and his friends in person and snap some pictures with them in the beautifully decorated historic Pole barn. 

The Christmas event offers a self-guided walk-through, allowing you and your family to explore at your own pace. Let your kids take the lead as you loop around, visit various farm areas and enjoy the festivities multiple times. Relax and have a wonderful time without the concern of missing out on anything.

Saturday Flurries Screening The Grinch

When: Dec. 9
Where: 2405 Dallas Parkway Plano
Cost: Free
Tickets

Experience the magic on Dec. 9, at 4 p.m., as you journey through the "seven levels of the Candy Cane Forest and the sea of the swirly, twirly gumdrops" during The Shops at Willow Bend's Saturday Flurries screening of the Elf movie. This event is perfectly timed to celebrate the movie's 20th anniversary this year.

While enjoying the whimsical atmosphere, shoppers can explore a variety of holiday vendors onsite and sip on The World's Best Cup Of Hot Cocoa. At 4:30 p.m., be captivated by the North Texas Performing Arts students as they take the stage for a short musical performance from their Elf JR Musical. Families can also indulge in holiday face painting and visit the Letters to Santa station. Finally, bundle up for a delightful outdoor screening of Elf as the evening unfolds.

Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza

When: November 28 to December 16, 2023 | 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Star | 1 Cowboys Way, Frisco
Cost: Free

Taking place every Friday and Saturday evening from Nov. 17 to Dec.16 at 6:00 p.m., this 20-minute show features the dazzling Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, a 67-foot LED Christmas tree lighting, and performances by Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blue, Cowboys Rookie Squad and more. With special guests Darren Woodson and family, it's a festive and free event for the whole family.

Holiday Pet Adoption Event

When: Dec. 16
Where: 2201 Dallas Pkwy, Plano
Cost: Free ($75 adoption fee) 

There’s nothing better during the holiday season than helping someone or something in need. On Dec. 16, The Shops at Willow Bend is partnering with the StrayDog Shelter to host a Holiday Pet Adoption Event to help find a FUR-ever home for pets this holiday season. Guests can find their new furry family member from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside the Courtyard of Neiman Marcus.

StrayDog Shelter will bring over a dozen adorable dogs and cats to the event, who are all available to go home with a loving family. All adoption fees will be discounted to $75 for this event.

The Grinch Stole Christmas! Ornament Scavenger Hunt Downtown Plano

When: Dec. 16
Where: 1004 E 15th St, Plano
Cost: Free

The Grinch has swiped holiday ornaments, and it's your mission to reclaim them! Discover one of the limited-edition #LovePlano ornaments hidden in Downtown Plano shops and restaurants and follow clues on Downtown Plano's social media and local businesses' channels. You can find ornaments scattered between 14th and 15th Streets, from G Avenue to Municipal Avenue. Claim one ornament per family and enjoy the holiday spirit!

Holiday at the Arboretum

When: Now - Jan. 5
Where: 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas
Cost: $12 - $20
Tickets

Celebrate the magic of the season as Holiday at the Arboretum makes a festive return, transforming the garden into a winter wonderland. Experience the charm of the beloved Christmas Village, the enchanting 12 Days of Christmas display and the mesmerizing Dazzling Musical Tree. Explore the historic DeGolyer House, adorned by the renowned designer Michael Hamilton, showcasing an elaborate holiday decor that includes a new collection of nearly 600 nutcrackers and other classic Christmas themes. The exhibit is open daily, and every Monday to Wednesday evening until Jan. 5.