As the holiday season nears, North Texas transforms into a festive wonderland with shimmering lights, dazzling decorations and community celebrations. Across the region, towns are embracing the spirit of the season through tree-lighting ceremonies, spectacular displays and activities that bring families and friends together.
From synchronized light shows to live performances by local artists, these cherished traditions celebrate the joy of the holidays while fostering a sense of community. Each event reflects the unique character of its town, offering residents and visitors a chance to create lasting memories.
Discover the Christmas tree lighting ceremonies happening near you:
Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
Nov. 21, 2024 | 5-8 p.m.
Allen Premium Outlets | 820 W Stacy Rd, Allen | More info
Allen Premium Outlets kicks off the holiday season with a festive Tree Lighting Celebration featuring live music, games and activities for all ages. The highlight of the evening is the lighting of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, along with visits from Santa and photo opportunities. Additional attractions include cookie decorating, prize wheels and crafts, along with community partners offering fun and festive activities. Guests can enjoy entertainment from local performers and local partners while also supporting a holiday donation drive.
Inaugural Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 22, 2024 | 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Kaleidoscope Park, 6635 Warren Parkway, Frisco | More info
Kaleidoscope Park kicks off the holiday season with its inaugural Tree Lighting Ceremony, featuring a 50-foot tree adorned with 42,000 twinkling lights synchronized to festive music. The evening includes free family-friendly activities such as food trucks, snow machines, a Santa photo op, performances by local musicians and a special instrument petting zoo. Guests can also enjoy stilt walkers, jugglers and fun holiday crafts, making it a magical start to the season.
Christmas At The Star (Frisco)
Opening night is Nov. 22, 2024 | 6 p.m.
The Star, Home of the Dallas Cowboys, 5 Cowboys Way Suite 125, Frisco | More info
The Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza at The Star in Frisco brings holiday cheer with a 20-minute show featuring the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and a spectacular lighting of a 67-foot LED Christmas tree by a Cowboys legend. The event includes live performances, a synchronized light show and a special appearance by Santa. This free event offers a festive atmosphere perfect for the whole family, with additional holiday activities and dining at The Star District.
Fairview Town Center Tree Lighting
Nov. 20, 2024 | 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Fairview Town Center, 329 Town Place, Fairview | More info
Kick off the holiday season with Fairview’s annual celebration featuring tree lightings, a festive parade, live reindeer and photos with Santa. Families can enjoy free activities, including bounce houses, balloon art, carolers and stage performances while supporting the Children’s Advocacy Center toy drive.
Light The Night (Watters Creek)
Nov. 23, 2024 | Tree lighting at 4:30 p.m.
959 Garden Park Drive, Watters Creek, Allen | More info
Celebrate the season with a festive evening featuring caroling, children's activities, carriage rides and a dazzling synchronized light display featuring 145,000 lights shared among the 20-plus trees at the Green, capped with fireworks. Santa's arrival marks the tree lighting, while local businesses offer exclusive holiday specials to enhance the merriment.
Lights At Legacy (Plano)
Nov. 24, 2024 | 4 p.m., tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.
The Shops at Legacy East, 5741 Legacy Drive, Suite 315, Plano | More info
Enjoy a festive evening at The Shops at Legacy with photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, benefiting My Possibilities and a magical tree lighting ceremony. Festivities include complimentary train rides, balloon artists, toy soldier stilt walkers and live entertainment. Guests can also sample food and drinks from the center's retailers and restaurants. The celebration is sponsored by Kite Realty, Park Place and the city of Plano.
Prestonwood Christmas Tree Lighting Festival (Prosper)
Nov. 24, 2024 | 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.
Prestonwood Baptist Church, 1001 W. Prosper Trail, Prosper | More info
The Christmas Tree Lighting Festival offers a family-friendly celebration with free hot chocolate, photos with Santa, carnival rides and live reindeer. The highlight of the evening is the tree-lighting ceremony, followed by fireworks. Guests can enjoy food trucks, games, inflatables and even a Polar Express train ride, all in a festive atmosphere. Special accommodations are available for families with special needs.
Home For The Holidays (McKinney)
Nov. 29, 2024 | 6:15 p.m.
Historic downtown McKinney, 200 N. Kentucky St., McKinney | More info
McKinney’s historic downtown transforms into a holiday wonderland during the Home for the Holidays celebration. Spanning the 14-block district, the event features live music, a petting zoo, arts and crafts and classic rides like a Ferris wheel and carousel. A highlight is the Christmas tree lighting, illuminating a towering tree that stays lit all season. Visitors can also enjoy photo ops with life-sized holiday postcards, Frosty’s magical train and Santa himself, making it a festive experience for all ages.
Grand Tree Lighting Celebration (Galleria Dallas)
Nov. 29 at noon; Nov. 30 at noon
Galleria Dallas, All Levels, Center Court, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas | More info
A 95-foot Christmas tree takes center stage at Galleria Dallas, dazzling with light shows throughout the season. Highlights include live entertainment, ice-skating performances featuring Olympic skaters and immersive photo experiences at SNOWDAY. Visitors can meet Santa in his winter chalet, enjoy holiday music from local performers and explore pet adoptions and community initiatives like the Salvation Army Angel Tree. The festive celebration offers activities for all ages, making it a must-visit holiday destination.
Vitruvian Lights (Addison)
Nov. 30, 2024 | 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
3966 Vitruvian Way, Addison | More info
Vitruvian Lights dazzles with over 1.2 million LED lights illuminating 455 trees, creating a festive wonderland. Guests can enjoy a live performance by the Dallas String Quartet, photos with Santa, gourmet food trucks and interactive activities like writing letters with Mrs. Claus. Highlights include a 3D walk-through gift box for perfect photo moments and the magic of holiday characters and live reindeer.
Holly Jolly Celebration (Allen)
Dec. 4, 2024 | 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., tree lighting at 5:45 p.m.
300 N. Allen Drive, Allen | More info
The Holly Jolly Celebration in Allen features a festive tree lighting, a 5K race and a fun run, along with food trucks, holiday entertainment, photo ops and a drone show. Families can enjoy a variety of attractions, including a market, carolers and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This free event in downtown Allen promises a memorable holiday experience for all ages.
Merry Main Street (Frisco)
Dec. 4, 2024 | Tree lighting at 6 p.m.
Simpson Plaza, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd., Frisco| More info
Merry Main Street celebrates the holiday season with a festive parade, holiday gift market and live performances from Frisco Elementary School choirs. The event highlights the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree, accompanied by the "Your Time to Shine" award presentation. Throughout the evening, enjoy a variety of activities, food vendors and entertainment at Simpson Plaza in Frisco.
Christmas On The Square (Celina)
Dec. 4, 2024 | 5-9 p.m.
Downtown Celina and the Square, 142 N Ohio St, Celina | More info
Head to Celina's downtown square for a festive holiday event featuring local vendors, live performances and a Christmas tree lighting. Enjoy performances like the Charlie Brown Christmas and choir acts, while indulging in fair foods and Texas barbecue. This free, family-friendly celebration offers a Hallmark movie-like atmosphere, complete with shopping opportunities and activities for all ages.
Tree Lighting At Santa’s Village (Richardson)
Tree lighting on Dec. 4, 2024 | 6 p.m.
Huffhines Park, 1500 Apollo Rd., Richardson | More info
Santa's Village at Huffhines Park transforms into a festive wonderland featuring charming dwellings like Santa’s Post Office and Mrs. Claus’ bakery. Visitors can enjoy free photos with Santa, nightly performances on Prancer’s Stage and interactive activities within the village. The event opens with a lighting ceremony and offers both evening festivities and daytime strolls through the illuminated village. A cherished Richardson tradition for over 25 years, Santa's Village invites families to immerse themselves in holiday magic.
Dickens At Downtown Plano
Dec. 7, 2024 | 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Downtown Plano Arts District, 1021 E. 15th St., Plano | More info
Celebrate the holiday season in downtown Plano with Dickens, a festive event featuring photos with Santa, a snow slide and a holiday market. The event highlights the lighting of the city's Christmas tree by Mayor John B. Muns. Enjoy local food, shopping and entertainment at Haggard Park, McCall Plaza and surrounding areas. Free parking is available nearby at the Plano Municipal Center.
Prosper Christmas Festival
Dec. 7, 2024 | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Town Hall, 250 W. First Street, Prosper | More info
The Prosper Christmas Festival transforms town hall into a winter wonderland, featuring Santa’s Workshop, carriage rides and the Kids Christmas Shoppe. The evening culminates with a tree-lighting ceremony led by the mayor, followed by a spectacular drone show. Visitors can enjoy live performances, festive shopping and interactive holiday activities for all ages, creating a memorable community experience.
Little Elm Park Tress Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 7, 2024 | 6 p.m.
The Lawn at the Lakefront, 125 Main St, Little Elm | More info
Ring in the holidays at The Lawn with a magical tree lighting ceremony featuring a mayoral welcome, live music by Metropolitan Winds and LEISD Honor Choir and a dazzling fireworks display. Enjoy photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus festive activities for the whole family. Don’t miss the towering Christmas tree as it lights up the night, capturing the spirit of the season. This free event offers an unforgettable evening of holiday cheer.
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