It is the weekend of Thanksgiving, but preparations for the joyful holiday season are already in full swing in many households. And the festive spirits are also becoming visible at many North Texas events. But don't worry if Christmas is coming too early for you now because other fun events fill in the gaps on the calendar.
Scroll all the way down to find our weekly recommendations for places to eat, and get everything planned for an amazing three-day break from the daily routine.
Come right in, because here's the only list you need!
Christmas Kick-Off Concert
When: November 24, 2023 | 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Where: The Monument Realty PGA District | 3255 PGA Parkway, Frisco
More info
Join the holiday festivities at the Christmas Kick-Off concert on November 24, 2023, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at The Monument Realty PGA District in Frisco. You can experience the electrifying performance by the Ice House Band, a beloved DFW musical group known for its dynamic shows. Get ready for a mix of top hits and high-energy holiday classics. Festive attire is encouraged.
The Nutcracker At The Eisemann Center
When: November 24, 2023 | 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Eisemann Center | 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson
Tickets
Witness the enchantment of Chamberlain Ballet's annual production of The Nutcracker at the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts on November 24, 2023, and immerse yourself in a world of waltzing snowflakes, marching toy soldiers and the timeless tale of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. This year, you can enjoy the artistry of guest artists Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia from The New York City Ballet.
Kirk Franklin - The Reunion Tour
When: November 24, 2023 | 7:00 p.m.
Where: Dickies Arena | 1911 Montgomery St, Fort Worth
Tickets
On November 24, 2023, don't miss the electrifying performance of 16-time Grammy Award-winning artist Kirk Franklin at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. You can experience an unforgettable night of gospel music featuring special guests Tye Tribbett, David and Tamela Mann, The Clark Sisters and Israel Houghton when you join Kirk Franklin for this evening of soul-stirring music and celebration on the Reunion tour.
Texas Recycles Day 2023
When: November 24 to 25, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary | 1 Nature Place, McKinney
Tickets
Celebrate Texas Recycles Day at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary on November 24 and 25, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sponsored by H-E-B, visitors bringing a plastic bottle or single-use plastic bag from any retailer enjoy free admission. Connect with nature in the 289-acre preserve, explore seasonal exhibits like Dinosaurs Live! and engage with the indoor museum.
Small Business Saturday
When: November 25, 2023 | 10:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown Plano Arts District | 1021 E. 15th St, Plano
More info
Join the November 25, 2023, celebration in the Downtown Plano Arts District for Small Business Saturday. Discover unique shops, galleries and restaurants, many locally owned, offering special deals. You can enjoy complimentary gifts with purchases, festive drinks and even a chance to win a free portrait. Help support the community and make a real impact with every small business purchase.
Holiday In The Plaza
When: November 25, 2023 | 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Castle Hills | 2540 King Arthur Boulevard, Lewisville
More info
The heartwarming festivities of Holiday in the Plaza will take over The Village Shops at Castle Hills. This free event offers a sleigh-full of family-friendly activities, including delightful photo opportunities with Santa himself! Enjoy musical performances, bounce houses, balloon artists, face painters and other holiday-themed entertainment. Also, witness the magical moment when Santa illuminates the iconic 48-foot Castle Hills tree after sunset.
Kody West At Lexus Box Garden At Legacy Hall
When: November 25, 2023 | 12:00 p.m.
Where: Legacy Hall | 7800 Windrose Ave, Plano
Tickets
Experience the soulful tunes of Kody West at the Lexus Box Garden, Legacy Hall, on November 18, 2023. Joining him is special guest Mitchell Ferguson. Immerse yourself in West's unique fusion of Texas country and southern rock. Arrive early to savor dishes from 20 eateries and craft cocktails from 5+ bars, and consider elevating your experience with a Balcony VIP Lounge reservation for dedicated service and the best view.
Gingerbread House Party At Legacy North
When: November 25, 2023 | 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Where: The Shops at Legacy North | 7300 Lone Star Drive, Plano
Learn more
Santa Claus is coming to The Shops at Legacy North on November 25, 2023, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Join the Gingerbread House party for festive fun, including photos with Santa, a 10ft ice slide, a snowy winter wonderland, food and drink specials, music, a letters-to-Santa drop-off and more! The Legacy North Pole will be at 7401 Lone Star Drive in Plano.
Sugar Plum Tea By Chamberlain Ballet’s
When: November 25, 2023 | 4:00 p.m.
Where: The Eisemann Center | 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson
Tickets
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Chamberlain Ballet’s enchanting Sugar Plum Tea on November 25, 2023. This special ticketed event, held at the Renaissance Hotel in conjunction with The Nutcracker performance at The Eisemann Center, features extraordinary guest artists Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia from The New York City Ballet. Enjoy a spellbinding journey through Clara’s dreamland, with classical characters coming to life over tea and snacks.
Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza
When: November 22 to December 16, 2023 | 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Star | 1 Cowboys Way, Frisco
More info
Taking place every Friday and Saturday evening from November 17 to December 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.
4th Annual Tour Of Trees At Trinity Falls
When: November 22 to December 17, 2023 | See the full schedule
Where: Trinity Falls | 7801 Trinity Falls Parkway, McKinney
More info
Experience the season's magic at the 4th annual Tour of Trees at Trinity Falls, 7801 Trinity Falls Parkway, McKinney. From November 20 to December 17, 2023, explore this enchanting community adorned with ten uniquely themed Christmas trees. Let the festive decorations, including tributes to first responders and spirited Dallas Mavericks fans, fill you with holiday cheer. The event is free, but registration is requested.
Photos With Santa
When: November 22 to December 24, 2023 | See the full schedule
Where: The Shops at Willow Bend | 6121 West Park Blvd, Plano
Reserve
Get ready for a holiday extravaganza at Vitruvian Park in Addison! The annual Vitruvian Lights, North Texas' most magical free holiday event, begins on November 18, featuring 1.5 million sparkling LED lights adorning 555 trees. The festivities kick off with Santa Claus and a live performance by the Dallas-based men’s choir, Vocal Majority. Special event nights on November 18 and 25 offer live concerts, gourmet food trucks, photos with Santa, reindeer and more. Don't miss this enchanting holiday experience!
Meadows Museum To Presents Spanish Light: Sorolla In American Collections Exhibition
When: November 22 to January 7, 2023 | See the full schedule
Where: The Meadows Museum | 5900 Bishop Blvd., Dallas
Tickets
From November 7 to January 7, 2023, immerse yourself in the luminous world of celebrated Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida (1863–1923) at the Meadows Museum, Dallas. The exhibition, curated by renowned scholar Blanca Pons-Sorolla, features 27 captivating and rarely-seen paintings from private collections in the United States. Delight in Sorolla's characteristic subjects, from sun-bleached sails to lively garden scenes, invites you into the painter's vivid realm.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
When: November 22 to January 13, 2023 | See the full schedule
Where: Little Elm Park | 701 W Eldorado Pkwy, Little Elm
More info
Little Elm Park hosts a spellbinding event: Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience. Enchanting lights and theatrical wonders bring the world of wizards to life. Visitors embark on a trail through a magical forest, encountering creatures like hippogriffs and unicorns. Armed with wands, attendees can cast spells and conjure patronuses, delight in Harry Potter-inspired food, capture memories with fun photos and immerse themselves in the enchantment of Harry Potter.
Dinosaurs Live! Life-Size Animatronic Dinosaurs Exhibit
When: November 22, 2023, to February 19, 2024 | See the full schedule
Where: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary | 1 Nature Pl, McKinney
More info
The Dinosaurs Live! Life-Size Animatronic Dinosaurs exhibit, located at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, lets you travel back along a half-mile trail with lifelike animatronic dinosaurs that come alive, moving, and roaring, offering an enthralling experience and fascinating facts about herbivorous and carnivorous dinosaurs. Enjoy interactive elements, a photo-op with a tyrannosaurus rex and an outdoor fossil dig.
Lights on the Farm
When: November 24 to December 30, 2023 | See the full schedule
Where: Heritage Farmstead Museum | 1900 West 15th Street, Plano
Tickets
Embark on a magical journey at the Heritage Farmstead museum's Lights on the Farm. Witness the historic farmstead transformed into a winter wonderland with over a million lights and enchanting holiday displays, and delight in the quarter-mile trail featuring holiday light creations and animated displays by First Choice Lights. Also, enjoy festive treats, meet Santa in his farm shop and create lasting memories with family.
Revel's Santa Brunch
When: November 25 to December 17, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: Revel Patio Grill's | 9305 Preston Road, Frisco
More info
Take the opportunity to celebrate the holiday season at Revel Patio Grill's brunch with Santa. From November 25 to December 17, 2023, between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, Revel Patio Grill presents a delightful brunch with festive cheer on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy a buffet-style brunch, engage with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, capture precious memories and participate in joyful sing-alongs.
Even More Great Things To Do This Weekend In Dallas & Collin County
African American Museum: Exhibitions Commemorating Significance Of Deep Ellum, Central Track
When: November 17, 2023, to May 24, 2024 | See the full schedule
Where: The African American Museum | 3536 Grand Avenue, Dallas, Texas
More info
Vitruvian Lights
When: November 22 to January 1, 2023 | 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Where: Vitruvian Park | 3966 Vitruvian Way, Addison
More info
The Nutcracker Opening Night Reception
When: November 24, 2023 | 9:00 p.m.
Where: The Eisemann Center | 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson
More info
Randy Rogers Band At Billy Bob’s Texas
When: November 24, 2023 | 10:00 p.m.
Where: Billy Bob’s Texas | 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth
More info
Pussy Riot: Riot Days
When: November 26, 2023 | 8:00 p.m.
Where: Tulips | 112 St. Louis Ave, Fort Worth
Tickets
Save The Date!
A Different View Exhibit
When: December 1 to 2 , 2023 | 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Where: The Cove | 402 N. Tennessee St, McKinney
More info
Experience the artistry of Jeni Tomlinson at The Cove, McKinney, from December 1 to 2, 2023. As a McKinney native, Tomlinson's work is a poignant exploration of emotional memory and middle America. Her paintings, reminiscent of Edward Hopper's style, employ challenging compositions, intricate interplays of light and shadow and saturated colors. Join in to appreciate a different view of familiar subjects through Tomlinson's evocative lens.
The Grinch Stole Christmas! Ornament Scavenger Hunt Downtown Plano
When: December 16, 2023 | 8:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown Plano Arts District | 1004 E 15th St, Plano
More info
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 in Whoville A Christmas Celebration
When: December 17, 2023 | 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Canyon Creek Project Adventist Church | 2800 Custer Pkwy, Richardson
More info
Gather all friends and family to join the festive fun at Holiday in Whoville on December 17, 2023, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Canyon Creek Project Adventist Church in Richardson. This Christmas celebration promises enjoyment for all ages. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with joyful activities, good food and holiday cheer at this Whoville-inspired event.
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