With epic rock music from legendary bands, a famous ballet performance, joyful Christmas holiday entertainment at various locations and so much more on the things to do calendar for this weekend, there is no reason not to grab your agenda and start adding fun events and dinners you and your friends and family can enjoy.
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!
Frosty Friday
When: December 15, 2023 | 7:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Where: McCall Plaza | 998 E 15th Street, Plano
Tickets
This wintry celebration features free screenings of holiday classics like Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July and Frosty's Winter Wonderland on the big screen. Embrace the festive spirit with the ugly sweater contest, and enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and coffee from 1418 Coffee. Adults can purchase festive cocktails from The Fillmore Pub and capture memories inside a giant snow globe for extra holiday cheer.
FOR KING + COUNTRY's A Drummer Boy Christmas: The 2023 Tour Experience
When: December 15, 2023 | 7:00 p.m.
Where: Dickies Arena | 1911 Montgomery St, Fort Worth
Tickets
Experience the magic of the holiday season with A Drummer Boy Christmas: The 2023 Tour Experience by for KING + COUNTRY. Taking place on December 15, 2023, at Dickies Arena, this event promises a production with festive visuals, stunning lighting and high-octane performances. The doors for this show open at 6:00 p.m., and it kicks off at 7:00 p.m. Ticket prices start at $28.99.
90’s Rock Tribute Night: Featuring Pearl Gem, Foasis And Unglued
When: December 15, 2023 | 7:30 p.m.
Where: Trees | 2709 Elm Street, Dallas
Tickets
Get ready to rock at 90’s Rock Tribute Night featuring Pearl Gem, Foasis, and Unglued on December 15, 2023, at Trees, 2709 Elm Street, Dallas. The tribute show begins at 7:30 p.m., and doors open at 7:00 p.m. Enjoy the tribute to iconic bands like Oasis and Stone Temple Pilots. Tickets are available for all ages, so grab yours now for a nostalgic night of 90s rock hits.
Epic Unplugged Presents An Epic Christmas
When: December 15, 2023 | 8:00 p.m.
Where: Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall | 7800 Windrose Ave, Plano
Tickets
Immerse yourself in the magic of epic rock songs and holiday classics performed live by a full band with a string section. From Queen to Nirvana, this unforgettable concert experience, inspired by MTV Unplugged, promises an evening of sing-alongs for fans of all ages. Also, arrive early to enjoy dinner from Legacy Hall's eateries and craft cocktails from multiple bars.
Reflex At The Cove
When: December 15 to 16, 2023 | 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Where: The Cove | 3620 The Star Blvd, Suite 1205
More info
Embark on an artistic journey with Reflex at The Cove. Presented by artist and designer Ivanevid, Reflex explores automatic responses to stimuli, offering a glimpse into Ivanevid's world. Delve into the dance between light and shadow, the energy in motion and the reflection of human interaction. Witness the profound connection between fibers, elements and the shared space that inspires and is inspired.
Home For The Holidays
When: December 15 to 17, 2023 | See the full schedule
Where: Multiple locations
More info
Celebrate the season's joy with the Home for the Holidays concerts. A harmonious blend of orchestral melodies, vocal performances and festive sing-alongs awaits you at multiple locations. Experience the enchanting atmosphere with guest artists, including singer-songwriter Nick Fabian, the award-winning vocal quartet Midtown Quartet and the melodious voices of the Plano Civic Chorus. Join in the merriment with this cherished holiday tradition presented by the PSO.
Home On The Range For The Holidays
When: December 15 to 17, 2023 | 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Where: The Monument Realty PGA District | 3255 PGA Parkway, Frisco
More info
A delightful Christmas experience awaits friends and families with activities like putting for presents, meeting real reindeer and a Texas longhorn, riding the Fields Ranch Holiday Express train, and more. Also, enjoy a nightly tree lighting ceremony with Santa and special guests like Dude Perfect. Festive food, unique treasures and holiday packages at Omni PGA Frisco Resort complete the magical evening.
Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas
When: December 16, 2023 | 2:00 p.m.
Where: The Eisemann Center | 351 Performance Drive, Richardson
Tickets
Transport yourself to the nostalgic 70s with Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas on December 16, 2023. This enchanting event, starring Rick Schuler, America's Top John Denver Tribute, unfolds at The Eisemann Center. Immerse in the magic of Denver's timeless hits like Rocky Mountain High and Take Me Home Country Roads and festive classics such as Silent Night and Silver Bells.
North Pole In The Plaza
When: December 16, 2023 | 2:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: CityLine Plaza | 1150 State St, Richardson
More info
Experience magic at North Pole in the Plaza on December 16, 2023. Immerse yourself in real snow covering The Plaza, ride with the Choo Choo Express, enjoy face painting, photos with an elf and engage in cookie decorating. The festive atmosphere includes a DJ spinning holiday tunes, culminating in an outdoor showing of the holiday movie Elf under the CityLine LIGHTS at 6:00 p.m.
Stories With Santa At Legacy Hall
When: December 16, 2023 | 10:00 a.m.
Where: Legacy Hall | 7800 Windrose Ave, Plano
More info
Head to the Lexus Box Garden to witness Santa Claus reading Christmas tales to all the good boys and girls, and dress up your pup in their most festive holiday attire for a chance to claim a prize. There's plenty of festive fun, including a letters to Santa station and holiday crafts. Also, come hungry and explore the 20 eateries inside Legacy Hall.
Peter Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker
When: December 16, 2023 | 2:00 p.m.
Where: The Eisemann Center | 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson
Tickets
Experience the magic of the holiday season with Tuzer Ballet's annual production of Peter Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. This cherished ballet performance promises to enchant audiences of all ages. Witness the wondrous world of swirling snowflakes, magical gifts, and the Sugar Plum fairy. With its professional soloists and talented young dancers, this performance will leave an enduring memory of the holiday spirit.
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!
Anita Baker - The Songstress
When: December 17, 2023 | 8:00 p.m.
Where: American Airlines Center | 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas
Tickets
Experience the magic of the legendary songstress Anita Baker at The Songstress event on December 17, 2023, at 8:00 p.m. The venue is the iconic American Airlines Center, located at 2500 Victory Avenue in Dallas. Take the chance to witness this musical icon live in Dallas, and prepare to have an entertaining evening with Anita Baker's timeless hits and soulful melodies.
World Of Barbie
When: December 15, 2023 to January 31, 2024 | See the full schedule
Where: Stonebriar Centre | 2601 Preston Rd, Frisco
Tickets
Get ready to embark on a Barbie adventure at Stonebriar Centre this weekend, and immerse yourself in Barbie's world as you explore her iconic Dreamhouse, relax in the full-size DreamCamper van by West Coast Customs, journey to intergalactic destinations on the Barbie interstellar rocket, record your masterpiece in Barbie sound studio and revisit Barbie dolls spanning over six decades of fun!
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
When: December 15 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: December 15, 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.
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.
Even More Great Things To Do This Weekend In Dallas & Collin County
4th Annual Tour Of Trees At Trinity Falls
When: December 5 to 17, 2023 | See the full schedule
Where: Trinity Falls | 7801 Trinity Falls Parkway, McKinney
More info
Flatland Cavalry At Billy Bob’s Texas
When: December 15, 2023 | 9:00 p.m.
Where: Billy Bob's Texas | 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth
More info
The Ranch’s Holiday Brunch Buffet
When: December 17, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: The Ranch in Las Colinas | 857 W John Carpenter Fwy, Irving
More info
Photos with Santa At The Shops at Willow Bend
When: December 15 to 24, 2023 | See the full schedule
Where: The Shops at Willow Bend | 6121 West Park Blvd, Plano
Reserve
Santa at The Star
When: December 15 to 24, 2023 | See the full schedule
Where: The Star District | 3620 The Star Blvd, Suite 1205
Reserve
Save The Date!
Nochebuena: A Christmas Spectacular At The Eisemann Center
When: December 29, 2023 | 8:00 p.m.
Where: The Eisemann Center | 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson
Tickets
Experience the enchanting celebration of Nochebuena: A Christmas Spectacular at The Eisemann Center on December 29, where you can immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Mexican Christmas traditions, blending indigenous culture, Spanish heritage and diverse influences. Witness the vibrant performances by Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles and Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuellar as they bring to life the spirit of Nochebuena.
Sensing Deep Space: Pandora's Cluster
When: January 7 to February 4, 2024 | 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Eisemann Center | 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson
More info
Embark on a celestial journey at the Eisemann Center with Sensing Deep Space: Pandora's Cluster. Created by the nonprofit SciArt Exchange in collaboration with the University of Texas at Dallas, this immersive installation transforms the distant wonders of Pandora's Cluster into a multisensory experience. Fusing cutting-edge technologies, artistry and science, the exhibit, funded by The Eisemann Edge Initiative, opens its doors on January 6, 2024.
The Eisemann Center Presents The Hot Sardines
When: January 19, 2023 | 8:00 p.m.
Where: The Eisemann Center | 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson
More info
The Eisemann Center presents The Hot Sardines in the Hill Performance Hall. With a mission to revive classic jazz and demonstrate the unifying power of joyful music, The Hot Sardines have graced renowned stages, from the Newport Jazz Festival to the Montreal Jazz Festival, selling out venues worldwide. Join them for an unforgettable performance that transcends time and showcases the timeless quality of their music.
This article was originally published on Dec. 13, 2023.
