Holly Jolly Celebration & Christmas Tree Lighting
Visitors can watch the lighting of the City of Allen Christmas tree and an accompanying drone show with light displays. Blocks of downtown fun include train rides, inflatables, games, live performances, and photos with Santa. Guests can also explore holiday market vendors, grab bites from gourmet food trucks, or visit a dedicated sensory space.
What to Expect
Features a Christmas tree lighting, drone show, train rides, and holiday runs.
Event Details
Ages
All Ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Allen
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of Allen Parks and Recreation
Food & Drink
Gourmet food trucks and festive beverages are available at the event.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-loving runners
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Admission is free for all ages; race registrations start at $20. – Get tickets
- Hours: Event: 4 p.m.–8 p.m.; shuttle service: 3 p.m.–8:30 p.m.; Christmas tree lighting and Drone Show: 6 p.m.
- Parking: Shuttle service runs from Allen ISD Lowery Freshman Center, beginning at 3 p.m. and ending at 8:30 p.m.
- Accessibility: There is a sensory space among the event attractions.
Tips & Advice
- Take the shuttle from Allen ISD Lowery Freshman Center, which starts an hour before the festivities and keeps running for half an hour after they end.
- Register ahead if you want to race, since the timed 5K, untimed 5K and one-mile Fun Run each have their own sign-up and start.
- Stay downtown for the evening tree lighting, when the City of Allen Christmas tree lights up together with a drone show.
- Bring a phone or camera for photos with Santa and the holiday photo ops set up along the downtown blocks.
- Families who need a quiet break from the crowds can head to the sensory space, which is set up among the event attractions.
Special Events & Promotions
- The Holly Jolly 5K (timed), the untimed 5K and the one-mile Fun Run each need their own registration.
- The race award ceremony follows right after the tree lighting and drone show.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids to do?
Downtown has inflatables, games and activities, train rides, photos with Santa and holiday photo ops. There are also live performances, and a sensory space for kids who need a calmer spot.
Can I run or walk a race at Holly Jolly?
Yes, there are three races, each with its own registration. The one-mile Fun Run is non-competitive and open to all ages. The timed 5K uses chips on your bib for results. The untimed 5K is for anyone who wants to run or walk the distance without an official time.
What food and drinks are there?
Gourmet food trucks and festive beverages are set up downtown.
How do I get there without parking downtown?
Shuttles run from Allen ISD Lowery Freshman Center. They start an hour before the event and keep running for half an hour after it ends.
Can I do holiday shopping?
Yes. Holiday market vendors set up along the downtown blocks, starting at Allen Drive and Main Street.
More Christmas Events Near Allen
More Christmas Events near Allen
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.