Illustration of a santa visit scene (Santa on the Square)
Other Christmas Activities

Santa on the Square

Visitors can celebrate the holiday season with photos with Santa, live reindeer, toy soldiers, and trackless train rides. The festivities include interactive crafts, photobooths, food and craft vendors, and shopping at local downtown businesses. Guests can also enjoy live performances from local entertainment groups and gather for the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree.

What to Expect

Holiday celebration featuring live reindeer, trackless train rides, and tree lighting.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Historic Downtown Carrollton

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

City of Carrollton Parks & Recreation

Food & Drink

Food vendors will be on site.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and community-focused

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Location

Historic Downtown Carrollton
Carrollton, TX

Know Before You Go

  • Hours: 4 - 8 p.m.; tree lighting ceremony at 6 PM; entertainment schedule: 4:00pm - 4:15pm TBD; 4:30pm - 5:00pm TBD; 5:15pm - 5:30pm TBD; 6:00pm - 6:15pm Tree Lighting Ceremony; 6:35pm - 6:55pm TBD; 7:00pm - 8:00pm TBD.
  • Parking: The Downtown Square and surrounding streets Main, Broadway, 4th, and Elm close beginning at 6am and reopen by 11pm on the event date.
  • Accessibility: ADA-accessible parking is available on 4th Street, in the lot north of the Square on Elm Street, and under I-35.

Tips & Advice

  • Ride the DART Green Line to Downtown Carrollton Station, since the Square and Main, Broadway, 4th and Elm streets are closed to traffic all day.
  • If you drive, park free at the DART station at Belt Line and Broadway and stick to signed lots to avoid private-lot fees.
  • Don't count on the lot under I-35E, because construction keeps it under a phased closure through 2027 with only twenty-five spaces open.
  • Dress for the weather and keep an eye on the Downtown Carrollton - City Events Facebook page, because the event runs rain or shine and programming may shift.
  • Save time to browse the local downtown businesses around the Square for holiday gifts for friends and family between the activities.

Special Events & Promotions

  • This year Santa and his reindeer stay out late to help light up the Square.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do?

There are photos with Santa, live reindeer, toy soldiers, trackless train rides, crafts and photobooths. Food and craft vendors set up on the Square, and local groups perform throughout the evening before and after the tree lighting.

Where can I park?

We suggest the DART Green Line to Downtown Carrollton Station. If you drive, there's free parking at the DART station at the northeast corner of Belt Line and Broadway. Use lots with parking signs. The city isn't responsible for fees or damage in private lots.

Which streets are closed?

The Downtown Square and the streets around it (Main, Broadway, 4th and Elm) are closed all day. They reopen that night.

What happens if it rains?

Santa on the Square goes ahead rain or shine, though programming may change or be delayed. Dress for the weather and watch the Downtown Carrollton - City Events Facebook page for updates.

How can I become a vendor?

Vendor applications are open through the City of Carrollton's Parks & Recreation vendor page.

Tags

Santa visitstree lightingfamily friendlylive entertainmentcommunity celebrationfestive foodholiday traditioncraftstrain rides

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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.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 21, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team