Home for the Holidays
Visitors can gather in the historic square to watch the lighting of a real Christmas tree, listen to live holiday music, and browse artisan goods and festive food vendors. Family attractions include visits with Santa, costumed characters, a carousel, a Ferris wheel over the decorated square, train rides, a petting zoo, and a Snow Hill. The walkable district also features life-sized holiday postcard photo spots and over 180 locally owned shops and restaurants open for holiday browsing.
What to Expect
Thanksgiving weekend festival featuring a tree lighting, rides, and local shopping.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Historic Downtown McKinney
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Visit McKinney
Food & Drink
Downtown businesses and authorized festival vendors offer savory meals, seasonal sweets, beer, wine, seasonal drinks, and non-alcoholic options.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children and holiday shoppers
Vibe
Festive and family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free admission; select rides and attractions are paid extras.
- Hours: Fri 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sat 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sun 12 – 5 p.m. Community Tree Lighting: Friday at 6:15 p.m.
- Parking: Public lots surround the district; streets inside the festival footprint close to traffic. A free shuttle runs from First McKinney Baptist Church, 1615 W. Louisiana St., near Hwy 75, on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. It runs roughly every 15 minutes with continuous round-trip service; there is no shuttle Sunday. Accessible parking and routes are available nearby. Most vendors and downtown businesses accept cards; some take cash.
- Accessibility: Public streets and sidewalks throughout the festival are wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking and routes nearby.
- Pets: Leashed pets are welcome outdoors. Service animals and service animals in training are welcome; pet owners are responsible for cleanup and should be mindful of crowds and noise.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early on Friday for the Community Tree Lighting, because the whole weekend gathers around that moment and a good spot goes fast.
- On Friday or Saturday, take the free shuttle from First McKinney Baptist Church near Hwy 75, since festival streets close and there's no shuttle Sunday.
- Bring a card, because most vendors and downtown businesses take cards, only some take cash, and ATMs are limited to select bars and restaurants.
- Leave coolers, drones, scooters and skateboards at home, and buy any drinks from licensed downtown businesses or authorized festival vendors.
- Dress for the weather, because the festival runs rain or shine and some activities may be delayed or canceled if conditions turn unsafe.
Special Events & Promotions
- Community Tree Lighting on Friday evening officially kicks off the weekend
- Small Business Saturday, with more than 180 locally owned shops and restaurants open
- Free shuttle from First McKinney Baptist Church on Friday and Saturday only
- Select rides and attractions cost extra; everything else is free
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Home for the Holidays family-friendly?
Yes. It's built for all ages, with Santa, costumed characters, a Snow Hill, carousel, Ferris wheel, train rides, a petting zoo and children's arts and crafts.
Can I drink alcohol while walking around?
Yes. Downtown is part of the Cultural District, so you can carry a drink bought from a licensed downtown restaurant, winery or authorized festival vendor. Alcohol isn't allowed in city-owned garages, some parks or certain city facilities.
Where should I park?
Streets inside the festival close to traffic, so use the public lots around the district and walk in. On Friday and Saturday, a free shuttle runs about every 15 minutes from First McKinney Baptist Church, 1615 W. Louisiana St., near Hwy 75. There's no shuttle on Sunday.
What should I leave at home?
Coolers, outside alcohol, weapons, drones, skateboards, scooters and similar devices. Smoking and vaping aren't allowed near tents, activity areas or business entrances.
Where do I go for lost items, lost kids or first aid?
Go to the event information point downtown. It handles Lost & Found and Found Children, and first aid is on site during festival hours.
More Christmas Events Near McKinney
More Christmas Events near McKinney
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.