Don't miss the best holiday highlights in Plano! Our guide features all the must-see events and activities. Whether you're here every year or just this once, our guide shows you the holiday wonders of Plano.
One of the key attractions this season is "The Trains at NorthPark," offering awe-inspiring model train displays perfect for the whole family. The lights are just as impressive at "Vitruvian Lights," transforming the area into a dazzling wonderland with millions of sparkling lights. And don't forget "Christmas in the Square," known for its captivating light shows set to music. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Plano
See these and even more events listed below!Plano Holiday Markets and Shopping
Plano Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Curated selection of local artisans and makers
Description:
The Plano Holiday Market spotlights the creativity of local artisans and makers. This carefully curated event brings together a diverse array of handcrafted goods, from intricate jewelry to artisanal foods. The market's emphasis on locally-made products reflects Plano's commitment to supporting small businesses, a tradition dating back to the city's early days as a small farming community. Visitors can chat with creators and learn the stories behind their unique wares. The air fills with the aroma of freshly baked treats as you explore the stalls.
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Nearby Events
The Trains at NorthPark (Dallas)
What to Expect:
Elaborate miniature train displays benefiting a children's hospital
Description:
The Trains at NorthPark transforms Dallas into a miniature wonderland of rail. This intricate display features over 1,600 feet of track winding through tiny recreations of American landmarks. Visitors can marvel at the detailed cityscapes and countryside scenes, each meticulously crafted. The event has raised over $13 million for the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas since its inception in 1987. You can even become part of the exhibit by purchasing a personalized railcar to add to the tracks.
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Christmas in the Square (Frisco)
What to Expect:
Choreographed light show synchronized to holiday music
Description:
Frisco's Christmas in the Square illuminates the night with a dazzling choreographed light spectacle. Over 175,000 lights dance in sync with holiday tunes, creating a symphony of color and sound. This innovative display, one of the largest in North Texas, began in 2004 and has grown into a beloved tradition. Visitors can glide across the outdoor ice skating rink, surrounded by the twinkling lights. The event also showcases local performers, adding a community touch to the festivities.
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Vitruvian Lights (Addison)
What to Expect:
Futuristic light display in a modern urban park
Description:
Vitruvian Lights in Addison presents a futuristic take on holiday illuminations. The event transforms the ultramodern Vitruvian Park into a glowing spectacle, with over 1.5 million LED lights adorning hundreds of trees. The park's unique architecture and water features serve as a striking backdrop for the display. Visitors can stroll along illuminated paths, capturing stunning photos of the radiant scenery. This contemporary celebration began in 2011, quickly becoming a standout in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex's holiday offerings.
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Home for the Holidays (McKinney)
What to Expect:
Victorian-era themed celebration in historic downtown
Description:
Home for the Holidays transports McKinney back to the Victorian era. The event infuses the historic downtown with 19th-century charm, complete with period costumes and decor. Carolers in vintage attire serenade visitors as they explore the quaint shops and eateries. This celebration pays homage to McKinney's rich history, which dates back to 1849. You can take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets, experiencing the town as it might have been over a century ago. The event also features artisans demonstrating traditional crafts.
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Holiday Wonder (Dallas)
What to Expect:
Fusion of Western and Chinese holiday traditions
Description:
Holiday Wonder in Dallas bridges cultures with its unique blend of Western and Chinese holiday traditions. The event showcases intricate lantern displays alongside classic Christmas scenes, creating a vibrant fusion of East and West. Towering silk lanterns, some reaching 50 feet high, illuminate the night in a rainbow of colors. This celebration reflects Dallas's growing cultural diversity and international connections. Visitors can try their hand at traditional Chinese paper cutting or watch acrobatic performances. The event also features a 65-foot-tall Christmas tree adorned with both Western and Eastern ornaments.
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Santa's Village (Richardson)
What to Expect:
Interactive miniature village with themed playhouses
Description:
Santa's Village in Richardson brings a whimsical North Pole town to life. This charming miniature village features a collection of themed playhouses, each offering unique interactive experiences. Children can explore Santa's workshop, visit Mrs. Claus's bakery, or send a letter from the North Pole post office. The village, a Richardson tradition since 1989, reflects the city's commitment to family-friendly entertainment. Visitors can meet costumed characters and participate in hands-on activities in each playhouse. The village's design captures the imagination of both young and old.
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Dallas Arboretum Christmas (Dallas)
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration set in a world-renowned botanical garden
Description:
The Dallas Arboretum Christmas transforms the renowned botanical garden into a winter paradise. The event seamlessly blends holiday cheer with the natural beauty of the 66-acre garden. Elaborate Victorian-style gazebos, each representing a different "12 Days of Christmas" scene, dot the landscape. This unique display began in 2014 and has quickly become a Dallas tradition. Visitors can explore the historic DeGolyer House, adorned with lavish holiday decor inspired by European Christmas markets. The garden's location on White Rock Lake provides a stunning backdrop for evening light displays.
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Christmas Parade (Allen)
What to Expect:
Nighttime parade with illuminated floats
Description:
Allen's Christmas Parade lights up the night with a procession of illuminated floats. This evening spectacle features creatively lit vehicles, marching bands, and costumed characters parading through the heart of the city. The parade, which began in 2001, has grown to become one of the largest nighttime holiday parades in North Texas. Spectators line the streets, bundled against the winter chill, as the glowing procession passes by. You can watch as local schools, businesses, and community groups showcase their holiday spirit through imaginative float designs.
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Rudolph Run (Allen)
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed fun run with reindeer antlers for participants
Description:
The Rudolph Run in Allen combines fitness with holiday cheer. This spirited 5K race outfits all participants with light-up reindeer antlers, creating a sea of bobbing lights as runners make their way through the course. The event, which began in 2015, promotes community health during the indulgent holiday season. Runners dash past holiday displays and cheering spectators, with jingle bells adding a festive soundtrack to their strides. The race concludes with a celebration featuring hot cocoa and photos with Santa, blending athletic achievement with holiday merriment.