Looking for things to do in December
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
So so many fun family events, better start planning now.
We have lots of ideas for things to do inside and outside around Dallas, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen and surrounding cities in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex.
For Events Happening Each Weekend, we have a Round Up for you!
This Month’s Events
Free Live Online Art Class – Plano Arts & Events
Join them for a free live art class, suitable for all ages and skill levels. Classes are taught using watercolor paints and modified for colored pencils, markers and crayons. We’ll have a new class every Monday at noon. No registration – just go to their page every Monday at noon CST and click on the live video.
When: every Monday, 12 pm – 12.45 pm
Where: online
Cost: FREE
Fredericksburg Hot Air Balloon Festival
When: December 4 – 5, 4 pm – 10 pm
Where: Fredericksburg
Cost: from $22.85
Annual Women’s Expo
Connect with local business owners, discover new opportunities or find solutions for your own business.
When: December 5, 1 pm – 4 pm
Where: Embassy Suites Dallas Park Central Area
Cost: free to $199
Holiday Events
Where can you go for photos with Santa?
Photos with Santa/Plano Christmas COPS Toy Drive
Bring an unwrapped toy to Goldreich Orthodontic’s office for a donation to Plano Christmas Cops on Saturday December 5th from 9 am – 12 pm. While you are there, take a socially distant photo with Santa, and enjoy fresh baked cookies from Mrs. Claus! This is a drive through event.
When: December 5, 9 am – 12 pm
Where: Goldreich Orthodontics
Cost: FREE
Santa Photos at the Shops at Willow Bend
When: through December 24
Where: The Shops at Willow Bend
Cost: photo packages from $39.99
Santa Photos at the Shops at Legacy
When: through December 24
Where: The Shops at Legacy
Cost: $60
Visits with Santa
Stonebriar Center is offering both virtual and in person visits with Santa. Reservations required.
When: through January 4
Where: Stonebriar Center
Cost: from $19.95
Santa’s Winter Woods
Fairview Town Center will be offering contactless in-person Santa visits and photos as well virtual visits with Santa program using video call technology.
When: through December 24, 12 pm – 7 pm
Where: Fairview Town Center
Cost: from $25
Santa Portraits at Legacy West – Photography by Misty
When: December 5 , 6, 19, 11 am – 2 pm
Where: Legacy West
Cost: $59
Holiday Events
Holiday at the Arboretum
Stroll the garden to see the 25-foot-tall elaborately decorated Victorian-style gazebos that represent each of the 12 Days of Christmas.
When: through December 31
Where: The Dallas Arboretum
Cost: $17 Adults, $12 Children
North Pole Express
Experience the magic of Christmas onboard Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s North Pole Express. Perfect for the little train enthusiast. Ticket includes keepsake photo with Santa.
When: November 27 – December 23
Where: Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Cost: from $34 per person
Skating Under the Stars
Enjoy Skating Under the STARS at the outdoor ice skating rink located at the Children’s Health StarCenter in Farmers Branch, at the corner of I-35E and 635.
When: November 27 – January 15
Where: Farmers Branch
Cost: $10 per person (4+)
Snow Day Dallas
SNOWDAY is an immersive experience inspired by the spirit of Christmas and the joy of the holiday season. … Guests will navigate their way through an imaginative wonderland of festive photo ops, enchanted rooms, interactive spaces, and nostalgic moments.
When: November 20 – January 3
Where: Galleria Dallas
Cost: $22 for adults, $8 for children (4-12)
Dickens 2020 Online & Virtual Tree Lighting – Plano Arts & Events
Join online for celebrations of Victorian holiday traditions every day at 4:30 p.m. beginning Sunday Nov. 29 and ending with a virtual tree lighting on Saturday, December 5 at 7 pm. At Plano Arts & Events on Facebook.
When: December 5
Where: Online
Cost: FREE
Christmas in the Square
Christmas in the Square returns for its 16th year, full of established favorites and new surprises, such as the acclaimed Light Show, Skate the Square, Christmas Tree Lot by Scouts Troop 51, Horse Carriages, a Holiday Vendor Market, and Ike the Polar Bear!
When: Nov 27 through January 4
Where: Frisco Square
Cost: FREE to walk around, $15 to ice skate
30th Annual Merry Main Street (including lighting of Frisco Christmas Tree)
This family favorite features a holiday market, food court, live music, photos with Santa, the famous Kid’s Holiday Store, carriage rides, and the City’s official tree lighting in Simpson Plaza
When: December 5, 4 pm – 8 pm
Where: Frisco Library
Cost: FREE
Gingerbread Village
Experience holiday fun with a drive through at the Gingerbread Village on the north side of The Shops at Legacy, where everyone can view life-sized gingerbread and sugar cookie characters, trees, candy canes, and snowflakes on colorful facades.
When: through January 4, 10 am – 11 pm
Where: The Shops at Legacy
Cost: FREE
The Trains at NorthPark
The Trains at NorthPark is the most elaborate toy train exhibit in all of Texas and is sure to be a favorite holiday event for all ages.
When: through January 3, 10 am – 9 pm
Where: NorthPark Center
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children (2-12) benefits Ronald McDonald House
Handmade Holidays
Craft a Christmas cracker (an exciting holiday table topper), make a 3D Gingerbread ornament and mold a winter penguin!
When: through January 4, 10 am – 4 pm
Where: The Crayola Experience
Cost: included with admission
I Love Christmas Movies
Read our post here. Click on the image below for our discount code.
When: through January 3
Where: The Gaylord Texan
Cost: from $23.99 per adult and $14.99 per child (4-11)
Prestonwood Christmas Tree Lighting Festival – Plano & Prosper
Free hot chocolate and snacks, Trains rides and hayrides, Christmas characters including Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph and others, Photo stations, Games for kids, Live entertainment, Christmas carolers, Food Trucks (food for purchase), and SO much more!
When: December 2, 5 pm – 8 pm
Where: Prestonwood Baptist Church
Cost: FREE
Holiday Hop Bingo in Downtown Plano
Join the holiday fun as you safely stroll around and discover all the wonderful places Downtown Plano has to offer! See the beautiful murals, enjoy the lovely holiday décor, snap a (socially distant) selfie with Santa, plus many other exciting things in store! To participate in the Holiday Hop Bingo simply visit one of the retailers listed below to pick up your FREE bingo card. Complete a BINGO for a chance to win some cool Downtown Plano swag & prizes! Go big for a BLACKOUT BINGO for a chance to win a grand prize of a limited edition Downtown Plano t-shirt and gift cards!
When: December 3 – 5, 11 am – 5 pm
Where: Downtown Plano
Cost: FREE
Holiday on the Farm
The family fun will include fun themed Photo Spots, Playgrounds, Barrel Train for the Kids, Feeding the Farm Animals, Hay Maze, Christmas Music, Games, and even some fresh cut Christmas Trees for sale!
When: November 27 – December 13, 10 am – 7 pm
Where: Team Family Farms
Cost: TBA
2020 Dallas Holiday Parade
Annual Dallas Holiday Paradewill be broadcast this year in a made for TV special celebrating 33 years of holiday Dallas, Texas.
When: December 5, 10 am – 12 pm
Where: Commerce Street, Dallas and Online
Cost: FREE
Maker’s Market on J Avenue
This holiday pop-up will host a variety of amazingly talented & local artisans while providing unique, handcrafted goods to the community!
When: December 5, 11 am – 2 pm
Where: J Avenue, Downtown Plano Arts District
Cost: FREE
Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Marketplace
There will be ice skating, fun activities for children, a free cookie giveaway (while supplies last), festive holiday music and Santa Claus himself! Shop local vendors for unique handmade homemade gifts at the Holiday Marketplace in the Grove.
When: December 5, 5 pm – 9 pm
Where: Farmers Branch
Cost: FREE
Christmas at The Beach
On this night, you will be able to experience the parade, look at all the displays, and enjoy the traditional tree lighting ceremony! The parade begins at 6 p.m. and the tree lighting with fireworks is at 7 p.m. Santa’s Village has moved to Beard Park this year and is free to enter.
When: December 5, 6 pm
Where: Little Elm Beach
Cost: FREE
Human Sized Snow Globe
The Human Sized Snow Globe is FINALLY returning to the Market on Sunday, December 6th for a FUN & FESTIVE Photo Op!
When: December 6, 12 pm – 3 pm
Where: Frisco Fresh Market
Cost: $10 per group of 1-4 people
Texas Prairie Christmas
The evening will include a tour through the Farrell Wilson House decorated for the holidays. From there you will take a short walk to the historic pole barn for cocoa and a social distance visit with Santa. Santa will be appearing on a tractor this year! Your Texas prairie experience will not be complete without a ride on our Texas mule wagon. Enjoy holiday music and a spectacular view along the way. Lights, lanterns and longhorns are just part of this unique trip across the Texas Prairie.
When: December 10 – 12, 6 pm – 10 pm
Where: Heritage Farmstead Museum
Cost: $30
December Drive In Movie – How the Grinch Stole Christmas
From 6 pm – 7 pm feel free to walk around the farm and see the animals. The movie will begin at 7 pm promptly, and runs 1 hour and 50 minutes long. The sound will be transmitted through FM radio. Refreshments will be on sale and served by our carhops so you do not have to exit your vehicle.
When: December 11, 7 pm
Where: Cathy’s Critters
Cost: $20
Christmas Village
Warehouse Church is hosting a Christmas Village on Saturday, December 12. There will be something for all ages! They will have free pictures with Santa, local vendor booths, a petting zoo, food trucks, Christmas crafts, music, treats, and so much more!
When: December 12, 11 am – 2 pm
Where: Warehouse Church, Plano
Cost: FREE
Stories with Santa at Legacy Hall
General Admission to this event is free, but you can reserve a picnic table or soft seating lounge to guarantee seating inside a heated tent starting at $30.
When: December 19, 10 am – 12 pm
Where: Legacy Hall
Cost: Free to $50
Plano Parking Lot Pictures – Elf
Join Plano Arts & Events for a socially-distanced movie night outside Plano’s Courtyard Theater in Historic Downtown Plano! They’ll provide the entertainment to you in the comfort of your car or truck.
When: December 19, 7.30 pm
Where: Courtyard Theater
Cost: $10 per vehicle
Home for the Holidays – Plano Symphony
These performances with Hector Guzman and the Plano Symphony will feature “America’s Tenor,” Steve Amerson. Mr. Amerson’s voice has been heard in 175 feature films, during countless television shows, and in commercials. He has performed with major orchestras all across the United States, at the Hollywood Bowl, and in Carnegie Hall. Enjoy all your holiday favorites with “Home for the Holidays.”
When: December 19 & 20, 4 pm
Where: 3101 Coit Rd, Plano TX 75075
Cost: $25 – $35
Check out all these Holiday Lights around Dallas
Vitruvian Lights
Vitruvian Park transforms into a magical holiday wonderland during Vitruvian Lights
When: November 27 – January 1
Where: Vitruvian Park
Cost: FREE Parking and Entry
Radiance! Frisco – Drive Through Light Show
Marvel at 2 MILLION lights, animated to the tunes of your favorite holiday classics from the comfort of your car at Radiance!
When: through January 1
Where: Dr Pepper Ballpark Center
Cost: $30 per vehicle
Illumination Celebration
The nation’s tallest indoor Christmas tree illuminates in grand fashion for a special light show choreographed to magical sounds of the season.
When: through December 24, 12 pm – 6 pm
Where: Galleria Dallas
Cost: FREE
Zoo Lights
Cruise through a newly constructed pathway – and through familiar parts of the Dallas Zoo – while marveling at more than one million lights in elaborate displays, silk-covered animal lanterns depicting all your Zoo favorites, an ice palace fit for a trio of penguins, and so much more along the way.
When: through January 3, 6.30 pm – 9.30 pm
Where: Dallas Zoo
Cost: $65 per car/$50 for Dallas Zoo Members, Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Historic Grapevine Christmas Spectacular
Come see hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights and decorations up and down Main Street and daily performances with the animated snowman, or hangout with the Whos in Whoville at the Town Square Gazebo. Snap photos with characters, vintage sleighs, life-sized Christmas cards and more! After the sunset, the magic really comes to life with the 40-foot community animated Singing Christmas Tree, a massive City Hall Light Show Spectacular and don’t forget, there is always a 100% chance of snow flurries here in Christmas Capitol of Texas®!
When: through January 10, 9 am – 11 pm
Where: Main St, Grapevine
Cost: FREE
Prairie Lights Drive Through
Prairie Lights is the state’s premier holiday drive-through park featuring more than 5 million lights along the shores of beautiful Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake. Featuring the world’s longest light tunnel.
When: through December 31, 6 pm – 10 pm
Where: Grand Prairie
Cost: from $30
Deerfield Holiday & Christmas Lights Display
It’s time again for the Annual Deerfield Holiday light display! If you plan to visit the neighborhood during times of high traffic, use the entrances from Quincy, Preston Meadow, or Ohio.
When: through December 31, 6 pm – 11 pm
Where: Deerfield neighborhood, Plano
Cost: FREE
Fun Food & Drink Events
Happy Hour Hike with Plano Magazine
A new, monthly sip-and-shop event where guests can enjoy a variety of beverages while discovering new shops, restaurants and experiences throughout the Legacy West neighborhood. There will also be photo ops and live music.
When: December 3, 6 pm – 9 pm
Where: Legacy West
Cost: $20
Dinosaurs Live at the Heard Museum
From September 5, 2020 through February 15, 2021, explore nature and encounter the 46-foot T-Rex and nine new life-size animatronic dinosaurs along the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary’s outdoor trails at the 15th annual Dinosaurs Live! Life-size Animatronic Dinosaurs exhibit.
When: Daily September 5, 2020 through February 15, 2021; Depends on Museum Opening Hours
Where: Heard Museum, McKinney
Cost: Price included with Heard Museum admission and free for Members
Want to celebrate New Year’s? Here’s are some socially distanced and fun ideas to celebrate
SEE ALSO:
Farmers Markets
Dallas: Saturday 9 am – 5 pm & Sunday 10 am – 5 pm, 920 S. Harwood, Dallas
Plano Farmers/Artisan Market, Saturday 9 am – 2 pm, The Shops at Willow Bend
McKinney: Saturday 8 am – 12 noon, Downtown McKinney Square
Richardson: Saturday 9 am – 1 pm, 101 S. Coit Road, Richardson
Carrollton: Sunday 10 am – 2 pm, 2722 N. Josey Lane, Carrollton
Related Links
Holiday Craft Fairs in Collin County
Fun Ideas for Winter Camps for Kids
31 Really Fun Things to do this Winter in DFW
Where can you see Santa & get your pictures?
The Best Places in Dallas to see beautiful Christmas Lights
Go Visit “We Love Christmas” at the Gaylord Texan
Deals, Discounts and Offers
Get One Free Addition Per Shaved Ice when you tell Sugar Mountain Plano you saw this on Plano Moms. You can get any available addition: cream, chocolate, nerds, gummies, sour gummies, etc.
up to 40% off Old Navy storewide!
Exclusive Big Savings on Crayola Experience Plano – for Annual Passes (through December 31) and Daily Tickets!
