Celebrate a festive North Texas Christmas in the “City of Excellence.” Only a short drive outside of Dallas, there is nothing plain-o about Plano’s line-up of events this winter season with sparkling lights, live holiday music, locally crafted gifts, and even American Christmas comedy Elf trivia.  

Bring the whole family, including the kids and grandparents, take a couple’s holiday weekend getaway with just you and your honey, or come with a group of friends to Plano, TX – there’s a whole lotta fun to be had!  

Plano Holiday Events for the Whole Family  

No matter your age, your holiday spirit is sure to shine in Plano this season. On select dates in December, The Gift of Christmas graces audiences by the thousands. This powerfully grand Christmas performance takes the simple story of Christmas and transforms it into a visually spectacular multimedia event. Brilliant choreography is combined with dazzling costumes and high-tech special effects with a close-to 1,000-member cast, full choir, soaring angels, live orchestral music, and more.  

There’s no better way to feel the magic of the holidays than hearing it played by a full symphony orchestra. The popular Plano Symphony Orchestra (PSO) “Home for the Holidays” series gives concertgoers the gift of music this Christmas and offers even more than just the traditional favorites performed by the highly talented PSO. This special holiday concert features an audience singalong, visitors from the North Pole, international award-winning vocal quartet Midtown, singer-songwriter Nick Fabian, and the Plano Civic Chorus.  

Free, fun, and festive, Dickens in Downtown Plano Arts District offers up heartwarming holiday classics including photos with the big man in red, a traditional tree lighting ceremony with the Plano mayor, and late-night small business shopping and goodies. But that’s not all! Plano puts a unique spin on small town celebration with a Coffee & Hot Cocoa Walk, a snow slide, and the Children’s Entrepreneur Market.  

Plano Holiday Events for the Kids  

Your kids’ faces will light up brighter than the holiday lights in Plano this year! Visitors travel from all over North Texas to be dazzled by the Deerfield Holiday Lights display strung throughout the entire neighborhood. If millions of perfectly placed twinkling Christmas lights aren’t enough, how about dancing Santas, full holiday scenes, and even horse-drawn carriage rides? Yes, it is truly spectacular!  

More fun for the little ones is underway with ranch-style winter wonderland, Plano Lights on The Farm. This historic farmstead is transformed right before your eyes with phantasmal lighted creations, enchanting, animated displays, and a 20-foot beaming Christmas tree. Leisurely walk along the quarter-mile trail as you snack on popcorn, mini-donuts, and make-your-own s’mores or savor a steamy cup of lush hot cocoa. This is the perfect time for your kids to meet Santa Claus and snap those cherished holiday Christmas photos.  

Your children will have plenty of holiday fun and even more time together with jolly ole’ Saint Nick and his actual live reindeer at Stories with Santa in Plano. Join the fun at Legacy Hall to hear Santa read classic Christmas tales, take pen to paper, and make your wish list at the Letters to Santa Station, and get creative at the holiday craft table. No need to fill your belly beforehand. Legacy Hall features close to 20 restaurants with kid-friendly options for even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, parents can cozy up to another kind of holiday spirit with very merry Christmas cocktails at the more than five bars on location. This is a free event, seating is first come, first served.  

Plano Holiday Events for Couples, Friends, & Singles  

There’s more holiday magic in store for couples, friends, and those flying solo this winter season. Eat, drink, and be sure to have your purse or wallet handy! You will have a merry good time at Halliday Sip & Shop in Plano at Legacy Hall. This exclusive pop-up event will have a curated mix of luxury items including jewelry, fashion apparel, home décor, and other unique goods.  

Trivia, contests, prizes, magical cocktails, and loads of laughter! Test your skills and wear your wackiest Christmas costume at Elf  Trivia Night at Legacy Hall. Bring your best gal pals and bro buddies to team up for a chance to win grand prizes. Seating is limited, sign-up early and grab a bite to eat before the games begin.  

Love to shop? Plano Holiday Market will have you saying “ooh” and “ahh” at all the finely handcrafted holiday gifts around. Everything from luscious soaps, aromatic candles, and specialty made salsas to handmade quilts, decorative ornaments, and one-of-a-kind jewelry.  

Stay in Style Plano Hotels:  

Make it a long weekend staycation in Plano for the holidays at any one of their comfortable and affordable hotels.  

Some hotels of interest for those choosing accommodations based on location include the Hilton Dallas/Plano Granite Park at The Boardwalk, Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center at The Shops at Legacy, and Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West which features a full roster of holiday events this time of year.  

Let the holiday festivities begin! Visit Plano, TX to get a head start on planning your holiday trip and winter vacation.