By Maggie Heyn Richardson

Part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Plano is an action-packed destination filled with exciting things to do. During the holiday season, the city comes to life in spectacular fashion, welcoming visitors with bright lights, endless shopping, and Christmas-themed fun. Enjoy a nationally renowned living nativity holiday show. Shop ‘til you drop at a wide variety of retailers, then treat yourself to craft cocktails and fine dining. Keep the kids busy with the country’s first Minecraft Experience along with engaging year-round attractions. Watch the lighting of the Christmas tree and stroll through stunning decorations. Plano during the holidays is a family friendly delight to the senses.

Minecraft Experience

Calling all Minecraft fans! The world’s first ever Minecraft Experience is now open in Plano, luring fans of one of the world’s most popular video games to a mind-blowing setting that places you inside the action. That’s no joke. The immersive space feels like you’ve landed in the middle of a video game, enabling kids and adults to build worlds in person instead of on a screen at home. Each player is given an illuminated cube to control the action. Power up and explore one corridor after another, taking on new adventures and challenges across swamps, forests and other terrain. Kids will love feeling of being inside their favorite game, while caregivers will gain a deeper understanding of the beloved pastime.

‘Neath the Wreath

It's a gathering of vendors like you’ve never seen before. Get the jump on gift buying at ‘Neath the Wreath Holiday Gift Market, the annual marketplace and fundraiser at the Plano Event Center. Hosted by the Junior League of Collin County, the ticketed shopping bazaar will be held November 7-10, 2024. More than 125 merchants from Texas and the surrounding area bring incredible variety, including the latest in holiday decorations and trendy specialty gifts. Meander among intricately arranged booths featuring unique home décor, fashion forward looks, accessories, gifts, jewelry, trendy children’s clothing and toys, gourmet food, stocking stuffers—and perhaps a goody for the shopper, herself. ‘Neath the Wreath attracts around 10,000 shoppers annually, and it’s no wonder why.

Lights on the Farm

Few things get you in the mood for the holidays like elaborate light displays. Stroll among more than one million lights at Heritage Farmstead Museum’s 4^th annual Lights on the Farm. Held November 22 through December 28, the cozy tradition is just right for Instagram-worthy photos of friends, loved ones, and family members. Capture the action in front of meticulously decorated trees, adorable animal characters, a lighted archway, and more. Holiday music sets the mood as you stop and appreciate the vast seasonal beauty. Santa is on hand to greet families, and if you get hungry, no worries. Enjoy s’mores, hot chocolate, donuts, popcorn and other snacks.

Lights at Legacy

What better way to kick off the season than with a tree lighting, live music, a visit with Santa, and other holly jolly fun. The annual Lights at Legacy takes place Sunday, November 24 from 4 pm to 7 pm at The Shops at Legacy East, one of Plano’s premiere shopping and entertainment districts. Take a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus, sing along to a choir performance, enjoy complimentary food and drink from restaurants, and see the lighting of the massive Christmas tree. Kids will love the free train rides, toy soldier stilt walkers, balloon art, and other holiday fun.

The Gift of Christmas

The Christmas story comes to life in a way that will leave you positively awestruck at The Gift of Christmas, an elaborately choreographed multi-media show held December 6-13. Created by Prestonwood Baptist Church, the popular regional event features a cast of more than 1,000 performers putting on a variety of numbers that will get you in the holiday spirit, no matter your age or musical taste. From charming rapping penguins to graceful ballroom dancers, there’s something for everyone at this family friendly showcase—even aerial performers! The variety show culminates in its cornerstone event, the story of the birth of Jesus. The moving narrative unfolds on stage with detailed sets depicting Bethlehem and booming music played by a live orchestra. Hear the “wows” at the sight of flying angels, costumed kings and even live camels gathering for Jesus’ birth. Shows routinely sell out so get your tickets early.

Dickens in Downtown Plano

The holidays are in full swing in Plano’s lively Arts District at the annual Dickens in Downtown Plano, December 7 from 4 pm to 9 pm. Actors in period dress will take you back to the time of A Christmas Carol, but with modern fun. Enjoy a live ice sculpture demonstration, a children’s entrepreneur marketplace, food trucks, musicians, and pictures with Santa. Downtown’s charming blocks are decked out in lights and decorations, the perfect backdrop for soaking up the holiday spirit. The event also features a snow slide, face painting, kids’ crafts, and a Coffee and Cocoa Walk designed to keep you warm and cozy. A highlight of the evening is watching the city’s official tree lighting by the Plano mayor and local officials. Downtown merchants will be open late for holiday shopping. This free event also features free parking.

Plano Holiday Parade

Break out the Santa hat and ugly Christmas sweater and make your way to the annual downtown Plano Holiday Parade. Hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Plano, the charming fun-filled event is held Saturday, December 14. Floats roll at 2 pm and make their way through downtown, spreading merriment along the way. Kids will love shouting hello to a wide variety of costumed characters. Sing along to holiday tunes played by local marching bands, catch candy tossed by costume-clad revelers, and enjoy an explosion of elaborate decorations on festooned floats, one of which is sure to host Santa.

Home for the Holidays Concert

The Plano Symphony Orchestra’s annual Home for the Holidays Concert envelopes spectators in the warmth and cheer of the holiday season. Performances take place Sunday, December 22 at 4 pm and 7:30 pm. Sit back, relax, and lose yourself in classic carols and instrumental pieces that will fill you with merriment and joy. The PSO is joined by award-winning Plano West Chorale, showcasing the singing talents of regional performers. The concert also includes an audience sing-along and surprise visitors from the North Pole!

Plano Holiday Market

Nothing is more satisfying than picking out the perfect gift for a friend or family member and the Plano Holiday Market is a great place to hunt. Browse numerous artisan and retail booths all under one roof for those extra-personal presents you can’t find elsewhere. The annual event takes place this year November 23 and 24 at Carpenter Park Recreation Center bringing merchants with handmade jewelry, woodwork, gifts and décor, pottery, holiday decor for the home and outdoors, artisan soaps and candles, baby clothing and blankets, Texas-themed gifts, and a variety of homemade culinary items including preserves, tamales, fresh baked goods, and dips. The stop is an excellent place to find gifts for teachers, hostesses, and family and friends of all ages.

The Nutcracker

When Clara receives a wooden nutcracker from her mysterious godfather, a chain of events is set in motion that leads her past a frightening rat king through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of the Sweets, her transformed toy now a handsome prince. See the magic and beauty of this classic performance set to Tchaikovsky’s familiar score as Chamberlain Ballet presents The Nutcracker. Shows are held November 29 through December 1 at the Eisemann Center, Hill Performance Hall, in Richardson. 

With a wide range of accommodations in Plano, finding the right spot for a holiday weekend away is easy. For elegant relaxed comfort with an indoor pool and business center, opt for the Sandman-Signature Plano Frisco Hotel. Fans of an industrial chic vibe will love the stark sophistication of the NYLO Dallas Plano Hotel from the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. And if a design-forward hotel situated amid premiere shopping sounds like the ticket, try the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel. No matter your taste and price point, the perfect stay awaits. Visit Plano to plan your escape today.

About the Author: A lover of all things Lone Star, Maggie is an award-winning features writer covering the Gulf South and the author of Hungry for Louisiana, An Omnivore’s Journey.