Our 2024 guide to festive holiday events in Frisco, Plano, Allen and McKinney

One of the best things about The Grove Frisco’s “Four Corners” location is we’re close to festive holiday traditions in our hometown of Frisco as well as our neighboring cities of Allen, McKinney and Plano.

To make sure you don’t miss any opportunity for merrymaking, we’ve wrapped up this list of 10 family-friendly activities, listed in order of start date. Many are free, while some require tickets. Please check the links provided to confirm dates and admission policies – and enjoy!

Frisco’s Christmas in the Square



Glowing with more than 180,000 lights and 200 dancing snowflakes, Christmas in the Square returns to Frisco for its 19^th anniversary in 2024. Billed as the largest choreographed lights and music display in North Texas, this show lights up historic Frisco Square from 6-10 p.m. nightly, from Nov. 22 through Jan. 6. This holiday extravaganza includes Skate the Square, the area’s only real outdoor ice rink, along with visits with Santa, horse carriage rides, a light tunnel and more. Scouts Troop 51 will continue the tradition of offering Christmas trees for sale. The light show is free, and the website lists prices for other activities.

Lights on the Farm in Plano



With over 1 million dazzling lights and unique holiday elements, Lights on the Farm is a magical quarter-mile stroll through Plano’s Heritage Farmstead Museum. From Nov. 22 to Dec. 28, the whole family can meet Santa Claus and indulge in delicious s’mores, hot cocoa and more, while enjoying festive holiday music. There are special nights such as Frozen Adventure Night, Princess Night and Superhero Night, and late-night tickets are also available. This event often sells out, so getting tickets online in advance is recommended.

Holidays at PGA Frisco

Looking for something fun and healthy for the kids to do while on holiday break? PGA Frisco rolls out the second year of its holiday traditions with Holiday Golf Camps from Nov. 25 through Jan. 3. These half-day camps offer young golfers from ages 12-17 the chance to learn and hone their skills in small groups, with a strong emphasis placed on golf’s fundamentals while having fun.

McKinney’s Home for the Holidays

McKinney’s annual Home for the Holidays is a three-day festival from Fri., Nov. 29 through Sunday, Dec. 1. With free admission, this annual event has family activities including visits with Santa, Letters to Santa, crafts and a carousel. There are extended shopping hours in the historic downtown area, brimming with more than 100 unique boutiques, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. There’ll also be live music, food booths and local arts and crafts vendors. Horse-drawn carriages, traveling carolers and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony add to the festivities.

Holly Jolly Celebration in Allen

Allen’s annual Holly Jolly Celebration returns on Sat., Dec. 7 from 4-8 p.m. One of Allen’s biggest events of the year, Holly Jolly will have blocks of fun, including Photos with Santa and other holiday photo ops, a Christmas tree lighting, gourmet food trucks and festive entertainment. The holiday lights drone show at 6 p.m. is a new highlight for this annual tradition. There’s also a Holly Jolly 5K Fun and Fun Run.

Merry Main Street in Frisco

For one day only, on Sat., Dec. 7, one of Frisco’s newest holiday traditions makes its return. Merry Main Street event begins at 3 p.m. with the Santa & Friends Parade and a Holiday Gift Market with food vendors. At 3:30, choirs from Frisco elementary schools perform on three stages, and the Jones Park Variety Stage will have music, dance and artistic performances. The City Tree Lighting Ceremony and “Your Time to Shine” award presentation is at 6 p.m., with festivities continuing until 7:30 p.m.

Frosty 5K and Merry Mile

On Sat., Dec. 7, the Frosty FK and Merry Mile is a delightful Frisco tradition, with a route winding through the holiday decorations of Frisco Square and downtown Frisco. Come in your favorite running costume, and meet the Grinch, Frosty the Snowman and other characters. Join the fun and feel good about indulging in those extra holiday treats!

Breakfast with Santa

Have Breakfast with Santa on Sat., Dec. 7, and enjoy a delicious meal featuring some of the jolly old elf’s favorites, like cinnamon rolls, biscuits and gravy, and cheesy hash brown casserole. Three seatings are available, from 8-11 a.m. The festivities will also feature photos with Santa, crafts, hot cocoa bar and a special take-home surprise.

Candy Wonderland Parade in Plano

The 2024 Plano Holiday Parade has the sweet theme of “Candy Wonderland.” Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Plano, this annual parade will spread holiday cheer in downtown Plano on Sat., Dec. 14, beginning at 2 p.m.

McKinney Rotary Club Christmas Parade of Lights

“Christmas Songs” is the 2024 theme for the McKinney Rotary Club’s 25^th annual Parade of Lights, rolling out on Sat., Dec. 14.  The parade is free, and entry fees paid by floats help support Rotary Club projects such as child health and improving basic education and literacy. There will be a free trolley shuttle to the parade route in downtown McKinney.

Photos courtesy of Visit Frisco and Visit Plano.