McKinney, Texas -- The City of McKinney is celebrating the season with a festive lineup of holiday events, highlighted by the community’s signature celebration, Home for the Holidays: A McKinney Christmas, taking place Thanksgiving weekend in Downtown McKinney. From Nov. 28–30, families and visitors can enjoy one-of-a-kind shopping, dining, live entertainment, and holiday activities across the historic square.

In addition to this beloved tradition, the city will host a variety of family-friendly events throughout November and December, ensuring there’s something magical for everyone this holiday season.

Holiday Craft Fair | Senior Recreation Center
Saturday, Nov. 15; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
All Ages
Cost: Free
Find one-of-a-kind handmade gifts made by a variety of vendors, including many works of art from our talented Senior Recreation Center members.

Thanksgiving Lunch | Senior Recreation Center
Wednesday, Nov. 19; 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 50 and up
Cost: $20 Members / $25 Non-members
Celebrate the season with your Senior Recreation Center family and friends. Enjoy traditional Thanksgiving food and great company.

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol | McKinney Performing Arts Center
Nov. 21–22.; Nov. 28–29.; Dec. 12–13.
All Ages
Cost: Tickets start at $12.50
Experience the timeless holiday classic A Christmas Carol live on stage at the McKinney Performing Arts Center. Showtimes vary. Visit McKinneyPerformingArtsCenter.org for tickets and performance details.

Turkey Burn Ride | Apex Centre
Sunday, Nov. 23; 1 - 2 p.m.
Ages: 13 and up
Cost: Free for members / $7 Non-members
Bring the family to join this Thanksgiving-themed Sunday ride to cycle off some steam before the big gathering.

Thanks and Giving | John & Judy Gay Library
Tuesday, Nov. 25; 10 a.m. - Noon
All Ages
Cost: Free
Celebrate Thanksgiving at the library as we craft silly turkeys, design greeting cards for friends and family, and share thanks with one another.

Home for the Holidays: A McKinney Christmas | Downtown McKinney
Friday, Nov. 28 through Sunday, Nov. 30
All Ages
Stroll the 14-block area of McKinney's 167-year-old commercial historic downtown for family activities, food, and entertainment. Enjoy a uniquely McKinney Christmas celebration with neighbors and visitors from near and far. This event is presented by Commercial Bank of Texas.

Breakfast with Santa | Old Settler's Recreation Center
Saturday, Dec. 6; 9 - 11 a.m.
Ages: 1 year and up
Cost: $15 Resident / $20 Non-resident
Join us for breakfast and family fun with the big man himself, Santa!

Holiday Performance Showcase | Senior Recreation Center
Wednesday, Dec. 10; 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 50 years and up
Cost: $10 Member / $15 Non-member
Light refreshments and holiday treats will be provided during a series of performances from local groups as you celebrate the holidays with laughter and cheer.

Holiday Craft: Gingerbread House | Old Settler's Recreation Center
Saturday, Dec. 13; 10:30 a.m. - Noon
Ages: 6 years and up
Cost: $20 Resident / $25 Non-resident
Get in the Christmas spirit by building and decorating a gingerbread house.

Family Holiday Craft: Ugly Sweater | Old Settler's Recreation Center
Saturday, Dec. 13; Noon - 1 p.m.
All Ages
Cost: $20 Resident / $25 Non-resident
Create your own ugly Christmas sweater. You supply the sweater, and we provide the decorations.

Caroling on the Square | Dr. Glenn Mitchell Memorial Park
Saturday, Dec. 13; 5 – 6:15 p.m.
All Ages
Cost: Free
Help us spread holiday cheer with festive carols! Join us as we sing our way around downtown McKinney, then stick around for the McKinney Rotary Christmas Parade of Lights. Festive attire encouraged!

Snowball Splash | Apex Centre Indoor Pool
Sunday, Dec. 14; Noon, 1:15 p.m. & Special Needs Hour: 2:30 p.m.
Ages: 2 - 12
Cost: $12 Member / $16 Non-member
During each time slot, participants will have their turn in the water to collect “snowballs,” which they can redeem for a prize. Enjoy swimming, a winter-themed craft, and photos.

Reindeer Ride | Apex Centre
Monday, Dec. 15; 6 - 7 p.m.
Ages: 13 years and up
Cost: Free for members / $7 Non-members
Enjoy holiday music and Christmas lights while cycling through a winter wonderland. Costumes are welcome!

Merry Bass-mas | Collin College Conference Center
Tuesday, Dec. 16; Clinic: 5 - 8:30 p.m. | Public Concert: 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
All Ages
Clinic Cost: $25 Resident / $25 Non-resident
Public Concert: Free
Clinic participants will attend a clinic with a professional double bassist, followed by dinner and a public concert. Visitors are welcome at the concert, featuring both the large ensemble and professional double bass soloists.

Noon Year’s Eve | John & Judy Gay Library
Wednesday, Dec. 31; 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
All Ages
Cost: Free
Celebrate the New Year at our kid-friendly Noon Year’s Eve celebration. Enjoy crafts, games, dancing, and our New Year’s wishing wall before counting down to noon with friends and family.

For more information on these events, including registration details, visit McKinneyTexas.org/Holidays.