When holiday season rolls around, few do it up better than Plano. This lively Dallas suburb offers seasonal cheer with high-end shopping, charming boutiques, and remarkable restaurants and hotels — plus more than 50 holiday events of all kinds.
Use this calendar to plan out your fun:
November 7-9, 'Neath the Wreath Holiday Gift Market
Back for its 23rd year, this five-day holiday market features the best in unique holiday and home decor, ladies clothing and accessories, gifts, jewelry, children's items, and gourmet food from over 100 carefully selected merchants. More 10,000 shoppers show up to the Plano Event Center for the Junior League of Collin County's annual fundraiser.
November 23-24, Plano Christmas Market
This fun and free event showcases handmade holiday gift items made of fabric, wood, ceramic, and glass. Other exhibitors have jewelry and clothing for adults and children, along with candles and soaps. There will also be a wonderful selection of salsas, jams, nuts, and dips for gifts or holiday parties. In addition, Collin County seniors will stock the Hip Hip for Gray booth with a variety of crafts including quilts, baby items, ornaments, and more.
November 24, The Lights at Legacy
Welcome the 2019 holiday season with a grand tree-lighting and family-fun event at The Shops at Legacy, starting with a showing of The Grinch at the Angelika. Swag bags start getting passed out to the first 200 guests at 4 pm, and you can take a picture with Santa (all proceeds benefit Texas Health Plano NICU Family Center). Enjoy complimentary rides on the Atmos Energy Christmas Train, caricature artists, face painters, balloon artists, toy soldier stilt walkers, little drummer boys, a "rad hatter" station, performances from Cover Down, and more. Complimentary food and drink samples from The Shops at Legacy retailers and restaurants will also be available.
November 29-December 1, The Nutcracker performed by Chamberlain Ballet
New York City Ballet principal dancers Tiler Peck and Tyler Angle star in this holiday tradition, which Chamberlain Ballet began staging in 1989.
December 6, Dickens in Downtown Plano
This free, traditional family holiday event has live entertainment, delicious food, a variety of attractions, and a visit from Santa. You'll see occasional strolling carolers in costume and the Interurban Museum opens its doors for some Polar Express fun. Food vendors offer an assortment of tasty treats, including hot drinks, kettle corn, smoked turkey legs, fried fish and shrimp, funnel cakes, and more.
December 7, The Gift of Christmas featuring the Living Nativity
Thousands of guests show up for this visually stunning multimedia event, complete with special effects, a nearly 1,000-member cast and choir, live orchestra, flying angels, and much more.
December 7, Jingle Bell Run
The Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Bell Run is the original festive race for charity. It's where you can strut your stuff in your favorite holiday costume and feel good about doing good. Bring a team of friends, family, and co-workers to run or walk — 100 percent of the registration fee and fundraising go to a great cause.
December 1, Plano Art Fair
This unique event brings together artists, crafters, photographers, musicians, comedians, and entertainers for a one-of-a-kind experience. Shop more than 1,000 works of art, photography, and handcrafted souvenirs while listening to live music and watching live-action wrestling, live painting and portraits, and a comedy show.
December 12, Downtown Plano Art & Wine Walk — Winter Onesie-land
Returning for its fourth year, the walk lets attendees sample select wines around the neighborhood while enjoying live music, local art, and shopping. The evening begins at 5 pm with check in at event1013, where attendees receive a commemorative glass, tasting card, and wine guide. There are approximately 20 wine stops, with each location serving a different wine.
December 14, Breakfast with Santa
Santa is making a special trip to Carpenter Park Recreation Center to eat breakfast with you and your family. While enjoying tasty breakfast treats, create your own Santa wish list and holiday crafts. Little ones can enjoy some one-on-one time with Santa and receive a souvenir photo.
December 14, Plano Lions Christmas Parade
Plan to come early and snag a spot to watch festive floats, flags, firetrucks, clowns, Santa, and more. Every Plano high school marching band, drill team, cheer squad, and JROTC will participate, as well as Boy and Girl Scouts, YMCA Guides/Princesses, and church groups. The parade starts in the parking lot of the Plano ISD Administration building and travels west on 15th Street, then north on Independence, and east on Parkhaven, ending at the Plano Senior High School. The parade runs from 9-11 am.
December 19, 'Tis the Season for a Jazzy Christmas
A selection of holiday favorites have been especially arranged for the Plano Civic Chorus and the Imperial Brass Big Band by Dallas composer David Pierce, with Ralph F. Stannard and Terry Metzger conducting at St. Andrew United Methodist Church.
December 22, Plano Symphony Home for the Holidays
The highly regarded Turtle Creek Chorale is among the most recorded men's choruses in the world, having toured Europe, performed twice at Carnegie Hall, and sung in a command performance for such notables as Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and former President George H.W. Bush. With over 250 total musicians, Home for the Holidays includes seasonal favorites for orchestra and chorus, the popular audience sing-along, visitors from the North Pole, humor, and surprises.
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For a complete listing of Plano holiday events, head to www.visitplano.com/events.
The Gift of Christmas is a visually stunning performance.
Frenchie is now open.Photo courtesy of Frenchie 