'Tis the Season

Frisco unwraps enormous Christmas celebration even earlier this year

The magic returns when Frisco Square's beloved holiday tradition Christmas in the Square kicks off November 24, but those looking to get into the spirit a little earlier are in luck.

The outdoor skating rink will open on November 18, starting Frisco Square's transformation into a winter wonderland even earlier this year (and remain open through January 3).

What else shouldn't you miss when you go? Here are five golden rings — er, things to check off your list.

1. Marvel at the largest choreographed holiday lights and music show in North Texas
With over 175,000 lights, 11.5 miles of wiring, and eight miles of extension cords, this dazzling extravaganza choreographed by Frisco's own Jeff Trykoski is a can't-miss. This free show runs 6-10 pm daily, and can be enjoyed either by tuning into 107.3 FM in your car or listening to the music as it's piped through the square's speakers.

2. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride
The only thing better than walking under the Christmas lights is riding under them. Provided by North Star Carriage Rides and sponsored by Life Storage, these first-come, first-served cost $6 per person and are available every Friday through Sunday from 6-10 pm. Load at the corner of Coleman Blvd. and Frisco Square Blvd.

3. Claim your Christmas tree
Help Boy Scout Troop 51 raise money for necessary equipment and to send scouts to summer camp by purchasing your Christmas tree from their lot. Fresh-cut Fraser firs, Douglas firs, and Scotch pines are available, and trees range in height from five to twelve feet.

4. Let it snow
Experience "snow flurries" every 15 minutes on Fridays and Saturdays, thanks to the same snow machines used by Disney. No matter the North Texas weather, you can inhabit your very own winter wonderland on the sidewalks of Christmas in the Square.

5. Help fill Santa's bag
Donate new, unwrapped toys or clothing items November 27-December 18 for the Toys for Troops Drive, a proud partnership with Operation Once in a Lifetime. This military nonprofit group helps make the dreams of U.S. soldiers and their families come true, and during the holiday season that includes helping military families provide a good Christmas for their children. Find a list of drop spots here.

And don't forget to mark your calendar for December 16, when Christmas in the Square's special event night will bring even more magic to Frisco. It all starts at 5 pm with a parachuting Santa, and continues with trackless train rides, a four-lane inner-tubing snow slide, holiday treats and vendors, interactive snow play area, inflatables, and visits with Santa at his workshop. Get the full schedule here.

Christmas in the Square returns November 24-December 31.

Photo by Lara K. Hansen Photography

Christmas in the Square returns November 24-December 31.

holidays promoted

Rivers wild

Ethan Hawke narrates new documentary that deep-dives into Texas rivers

Cropped still from Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers

The Rio Grande is one of the stunning subjects of Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers.

One Texas film icon passes the torch to another for a deep dive on Texas' river ecosystems in the upcoming documentary Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers. Matthew McConaughey narrated the original 2022 film, Deep in the Heart: A Texas Wildlife Story. Now Ethan Hawke narrates the follow-up, which will be in theaters September 25.

Deep in the Heart 2 is directed by Ben Masters, a nature-obsessed Texan who was born and raised in Amarillo and has followed wildlife around the state and beyond. Working with his crew at Fin & Fur Films, Masters explores the Rio Grande, the Sabine River, and the Neches River, a press release says, coming across otters, turkeys, alligator snapping turtles, and more.

This underwater shot was taken in San Marcos.Still from Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers

The original Deep in the Heart took a broad view of Texas — both its landscapes and their inhabitants — while the "sequel," as the release calls it, specifically highlights water. Conservation is an important angle, and viewers will get a chance to consider how they could connect with and protect the ecosystems on their screens.

"Most of my favorite memories are on Texas Rivers," said Masters in the release. "I grew up on the Canadian, fell in love on the Brazos, got married on the Guadalupe, found adventure on the Rio Grande, and am raising my kids on the Colorado."

The filmmaker says that spending three years filming his natural subjects gave him "a newfound appreciation" for rivers and how distinct they are from one another.

Amazing cinematography was a hallmark of the original film, and the sequel offers more beautiful shots.Still from Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers

"We spent months filming mountain lions on the Pecos, snapping turtles on the Neches, otters on the Sabine, fatmuckets on the Llano, and whooping cranes in the Guadalupe's Estuary," Masters said. "Editing the majesty of Texas Rivers into 80 minutes was a huge challenge, and I'm just incredibly grateful to work with such a talented team of cinematographers, editors, producers, and musicians."

Hawke, born in Austin and raised in Fort Worth, is known for acting in the Dead Poets Society, Gattaca, the Richard Linklater films Boyhood and Blue Moon, and more. He has taken up causes in environmental advocacy for years and appeared in other ecology-focused films, including the intense fictional First Reformed (2018) and a goofy anti-littering PSA with TxDOT (2023).

Some unexpected guests in the Rio Grande.Still from Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers

The film was made in association with H-E-B, a regular supporter of ecological documentaries and initiatives, and conservation organization Texan by Nature. Other collaborators include producer Josh Winkler, editor Sam Klatt, assistant editor Chet Stefan, and composer Noah Sorota. The musical score is performed by Dallas Chamber Symphony.

animals documentaries ecology ethan hawke film matthew mcconaughey movies nature texas wildlife