There are many upcoming opportunities to get into the spirit of the holiday season in Allen. For many residents, the season is officially upon us once we light the 35-foot Christmas tree at Allen Civic Plaza, Friday, Dec. 4. The next morning, holiday cheer and merriment will fill the streets of downtown Allen during the annual Rudolph Run 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run.
That is just the beginning though. On Dec. 11, you can enjoy a hayride with jolly ol’ Saint Nick through Bethany Lakes Park and some of Allen’s wonderfully decorated neighborhoods. Saturday, Dec. 12 is filled with the joys of the holidays! Check everyone off your list when you shop at Joe Farmer Recreation Center’s Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair. If extreme sports are more your cup of tea, be sure to roll by The Edge Skate Park and Visitor Center for The Edge Holiday Bash. Then end the evening with the Dive-In Movie showing of Elf at the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium.
For many parents, getting that classic holiday photo is a must. Swim with Santa will be hosted by the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium on Dec. 18. Then the big guy heads over to Joe Farmer Recreation Center Dec. 19-20 for Pictures with Santa…perfect for your children and your pets!
Allen Event Center has several holiday engagements on the calendar as well. Allen Community Ice Rink celebrates the season Dec. 6 with Holidays on Ice skating show featuring the Allen Academy of Skating. Over 16,000 toys were collected last year in only five hours during the annual Toys for Tots drive, and Fox 4 News and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve hope to break the record again this year Dec. 10. The holiday cheer continues the next day Dec. 11 as The Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas Rocks Tour returns to Allen. Then the festive month closes out with Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales on Dec. 27.
Of course, nothing says “winter wonderland” like time on the ice. Learn-to-skate and hockey camps are scheduled over the holiday break and there will be a holiday-themed “Drop and Shop” open skate on Dec. 19.
There truly is something for everyone for the holidays in Allen. Be sure to visit AllenParks.org and AllenEventCenter.com for more information on the many opportunities to embrace the holidays this season.