This year's holiday season in Allen is full of excitement and activity! From a 5K to a 35-foot Christmas tree lighting, a diverse variety of festive events provides fun options for everyone.
NOVEMBER 21Letters to SantaChildren can write a letter to Santa and drop it in one of his mailboxes located at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium and Joe Farmer Recreation Center. Letters will be delivered to Santa, and he will send a personal response to your home! Participation is free and open for ages 12 and younger. Letters must be received by December 12.
NOVEMBER 26The 5th Annual Great Turkey SkateNoon to 4 p.m.Allen Community Ice Rink, 200 East Stacy RoadJoin the fun on the ice for various Thanksgiving-themed, on-ice games and activities, including Turkey Bowling. The event is open to all ages and costs $5. Skate rentals are $3, but attendees who bring a toy, stuffed animal or a non-perishable food donation will receive a free skate rental.
DECEMBER 2Annual Christmas Tree Lighting6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Allen Civic Plaza, 301 Century ParkwayJoin the City of Allen for the grand lighting of its 35-foot Christmas tree, featuring more than 20,000 lights. Expect surprises, live entertainment and even a visit from Santa and his elves. All ages are welcome!
DECEMBER 3Rudolph Run8:15 a.m.Downtown Allen, 102 Main StreetThis exciting event begins with a non-competitive, one-mile run and concludes with the USATF registered 5K Rudolph Run. Chip timing will be used for best results. There will also be an overall male/female Master's division for 50+ winners. This is a family-friendly event open to all ages and skill levels. Online registration is open.
DECEMBER 4Holidays on Ice Show3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.Allen Event Center, 200 E. Stacy RoadEnjoy an afternoon of skating fun! Featuring over 50 skaters ages 3 and up from the Allen Academy of Skating and Allen Community Ice Rink, this fun family show features a “Winter Wonderland” theme and includes group numbers, solo performances, and synchronized skating teams. Admission is free when you bring a non-perishable food item to benefit Allen Community Outreach.
DECEMBER 10Edge Holiday Bash11 a.m. to 6 p.m.The Edge Skate Park and Visitor Center, 201 St. Mary DriveCome out to the skate park for a fun-filled day of scooter, skateboard and BMX competitions as we ring in the holiday break with a bash! Free to attend, this event is open to ages 8-25 years.
Holiday Arts & Craft Fair9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Joe Farmer Recreation Center (Gym), 1201 E. Bethany DriveThe arts and crafts fair will put everyone in the giving spirit with creative crafts and a festive atmosphere. Free to attend, this even is open to ages 17 and above.
DECEMBER 16Swim With Santa!5:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 110 Rivercrest BoulevardJoin Santa for a swim, and tell him what you would like for Christmas. Santa is available for pictures for those with their own cameras. Parents swim free with each paid child. The event costs $10, and children six and under must be accompanied by an adult in the water.
DECEMBER 17Drop & Shop Holiday Skate3:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.Allen Community Ice Rink, 200 East Stacy RoadEnjoy on-ice games and activities, including pictures with Santa and much more. Donate an non-perishable item and receive a free skate rental. All on-ice participants must wear skates. Adult supervision is required for children 8 years and younger.
Holiday Celebration11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Joe Farmer Recreation Center, 1201 E. Bethany DriveSanta is coming to town this year for a holiday celebration! We will have a variety of holiday-themed activities, such as cookie decorating, holiday crafts and games, Story time with Santa will be held and a photo opportunity. Open to ages 2 to 13 years, this events costs $8 to attend.
For more information about Allen's holiday events, please visit AllenParks.org or contact any of the recreation centers.