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 opportunities for everyone.
NOVEMBER 21-DECEMBER 12
Letters to Santa
Children 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.
DECEMBER 2
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Allen Civic Plaza, 301 Century Parkway
Join 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 3
Rudolph Run
8:15 a.m.
Downtown Allen, 102 Main Street
This 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 4
Holidays on Ice Show
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Allen Event Center, 200 E. Stacy Road
Enjoy 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 10
Edge Holiday Bash
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Edge Skate Park and Visitor Center, 201 St. Mary Drive
Come 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 Fair
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Joe Farmer Recreation Center (Gym), 1201 E. Bethany Drive
The 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 16
Swim With Santa!
5:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 110 Rivercrest Boulevard
Join 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 17
Drop & Shop Holiday Skate
3:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Allen Community Ice Rink, 200 E. Stacy Road
Enjoy 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 Celebration
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Joe Farmer Recreation Center, 1201 E. Bethany Drive
Santa 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.