News Flash

You don’t have to venture far to find magical, memorable ways to ring in the holidays. From Christmas concerts to Santa sightings, check out these fun-filled events happening in your own backyard.

Can’t-Miss Traditions

• Join the City of Allen for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 1.
• Strap on your sneakers for the annual Rudolph Run, Dec. 2.
• Pick your favorite float at the 2017 Allen Rotary Christmas Parade, marching through Allen on Sunday, Dec. 3.
• Follow the magical adventures of Clara when Allen Civic Ballet presents The Nutcracker, Dec. 16-17.
• Step back in time at Allen Heritage Village’s Christmas on the Prairie on Saturday, Dec. 10.
• Introduce kiddos to a Christmas classic during a free showing of White Christmas at Allen Public Library.
• Gather at Allen Heritage Village on Dec. 24 for a Community Christmas Eve Service hosted by First Christian Church of Allen.

Meet Holiday Heroes

• Have Breakfast with Santa as he takes a break from his toy shop and refuels for the day at Joe Farmer Recreation Center on Dec. 19.
• Swim with Santa and tell him what you would like for Christmas on Friday, Dec. 15.
• Step into the Snow Queen’s kingdom top sip Tea with Sugar Plum Fairy and other characters from Allen Civic Ballet’s The Nutcracker, Dec. 2.
• Keep the holiday magic alive by dropping off kids’ Letters to Santa until Dec. 11. Santa will send a personal letter to your home in return!

Sights and Sounds of the Season

• Rock out at Allen Event Center on Dec. 12 when the Brian Setzer Orchestra returns to Allen with the 14^th Annual Christmas Rocks! Tour.
• Feel better about your own family drama after watching the Medieval rivalries portrayed in Lion in Winter, presented by Allen’s Community Theatre December 1-17.
• Experience the first Christmas in a special barnyard setting (live animals included) at the Creekwood Live Nativity Display, Dec. 6.
• Hum along with favorite holiday tunes, including selections from Handel’s Messiah, at a Christmas Music Festival presented by Allen Symphony Chorus on Dec. 8.
• Enjoy the musical stylings of the Note-Ably North Texas Chorus at Cocoa, Cookies and Carols, Dec. 10.
• Listen as local tuba and euphonium players unite on Dec. 17 for MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS—an impromptu performance from brass musicians gathered in over 150 cities.
• Take in a free holiday performance at the Allen Community Band Christmas Concert, Dec. 17.

Creative Gifting and Shopping

• Find one-of-a-kind gifts at Joe Farmer Recreation Center’s Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair, Dec. 9.
• Give kids a break from boring mall outings at the Drop & Shop Holiday Skate, Dec. 16.
• Searching for the perfect stocking stuffer? Order tickets to Sesame Street LIVE! – coming to Allen Event Center Dec. 28-30.
• Let kids participate in holiday crafts and games at Joe Farmer Recreation Center’s Holiday Celebration, Dec. 16.
• Help struggling families by dropping off a gift at the annual Toys for Tots Drive at Allen Event Center on Dec. 7.

Find more local events or submit your own.