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

• The City of Allen's is getting a new, bigger Christmas tree. What better way to celebrate than by throwing an even bigger tree lighting event? Join the City of Allen for the Holly Jolly Celebration featuring the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, November 30 at a new location: the circle at 300 N. Allen Drive. Free parking and a complimentary shuttle will be available at Allen High School.
• Strap on your sneakers for the annual 5K Rudolph Run and .5K Donner Dash, December 1.
• Pick your favorite float at the 2018 Allen Rotary Christmas Parade, marching through Allen on Sunday, December 2.
• Follow the magical adventures of Clara when Allen Civic Ballet presents The Nutcracker, December 15-16.
• Introduce kiddos to a Christmas classic during a free showing of A Christmas Story at Allen Public Library.

Meet Holiday Heroes

• Bring your camera to get a picture of your child on Santa’s lap during Breakfast with Santa on December 18.
• Swim with Santa and tell him what you would like for Christmas at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium on December 21.
• Step into the Snow Queen’s kingdom top sip Tea with Sugar Plum Fairy and other characters from Allen Civic Ballet’s The Nutcracker,
• Keep the holiday magic alive by dropping off kids’ Letters to Santa until Monday, December 10. Santa will send a personal letter to your home in return!

Sights and Sounds of the Season

• Join Allen Community Ice Rink as they celebrate “Holidays on Ice” featuring the Allen Academy of Skating and Allen Community Ice Rink Skaters.
• Grab your passport and boarding pass to experience multi-cultural holiday activities, crafts and Santa photo opportunity during the Holiday Express on December 7! Held at Joe Farmer Recreation Center, admission is $5 or free with an unwrapped toy. Open to all ages.
• Don’t miss an untraditional take on A Christmas Carol as Allen’s Community Theatre presents “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” November 30-December 16.
• Experience the first Christmas in a special barnyard setting (live animals included) at the Creekwood Live Nativity Display, December 5-6.
• Listen as local tuba and euphonium players unite on Dec. 16 for Allen TUBACHRISTMAS—an impromptu performance from brass musicians gathered in over 200 cities.
• Enjoy a reinterpretation of Handel’s Messiah as Allen Symphony Chorus partners with area African American congregations in “Soulful Christmas” on December 7.

Creative Gifting and Shopping

• Give kids a break from boring mall outings at the Drop & Shop Holiday Skate, December 22.
• Searching for the perfect stocking stuffer? Order tickets to “Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!”– coming to Allen Event Center December 28-30.
• Help struggling families by dropping off a gift at the annual Toys for Tots Drive at Allen Event Center on December 6. You can also drop off a toy before the drive at dozens of locations nearby.