It is the weekend of Christmas Eve! You will spot Santa all over North Texas in various magical and joyful settings, decorated with colorful lights and offering great entertainment and dining options. Check out all the things to do this weekend, there's something for everyone even if you are looking for some Santa-free events.
Scroll all the way down to find our weekly recommendations for places to eat, and get everything planned for an amazing three-day break from the daily routine.
Come right in, because here's the only list you need!
Merry Achi Christmas Concert
When: December 22, 2023 | 7:00 p.m.
Where: Majestic Theatre Dallas | 1925 Elm St, Dallas
Tickets
Experience the vibrant celebration of Christmas through the music of Mariachi Sol de Mexico at the Merry Achi Christmas concert on December 22, 2023. Held at the majestic Majestic Theatre Dallas, the concert promises an enchanting evening of traditional Mexican Christmas carols and the passionate sounds of a 13-piece mariachi ensemble led by the renowned Jose Hernandez. Secure your tickets now for a festive and memorable holiday celebration.
A Brooks & Dunn Christmas with Dunn & Brooks
When: December 22, 2023 | 8:00 p.m.
Where: Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall | 7800 Windrose Ave, Plano
Tickets
Join the festive celebration at Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall for the ultimate Brooks & Dunn tribute. You can enjoy a night of two-stepping, holiday drinks, and 90s boot scootin'. Also, arrive early to savor dinner from 20 eateries and craft cocktails from 5+ bars, and elevate your experience with a balcony VIP lounge [21+] for dedicated service and the best stage view.
Holiday At The Arboretum
When: December 22, 2023 to January 5, 2024 | See the full schedule
Where: The Dallas Arboretum | 525 Garland Road, Dallas
Tickets
Experience the season's enchantment at Holiday at the Arboretum, from December 22, 2023, to January 5, 2024, at The Dallas Arboretum. Immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas with the beloved Christmas village, the whimsical 12 Days of Christmas, and the mesmerizing Dazzling Musical tree. Explore the festively adorned DeGolyer House, curated by renowned designer Michael Hamilton, showcasing a new collection of nearly 600 nutcrackers amid classic Christmas themes.
Whiskey Moon Wonderland - Holiday Movie
When: December 22, 2023 | 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Legacy West | 5908 Headquarters Dr, Plano
More info
Delight in the festive spirit at the Whiskey Moon Wonderland holiday movie event on December 22, 2023, at Legacy West. You can indulge in a specialty drink or bite from the Whiskey Moon Wonderland menu and prepare for a surprise holiday movie. The event promises a joyful atmosphere, making it a perfect outing to celebrate the season with friends and family.
The Nutcracker: Collin County Ballet Theatre
When: December 22 to 23, 2023 | 7:30 p.m.
Where: Eisemann Center | 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson
Tickets
Embark on a magical journey to the Land of the Sweets with Collin County Ballet Theatre's production of The Nutcracker. Held at the Eisemann Center in Richardson, this enchanting performance, directed by Kirt and Linda Hathaway, features the talents of international ballet artists Taras Domitro and Daynelis Munoz. Join Clara on her fantastical adventure accompanied by the Plano Symphony Orchestra, making it a highlight of the holiday season.
Home On The Range For The Holidays
When: December 22 to 23, 2023 | 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Where: The Monument Realty PGA District | 3255 PGA Parkway, Frisco
More info
A delightful Christmas experience awaits friends and families with activities like putting for presents, meeting real reindeer and a Texas longhorn, riding the Fields Ranch Holiday Express train and more. Also, enjoy a nightly tree lighting ceremony with Santa and special guests like Dude Perfect. Festive food, unique treasures and holiday packages at Omni PGA Frisco Resort complete the magical evening.
Santa At The Star
When: December 22 to 24, 2023 | See the full schedule
Where: The Star District | 3620 The Star Blvd, Suite 1205
Reserve
It is almost Christmas, so it is time to capture the season's magic with Santa at The Star District in Frisco from December 6 to 24, 2023. Presented by Monument Realty, Santa welcomes all to his custom Dallas Cowboys cottage. Take home memories with a photo package including a printed 5×7 photo and an exclusive Cowboys gift for each child.
We Them Grays: Holiday Special
When: December 23, 2023 | 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Echo Lounge & Music Hall | 1323 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas
Tickets
Immerse yourself in the magical melodies of the We Them Grays: Holiday Special on December 23, 2023. Held at the prestigious Echo Lounge & Music Hall in Dallas, this highly anticipated concert promises an unforgettable night of soul-stirring tunes and captivating performances. Gather friends and family and take the chance to experience the enchantment of We Them Grays live on stage.
Holiday Pub Crawl
When: December 23, 2023 | 9:00 p.m.
Where: Legacy Hall | 7800 Windrose Ave, Plano
More info
Embark on a festive journey at the holiday pub crawl on December 23, 2023, starting at 9:00 p.m. The merry event unfolds inside Plano's Legacy Hall at three fantastic spots: Scruffy Duffies, Ringo's Pub and Bottle Rockets Bar. Revel in the holiday spirit with a DJ, enticing drink specials and abundant holiday cheer that promises to make each stop 'pour-fect'.
Pearl's Christmas Eve Dinner
When: December 24, 2023 | 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Where: Pearl | 4640 McKinney Ave., # 130, Dallas
Reserve
Celebrate Christmas Eve at Pearl, 4640 McKinney Ave., #130, Dallas. Open from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.; Pearl invites you to enjoy Chef Shine Tamaoki's tastefully progressive sushi and holiday-inspired cocktails with a Japanese twist. Reserve your table for a memorable Christmas Eve dinner at Pearl, and prepare to revel in the festive atmosphere and unique flavors as you mark the holiday season.
Christmas Eve & Day Dinner Feast
When: December 24 to 25, 2023 | 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Ryder Cup Grille | 3725 PGA Parkway, Frisco
Tickets
Celebrate Christmas with a delectable feast at Ryder Cup Grille. Let Ryder Cup Grille handle the cooking as they present a special prix fixe menu featuring prime rib or glazed ham. Guests can complement their meals with additional sides, specialty cocktails, beer and wine, available at an extra cost. While reservations are not required, they are highly recommended through OpenTable or by calling (469) 888-5850.
A Feast of Seven Fishes Wine Dinner At Urban Seafood Co.
When: December 24, 2023 | 5:30 p.m.
Where: Urban Seafood Company | 1104 14th St, Plano
Tickets
Indulge in the Feast of Seven Fishes Wine Dinner at Urban Seafood Co. on December 24, 2023. This exquisite dining experience offers a seven-course meal with Deven wines for $125 per person. Seating commences at 5:30 p.m., and the dinner begins at 6:00 p.m. Secure your tickets for this delightful culinary event, where each course is expertly paired with a complementary wine, creating a memorable and tasteful celebration.
Lights On The Farm
When: December 22 to 30, 2023 | See the full schedule
Where: Heritage Farmstead Museum | 1900 West 15th Street, Plano
Tickets
Embark on a magical journey at the Heritage Farmstead Museum's Lights on the Farm. Witness the historic farmstead transformed into a winter wonderland with over a million lights and enchanting holiday displays and delight in the quarter-mile trail featuring holiday light creations and animated displays by First Choice Lights. Also, enjoy festive treats, meet Santa in his farm shop and create lasting memories with family.
Light Park Frisco
When: December 22, 2023 to January 1, 2024 | See the full schedule
Where: Riders Field | 7300 Rough Riders Trail, Frisco
Tickets
Experience the most electrifying light show south of the North Pole at Light Park in Frisco! From December 20, 2023, to January 1, 2024, enjoy a dazzling display of millions of Christmas lights synchronized with festive music. Located at Riders Field, this drive-through light show is perfect for brightening your Christmas holiday season. Get tickets for a magical evening of lights, music and holiday cheer.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
When: December 22 to January 13, 2023 | See the full schedule
Where: Little Elm Park | 701 W Eldorado Pkwy, Little Elm
More info
Little Elm Park hosts a spellbinding event: Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience. Enchanting lights and theatrical wonders bring the world of wizards to life. Visitors embark on a trail through a magical forest, encountering creatures like hippogriffs and unicorns. Armed with wands, attendees can cast spells and conjure patronuses, delight in Harry Potter-inspired food, capture memories with fun photos and immerse themselves in the enchantment of Harry Potter.
World of Barbie
When: December 22, 2023 to January 31, 2024 | See the full schedule
Where: Stonebriar Centre | 2601 Preston Rd, Frisco
Tickets
Get ready to embark on a Barbie adventure at Stonebriar Centre this weekend, and immerse yourself in Barbie's world as you explore her iconic Dreamhouse, relax in the full-size DreamCamper van by West Coast Customs, journey to intergalactic destinations on the Barbie interstellar rocket, record your masterpiece in Barbie sound studio and revisit Barbie dolls spanning over six decades of fun!
Dinosaurs Live! Life-Size Animatronic Dinosaurs Exhibit
When: December 23, 2023, to February 19, 2024 | See the full schedule
Where: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary | 1 Nature Pl, McKinney
More info
The Dinosaurs Live! Life-Size Animatronic Dinosaurs exhibit, located at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, lets you travel back along a half-mile trail with lifelike animatronic dinosaurs that come alive, moving, and roaring, offering an enthralling experience and fascinating facts about herbivorous and carnivorous dinosaurs. Enjoy interactive elements, a photo-op with a tyrannosaurus rex and an outdoor fossil dig.
Even More Great Things To Do This Weekend In Dallas & Collin County
Holiday To Go Specials From Chido Taco Lounge
When: Order by December 22 for pickup at December 23 or 24
Where: Chido Taco Lounge | 6959 Lebanon Rd #123, Frisco
More info
Kevin Fowler: Deck The Dancehalls Tour
When: December 22, 2023 | 9:00 p.m.
Where: Billy Bob's Texas | 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth
More info
Live Music: Holiday Edition With Tim German
When: December 23, 2023 | 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Shops at Willow Bend | 7400 Windrose Ave, Plano
More info
Photos with Santa At The Shops at Willow Bend
When: December 22 to 24, 2023 | See the full schedule
Where: The Shops at Willow Bend | 6121 West Park Blvd, Plano
Reserve
Tanner Usrey At Billy Bob’s Texas
When: December 23, 2023 | 10:00 p.m.
Where: Billy Bob's Texas | 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth
More info
Save The Date!
Nochebuena: A Christmas Spectacular At The Eisemann Center
When: December 29, 2023 | 8:00 p.m.
Where: The Eisemann Center | 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson
Tickets
Experience the enchanting celebration of Nochebuena: A Christmas Spectacular at The Eisemann Center on December 29, where you can immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Mexican Christmas traditions, blending indigenous culture, Spanish heritage and diverse influences. Witness the vibrant performances by Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles and Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuellar as they bring to life the spirit of Nochebuena.
1920’s Prohibition Themed New Year’s Eve Experience
When: December 31, 2023 | 6:00 p.m.
Where: Red Phone Booth - The Colony | 5774 Grandscape Blvd, Suite 100, The Colony
Tickets
Step back to the Roaring Twenties with the 1920s prohibition-themed New Year's Eve experience at Red Phone Booth on December 31, 2023. Immerse yourself in the era's glamour with a premium open bar, a delightful dinner buffet, a champagne toast and party favors. Experience the excitement with a performance by Jeff Platt and dance the night away with a late-night DJ.
Sensing Deep Space: Pandora's Cluster
When: January 7 to February 4, 2024 | 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Eisemann Center | 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson
More info
Embark on a celestial journey at the Eisemann Center with Sensing Deep Space: Pandora's Cluster. Created by the nonprofit SciArt Exchange in collaboration with the University of Texas at Dallas, this immersive installation transforms the distant wonders of Pandora's Cluster into a multisensory experience. Fusing cutting-edge technologies, artistry and science, the exhibit, funded by The Eisemann Edge Initiative, opens its doors on January 6, 2024.
The Eisemann Center Presents The Hot Sardines
When: January 19, 2023 | 8:00 p.m.
Where: The Eisemann Center | 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson
More info
The Eisemann Center presents The Hot Sardines in the Hill Performance Hall. With a mission to revive classic jazz and demonstrate the unifying power of joyful music, The Hot Sardines have graced renowned stages, from the Newport jazz festival to the Montreal jazz festival, selling out venues worldwide. Join them for an unforgettable performance that transcends time and showcases the timeless quality of their music.