Dickens of a Christmas

Friday, November 26, 2010: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday, November 27, 2010: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday, November 28, 2010: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Downtown McKinney’s premier festival, the 30th Annual Dickens of a Christmas, is the perfect start to the holiday season! This magical event is free to the public, and free shuttle service will be provided. Click here for the entertainment schedule.

Santa will be located in The Gallery of the McKinney Performing Arts Center. Entertainment Photos will be offering photo packages if you choose to purchase; however, visits with Santa are free to the public. The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Friday, November 26 at 6:15 p.m. in Mitchell Park, located one block west of the square. Don't miss a special message from Mayor Brian Loughmiller, then follow Santa back to the square to enjoy the spirit of the season.

Take a horse drawn carriage ride through the Historic District. Free carriage rides will be offered at the Heard-Craig Center for the Arts, just two blocks off the square.

McKinney Repertory Theatre presents "A Christmas Carol"
Friday and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.

Lone Star Wine Cellars will be collecting toys for the local Toys for Tots campaign. Infinity Art Academy will host an array of events - Mrs. Claus "Story Time on the Hour," Puppet Theatre, and an Art Table to make your own Christmas Candy Paintings. Other activities include a bounce house, giant tic-tac-toe and hopscotch games, and "A Christmas Story" playing outdoors on Saturday at 5pm.

The Pantry Restaurant will collect canned food for the Collin County Food Pantry. You should also check out the Christmas photos and painting with Sip-N-Doodle, along with face painting, sand art, caricature drawings, pony rides, petting zoo and live reindeer. Freedom Church will be taking blanket donations for The Samaritan Inn. Don’t forget about the popular 30-horse Dickens Carousel will be located on Tennessee Proper, and see the live nativity at the corner of Louisiana and Church Streets.