As the holiday season approaches, people seek fun and safe activities to do. With COVID-19 precautions leading to closures and changes, families, teens and adults may be left frustrated and confused about what exactly is open this year to celebrate the holidays. However, some events that comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention safety policies are open this year in Collin County. The following events are open to the public, but they may require reservations or tickets in advance. 

Christmas Lights

Neighborhood Lights

Multiple Cities in North Texas

• Free Admission

Radiance Holiday Lights

Dr. Pepper Ballpark, Frisco, Texas

Nov. 11 – Jan. 3

Listed as the No. 1 Drive-Through Light Show in Texas, the Radiance Lights have over two million lights and three different locations: Frisco, Decatur, and Weatherford.

• General Admission (per vehicle/up to eight people) – $30
• VIP Admission (per vehicle, includes hot chocolate, dedicated VIP lane, and magic light glasses for kids, not available for vehicles carrying more than 8 people) – $50

Luminova

Globe Life Field, Arlington, Texas

Dec. 13 – Jan. 3

With over 3,000,000 lights, a 65-foot tree, and 270,000 square feet, Luminova provides multiple different family-fun activities with the largest outdoor ice skating in Texas, light landscapes for pictures, and a train around the stadium.

• Adult (13-64 years) – $24.99 (non-peak day) or $29.99 (peak day)
• Child (4-12 years) – $14.99 (non-peak day) or $19.99 (peak day)
• Senior/Military (65+/Military/EMS/Fire/Police) – $19.99 (non-peak day) or $24.99 (peak day)
• Family (2 adults and up to three kids) – $59.99 (non-peak day) or $79.99 (peak day)

Amusement Parks

Six Flags Over Texas

2201 E Road to Six Flags St, Arlington, Texas

Nov. 20 – Jan. 4

With tons of lights and special activities, like meeting Santa and special holiday food items, with all with the same thrills and fun of Six Flags’ roller coasters.

• Tickets start at $29.99

Dallas Zoo Lights

650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, Texas

Nov. 20 – Jan. 3, 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Now a drive-through experience, the Dallas Zoo Lights have over a million lights and tons of special ways to keep the holiday cheer going during the pandemic. Please note, all tickets need to be purchased before your visit and online this year.

• Non-member tickets: $65 per car
• Member tickets: $50 per car

Special food packages including popcorn, cotton candy, hot chocolates, holiday-light necklaces and a voucher for a stay at the Reliant Holiday Village.

• Food package for two people: $38 for non-members, $28 for members
• Food package for four people (also includes 2 plush animals with all items above): $60 for non-members, $50 for members

Special Cities/Events

Grapevine, Texas

November – December

Named the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” Grapevine has many great holiday events, like their North Pole Express train ride, and is a perfect destination for everyone in your family. One of their slogans are “More than 1,400 events in 40 days!”

Christmas in the Square

Nov. 27 – Jan. 4

Christmas in the Square is located in Frisco, Texas, and draws over 750,000 visitors annually. Families, friends and holiday guests from all over come and enjoy the spectacular show. The holiday lights and music will run daily 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors may tune in to 107.3 FM on the radio in their vehicles, or listen to the music piped through speakers as they take a walk through the Square. This show is free to the public while special activities, like outdoor ice-skating, will need tickets that can be purchased at the activity.

• Skate the Square: $15 for individual
• Visits with Santa: $10 for individual, $15 for group
• Horse Carriages: $10 per person

One-Time Events

Journey to Christmas Live Nativity

Dec. 11 – 12, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

6565 Independence Pkwy, Plano, Texas

Pick up a treat or the “Journey to Christmas Value Pack” from the adjacent McDonald’s and then head to St. Paul Lutheran for a trip through Bethlehem and six lively scenes leading up to the birth of Christ. They ask that you please RSVP at the link to let them know you’re coming, with absolutely no cost.

 A Texas Prairie Christmas 

1900 W 15th St, Plano, Texas

Dec. 10-12, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Lights, lanterns, longhorns and a holiday tour of the historic property at Heritage Farmstead Museum. Take a contactless photo with Santa on his tractor and enjoy cocoa and holiday tunes. Limited capacity for each tour time slot with 10 people per tour.

• Tickets: $30