37 days to the Tree Lighting
Free and open to the public, all three days, in Historic Downtown McKinney. Come and go as you like — select rides and attractions are the only paid extras.
Location: Historic Downtown McKinney, 111 N. Tennessee St.
Park nearby and walk in
Streets inside the festival footprint close to traffic. Public lots surround the district; the free shuttle runs from First McKinney Baptist Church, 1615 W. Louisiana St., near Hwy 75.
Shuttles run roughly every 15 minutes with continuous round-trip service. No shuttle on Sunday.
Friday at 6:15 p.m., a real Christmas tree lights up in the heart of Historic Downtown McKinney.
The ceremony is the official start of the holiday festivities and a beloved downtown tradition — the moment the whole weekend gathers around, for families, friends and visitors of every age.
Anyone can help keep it going: the Community Christmas Tree fundraising campaign accepts donations of any size, and they're what brings the tree to McKinney each year.
Any size helps
Donations to the Community Christmas Tree campaign cover the tree, the lights and the lighting ceremony itself.
Contact Main Street to give →Stroll the decorated streets, catch holiday music on the way past, and gather with the community to start the season.
Playful, welcoming and spread across downtown so a family can dip in and out between shops.
Life-sized Holiday Post Cards, decorated streetscapes and festive seasonal displays are set up around downtown for capturing the season.
Locations are marked on the festival map when it publishes.
Savory meals, sweet treats and festive drinks from downtown businesses and authorized festival vendors, plus artisan goods in the marketplace. Vendor lists publish closer to the event.
Downtown McKinney sits inside the Cultural District, so a drink bought from a licensed downtown restaurant, winery or authorized festival vendor can travel with you while you walk, shop or sit. Alcohol isn't permitted in city-owned garages, some parks or certain city facilities — follow posted signage and event staff.
Still stuck? The Main Street team answers the phone.
Public parking is available throughout Historic Downtown McKinney, with multiple lots surrounding the festival area. Streets inside the footprint are closed to traffic, so park nearby and walk in. A complimentary shuttle runs Friday and Saturday during peak hours.
Yes. Historic Downtown McKinney is part of the Downtown Cultural District, which allows public consumption of alcohol in designated areas. Drinks must be purchased from a licensed downtown restaurant, winery or authorized festival vendor, and may be consumed while walking, shopping or sitting within the district.
Alcohol is not permitted in certain areas, including city-owned parking garages, some city parks and specific city facilities. Please follow posted signage and guidance from event staff.
Yes. The weekend is designed for all ages, with family-friendly entertainment, visits with Santa, children's activities, costumed characters and festive experiences throughout downtown.
Live holiday music, seasonal performances, family activities, visits with Santa, children's arts and crafts, a petting zoo, a carousel and Ferris wheel, festive photo opportunities, and holiday shopping and dining across Historic Downtown McKinney.
Yes. Strollers and wagons are welcome throughout the festival area.
Service animals and service animals in training are welcome. Pets are allowed in outdoor areas but must be leashed at all times; owners are responsible for cleaning up after them and should be mindful of crowds and noise.
Yes. The festival takes place on public streets and sidewalks in Historic Downtown McKinney and is wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking and routes are available throughout the area.
Lost and Found and the Found Children / Lost Parents area are located at the designated event information point in Historic Downtown McKinney. Event staff and volunteers can assist.
Restrooms are located throughout the festival area. ATMs are available at select bars and restaurants downtown. First aid assistance is available onsite during festival hours.
For safety: coolers, outside alcohol not purchased from a licensed downtown business or authorized festival vendor, weapons, drones, skateboards, scooters or similar devices, and unauthorized sales or solicitations.
No. Smoking and vaping are not allowed near festival tents, activity areas or business entrances.
Home for the Holidays is a rain-or-shine event. Some activities or performances may be delayed or canceled if conditions become unsafe for attendees, staff or performers.
Most vendors and downtown businesses accept credit and debit cards, and some may also accept cash. Availability varies by vendor.
Vendors, performers, volunteers and sponsors — there are a dozen ways into the holiday weekend.
