Allen will light its city Christmas tree at Holly Jolly on Saturday, Dec. 5, the centerpiece of a holiday schedule the city's parks and recreation department posted on its news page. The city bills the lineup as free and low-cost events.
Holly Jolly runs from 4 to 8 p.m. in downtown Allen and includes the tree lighting, a 5K and fun run, a drone show, light displays, food trucks and children's activities, according to the city. Credit Union of Texas is the presenting sponsor.
The rest of the calendar
- Letters to Santa, Nov. 28 to Dec. 12: Children can drop letters at Joe Farmer Recreation Center, Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center or Don Rodenbaugh Aquatics Center, or use an online form, and get a reply by mail. It is free.
- Santa Paws, Thursday, Dec. 10, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Leashed dogs can pose with Santa at the Allen Train Depot, 100 E. Main St. Registrants get a printed photo, and donations go to the Allen Animal Shelter.
- North Pole, Saturday, Dec. 12, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Joe Farmer Recreation Center turns into Santa's workshop with a toy shop, crafts, breakfast with Santa and photos. Registration is required, and the first 100 participants get breakfast free.
- Pictures with the Reinsteer, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 6 to 8 p.m.: Visitors can walk the decorated downtown and take photos with a live longhorn steer in the alcove under the lights. Bring your own camera.
- Pet Santa's Reindeer, Thursday, Dec. 17, 5 to 8 p.m.: Live reindeer visit the barn at Allen Heritage Village, 450 St. Mary Drive. It is free.
- Sweaters, Santa and Skating, Saturday, Dec. 19, 1 to 4 p.m.: The Allen Community Ice Rink, 200 E. Stacy Road, Suite 1350, holds a holiday skate with games, prizes and a Santa visit. Admission is $7 and skate rental is $3, or free with a donated nonperishable food item.
