December events:
Through Jan. 3 | Enjoy a colorful Christmas
The Crayola Experience’s Colorful Christmas festivities began Nov. 19 and will continue into the new year. Check out a giant snow globe, meet Randy the Reindeer, listen to Forest Green the Singing Christmas Tree and make some crafts. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.; Sun., Jan. 1); 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sat.-Sun.) Free (age 2 and younger), $24.99 (age 3 and up online general admission), $27.99 (age 3 and up day of admission). 6121 W. Park Blvd., Ste. A100, Plano. www.crayolaexperience.com/plano/things-to-do/colorful-christmas
Dec. 14-18 | See a holiday musical
The North Texas Performing Arts Community Theatre presents “Scrooge, The Musical,” by award-winning songwriter Leslie Bricusse. The event will also include Christmas carol singing before the show. A performance Dec. 14, coined its “Gift to the Community,” for veterans as well as underprivileged and disadvantaged children, families and groups will have free admission. 7 p.m. (Dec. 14, Gift to the Community performance); 7:30 p.m. (Dec. 15-17); 2:30 p.m. (Dec. 17-18). $20-$30 (general admission Dec. 15-18). Willow Bend Center for the Arts, 6121 W. Park Blvd., Ste. B216, Plano. www.visitplano.com/event/scrooge-the-musical-2022-2
Dec. 16 | Visit bars in an ugly sweater
Legacy Hall hosts a self-guided bar crawl through the establishment’s three floors featuring five bars. Tickets include five specialty drinks, one souvenir glass, a general admission ticket to the 8 p.m. concert in the Box Garden and access to an afterparty with DJ Yuna at the Tonic Bar & Lounge. Sweaters, onesies and costumes are encouraged. This event is only open for guests age 21 and older. Showtime is at 8 p.m., but the bar crawl is self-guided with no set start time. $50. 7800 Windrose Ave., Plano. www.prekindle.com/event/91411-ugly-sweater-bar-crawl-plano
Dec. 17-18, 22-23 | Take last-minute photos with Santa
The Shops at Legacy will host photo sessions with Santa Claus in partnership with Silverstar Pictures. Appointment slots are limited. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Dec. 17, 22, 23); 2-6 p.m. (Dec. 17, 18, 22, 23). $60 (individual visits), $90 (family visits). 7161 Bishop Road, Ste. G2, Plano. www.silverstarpicturessanta.com/copy-of-holiday-calendar
Dec. 18 | Participate in The Dreidel Race
The Dreidel Race presents a community-wide festival of lights 5K and a 1-mile fun run. Awards will be presented to overall male and female runners as well as specific age groups. 6:30 a.m. (race day registration and packet pickup), 7:45 a.m. (warmup), 8 a.m. (1-mile fun run), 8:15 a.m. (The Dreidel Race Chanukah Party), 8:30 a.m. (5K race), 9:30 a.m. (awards ceremony). $45 (5K through Dec. 17), $54 (5K race day), $29 (1-mile through Dec. 17), $36 (1-mile race day). Amphitheater at Oak Point Park, 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano. https://tinyurl.com/5965zzyx
Dec. 18 | Listen to songs of the season
The Plano Symphony Orchestra performs its “Home for the Holidays” concert at Christ United Methodist Church. The performance includes seasonal favorites, an audience sing-along, humor and a few surprises. The orchestra will be joined by the Plano Civic Chorus and Fela, conductor Héctor Guzmán’s niece who starred as Nala in the Mexican production of Disney’s “The Lion King.” 4 p.m., 7:30 p.m. $27-$78 (individual tickets, plus $3 service charge). 3101 Coit Road, Plano. https://planosymphony.org/home-for-the-holidays/
Dec. 21 | Watch ‘The Polar Express’
Get in pajamas and head to Legacy Hall as the space hosts its first “The Polar Express” movie night. A golden ticket includes admission to the Polar Express and a train ride around Legacy Hall. Hot chocolate and a photo opportunity inside a giant snow globe will also be included. 6:30 p.m. (check-in and dinner), 7 p.m. (showtime). Free (adults), $15 (per child). 7800 Windrose Ave., Plano. www.legacyfoodhall.com/event/polar-express-movie-night/?date=12/21-7:00pm
Dec. 22 | Decorate a gingerbread house
Central Market in Plano hosts this holiday tradition with authentic Swiss lebkuchen—or gingerbread—houses, lots of royal icing, and candy and edible decorations provided. Due to limited space, the class is limited to one house per person or one house per pair. A royal icing tutorial will be available, and tips will be offered for creating the best gingerbread house. This event is open to all ages, but children age 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. 1-2:30 p.m. $32.50-$65.
320 Coit Road, Plano. www.eventbrite.com/e/make-take-decorate-a-gingerbread-house-tickets-458730032877?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Dec. 23 | Enjoy a holiday light show
‘A Very Electric Christmas’ Lightwire Theater’s “A Very Electric Christmas” is coming to Courtyard Theater, featuring dancing toy soldiers, caroling worms and performing poinsettias. The story follows a young bird named Max and his family as they begin traveling south for the winter. However, when Max is blown off course, he ends up at the North Pole, where his adventure begins. Lightwire Theater features electroluminescent artistry and storytelling in complete darkness. 3 p.m., 7 p.m. ($37-$72). 1509 H Ave., Plano.www.visitplano.com/event/a-very-electric-christmas/2022-12-23/
January
Jan. 6-15 | See ‘Pride and Prejudice’
Jane Austen’s 1813 classic novel comes to life in this new adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” by Jon Jory. While finding a husband is not Elizabeth Bennet’s top priority, familial pressure and a string of unsuitable suitors make the subject inescapable, according to the event description. When Elizabeth meets Mr. Darcy, she is determined not to let her feelings outweigh her good sense. 7:30 p.m. (Jan. 6, 7, 13); 6 p.m. (Jan. 8); 3:30 p.m. (Jan. 15). $15. Art Centre Theatre, 1400 Summit Ave., Ste. E, Plano. www.artcentretheatre.com
Jan. 14 | Dance the night away
Fathers, or father figures, and daughters ages 4-14 can enjoy the Little Sweetheart Dance at the Plano Event Center. Music, dancing, a balloon drop, refreshments and photo opportunities will be available. 7-9 p.m. $20 (per person). 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano. 972-941-7740. www.plano.gov/1059/Little-Sweetheart-Dance
