As the winter weather finally hits North Texas, the city of McKinney is bustling with holiday events that beckon residents to bundle up and be merry.

Polar Express Pajama Party takes place Thursday at McKinney Performing Arts Center


From 5:30-8:30 p.m. Volunteer McKinney will be hosting the Polar Express Pajama Party at MPAC. Each ticket allows one child and one adult to participate in Christmas crafts, cookie decorating, a visit with Santa in his “tiny house” workshop complete with goodie bags, photos, and a viewing of the movie, "The Polar Express." For more info, click here.

Swing music takes over downtown McKinney on Friday night


At 8 p.m. on Friday, the McKinney Performing Arts Center will be home to Swing'n the Holidays: The Jive Aces. The Jive Aces was the first band to reach the semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent in 2012, followed by performances for Her Majesty The Queen as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the Olympic and Paralympic celebrations. The Jive Aces have established themselves as the UK's top jive and swing band. McKinney is the only stop on the US leg of their world tour. Tickets are $38 for adults, $33 for seniors and $28 for students and kids. For more info, click here.

Santa comes to McKinney for breakfast with your kids


Saturday morning, parents are invited to bring their children to Breakfast with Santa from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the McKinney Community Center, 2001 S. Central Expressway. Guests will enjoy breakfast, train rides, arts and crafts, and a visit from Santa. Children can wear pajamas. Pre-registration is required, no walk-ins allowed. The breakfast is $10 for residents, $15 for non-residents and children 1 year old and younger are free. For more info, click here.

Santa brings his workshop to the square through December


Heads up parents—there is a tiny workshop on the square that is filled with holiday cheer as Santa tinkers away and, if you have booked a time, he will be ready to pose with your children during the first three Fridays and Saturdays of December. Bookings include two 4 x 6 inch photos in a keepsake folder. Additional sizes are available on site. Mrs. Claus will be on hand on Sunday afternoons and Thursday evenings for tours of the workshop. Santa’s workshop is a custom-made tiny house and Santa is taking time from his busy schedule to pose for pictures before Christmas.

The tiny house was designed by Studio 2547 and built by Evergreen McKinney with electrical provided by Top Notch Electrician. The vintage interior design is provided by Kaci Lyford of Patina Green. Mercedes Benz of McKinney is sponsoring the Santa events and TomK Photography will be providing the keepsake photos. For more info, click here.