North Texas rolls into Thanksgiving week with a full mix of family gatherings, lighter work schedules and the early pull of the holiday season. The cooler weather brings a steady wave of events, from community traditions to new seasonal openings, giving residents plenty of options without overpacking the calendar.Â
For those looking to get out of the house, pace the week or simply try something different, here are ten ways to make the most of Nov. 24–27.
When: Nov. 25, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Local Good Coffee Co., 201 Legacy Drive, Plano
More info
A neighborhood hangout turns into a full-blown block party with live music, kid-friendly games and plenty of ways to burn off energy between sips of caffeine. Guests can browse local vendors for early holiday finds, let the kids bounce and explore, or jump into casual rounds of pickleball and volleyball. It’s a come-as-you-are kind of afternoon where coffee powers the parents and the fun practically runs itself.Â
When: Nov. 26, 2025 | Doors open 6:30 p.m. Showtime 7:30 p.m.
Where: Mic Drop Comedy Plano, 7301 Lone Star Dr., Suite A-110, Plano
More info
Holiday prep can wait when a crew of comedy-loving moms takes the mic to share the kind of stories that hit a little too close to home. With performers who’ve appeared everywhere from national TV to Texas festivals, the lineup promises quick wit, real-life chaos and laugh-through-the-stress energy. It’s a midweek escape where the only thing getting roasted is the punchline.
Photo: TX Runs
When: Nov. 27, 2025 | 7:30 a.m.
Where: Red Tail Pavilion, 2801 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano
More info
A morning run feels a lot sweeter when it ends with fresh donuts, and this holiday 5K leans into that reward with zero shame. Runners, walkers and little racers can hit the trail for a quick loop before celebrating at the finish line with treats and plenty of community cheer. It’s an easy way to kick off the day, make room for whatever comes next and support a local charity in the process.
When: Nov. 24, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026 | 7:30 a.m.
Where: Frisco Square, 8874 Coleman Blvd., Frisco
More info
Holiday lights take center stage as this longtime tradition turns an entire square into a glowing, music-filled playground of color and cheer. Visitors can wander through towering displays, catch the choreographed light show, or lace up for real-ice skating right in the middle of the festivities. With extras like Santa visits and a bustling Christmas tree lot, it’s the kind of winter outing that keeps the season shining long after the first switch flips.
Photo: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
When: Until Jan. 4, 2026
Where: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas
More info
Holiday magic blooms big as the gardens glow with towering displays, twinkling village corners and a fresh after-dark experience that turns every path into a canvas of color. Visitors can wander through shimmering gazebos, peek inside festive scenes and soak in the new illuminated art installations that bring the landscape to life. It’s a stroll that blends tradition with just enough sparkle to make the season feel brand new again.
When: Nov. 27, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa, 4341 PGA Parkway, Frisco
More info
A lavish holiday brunch steps into the spotlight with a spread built for serious grazing, from seasonal comfort dishes to an entire lineup of sweets worth dressing up for. Guests are greeted with champagne, live music and family photo ops that turn the meal into a full-on celebration. It’s a polished, festive way to gather, fill up and let someone else handle the cooking for a change. For more places to dine this Thanksgiving, click here.
Photo: Brian Ashcraft | Local Profile
When: Nov. 15-29, 2025
Where: Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas
More info
Holiday magic takes over as a whimsical winter wonderland returns, complete with immersive sets, sparkling photo ops and a few surprises hidden behind every frosted corner. Families can explore Santa’s village, step aboard a train bound for the North Pole and snap Instagram-worthy shots inside this larger-than-life holiday experience. It’s festive, playful and just the right mix of nostalgia and sparkle to kick off the season.
When: Nov 26 – 30, 2025
Where:Â Credit Union of Texas Event Center, 200 E. Stacy Road #1350, Allen
More info and tickets
Skaters, acrobats and a whole brigade of familiar characters team up for an ice show that feels part adventure, part sparkle and all Disney. Kids and grown-ups alike can follow along as the cast glides, flips and spins through a story packed with music and big crowd moments. It’s the kind of family outing where the magic happens on blades and the nostalgia sneaks up on you.
. Photo: Cosm
When: Nov. 24-28, 2025 | Times vary
Where: Cosm Dallas, 5776 Grandscape Blvd, The Colony
More info and showtimes
Sweet tooth or not, this cinematic twist on a classic story drops guests right into the middle of Wonka’s wild world as scenes shift, visuals bloom and the room seems to join in on the adventure. The film plays as usual, but the space around it transforms with immersive effects that pull everyone deeper into the chocolate-fueled chaos. It’s a multisensory ride that turns a beloved movie into something you can practically step inside.
When: Nov. 22, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026
Where: Vitruvian Park, 3875 Ponte Avenue, Addison
More info
Trees don’t just twinkle here — they practically put on a full light show. This holiday kickoff fills the night with music, glowing displays, costumed characters and plenty of cheerful chaos, from live reindeer to larger-than-life photo ops. Once the switch flips, the park glows nightly, giving everyone a chance to wander through the lights and soak in a little seasonal sparkle.
Don’t miss anything Local. Sign up for our free newsletter.