We have so many things to be grateful for including the number of ways to celebrate our thankfulness as a community. Here is a list of all sorts of ways to celebrate the holiday weekend courtesy of our friends at the McKinney Convention And Visitors Bureau. Happy Thanksgiving!
32nd Dickens of a Christmas (Friday-Saturday)
Enjoy an old fashioned family holiday festival with horse-drawn carriages, strolling carolers, visits with Santa Claus, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony (on Friday at 6:30 p.m. in Mitchell Park) and activities for all ages. Seasonal music, food and children's activities provided by local organizations will take center stage during the event. And for some chilly fun, the snow hill is back by popular demand! You are encouraged to spend the weekend enjoying all the activities and taking advantage of the many great shops, restaurants and entertainment choices. It's the perfect start to the holiday season! Events take place in and around the historic downtown square.
A Christmas Carol (Friday-Sunday)
This classic holiday tradition from the McKinney Repertory Theatre tells the story of greed and redemption. On Christmas Eve, the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge faces his dead partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Tickets are available online at MPAC box office or by calling 214-544-4630. Tickets are $10, adult; $7, seniors & students; $5 kids 12 and under. In the Courtroom Theatre at the McKinney Performing Arts Center Friday-Sunday at 2 p.m., and Friday-Saturday at 5 p.m
Believe Run/Santa Chase (Saturday)
The 7th Annual Believe 10K/5K/1 mile holiday run/walk takes place Saturday at 7 a.m. through historic downtown McKinney. In just 6 short years, runners have helped donate $75,000 to local Holy 
Family School's Scholarship Fund. The run also hosts the Pair to Care initiative. Click here for info on registration/packet pick-up at CK Sports. Registration also available Saturday morning. Great Santa Chase (free) starts at 8:15 a.m
November Art Exhibits
McKinney's galleries are featuring the following artists this month:
Garret Gallery: Garret artists Clara Stovall, Ginny Bitting, Babs Light, Gail Delger, and Marian Hirsch; 111 E. Virginia; 972-548-9361.
Imaging on the Square: Jewelry artist Joy Jones. 109 S. Tennessee, 972-548-7575.
Laura Moore Fine Art: Peggy Epner; 107 S Tennessee. 214-914-3630.
Orisons Art & Framing: Santa artist Brenda Brannon;. 110 E. Louisiana, 972-529-1441
Entertainment This Weekend
Cadillac Pizza Pub: Quinten Hope (Fri.); Joey Love & Love Machine (Sat.)
Hank's: Brandon Jenkins (Fri.); John David Kent (pictured,Sat.)
Grand/Rick's: Melissa Medlock (Fri.); Dickens on the Square (Sat.)
Grotto: Maylee Thomas (Fri.); Jone All-Star Band (Sat.)
Landon Winery: Tu-Tones (Fri.); Aaron Burton (Sat.)
Lone Star Wine Cellars: John Griffith (Fri.); Steve Rose (Sat.)
Spoons Cafe: Open Mic (Thur.); Live Music (Fri.-Sat.)
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
Dinosaurs Live! on the nature trails at the Heard Natural Science Museum. 972-562-5566.
SATURDAY, Nov. 24
Franconia Brewery Tour: Bavarian brewmeister Dennis Wehrmann shares his knowledge and laughs. Tour fee of $5 gets you the tour and tastings. 495 McKinney Pkwy., 972-542-0705.
COMING NEXT WEEK
Mark your calendars now for these activities next week.
Steel Magnolia Concert, MPAC, 8 p.m., 11/29.
A Christmas Carol continues, MPAC, 11/30-12/2.
Holiday Parade of Lights, downtown square, 12/1, 6:30 p.m.
39th Holiday Tour of Homes, Chestnut Square & historic district, 12/1-2
Still looking for something to do this holiday weekend? Be sure to check out the TownSquareBuzz.com Community Events calendar. Feel free to add your own event while you are there.