Historic Downtown McKinney's Thanksgiving weekend festival, Home for the Holidays: A McKinney Christmas, returns for its 46th year Nov. 27-29, and this year the city is adding a second free shuttle so visitors can park at City Hall.
The city announced the festival lineup Monday. Admission is free all three days; select rides and attractions cost extra, according to the McKinney Main Street event page.
Hours and the tree lighting
The festival runs from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27, and Saturday, Nov. 28, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29, centered on the square at 111 N. Tennessee St.
The Community Christmas Tree lighting, the event's traditional kickoff, is set for 6:15 p.m. Friday. The tree, its lights and the ceremony are paid for by donations to the Community Christmas Tree campaign, the Main Street page says.
Attractions listed by the city include a Ferris wheel over the decorated square, a carousel, Snow Hill, train rides, model train displays, a petting zoo, children's crafts and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus throughout the weekend, along with live holiday music and a holiday marketplace.
The weekend also overlaps Black Friday and Small Business Saturday for the downtown district's more than 180 locally owned shops and restaurants.
"With three days of holiday activities, entertainment, and opportunities to support our local businesses, we're excited to welcome families and visitors," Cultural District Director Andrew Jones said in the city's announcement.
