McKinney hosts Thanksgiving weekend tree lighting and festival

McKinney Main Street is hosting its annual "Home for the Holidays" event during Thanksgiving weekend in Historic Downtown McKinney. The three-day celebration runs from Friday, November 27 through Sunday, November 29, 2026. Admission to the festival is free and open to the public, with no tickets required.

The centerpiece of the weekend is the Community Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday at 6:15 p.m. in the heart of downtown. The tree, located at the square (111 N. Tennessee St.), is funded through donations to the Community Christmas Tree campaign, which covers the cost of the tree, lights, and ceremony.

Shops along the route will participate in Small Business Saturday, with more than 180 local businesses open during the event. Vendors generally accept cards, though some may take cash. ATMs are available in select bars and restaurants.

Festival hours vary by day. The square is open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Entertainment includes live holiday music, Santa appearances, a Ferris wheel over the decorated square, and a carousel.

Traffic within the festival footprint will be closed to vehicles. Public parking is available in lots throughout the surrounding downtown area. Free shuttle services operate from two locations: First McKinney Baptist Church at 1615 W. Louisiana St. near Highway 75, and City Hall at 401 E. Virginia St. to Chestnut Street. Shuttles run approximately every 15 minutes with continuous round-trip service.

Shuttle hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, only the City Hall shuttle operates from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A downloadable map detailing stages and activity zones will be published closer to the event.

Attendees are advised to arrive early for the tree lighting. Prohibited items include coolers, outside alcohol, weapons, drones, skateboards, and scooters. Leashed pets and strollers are permitted outdoors. The event proceeds rain or shine.