The holiday season will look quite a bit different this year, but one thing that won’t change are the ever-present, ever-looked-forward-to holiday light displays throughout the McKinney, TX community.
“We’re fortunate that so many people in our area choose to go all out and share the festive feel for their neighbors, friends and community,” says Doris Lea, Executive Director of Hidden Springs of McKinney, a luxury retirement community that is now open in McKinney, TX. “Best of all for 2020, driving around to look at holiday lights is a perfect socially distanced activity. I personally am looking forward to getting in my car, turning on my favorite holiday tunes and heading out to enjoy all the displays this year.”
Normally, neighborhoods in McKinney are lit up and ready to go by December 1, depending on the weather. While individual homes throughout the area have wonderful displays, there are a wide variety of neighborhoods in the area who put on a coordinated decorating effort.
“Few things are more magical than driving through an entire neighborhood filled with the holiday spirit,” says Doris. “It’s a special way to feel connected to our neighbors and community and really celebrate the season.”
Grab a thermos of hot cocoa, bundle up the family and hop into the car to enjoy an evening filled with holiday sights, sounds and enjoyment. Here are some of the standouts you can’t miss. Be sure to check with the neighborhoods and the various sites before you head off, as dates and times may change due to COVID-19.
City Events
Holiday at the Arboretum 2020
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden
November 7 – December 31
Holiday at the Arboretum, presented by Reliant, is a favorite holiday tradition. Stroll the garden to see the 25-foot-tall, elaborately decorated, Victorian-style gazebos that represent each of the 12 Days of Christmas. In the evenings, the garden comes to life for a beautiful nighttime experience aglow with over one million lights. Enjoy visits with Santa Claus, entertainment, shopping, food and beverage options and more.
Dallas Zoo Lights 2020
On select nights between November 20 and January 3, guests can drive through the Dallas Zoo’s ‘winter wonderland.’ More than one million sparking lights and lighted displays will be featured. The more than one-mile-long driving path will take guests on a winding route through areas of the zoo that haven’t been open to the public for years, and then through ZooNorth and back out the front entrance.
Take a drive to Grand Prairie, TX, to see one of the largest and best light displays in the area. Upon arriving at the entrance of Prairie Lights, you will be dazzled with four million lights set along two miles of path. Hundreds of all-new displays in shapes of all kinds line and arch over the roads. The second half of the drive ends with the new and improved light tunnel – the perfect finale to a night you will never forget.
Neighborhood Displays
Village of Eldorado
Eldorado Pkwy at Country Club Drive | McKinney (Use 2600 Carriage Trail to find the neighborhood)
Typically, starting the last weekend in November and going through December 30, nightly
The Village of Eldorado holds their lighting contest in mid-December. This has historically been one of the few neighborhoods in the McKinney area that decorates for the holiday. Favorite streets include Club Lake Trail (cartoon characters), upper Augusta (nativity scenes and angels), upper Colonial Circle (Santa), Wind Ridge (Songs of Christmas) and Brookside Lane (lighting lining the street).
Tucker Hill
2100 State Boulevard | McKinney
Early December through January 1, nightly
For that quintessential small town feeling of years past, drive through the neighborhood of Tucker Hill, located off Hwy 380, between North Custer Road and Lake Forest Drive This is a great place for a romantic or family walk away from chaos. In mid-December, neighborhood judges select the winner of the Tucker Hill light contest.
Winding Creek, McKinney
Use Greystone Court for your GPS as there are two homes here decorated to the hilt. From there, drive the circle of Pecan Hollow Trail where there are several homes lit with displays. This is a great stop if you need to find several displays within the same subdivision.
Individual Homes
5308 Grovewood Drive | McKinney
November 20 through January 1, 6 – 9 p.m. Sunday – Thursday; 6 – 10 p.m. Friday – Saturday
This home added new lights to their light show in 2019 and has decorated two additional homes. You may see the display on YouTube here or visit their website.
1408 Bristlewood Drive | McKinney
November 27 through December 31, 6 –10 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 6 – 11 p.m. Friday – Sunday
The homeowners begin working on this 150,000-light display, spreading over their front and backyards, the second week in September. The lights “dance” to eight different songs.
3500 Greystone Court | McKinney
Runs December 1 – 31, 5 – 10 p.m. weeknights; 5 – 11 p.m. weekends
This large corner lot is well-coordinated and stunning. There’s even a digital Santa display, weather permitting! Be sure to check out the homes on Pecan Hollow and follow the circle around to see the other homes lit up for the holidays.
Runs December 1 through January 1, 5:30 – 10:30 weeknights, 5:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. on Friday & Saturday
For the light show, there are 33,000 lights on 64 channels with projectors, floods and other surprises. Tune to 107.7 FM. Accepting donations for Wounded Warrior in conjunction with Team Rubicon.
8624 Palermo Way | McKinney
Runs typically Thanksgiving Day through January 1 from 5 – 11 p.m.
Over 10,000 lights and about one hundred characters and yard decorations, yet all done tastefully with a focus on the reason for the season. View a video here.
Now Through December 31, 6 – 11 p.m. nightly
About 15,000 lights including reindeer, snowmen, wreaths, lawn decor, poinsettias, Christmas trees, Santa’s Sleigh, dancing Santa Window Display and a life-size Santa window display.
Thanksgiving Day through December 31, 5 p.m. – 1 a.m. nightly
This “gingerbread house” is made up of 12,500 lights, wreaths, balls and yard art. This will be a long-time favorite of the kids and adults. Everything at this home is created and installed by the homeowner, which takes 26 hours to install!
5912 White Pine Drive | McKinney
Runs December 1 – 29, 7 – 9:30 p.m. nightly (unless raining or snowing).
It’s that time of year where the Hunt family displays their Christmas spirit. 2019’s show, “Winter Wonderland in Motion,” featured the theme from Frozen. Visit the Hunt Family’s YouTube Channel.
6020 White Pine Drive | McKinney
December 6 through January 1, Sunday – Thursday, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. and Friday – Saturday, 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
A 32-channel light show with over 12,000 lights, a Singing Santa, ten mini Christmas trees and one mega Christmas tree.
709 Windy Hill Drive | McKinney
Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, 6 – 10 p.m. nightly
Over 10,000 lights and sixteen characters, sixteen channels broadcasting over 96.5 FM. Santa waving from his sleigh, toy soldiers flanking the driveway, and a wooden carousel with animals create a delightful display.
Luxury Living in North Dallas
At Hidden Springs of McKinney, we understand how important location is to North Dallas seniors who are looking for an engaging, enriching retirement lifestyle. Located in McKinney, Texas, we are close to medical centers, arts and entertainment, outdoor opportunities and everything else you love about this area. Seniors who choose to make us their home can enjoy a range of trips, opportunities and activities while living their very best life thanks to our innovative focus on wellness.
Active Retirement Living for a Healthy Tomorrow
The Secret to a Life Well Lived awaits you at Hidden Springs of McKinney. Envisioned and developed by Madison Marquette, a company with a 25-year track record of investing in vibrant communities and a stellar reputation for developing luxury residences, you’ll discover all the possibilities your retirement brings … as well as the confidence of knowing your future is secure.
Our beautifully appointed, active retirement living community is created for those who expect more out of life. Luxury living, gracious services, resort-quality amenities, engaging programs and stunning apartments in 15 floor plans are just a few of the benefits awaiting you. And with Assisted Living and Memory Care services offered on campus, you can retire with complete peace of mind, knowing that if needs change, the care you deserve is right at home.
To learn more about Hidden Springs of McKinney and discover The Secret to a Life Well Lived, call or visit us today. We’d be happy to schedule a tour and show you just how much our location can make your retirement experience exceptional.
Call us today at 972.483.0234.