Downtown McKinney hosts special holiday events, activities
Nov 30, 2008 Press Releases
For Immediate Release
For More Information, Please Call:
Anna Folmnsbee
Communications and Media Manager
972-547-7525
Ty Lake
Main Street Program Director
972-547-2662
Downtown McKinney hosts special holiday events, activities
Annual Dickens of a Christmas, Candlelight shopping and tree lighting on the list
Downtown McKinney hosts special holiday events, activities
Annual Dickens of a Christmas, Candlelight shopping and tree lighting on the list
McKINNEY, Texas (Nov. 25, 2008) � Thousands will visit Historic Downtown McKinney Nov. 28 through 30, as it transforms into a Victorian Christmas scene for the 28th annual Dickens of a Christmas event. The 160 year-old town square was recently improved with new lights, landscaping, benches, street paving and wider sidewalks, making it even more suitable for annual events like this one.
Dickens is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28 and Saturday, Nov. 29, and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30. A special tree-lighting ceremony is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. on Friday in Mitchell Park. Mayor Bill Whitfield and City Manager Frank Ragan will light McKinney’s living Christmas tree, planted in the park to serve the city for years to come. Singer Erica Lane will provide the entertainment.
“Dickens of a Christmas is McKinney’s premier festival that attracts visitors from all over the nation,” said Main Street Program Director Ty Lake. “This year will be even better, with new renovations to highlight our pedestrian-friendly atmosphere for shoppers looking for the perfect gift, diners relaxing in one of several restaurants or visitors just enjoying the special offerings that weekend.”
Strolling carolers, visits with Santa Claus, live entertainment and food are special additions to downtown during Dickens. A new highlight this year is a snow sledding or tubing hill. And carriage rides will be available at select times for no additional charge. More than 100 shops, boutiques, art galleries and restaurants home to downtown McKinney will be open.
On Wednesday, Nov. 26, downtown streets will be blocked off to through traffic beginning at 2 p.m. in order to begin setting up for the festival. Streets will be re-opening no later than midnight on Sunday, Nov. 30.
Candlelight Shopping Kicks off on Friday, Nov. 28 and runs through every Saturday during the month of December. The participating shops in Downtown McKinney, easy to spot by the candle displayed in their window, will stay open for extended hours to allow for more holiday shopping and dining.
Trolley service will be provided by Craig Ranch on Friday and Saturday from The First Baptist Church in McKinney to Mitchell Park in Historic Downtown McKinney. For more information, visit www.downtownmckinney.com or contact McKinney Main Street at 972-547-2660. Title sponsors for the 28th annual Dickens of a Christmas are IESI and The City of McKinney.
That same weekend, the McKinney Repertory Theatre performs the timeless favorite “A Christmas Carol” at the McKinney Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in the heart of downtown. Performances are Nov. 28 and 29 at 2 and 5 p.m. and Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. MPAC also hosts Santa Claus, who will be open for visits Nov. 28 and 29 from noon to 8 p.m. and Nov. 30 from 1 to 5 p.m. Visit www.mckinneyperformingartscenter.org for a full calendar of holiday events at MPAC. On Saturday, November 29, Believe 2008! Family Fun Run will take place at Mitchell Park in Historic Downtown McKinney. Visit www.believemckinney.org for additional information.
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Tags: mckinney holiday events
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