North Pole in North Texas

Deck the halls in Plano this year with tons of holiday cheer

It's true Plano always puts on the holiday ritz, and this year is no different. This lively Dallas ’burb keeps raising the bar on seasonal cheer with more than 50 festive events of all kinds, along with charming boutiques, luxury shops, and so much more.

Whether you wander the suburban wonderland for a day or stay awhile, here are some highlights you won’t want to miss.

What to do

November 22 – December 28, Lights on the Farm: Magical and sweet, this fourth annual event at the Heritage Farmstead Museum features a quarter-mile stroll through one million twinkling lights, all to the tune of holiday music. It’s also the perfect chance to meet Santa Claus and indulge in seasonal treats like s’mores, hot cocoa, donuts, and popcorn while enjoying the festive holiday music. Kids will love the themed nights, including Frozen Adventure Night, Grinch Night, and Princess Night.

November 24, Lights at Legacy: Kick off the season with The Shops at Legacy East’s family-friendly outing, featuring complimentary train rides, balloon artists, toy soldier stilt walkers, little drummer boys, live entertainment, and more. Free food and drink samples from retailers and restaurants will also be available. While the event is from 4-7 pm, make sure to stay for the tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 pm. You can also grab a pic with Santa and Mrs. Claus, with 50 percent of the proceeds benefiting My Possibilities.

December 1-30, Deerfield Holiday Lights: This is no ordinary neighborhood! Deerfield has become renowned for its extraordinary holiday lights, with nearly every house participating in the spectacle. Expect tons of creatively illuminated displays, with each street more spectacular than the next.

Prestonwood Church Gift of Christmas Photo courtesy of Visit Plano

December 6-15, The Gift of Christmas: This live musical extravaganza is a Prestonwood Baptist Church tradition, and has become one of the highlights of the Christmas season. The visually stunning multimedia event is complete with special effects, a nearly 1,000-member cast and choir, live orchestra, flying angels, camels and kings, and much more.

December 7, Dickens in Downtown Plano: There will be no bah-humbugs at this free annual event in the Historic Downtown Plano Arts District. It’s fun for the whole family, with a tree lighting festival with vendors, a snow globe, and interactive activities. Downtown businesses will also stay open late so guests can enjoy food and shopping.

December 14, Plano Holiday Parade: There’s nothing more wholesome than a holiday parade, and this one in downtown Plano definitely fits the bill. This year, Olympic Gold Medal gymnast and Plano resident Hezly Rivera will make a special appearance in the parade. Also in the mix: festive floats; performances by Plano’s high school marching bands, drill teams, and color guards; and Santa Claus.

Where to stay

Whether you’re planning a staycation or visiting from out of town, the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West is your holiday headquarters. It's hosting s’mores specials every Saturday through the end of the year, along with live music and more festivities. Plus, you’ll be right in the heart of Legacy West — a prime Christmas shopping destination.

Renaissance Plano hotel Get cozy at the Renaissance hotel.Photo courtesy of Visit Plano

Photo courtesy of Visit Plano

Lights at Legacy will have you feeling merry and bright.

Where to shop

Speaking of shopping, Plano is a one-stop shop for everything you could possibly need on your Christmas list.

Legacy West: This high-end outdoor shopping destination is ready for you and your lists with many beloved storefronts that are perfect for holiday gifts, including Golden Goose, Vuori, Gorjana, and Read Between the Lines.

The place has also transformed into Legacy North Pole, with a wonderland of experiences and festive photo opps to enjoy while you shop: Big (Rein) Deer Energy, Gumdrop It Like It’s Hot, Sleigh All Day, and more.

On the weekends, don’t miss Mistletoe Mall, where Legacy West is partnering with local businesses to host pop-up shops.

The Shops at Legacy East: In addition to Lights at Legacy, swing by the Santa Boutique Studio all season long for professional Santa pics.

While there, browse boutiques like Another Time & Place, Francesca’s, Kendra Scott, Prized Kicks, The Impeccable Pig, and more for the perfect gifts.

Downtown Plano Arts District Spend a day shopping in Downtown Plano.Photo courtesy of Visit Plano

Downtown Plano Arts District: Having experienced something of a renaissance, this historic district delivers all the walkable charm you could want along with one-of-a-kind shops to love.

These include La Foofaraw (with designer candles, unique art, vintage jewelry and art-inspired clothing), Lyla’s Clothing, Décor & More, The Feathered Nest, and more. The Mistletoe Market on December 15 is a great time to shop handcrafted gifts from local makers.

For a complete listing of Plano holiday events, head here.

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a family friendly destination

New Hill Country distillery pours its first whiskey flights this month

Photo by Hayden Walker

The distillery aims to make all visitors feel welcome.

A new family-owned distillery is joining the vast landscape of breweries, wineries, and other spirit-makers in the Texas Hill Country. Briggs Distilling Co. will start serving cocktails, mocktails, and more at its spacious facility at 121 Brownson Ln. in Driftwood on Saturday, October 17.

The 9,000-square-foot distillery is owned and operated by the Briggs family. It was founded by R.S. Briggs with longtime family friend Davis Tucker serving as its president. Master distiller Colton Weinstein is in charge of production and distilling operations.

The distillery has developed three expressions for whiskey drinkers to try neat or in a cocktail. Each is made with Texas rainwater and bottled on-site. From a press release, look out for the following flavor profiles:

Straight Rye Whiskey: spice and bright herbs with lingering sherry notes to finish
Heritage Reserve Bourbon: caramel, candy, and leather notes with hints of spice and cherry and a medium finish
Wheated Bourbon: described as "sweet and fruity, with tobacco notes that coat the mouth and a medium-short finish"

Briggs Distilling Co. whiskey and bourbon products Patrons can buy a bottle of Briggs whiskey or bourbon on-site to take home. The Wheated Bourbon is $44.99, the Straight Rye is $49.99, and the Heritage Reserve is $55.99. Photo by Hayden Walker

The spirits will be available to try in individual tastings ($10 each) and flights ($15), as well as draft, frozen, and house cocktails priced from $10-$14 each.

Briggs Distilling will also serve mocktails, a frozen Texas Two-Step (lime, orange, and house cane syrup with a choice of strawberry, mango, coconut, or passion fruit), and other non-alcoholic options like soda, ginger beer, and coffee from neighboring Driftwood café Sonder Coffee Lounge.

Beyond the whiskey-making operations and the tasting room, the property will feature a treehouse-inspired children's area, family- and dog-friendly amenities, and an on-site food truck. Live music from local musicians will also be a regular occurrence on Fridays and Saturdays.

Above all, the Hill Country distillery is envisioned as a "community gathering place" that aims to make all visitors feel at home.

"For generations, this part of Texas has brought people together around good food and conversation under wide-open skies," R.S. Briggs said in the release. "We wanted Briggs Distilling to carry that spirit forward while adding one crucial component: good whiskey."

Briggs Distilling Co. interior The distillery was designed by Texas-based M. Elliott Studio with contemporary furniture that visitors can rearrange as they see fit for their gatherings.Photo by Hayden Walker

Briggs Distilling will host community events throughout the year, engage in sustainability initiatives such as recycling bottles through local businesses, and pursue additional giveback opportunities to demonstrate a commitment to the Hill Country area.

Bailey Briggs, R.S.'s daughter and vice president of marketing, said the land the distillery stands on has been in their family for generations, and their "family-first philosophy" is the heart of their business.

"Briggs Distilling was born from family and built for families," Bailey said in a release. "For more than twenty years, our family has called the Texas Hill Country home, spending holidays, birthdays, and long summer days on the river together. Those memories shaped our lives and inspired us to create a place where other families could make their own."

Following the grand opening on October 17, Briggs Distilling Co. will be open from 4-10 pm Wednesdays through Thursdays, 11 am to 10 pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 am to 7 pm Sundays. Happy hour will run from 3-6 pm Wednesdays through Fridays. Kid-friendly specials will also be offered on Sundays.

Photo by Hayden Walker

The distillery aims to make all visitors feel welcome.

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