Family Friendly Fall & Winter Fun in McKinney, Texas

McKinney, Texas is the nation's fastest growing city and has a population of over 120,000. The town is located just 30 miles north of Dallas, Texas is becoming a popular destination for people in the area looking for activities that are safe and fun for the family. For the past 160 years, the one square mile downtown area has been a favorite gathering place for residents of McKinney and surrounding communities. The upcoming fall and winter events listed below are sure to be crowd pleasers, so mark your calendars now!

Legends of McKinney Ghost Walk

Take this self-guided tour to experience the unique legends of downtown McKinney. Explore the North Texas History Center and discover the secret passage created by former postmasters in the old post office. Maybe you'll catch a glimpse of the ghost of the "lady in white" in the Collin County Courthouse. Or tour the Dulaney cottage and hear the tragic story of the Dulaney family and the "child in white" and "man in black" who are said to haunt the cottage. Eat a meal at the Londoner restaurant and keep an eye out for flying forks or broken glass from one of the ghosts said to be hanging around upstairs from when the area was a brothel. The old Collin County prison has its share of eerie shadows and footsteps as well. But even if you don't see any ghosts, you'll have a lot of spine tingling fun while learning interesting history and folklore about the town of McKinney. The ghost walk takes place on Oct 25^th in the Chestnut Square Historic Village area. Ticket cost is $10 for 1 ticket or $15 for 2 tickets. Children under 18 are free when they are with a paying adult. Call 972-467-9823 for more information.

Scare on the Square

The historic downtown square area of McKinney, TX is closed off to vehicle traffic on October 31^st from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm for Scare on the Square. This annual event has become a popular gathering place on Halloween evening as visitors come out in their trick-or-treat costumes to enjoy hayrides and a safe secure area for Halloween fun. No traffic is allowed in the area except by foot to ensure the safety of trick-or-treaters who are crossing streets and going shop to shop for goodies.

Dickens of a Christmas

McKinney, Texas is hosting its 28th Annual Main Stree Event - Dickens of a Christmas. The annual event will take place in the newly renovated historic downtown square area. Visitors will experience the thrill and warmth of an old fashioned, Victorian Christmas atmosphere complete with horse drawn carriage rides, strolling carolers singing seasonal tunes, visits with Santa Claus, and the lighting of the giant Christmas tree on the town square. Local shops and restaurants on the square will stay open later than usual so there will be plenty of food and shopping opportunities. Children's activities will be provided by local not-for-profit organizations and will take center stage during the event. Dates and times are Nov. 28 & 29 from 10 am - 8 pm and Nov 30 from 12 pm to 6 pm. The tree lighting ceremony will take place on Nov 28th at 6:15 pm. Free shuttle service will be provided by CCART from First Baptist Church of McKinney to the Downtown area.

Sources:

www.chestnutsquare.org

www.downtownmckinney.com