Weekend drive · Nov 27–29, 2026
Dallas and North Texas Thanksgiving weekend road trip 2026
Watch McKinney light its community Christmas tree on Friday, shop a free German-style market in Arlington on Saturday, then drive through Prairie Lights that evening. On Sunday, stroll Holiday at the Dallas Arboretum before heading home. November 27–29, 2026.
The four stops
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Friday night · Holiday festival
Home for the Holidays: A McKinney Christmas
Friday, November 27 · McKinney, Texas · event dates: November 27–29, 2026
Historic Downtown McKinney, 111 North Tennessee Street, runs Friday 10:30 am to 9 pm. The Community Christmas Tree lighting is at 6:15 pm. Admission is free, with a Ferris wheel, carousel and 180-plus local shops open for Small Business Saturday weekend.
- Drive about 1 h (about 50 mi) to Arlington.
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Saturday daytime · Christmas market
Texas Christkindl Market (Arlington)
Saturday, November 28 · Arlington, Texas · event dates: November 20 – December 23, 2026
A free European-style Christmas market on the North Plaza outside Globe Life Field, 1650 East Randol Mill Road. Hours are 11 am to 8 pm daily for the Thanksgiving stretch November 27 through December 23.
- Drive about 15 min (about 10 mi) to Grand Prairie.
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Saturday evening · Drive-thru holiday lights
Prairie Lights (Grand Prairie)
Saturday, November 28 · Grand Prairie, Texas · event dates: November 26 – December 31, 2026
More than 5 million lights on a two-mile drive at Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake, open every night November 26 through December 31 starting at 6 pm. Midway through, Holiday Village has rides, treats and photos with Santa. Buy tickets ahead for busy nights.
- Drive about 30 min (about 22 mi) to Dallas.
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Sunday on the way home · Botanical garden holiday
Holiday at the Arboretum: The 12 Days of Christmas
Sunday, November 29 · Dallas, Texas · event dates: November 11, 2026 - January 3, 2027
The final season of the 12 Days of Christmas gazebos runs November 11 through January 3, 2027, at 8525 Garland Road. Daytime admission is 9 am to 4 pm. Holiday at Night is 5 pm to 10 pm if you want to stay for the lights. Tickets are timed, so book ahead.
Drive home to McKinney, TX: about 40 min (about 32 mi). Gas prices near Dallas
Drive times are approximate. Check your route before you leave.
At a glance
| Stop | Type | Dates | Drive from previous |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Home for the Holidays: A McKinney Christmas | Holiday festival | Friday, November 27 (runs November 27–29, 2026) | Start |
| 2. Texas Christkindl Market (Arlington) | Christmas market | Saturday, November 28 (runs November 20 – December 23, 2026) | about 1 h |
| 3. Prairie Lights (Grand Prairie) | Drive-thru holiday lights | Saturday, November 28 (runs November 26 – December 31, 2026) | about 15 min |
| 4. Holiday at the Arboretum: The 12 Days of Christmas | Botanical garden holiday | Sunday, November 29 (runs November 11, 2026 - January 3, 2027) | about 30 min |
Event websites
- Home for the Holidays: A McKinney Christmas
- Texas Christkindl Market (Arlington)
- Prairie Lights (Grand Prairie)
- Holiday at the Arboretum: The 12 Days of Christmas
Dates can change, so check the event’s website before you go.
More: All weekend drives · Texas events