Giving Back to the Community this Holiday Season ...

One thing's for sure ... this has been a year unlike any other, one that has left many grasping for ways to take care of their families while others are left dealing with feelings of isolation. If you'd like to lend a hand to some of these folks, here are a couple of places helping people right here in our community:

One Heart McKinney: This community-wide effort began as a way to help people in McKinney respond and recover from the effects of COVID. Making a monetary donation of any size will help spread the love to quite a few non-profits in town and the money stays right here in our community. For a list of organizations and to make a donation, click HERE.

Lead by Example: This effort is helping seniors in McKinney with a wide array of services. This week, one way you can get involved is by filling one of the baskets that will be taken to seniors to let them know they aren't forgotten this holiday season. To get involved by filling a basket or helping in other ways, join the Facebook group or click HERE to email organizer Lisa Washington.

CHRISTMAS AT THE SANCTUARY

THE GUITAR SANCTUARY | Online
Join The Guitar Sanctuary for "Christmas from the Sanctuary," a special family-friendly concert event featuring an Evening of Christmas Spirit. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and music begins at 7 p.m. The concert features Maylee Thomas-Fuller, Andy Timmons, George Fuller, and Gerry Fisher performing songs from Maylee and Andy's Christmas album, "Here Comes the Son." Other musical guests, as well as staff and students from The Guitar Sanctuary family, will also take part in the show. In compliance with the Governor's "Open Texas" initiative, there is a reduced seating capacity for the show, and all state-mandated guidelines with regards to proper social distancing will be followed. Seating at the facility is sold out, but free streaming tickets are available online.

FREE | Thursday, 7-9 p.m.

A McKINNEY CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY POP-UP

DOWNTOWN McKINNEY | Various Locations

This year, make magical memories with a Christmas carousel, activities for the whole family, holiday photos-ops, and more. All activities are planned with safe distancing in mind to enable families to enjoy the holiday fun. Details about the activities below can be found on the city's website. (Photo by fatoneanthony.)

• Christmas Carousel: Thursdays-Sundays thru Dec. 24; $3 per ride
• Visits with Santa: Saturdays, Nov. 28-Dec. 19
• Story Time: Saturdays, Nov. 28-Dec. 19
• Letters to Santa: Saturdays, Nov. 28-Dec. 19
• Little Elves' Workshop: Thursdays/Fridays, Nov. 27-Dec.24
• Christmas Tree Lot Photo-Op: Daily, 224 E. Louisiana
• Kids' Ornament Decorating: Saturdays, Nov. 28-Dec. 19

Other holiday events hosted by the City of McKinney:

• City Holiday Lights Map - driving tour of more than 40 local homes
• Holiday Surprise Calendar - a new activity every day through Dec. 31
• Holiday Activities by McKinney Parks & Rec

Check Website for Details including Times and Dates

DRIVE-THRU LIVE NATIVITY

TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | 5871 Virginia Pkwy.
You and your family can celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ during a drive-thru nativity. Watch as the TPC Youth present various scenes from the nativity story. You can join in on this festive event all from the warmth of your vehicle.

FREE | Sunday, 6 p.m.

PRIVATE YULETIDE TOURS

HEARD-CRAIG CENTER FOR THE ARTS | 205 W. Hunt
Make your reservation for one of the private Holiday Yuletide Tours (maximum of 6 per tour). During the tour, you'll learn the history of Yuletide, how it's celebrated around the world, the rituals that accompany the season, and you'll receive a recipe for the classic French Bûche de Noël (velvety chocolate cake baked in the shape of a Yule Log). Included with your ticket are a Bûche de Noël Recipe, a 2021 Tour Ticket, and four Holiday Gift Package Cards. Purchase tickets online - two tours on Saturday, 1-2 p.m. and 2-3 p.m., and Sunday, 4-5 p.m.

$8-12 | Saturday-Sunday, Hours Vary

CHRISTMAS CHARITY BIKE NIGHT

TUPPS BREWERY | 721 Anderson

No Angel Left Behind, a local nonprofit, provides Christmas presents for McKinney children who have a single veteran parent. They are looking for cash donations to “fill the gap” to get the needed gifts that weren’t provided by donors. American Infidels will be “Passing the Stocking” the night of the event to collect cash and credit card donations. For every $5 donated, donors will receive one ticket for a chance to win raffle prizes. Winner will be announced at the end of the night!

Donation Only | Friday, 7-10 p.m.

OTHER EVENTS
Bingo Night (Thursday, 7-9 p.m.): Free to play and all games start at 7 p.m. Games are family-friendly, but prizes are for adults - TUPPS swag (glassware, t-shirts, koozies, etc.). Barley will be onsite for purchases of dinner from 5-8:30 p.m.

FESTIVE TOUR OF TREES

TRINITY FALLS | 7801 Trinity Falls Parkway

Model homes in Trinity Falls will shimmer with holiday finery during the Tour of Trees event happening throughout December. Ten of the 17 professionally decorated model homes in the community will be further decorated with Christmas trees and other seasonal accents. In addition, visitors on Dec. 12 and 19 can stop by The Club at Trinity Falls, 7801 Trinity Falls Parkway, for free cups of gourmet hot chocolate and the chance to take photos at the decorated tree stationed there. Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sundays, noon-5 p.m. through Dec. 31.

FREE | Through Dec. 31, Times Vary

DINOSAURS LIVE!

HEARD NATURAL SCIENCE MUSEUM & WILDLIFE SANCTUARY | 1 Nature Place

Encounter the 46-foot T-Rex and nine new life-size animatronic dinosaurs along the nature trails at the 15th Annual Dinosaurs Live! The exhibit always gives families and friends a fun, educational activity to enjoy together. See the dinosaurs move and hear them roar! Photo op and play area dinosaurs will be available as well. This year, the exhibit also features an outdoor fossil dig. The dinosaur trail is jogging stroller-friendly; it is not suitable for strollers with small wheels or wheelchairs. Through February 15, 2021. Please note that The Heard is unable to animate the dinosaurs when temperatures are below 35 degrees.

Special hours, Monday, Dec. 21, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Photo by @shi_k_tx)

Included w/admission | Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING CAMP

CRAIG RANCH FITNESS + SPA CENTER | 7910 Collin McKinney Pkwy.

Drop the kiddos by the Treehouse at Craig Ranch for some holiday fun! We'll decorate gingerbread houses, make holiday crafts, and serve hot chocolate. Call 214-383-1030 or email treehouse@craigranchfitness.com to register!

$25 | Friday, 5-7 p.m.

Also at Craig Ranch Fitness + Spa
Parents' Night Out: Night Before Christmas (Friday, 5-9 p.m.): Gather around the Christmas tree for a holiday Parents' Night Out! Kids will eat dinner, create snow slime, and watch "The Nightmare Before Christmas"! Members and non-members welcome! Reservations required by noon Friday, Dec. 11. Contact 214-383-1030 or treehouse@craigranchfitness.com to save your spot! Admission is $30-40.

LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

Some McKinney nightspots have started hosting live music again. Check with your favorite spot to find out who is performing and when. Please check out the McKinney Music Live and McKinney Musician Relief Fund Facebook pages for live and virtual performances. Below are locations offering live music. Check websites and Facebook pages for details.

• Cocktail Creamery: Live music (Fri.)
• E.J. Wills Gastropub: Open Mic Night Every Tuesday, 7-9 p.m.; live Music Wednesdays 7-10 p.m. and Fridays 7:30-10:30 p.m.
• Guitars & Growlers: Singer/Songwriter Night (Tues.)
• Harvest: Live music (Fri.-Sat.)
• Lone Star Wine Cellars: Mike Allyn (Fri.); Steve Douthit (shown, Sat.); Stephen Pride (Sun.)
• Zin Zen Wine Bistro:  (8-11 p.m., $10 cover/$5 for wine club members): Guitar Sanctuary Showcase (Thur.); Acoustically Speaking (Fri.); Chant Duplantier (Sat.)

Other Nightlife at Downtown McKinney's Chestnut Commons Area on East Virginia St.

• Arcade 92
• The Comedy Arena
• En Fuego Cigar Bar & Lounge
• Amore Lounge Cafe' & Hookah Bar