ROCKWALL, TX – November 30, 2021 — Christmas time is here! If you’re looking for things to do to celebrate the holiday season, Blue Ribbon News has you covered with our guide to local Christmas events happening around Rockwall County. If you have a local holiday event you’d like us to share, email editor@blueribbonnews.com, and check back often for updates!
Events are subject to change. Please check their respective websites prior to heading out and for COVID protocols.
At a Glance
Rockwall County Helping Hands Toy Drive – Now through Dec. 6
Royse City Christmas Tree Lighting – Nov. 30
McLendon-Chisholm Santa and Tree Lighting – Dec. 1
RHHS Holiday Home Tour – Dec. 2 and Dec. 3
Fate Christmas Tree Lighting – Dec. 3
Rockwall Kiwanis Christmas Parade and Hometown Christmas – Dec. 4
Rockwall Christmas Tree Lighting – Dec. 4
Rowlett Main Street Fest and Holiday Parade – Dec. 4
Holiday Dance Extravaganza – Dec. 7
Women Empowered Wine Share & Ornament Exchange – Dec. 9
Downtown Rockwall Holiday Home Tour – Dec. 10 and Dec. 11
Evening in Bethlehem Live Nativity – Dec. 10
Breakfast with Santa – Dec. 11
Finding Peace in Christ: Live Nativity – Dec. 11
Free Children’s Christmas Club – Dec. 11
Royse City Christmas Parade of Lights – Dec. 11
Christmas Light Boat Parade – Dec. 11
Royse City Chamber Holidays & Heroes Luncheon – Dec. 14
Santa Cops 4 Kids 5k and 1-Mile Fun Run, Santa Chase and Toy Drive – Dec. 18
Wreaths Across America – Dec. 18
Away in a Manger Christmas Nativity – Dec. 19
Rockwall Community Band Christmas Party – Dec. 20
Rockwall County Helping Hands Toy Drive
WHAT: Every year, Helping Hands serves Rockwall County children by providing toys to families who are experiencing crisis during the Christmas season! Toy Tags are available at the local participating businesses. Pick up a tag, or simply purchase a toy (value $20-$25), and drop it off by end of business on Monday, December 6. Email or call 972-771-4357 assistance@rockwallhelpinghands.com for more info or to apply for services.
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/DADD9DP599VH…
WHEN: Now through Monday, Dec. 6; Toy Distribution on Saturday, Dec. 11
WHERE: Toys may be dropped off at the following local drop-off locations:
Rockwall City Hall
385 S Goliad, Rockwall, TX 75087
Heath City Hall
200 Laurence Dr., Heath, TX 75032
Fate City Hall
1900 CD Boren Pkwy, Fate, TX 75087
McLendon-Chisholm City Hall
1371 W FM 550, McLendon-Chisholm, TX 75032
Royse City Police Department
100 W Main St., Royse City, TX 75189
Rockwall County Library
1215 E Yellow Jacket Ln, Rockwall, TX 75087
Chick-fil-A North Rockwall
1979 N Goliad, Rockwall, TX 75087
Helping Hands Thrift Store
950 Williams St, Rockwall, TX 75087
Royse City Christmas Tree Lighting & Concert
WHAT: Celebrate the holidays with a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony followed by entertainment from Baley Middle School and the Royse City High School Choir!
WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 6pm
WHERE: Cookston Court (111 E Main St, Royse City, TX 75189)
COST: Free to attend
McLendon-Chisholm Santa & Tree Lighting
WHAT: McLendon-Chisholm’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting features Santa, songs, hot cocoa and cookies! Bring a camera for photo ops with Santa.
WHEN: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1
WHERE: City Hall, 1371 W. FM 550
COST: Free to attend. Share the holiday spirit by bringing an unwrapped toy for the Toy Drive or non-perishable food for the Food Drive.
RHHS Holiday Home Tour
WHAT: A community holiday tradition continues as the Rockwall-Heath High School Senior Class of 2022 presents the Annual Heath Holiday Home Tour. Six beautiful homes will be drenched in holiday décor and open for touring. The homes will also feature live entertainment and chance drawings for prizes. All tour proceeds benefit the Senior Class of 2022 after prom party at Shenanigans in Rockwall.
WHEN: Candlelight Tour on Thursday, Dec. 2 from 5:30-8pm; Regular Tour on Friday, Dec. 3 from 10am – 2pm
WHERE: Heath, TX
COST: Tickets for the Heath Holiday Home Tour are $25 or $40 for both Tours in advance and $30 at the door of each home. Ticket sale locations are Rockwall-Heath High School (front desk), Heath Salon and Spa, Bella’s House & Bunches. Or, contact Kitty Allan, 214-405-0195, for tickets or additional information.
Christmas in Heath
WHAT: Expect all the beloved traditions of the past plus new surprises as you stroll the lighted trails enjoying the sights, sounds and treats of the season.
The Christmas Tree lighting ceremony is at 6 p.m. featuring the Rockwall Heath High School Jazz Band, followed by performances by the Amy Parks, Pullen and Linda Lyon Honor choirs throughout the evening.
There will also be complimentary cocoa, fresh-made donuts and homemade cookies baked and wrapped by National Charity League and Lakeside League Boy Team Charity members, an array of food trucks, miniature train rides, children’s activities, and of course, photos and candy canes with the star of the evening… Santa! He’s even bringing a of couple of his trusty reindeer to meet your family.
You will be able to purchase the 2021 Heath Christmas ornament and festive red, cozy long sleeve Heath t-shirts at Santa’s Souvenir Shoppe. These items will also be available at City Hall in advance, November 29 – December 2, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cash, cards and checks accepted.
The Christmas red trolley bus will once again provide free shuttles to and from the Tom Thumb retail center between 5:30-9 p.m.
WHEN:
5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Trolley Shuttle – From Tom Thumb to Towne Center Park
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Food Trucks | Activity Booths | Miniature Train Rides
Complimentary Cocoa, Cookies & Fresh-Made Donuts
Photos with Santa | Live Reindeer
RHHS Jazz Band Ugly Christmas Sweater Drumline – Directed by Rod Kosterman
Heath Holiday Shoppe – Featuring the 2021 Heath Christmas Ornament & Spirit T-Shirts
6:00 p.m.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Featuring the RHHS Jazz Band – Directed by Ethan Streeter
Choir Performances
6:30-7 p.m.
Dorothy Pullen Elementary School Choir – Directed by Jennifer Middleton
7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Amy Parks Elementary School Choir – Director by Dixie May
7:30 – 8:15 p.m.
Linda Lyon Elementary School Cubs Honor Choir & Cubs Honor Hand Chimes Choir – Directed by Megan Borg
WHERE: Heath Towne Center Park (200 Laurence Dr., Heath, TX 75032)
COST: Free to attend
Fate Christmas Tree Lighting
WHAT: Each year, Fate hosts this event to welcome home and invite new residents to join together to celebrate this joyous season together.
The Polar Express – Sponsored by Trak-Time
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 3 from 6-8pm
WHERE: Fate City Hall (1900 CD Boren Parkway, Fate, TX 75032)
COST: Free to attend
Rockwall Kiwanis Christmas Parade & Hometown Christmas
WHAT: The Kiwanis Club of Rockwall County will proudly present the 2021 Christmas Parade: “Christmas Past & Present” on Saturday December 4th. Come enjoy this great Rockwall tradition. Join us as we celebrate the Spirit of the Season! Following the parade will be lots of holiday-themed family festivities on the Downtown Square, including Santa, The Grinch, balloon artists, entertainment on the stage, food trucks, a Farmers Market and more!
WHEN: The parade kicks off at 9am, with Hometown Christmas festivities beginning afterwards at 10am to 5pm
WHERE: See parade route below; Hometown Christmas happening on the Downtown Square
COST: Free to attend
Rockwall Christmas Tree Lighting
WHAT: What better way to kick off the holiday season than a good ole’ fashioned Christmas Tree Lighting? In addition to the Steve Story Band providing great Christmas music you can enjoy a variety of activities including:
- Hot Chocolate Bar and Coffee area
- Free Photo with Santa Claus himself! (please bring your own camera)
- Free crafts for Kids
- Strolling Magician
- Performance by the Rockwall Youth Choirs
- Free Cookies provided by the Rockwall Women’s League
- Music by the Steve Story Band
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 4 from 6-8pm
WHERE: Lawn of Rockwall City Hall (385 S Goliad, Rockwall, TX 75087)
COST: Free to attend
Rowlett Main Street Fest & Holiday Parade
WHAT: Starting Saturday, December 4th, at 5pm, for the entire month of December, you may drive by the Village of Rowlett Downtown, 4000 Main St, and see a dancing light show! Enjoy vendors and Christmas music performances, and later in the evening catch the Holiday Parade (6-7p) featuring light up floats that will get us all into the Holiday Spirit.
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 4th from 5-8pm; Dancing light show available all December long
WHERE: The Village of Rowlett Downtown (4000 Main St., Rowlett, TX 75080)
COST: Free to attend
Carols & Cocoa
WHAT: Drive through a winter wonderland and enjoy the melodies of the 6th grade choir, Heath High School Jazz Band, and the Linda Lyon faculty. Drop off new, unwrapped toys ($20-25) to benefit Helping Hands. Consider gifts for the tween and teenage groups.
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 7 from 6-7:30pm
WHERE: Linda Lyon Elementary School (2186 Trophy Dr., Heath, TX 75126)
COST: Free to attend
Holiday Dance Extravaganza
WHAT: Enjoy a spectacular holiday-themed performance by the Rockwall HS, Williams MS, and Utley MS Dance Programs!
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 7pm
WHERE: Rockwall High School Performing Arts Center
COST: $5 cash only; Sold at the door or at RHS in the front office the week of the show
Women Empowered Wine Share & Ornament Exchange
WHAT: Bring your favorite bottle of wine (or other spirits) to share along with a wrapped ornament for a FUN ornament exchange!
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 9 from 5-7pm; Ornament Exchange at 6pm
WHERE: Palios Pizza Cafe (923 Erby Campbell Blvd, Royse City, TX)
COST: Free to attend
Downtown Rockwall Holiday Home Tour
WHAT: This awesome two day holiday event has a total of 6 homes to visit! There will be a limited number of tickets available, 300 tickets available on Friday and 300 tickets available on Saturday.
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 11 from 10am – 3pm on both days
WHERE: Rockwall, TX
COST: Tickets are on sale now for purchase at Bella’s House, Bunches, and Rustic Warehouse. $20 each, cash or check only
Evening in Bethlehem Live Nativity
WHAT: Come join us for our 7th Annual Evening in Bethlehem – a free live nativity! Evening in Bethlehem is a drive-through tour of the Life of Jesus, beginning in Bethlehem at the birth of Jesus and continue through His life, death, and resurrection!
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 10 from 6-8:30pm
WHERE: Ridgeview Church (1362 FM 552, Rockwall, TX 75087)
COST: Free to attend
Breakfast with Santa
WHAT: Santa Claus is coming to town! Bring your family and enjoy an all you can eat breakfast while your little ones tell Santa what they want for Christmas. Pancakes, sausage, orange juice, candy canes, and letters to Santa will be provided. Bring your camera for a picture perfect moment!
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11 at 8:30am and 10:30am
WHERE: The Center in Rockwall (108 E Washington St., Rockwall, TX 75087)
COST: Resident- Activity Fee: $5.00 If Resident for General Public; Non-Resident- Activity Fee: $7.00 If Non-resident for General Public
Finding Peace in Christ: Live Nativity
WHAT: Enjoy a free, live outdoor nativity with refreshments provided. This year’s event has been expanded indoors to include Christmas Around the World: An Informational Creche Display and Sounds of Christmas: A Celebration in Music.
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11 from 6-9pm
WHERE: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (6819 S FM 549, ROCKWALL, TX 75087)
COST: Free to attend
Free Children’s Christmas Club
WHAT: Bring your kiddos ages 5-12 for a Biblical Christmas Story along with songs, games, play-acting, crafts, snacks and gifts! Parents can stay or drop off – perfect timing to go do some Christmas shopping while the kids have fun and learn about the first Christmas when Jesus was born!
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11 from 9-11am; Register by Wednesday, Dec. 8 at rockwallbible.org or in person at 8:45am at the church
WHERE: Rockwall Bible Church (801 Zion Hill Cir, Rockwall, TX 75087)
COST: Free to attend
Royse City Christmas Parade of Lights
WHAT: This year’s theme is Christmas in Toyland. Downtown businesses will be offering specials throughout the day!
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11; The parade will leave from Ruth Cherry Intermediate School at 6:15 PM and is expected to arrive in downtown by 6:30 PM. In preparation for the safety of all spectators, Main Street parking will be barricaded at 3:30 PM.
WHERE: The parade will leave from Ruth Cherry Intermediate School and head west on Hwy 66 to arrive in downtown.
COST: Free to attend
Christmas Light Boat Parade
WHAT: See a parade of boats decorated with Christmas lights on Lake Ray Hubbard! All boaters are welcome to decorate their boat and participate! There will be prizes for the 3 best decorated boats, and raffle prizes for the boats participating as well, so please register below! Registration Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1246346172535802/permalink/1255214541648965/
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11; Viewing available from the Rockwall Harbor docks beginning at 7pm and Chandlers Landing at about 7:30pm. Boats will leave Chandlers Landing Marina south entrance by 6:45pm
WHERE: Chandlers Landing and the docks at The Harbor
COST: Free to attend
Royse City Chamber Holidays & Heroes Luncheon
WHAT: Join the Royse City Chamber for the 3rd Annual Holidays & Heroes Luncheon! This year, the Chamber will honor the Firefighter of the Year and Police Officer of the Year for both City of Fate and City of Royse City in an awards presentation.
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 14 from 11:30am – 1pm; Sponsorship Deadline: Friday, Dec. 3 (use link below for registration and sponsorships)
WHERE: Occasions at Stone River (1250 FM 2453, Royse City, TX 75189)
COST: $25 per person; Tickets >> https://cca.roysecitychamber.com/webforms/EvtListing.aspx
Santa Cops 4 Kids 5k & 1-Mile Fun Run, Santa Chase and Toy Drive
WHAT: The event – hosted by PlayTri DFW – supports the Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall County and features a fun Santa Chase for the kiddos to try and catch ole Saint Nick! Bring a new, unwrapped children’s toy ($5 minimum please) to the run and receive a $5 savings coupon for your 2022 Santa Cops race registration. Toys will be distributed to kids in Rockwall just in time for Christmas.
The Santa Cops 4 Kids benefit will raise much needed funding for services and advocacy efforts that will improve the lives of children affected by physical and sexual abuse within Rockwall County and also to whom may ever receive services offered the the Children’s Advocacy Center of Rockwall County. Since 2016, Santa Cops 4 Kids raised over $90,000 to further the efforts of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Rockwall County.
For more information or general race information, contact Farrah Brabson at 469-745-8202 or email fbrabson@rockwallcac.org.
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 18 from 8-11am;
7:15am Late Registration & Packet Pickup Open
8:15am Late Registration & Packet Pickup Close
8:15am Santa Chase
8:20am 1 Mile Fun Run
8:45am 5K Start
WHERE: Wilkerson-Sanders Memorial Stadium (1197 T.L. Townsend Dr., Rockwall, TX 75087)
COST: 5K $35; Youth 5K $25; 1 Mile Fun Run $20; Virtual 5K $30; Santa Chase FREE
Wreaths Across America 2021
WHAT: Community members are welcome and encouraged to attend a special ceremony to remember and honor our veterans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes, and through the act of saying the name of each and every veteran aloud. The event is hosted by Rest Haven and Civil Air Patrol Lakeshore Squadron.
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 18 at 11am
WHERE: Rest Haven Funeral Home and Memorial Park (2500 SH 66 East, Rockwall, TX 75087)
COST: Free to attend
Away in a Manger Christmas Nativity
WHAT: First Christian Church in Rockwall will present their “Christmas Card to the Community” with a re-enactment of the Christmas Nativity. A costumed cast of all ages will perform every 20-30 minutes from 6-8pm, followed by group caroling sessions. Children will have a chance to pet goats, sheep, a donkey and a llama.
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 19 from 6-8pm (performances every 20-30 min.)
WHERE: First Christian Church Rockwall (3375 Ridge Rd., Rockwall, TX 75032)
COST: Free to attend
Rockwall Community Band Christmas Concert
WHAT: Rockwall Community Band members are together again to present their “Merry Christmas Concert” .
WHEN: Monday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.
WHERE: First Methodist Church Rockwall (1200 East Yellowjacket Lane, Rockwall, TX 75087)
COST: Free to attend
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