One of Frisco’s most enticing events that takes place every year is Christmas in the Square. Showcasing a variety of events such as the lights show, horse drawn carriage rides and ice skating, it has become an event that many students attend, and simultaneously gives Frisco an air of Christmas spirit and cheer.
“It [Christmas in the Square] typically looks like a winter wonderland,” Jordan Drexler, Frisco Square Property Manager said. “It features the largest choreographed light show in North Texas, a real ice skating rink, visits with Santa, horse carriage rides and a light tunnel.”
The Square’s marketing team has a vision to execute every year, which aims to create a cozy and wondrous atmosphere.
“I think [Christmas in the Square] makes [winter] more festive because it’s something to look forward to, and it adds to the overall vibe and atmosphere of the area,” sophomore Zoie Ratcliff said.
One of the most popular attractions to the event is the lights show, choreographed to sync to music on the radio station 107.3 FM.
“I like the music that they play and how it’s very interactive because you can link your car radio to the lights,” Ratcliff said.
Another popular activity is ice skating at the Square’s rink. Not only is it an event for those learning to skate for the first time, but longtime attendees look forward to it as well.
“Ice skating at the Frisco Square is such a fun experience as it’s something that we don’t really have around here,” sophomore Aadya Mehta said. “I think it’s a really nice new experience and as soon as you step onto the ice, you have so much fun.”
The square’s events are often experienced with loved ones, and students enjoy the attractions with friends.
“Lopa [Jaiganesh] and I went together and we had so much fun,” sophomore Landon Taylor said. “It felt magical seeing all the lights up, and all the songs that were playing were Christmas themed.”
Certain families attend the event every year, which becomes a tradition for them to await during the Christmas season.
“The Frisco Square makes Christmas magical because of the music, lights, the people and they have the big Christmas tree,” sophomore Ira Natu said. “It’s overall really fun and it’s a family tradition that I look forward to every year.”
New families go to Christmas in the Square to make lifelong memories with their little ones.
“We did the light tunnel and the kids had a ton of fun,”event attendee Camran Patrono said. The kids were running around playing, and everyone had a lot of opportunities to take photographs. It’s a really great spot to make memories.”
Aside from experiencing the ambiance, there are certain procedures behind preparing for Christmas in the Square, including different methods of marketing and branding.
“My process to prepare for Christmas in the Square involves meeting with vendors and the city, designing the event’s brand image and marketing the event via print marketing and social media,” Drexler said.
Not only is Christmas in the Square a festive event for the community, but it also helps families in need. The Operation Once in a Lifetime Toys for Troops Drive is a way to give back to a soldier’s child with clothes or toys.
“We [the Square] have a long-standing partnership that aims to help in-need military families during the holiday season,” Drexler said. “Until Dec. 19, visit any of our drop-off locations to donate new and unwrapped toys or clothes to a soldier’s child for Christmas,” Drexler said.
Christmas in the Square brings together the local and out-of-town communities for the holidays, and presents a chance to make memories with loved ones.
“The goal of putting on the lights show and offering these activities is to bring in traffic to Frisco Square and bring joy to the community,” Drexler said. “I hope people come to this event and take away an increased sense of community and holiday spirit.”
