This Week in Allen: The library has reopened with new spaces, laptops for in-library use and rentable rooms. Santa is visiting Allen’s pets for the purrfect picture. Holiday fun continues with an ice show, a North Pole event and more. Plus, the Job of the Week invites you to start a new chapter at the newly remodeled library. | | | | |
Santa Paws
Thursday, Dec. 11
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Bring your favorite leashed furry, four-legged friends for a free festive picture with Santa. All registrants receive a printed photo to take home. Hot chocolate for humans plus milk and cookies will be available. Donations are welcome and proceeds support the Allen Animal Shelter. Register at the link provided.
Location:
Allen Depot
100 E. Main Street
Allen, TX 75013
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Holiday Music at Heritage Village
Friday, Dec. 12
7:30 p.m.
The Texas Clarinet Group will perform a musical array of Christmas carols and suites. The Texas Clarinet Group is a quintet of professional clarinet players from North Texas. Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the concert is free.
Location:
Allen Heritage Village
450 E. St. Mary Drive
Allen, TX 75002
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The North Pole at JFRC
Saturday, Dec. 13
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Join Santa at his workshop at the Joe Farmer Recreation Center. Visit the North Pole to meet Santa and experience a festive wonderland. Participants can purchase gifts from Santa's toy shop, create holiday crafts, enjoy a breakfast with Santa, and capture the magic with a photo.
This event is free. Register at the link provided.
Location:
Joe Farmer Recreation Center
1201 E. Bethany Drive
Allen, TX 75002
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Allen Depot Open House
Saturday, Dec. 13
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Allen Heritage Guild operates the depot, preserving historical materials related to Allen's development and offering exhibits and events that celebrate the city’s rich history. The depot is open and free every 2nd and 4th Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can also explore the Ebenezer Allen #20, a fully restored steam locomotive.
Location:
Allen Depot
100 E. Main Street
Allen, TX 75013
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Holidays on Ice Show
Sunday, Dec. 14
3 to 5 p.m.
Celebrate the season with a special performance by Allen Academy youth skaters as they present festive renditions of holiday favorites, including The Grinch. Admission is free with a non-perishable food item to support All Community Outreach. Bring your canned food item with you and help fill the ACO pantry while enjoying a joyful holiday showcase.
Location:
Credit Union of Texas Event Center
200 E. Stacy Road
#1350
Allen, TX 75002
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Letters to Santa Wraps Up
Through Dec. 13
The Allen Parks and Recreation letter-writing campaign to Santa is underway! Drop off letters in person at one of three locations listed below or send one online by clicking “More Info.”
Locations:
Joe Farmer Recreation Center
1201 E. Bethany Drive
Allen, TX 75002
Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center
1680 W. Exchange Parkway
Allen, TX 75013
Don Rodenbaugh Aquatics Center
110 Rivercrest Boulevard
Allen, TX 75002
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Welcome Back, Allen Public Library!
The wait is over! The Allen Public Library has officially reopened, and the community is invited to explore its newly expanded and remodeled space. With 18,000 square feet of fresh, modern areas, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Patrons can return books, check out new titles, and discover a variety of new features, including a preschool playroom, study rooms, rentable meeting rooms, dedicated teen collaborative and hangout rooms, laptops for in-library use, four new self-checkout stations.
The library’s updated hours, effective starting Dec. 8, are:
- Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
View programs and events at the Allen Public Library.
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Plan your Winter and Spring Activities in Allen!
It’s that time of year: the Life in Allen Activity Guide is here. As the City celebrates 150 years, Parks and Recreation offers an amazing lineup of events, activities and camps. Registration for most classes is now open, either online or in person during regular facility hours.
Exciting events include the Allen 150 Fest. Open the link below for more information. And don’t forget the Allen Parks and Recreation Hiring Fair on March 28. You will also find fitness classes, camps for kids and active adult programs. View the Winter/Spring 2026 LIFE Guide.
| | Thank You for a Wonderful Holly Jolly Celebration!
The 2025 Holly Jolly Celebration in Allen was a spectacular night of holiday cheer! From the City of Allen Christmas tree lighting to the drone show, light displays, 5K and fun run, kid-friendly attractions, and festive treats, visitors filled the night with laughter, holiday spirit, and memories to last a lifetime.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for a joyful celebration. View a video wrap up of the event.
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors. Thanks to Credit Union of Texas, NETSCOUT, City of Allen Community Development Corporation, Allen Economic Development Corporation, Phillips Home Improvements, Chick-fil-A Stacy Road and Twin Creeks Village, Andrews Distributing, Allen Heritage Guild, and Community Waste Disposal, this beloved event remained free for all to enjoy.
| | A new quarter-mile extension of Watters Trail South is coming soon to improve walkability, bike access and regional connections. The project will link Watters Creek to the future Rowlett Trail and include upgraded trail sections, a new pedestrian bridge and durable materials designed to blend into the natural landscape. Construction is expected to wrap up by early summer 2026. | | |
Be Part of the Story
Join the library at its newly remodeled and expanded location in downtown Allen! Library Clerk - Circulation at the Allen Public Library is a part-time position starting at $17.88 per hour.
This role keeps library materials moving and patrons supported. Daily work includes processing returns, checking items out, issuing new cards, shelving materials, and assisting guests. The position also helps with programs, opening and closing routines, and preparing new books and materials for the shelves. Candidates typically have a high school diploma or equivalent with at least one year of related experience, along with a valid Texas Class C Driver License and a schedule that can include evenings and weekends.
View the job description and application for Library Clerk - Circulation.
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