Looking for festive outings for kids in Rockwall, Heath, Forney, or Royce City? The 2026 calendar has parades, lights, holiday markets, and a chance to see young local performers take the stage. Here are ten ideas to help your family plan, and one special show to put on your list.
1. Watch the Kiwanis Christmas Parade
Start the season with Rockwall’s annual parade on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Downtown Rockwall. This year’s theme is “The Magic of Christmas.” Check the Kiwanis parade page for event updates.
2. Explore Hometown Christmas
Stay downtown after the parade for Rockwall Hometown Christmas, also on December 5. The announced activities include a holiday market, Santa and Grinch photos, snow play, train rides, games, and crafts. The event runs 10 a.m.–5 p.m., according to this 2026 event announcement.
3. See Rockwall’s tree lighting
Make an evening of it at City Hall. The tree-lighting celebration is scheduled for December 5, 5–7 p.m., with the lighting planned for about 6:15 p.m. Expect holiday entertainment, crafts, hot chocolate, cookies, and Santa. Check the City of Rockwall calendar for updates.
4. Celebrate Christmas in Heath
Heath’s holiday event returns to Towne Center Park on Saturday, December 5, from 4–8 p.m. The City of Heath lists Santa, miniature train rides, cookies, food trucks, and live music.
5. Visit Forney’s Bell Park tree lighting
Head to Forney on Thursday, December 3, from 6–8 p.m. for the Bell Park Tree Lighting. The city lists Christmas music, free hot chocolate, Santa, and the lighting ceremony.
6. Browse Christmas on Main in Forney
On December 5, Christmas on Main brings holiday vendors, crafts, activities, and family fun to Downtown Forney from noon to 5 p.m.
7. Catch the Royse City Parade of Lights
Mark Saturday, December 12, 6:30–8:30 p.m. for the Royse City Christmas Parade. The 2026 theme, “Red Lights and Blue,” adds a patriotic twist to the nighttime tradition.
8. Take in Prairie Lights
For a bigger lights outing, Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie runs November 26–December 31. Families can drive through displays and stop at Holiday Village for a walk-through forest, carnival rides, and seasonal treats. Check the official hours and pricing page before you go.
9. Check Rockwall County Library’s youth calendar
For a quieter, kid-friendly outing, browse the Rockwall County Library youth activity calendars for seasonal storytimes, crafts, and other programs. December listings may be posted closer to the holidays, so confirm details before making plans.
10. See Elf Jr. at Rockwall Acting
A holiday show is a memorable way for kids to enjoy live theater, and Elf Jr. brings a local cast to the stage. Rockwall Acting’s production is scheduled for December 11–13, 2026, at The Terry Martin Mainstage at The Addison Performing Arts Centre. Auditions and cast sign-ups have passed, so this is an outing for families to enjoy as audience members, not an opportunity to join the cast. Visit the official show page for performance times and ticket information.
Interested in the skills behind a show like this? Rockwall Acting’s 2026–27 class schedule includes musical theater, acting, dance, voice, improv, and TV and film classes. Improv helps students practice quick thinking, active listening, and adapting on the fly, not just comedy. Classes are led by industry professionals and give young performers a supportive place to grow confidence and skills. Explore Rockwall Acting or contact the studio with questions about current programs.
Sources: City of Rockwall events · City of Heath · City of Forney · Royse City · Rockwall Acting: Elf Jr.