Come Celebrate the Solar Eclipse in McKinney

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, completely blocking the Sun's bright disk for a brief period. This results in the daytime sky darkening dramatically, with only the Sun's outer atmosphere, the solar corona, visible as a glowing ring around the Moon. Total solar eclipses are rare and highly anticipated events, providing a stunning visual spectacle. They occur along a narrow path on Earth, and observers within this path experience the awe-inspiring moment when the Sun is entirely obscured by the Moon.

• Start: 12:24
• Totality: 1:42
• End: 3:03
• Totality lasts 3 mins 9 seconds

Watching a solar eclipse safely requires protective eyewear specifically designed for this purpose. The Sun's intense rays can damage the eyes when viewed directly, even during an eclipse. Special eclipse glasses or viewers with certified solar filters provide essential protection, blocking harmful radiation while allowing safe viewing. Looking at an eclipse with the naked eye can lead to serious and irreversible eye damage, as the Sun's brightness and harmful UV rays can cause severe harm to the retinas, making proper eye protection crucial. Visit McKinney has a limited number of eclipse-safe glasses for our guests (as supplies last). Hotel package guests will receive these glasses as part of their reservation. 

Ideal viewing spots include parks, open fields, or elevated areas with an unobstructed view of the sky. Among the community events planned for April 8 are two city-hosted events (in Downtown McKinney on the roof of a parking garage (this event is now sold out) and a free event at Gabe Nesbitt Community Park. The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is also hosting a special event. See the events section of this page for details and links. 

Below are hotels that have set up special booking links for our Solar Eclipse visitors. (Click hotel name to access booking link.) When you book through one of these links, your reservation will be at the negotiated rate and you will receive, at check-in, a special welcome gift of eclipse items including two eclipse viewing glasses per room reserved. 

• Best Western Plus McKinney Inn & Suites
  480 Wilson Creek Blvd. - 15% off best available rate. Book one of our newly renovated guest rooms at a special Solar Eclipse discount! All rates include a deluxe hot breakfast buffet, self-parking, and WiFi. Rate offering must be prepaid in full at time of booking. Rate will be available until the hotel sells out.
   
• Home 2 Suites by Hilton
  2631 S. Central Expwy. - Dates Offered: April 5-9, 2024. Rate based on availability and any changes to each reservation may result in a change of rate. 14 days Cancellation Policy - to avoid the first-night cancellation penalty.
   
• Red Roof Inn & Conference Center
  1300 N. Central Expwy. - 10% off regular rate. Cutoff to book with this link is 30 days prior to arrival. Cancellations must be by 4 p.m. the same day.
   
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott
  2660 S. Central Expwy. - Enjoy 10% off your stay when you book early! 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy Bonus Points, Solar Eclipse Welcome Goody Bag, plus complimentary breakfast buffet, parking, and Wi-Fi. Dates Offered: April 5-9, 2024. Rate based on availability and any changes to each reservation may result in a change of rate. 14 days Cancellation Policy to avoid 1st night cancellation penalty.
   
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott
  1832 Marketplace Drive - Receive two pairs of viewing glasses, self-parking for one vehicle per night, and complimentary hot breakfast. Rates are per room per night. A limited number of packages are available. Some blackout dates apply. Not available to groups of 10 or more rooms or in conjunction with other promotional offers.

As is always the case when a special event with an expected large attendance occurs, hotels tend to raise their rates. It's a simple supply-and-demand situation with reports of overall occupancy up more than 500 percent eclipse weekend; in fact, many hotels in more remote areas are already sold out.

Hotel rates in McKinney are actually skewing considerably lower than many other parts of the total eclipse viewing path. Read more HERE about the rate increases, up more than 390 percent in some Dallas-Fort Worth area hotels as of early February 2024.

Yes, you can photograph the eclipse, but it's important to use proper solar filters to protect your camera equipment and your eyes. Additionally, practice safe photography techniques to avoid damaging your camera sensor.

While there may be increased traffic as visitors flock to prime viewing spots, there are typically no official road closures planned. However, it's advisable to plan your travel route in advance and expect some congestion. Please aware of these tips:

• Public safety personnel ask that you not just stop on the side of the road and get out to watch. This could result in serious injury (or worse) and traffic problems that could put people in danger. 
• As of early February, McKinney schools are not planning to be closed on Monday, April 8. Please note that there are two schools adjacent to Gabe Nesbitt Community Park (the city's free event), both of which have strictly-enforced school zones to keep students and their parents safe. We ask that you be patient and practice safe driving just as you would during normal days.

A total solar eclipse can create major traffic issues, so travelers and locals should prepare for delays. Cities across Texas have been working with the Texas Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Transportation as well as the Texas Division of Emergency Management in preparation for large amounts of traffic on the roadways and highways in the total eclipse area. These entities will communicate updates on digital highway and road signs.

When the eclipse occurred in 2017, this photo was snapped on a highway in Wyoming.  According to an article in the Dallas Morning News,Texas locations in the path of totality, where the moon will appear to fully block the sun, may collectively receive anywhere from 270,000 to more than a million eclipse visitors. Many of those visitors will gravitate to big cities areas such as the [Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex]. Residents could see increased traffic beginning Friday, April 5, through eclipse day and perhaps the day after. 

It's advisable to arrive early at the chosen viewing spot and contemplate staying in the area post-eclipse to sidestep traffic congestion. As a precaution, it's wise for individuals to ensure their vehicles are fueled up and to pack additional provisions like food and water in case of any possible road delays. Also, it's wise for locals to make shopping trips and run errands a day or two before. Also, don't be surprised if restaurants and entertainment venues are busier than usual the weekend of the eclipse and possibly the day after. 

The word to keep in mind is patience. Thank you!

Bring along essentials such as water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable clothing, a chair or blanket for seating, and of course, your certified solar viewing glasses or telescope with solar filters. If attending any of the organized watch party events in McKinney, there will be food and beverages available for purchase. 

There will obviously not be a rain date for the total eclipse viewing in McKinney. Unfortunately, if the sky is heavily clouded, the visibility of the eclipse may be significantly reduced or obscured entirely. There may be clearer areas within the eclipse's path of totality, but being on the road trying to chase clear spots may not be the safest idea. Even if the skies are overcast, it's still worth experiencing the event as the environment may darken noticeably during totality.
 

The next total eclipse in North America will occur in 2045. While McKinney and North Texas will not be in the path of totality, our area will be able to view the eclipse at near totality.