Nestled in the heart of Northern Texas, Celina is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and entire state with master-planned communities attracting families and commuters alike with its highly rated schools and fiber optic amenities.
Although established in 1879, Celina’s population stayed below 2,000 people for the first 125 years and was still below 10,000 in 2016 before skyrocketing growth to an estimated 51,820 today.
Celina, minutes from toll roads that link it to the Metroplex, is just getting started with a projected buildout population of 350,000+!
“Situated in high-growth Collin County and nestled between the major arteries of Preston Road to the east and the future Dallas North Tollway to the … Celina is positioned geographically, demographically, and economically to quickly become a big player in the North Texas metropolitan community,” says the city. “With beautiful master planned communities, 100-acre parks, and two top-notch school districts, Celina is quickly becoming a huge attraction to both residents and commercial businesses.”
Celina: Small City with Big Vision
It may have taken Celina a while to blossom, but the area has always had the “small city with a big vision” spirit.
The first settlers came to the area in 1876 and three years later a settlement was born a few miles southwest of the present-day Celina.
John T. Mulkey, the town’s first postmaster, named the city after his native Celina, Tennessee.
By 1884, Celina had 150 people, a school, a church, a cotton gin and gristmill, and several general stores.
The “can-do” attitude was highlighted in 1902 when the St. Louis, San Francisco, and Texas Railway reached the area. To accommodate the railroad and what it could bring, Celina’s residents moved the town and main street eastward a mile toward the tracks!
Fun fact: Celina earned the nickname “Rollertown” because some of the town’s buildings were put on rollers to make the move to the new location.
Celina was incorporated as a city in 1907 and saw its first road built in 1915 (Celina Pike). Like many remote Texas locales, the 20th century arrived slowly with electricity not coming until 1937.
By 2000 the town had about 1,861 residents, an increase of less than 750 people from 1920.
Home Rule Charter and a Town Connected
In May of 2007, the citizens of Celina adopted a Home Rule Charter which established, among other things, a Council/Manager form of government. The Mayor and City Council are the elected representatives of the people and are responsible for adopting all ordinances and resolutions and determining the general goals and policies of the City.
Today, Celina is home to sought-after Celina ISD and Prosper ISD as well as 75-acre Collin College and became the first “Gigabit City” in the state of Texas with gig-speed internet to every home.
Celina’s real connections, however, don’t come in the form of fiber optic cables but in the small-town and friendly atmosphere.
“The residents of Celina, Texas stay connected due in part to the city’s family-friendly environment, their faith, and a strong sense of community,” says the city. “Living in Celina means relying on the strength and comfort of committed police and fire departments, a pro-business city government, and effective educators.”
Events: From Celina Cajun Fest to Christmas on the Square
The events calendar in Celina is packed year round from Celina Cajun Fest to Christmas on the Square. For starters – it’s best to know that the town is pronounced with a long “I” and not long the famous singer of the same name!
Here’s a highlight of the most popular:
- Friday Night Market: Over 60 vendors promote their homemade, handmade, and homegrown items in the monthly market downtown from 6 to 9 p.m. Locals shop, eat, listen to music, and mingle in this event.
- Touch-a-Truck: This popular April event at Old Celina Park is presented by Cook Children’s Health Care System. Kids of all ages explore massive trucks and equipment and get to chat with firefighters, police officers, public works crew, and other city staff.
- Movie Night: In April, June, and August, residents gather on the square for movie night at sunset. Rotating food trucks and take-out food and drinks-to-go are available from local establishments.
- Celina Cajun Fest: The biggest crawfish boil in North Texas is held each May in Celina’s downtown square. Enjoy gumbo, jambalaya, and other food along with Zydeco and Cajun music and a carnival area of fun for kids.
- Splash & Blast: School’s out and summer fun begins with this June celebration of family-friend fun and entertainment. Water slides, Ninja Nation Obstacle Course, Kids Zone, and more!
- Beware! Of The Square: Spooky fun in October as downtown Celina is transformed into the Halloween Capital of North Texas. Trick-or-treating, a haunted house, escape rooms, a free kids zone, pumpkin painting, and local vendors.
- Annual Golf Tournament: The 31st Annual HBA Design Build Downtown Celina Golf Tournament presented by Celina EDC will be held at Stonebridge Ranch Country Club on Oct. 1, 2024. It’s the city’s premier fundraising event to support revitalization and preservation projects in the community.
- Christmas on the Square: Small-town Christmas is celebrated with live reindeer, photos with Santa, a kids zone, local performers, crafts at Santa’s workshop, cupcakes with Mrs. Claus, a petting zoo, and a tree lighting ceremony.
- Countdown to Christmas: To get ready for Christmas, the Downtown Commission and Arts & Culture Board host pop-up events from carols to cocktails to ugly sweaters to gingerbread houses.
- Gift Tour: The City of Celina and Celina EDC host an annual Celina Gift Tour presented by Willow House. The shopping event takes place in early December in downtown and tickets typically sell out.
Weekend Getaway to Celina
Located less than 50 miles from downtown Dallas, Celina is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway. Put these places on your to-do list when visiting:
- Historic Downtown and Square: Walk around the historic downtown and square area, visiting local shops and restaurants. Founders Station Park is just a block away for outdoor fun.
- Celina Area Heritage Association & Museum: View historical information and artifacts relating to the city of Celina and the surrounding area. Of interest, look for the veteran stories that tell of those locals who proudly served our country.
- Old Celina Park: Multi-purpose sports fields, a catch-and-release pond, walking paths, a playground, and more. Coming in October 2025 will be a new all-inclusive playground designed for children ages 2-12 which will include a water feature and a multi-use court.
- Rollertown Beer Works: Enjoy libations from one of the best breweries in North Texas, and in Celina, you are allowed to open and carry your beverages as you walk around town.
- Tender Smokehouse: Hand-crafted Texas BBQ and scratch-made sides are served up in this joint co-owned by former MLB all-star Torii Hunter.
- Annie Jack: Located in a 1935 building, this lovely boutique features an espresso bar in the back.
- Hey Sugar Candy Store: Part of a small Texas chain of stores that were started by a 10-year-old out of an airstream trailer! Stock up here on ice cream from their own TX Creamery as well as candy and retro sodas.