Discover the Magic of Christmas in College Station and Bryan, Texas
College Station and Bryan, Texas, offer a delightful array of Christmas events and activities, promising a memorable holiday season for families, couples, and individuals alike. From dazzling light displays to festive markets and heartwarming traditions, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Aggieland.
Dazzling Light Displays: A Winter Wonderland
Traverse across Bryan and College Station to discover an array of glimmering lights. Make your way to these breathtaking locations at night, capturing photo-worthy memories in outdoor spaces.
- Santa's Wonderland: Immerse yourself in millions of dazzling lights, REAL Texas snow & ice, and a multitude of cheerful attractions spread across acres of festive wonderland at Santa's Wonderland, the World's LARGEST Christmas Park, located in College Station, Texas. Open from the middle of November through the end of December, Santa’s Wonderland is the biggest Christmas attraction in the state of Texas! It's a happy place that exists to preserve and perpetuate the true meaning and “Spirit” of Christmas! Guests can enjoy a hayride or carriage ride through the Trail of Lights, where guests have the ideal open air vantage point to view over a mile of exquisitely crafted Christmas scenes that sparkle with more than 3 million lights! The Christmas music that plays during each tour gives it an extra special ambience!
- Christmas in the Park: College Station’s beautiful Christmas in the Park displays began in 1984 when a local family funded a couple of light panels. Be enchanted by more than one million lights decorating the beautiful 47-acre Stephen C. Beachy Central Park.
- Lights On! in Downtown Bryan: Begin Christmas festivities with the annual Lights On! event. Watch thousands of lights glow along Main Street and Bryan Avenue, transforming Historic Downtown Bryan into a holiday wonderland.
Festive Markets and Shopping Experiences: Find the Perfect Gift
Get your holiday shopping wrapped up this holiday season in Bryan, Texas! Discover an assortment of festive happenings, featuring culinary adventures and shopping at holiday markets.
- Holly Jolly Holiday Market: Discover the Magic of the Holidays at our fourth annual Holly Jolly Holiday Market! Featuring artisanal, handmade, homegrown, vintage, and Aggie themed merchandise crafted by dozens of local vendors! You'll find something for everyone on your list, including a little something for yourself.
- Holiday Showcase at The Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History: The annual Holiday Showcase is a great time to get holiday shopping done while experiencing the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History! This even features a variety of local artists and authors selling unique gifts for the holidays. There will also be live music, wine, and hors d'oeuvres, along with access to the Museum gift shop and the new special exhibit, Capturing Time: The Story of Early Photography.
- Merry & Bright Marketplace: Shop from local artisans, crafters, and makers during the inaugural holiday market at Legends Event Center! The Merry & Bright Marketplace will bring together some of the best makers in the Brazos Valley for a one-day holiday shopping extravaganza.
- Miracle on Main Street Market: Enjoy a day of shopping with the entire family during Miracle on Main Street Market in Historic Downtown Bryan. There will be over 60 local vendors to shop from, along with live music, special Christmas giveaways, photos with Santa, and themed holiday cocktails for purchase. This free market is a long-standing tradition in Bryan, Texas!
- Holiday Artisan Market on The Green: Visit College Station joins Century Square to host the annual Holiday Artisan Market on The Green. Enjoy live music and shop for the perfect Christmas gifts, from handmade soaps to holiday decor and more.
- First Friday in Downtown Bryan: Stroll the festive-filled streets in Historic Downtown Bryan and enjoy live music, art, and an array of shopping and dining options. The streets of Historic Downtown Bryan transform into one big stage on the First Friday of each month with live music, performances, art demonstrations, and unique & interactive events and activities!
- The Local: The Local offers a variety of artisans, farmers, producers, and crafters from across the Brazos Valley. From fresh foods such as bread and honey, to homemade soaps and handcrafted jewelry, The Local features a variety of vendors.
Unique Shopping Destinations in Bryan:
- Old Bryan Marketplace: Filled to the top with unique finds of home decor, florals, accessories, collectibles, and more, Old Bryan Marketplace is a treasure trove that will draw you in. Owned and operated by a fourth-generation Bryan resident, this establishment is sure to give you a warm, Bryan welcome to you and your friends.
- Sparrow Lane: Located right on Main Street, Sparrow Lane is an eclectic shop that sells ornate European antiques, home décor, kitchenware, gift sets, jewelry, apparel and more. If you need a hostess or celebratory gift we highly recommend you check out their cute tea towels and candles!
- Texas Rose Boutique: Texas Rose Boutique is one of the cutest women’s clothing shops in Bryan, Texas, and offers a wide selection of urban western ware with a twist. Conveniently located on Main Street, this shop offers a variety of items like women’s tops, denim, dresses, jackets, shoes, jewelry, handbags, and more!
Family-Friendly Festivities: Create Lasting Memories
Whether you're looking for family-friendly festivities or seeking a picturesque date night, you'll find dazzling lights, decadent hot chocolate, pictures with Santa, and more.
- Santa's Wonderland: As a mom of a busy toddler, I can't say enough about our magical experience at Santa's Wonderland, a Christmas light-themed park! From the moment we arrived, it felt like we had stepped into a winter wonderland. Visiting the park has become a “bucket list” wish for millions of Christmas lovers across the world.
- Christmas in the Park: This fun-filled, family event will be Dec. and Dec. Daily activities will include a tour of the park on an old-fashioned hayride, free cookies and hot cocoa, and photos with Santa. On Saturday, Dec. 5 visitors can enjoy dance performances, inflatables, a petting zoo, giant snow slide and a Holiday Vendor Village with a variety of arts, crafts, jewelry, candles and more.
- Breakfast with Santa: Santa is traveling from the North Pole to Aggieland twice this year in preparation for Christmas. Join us in Brazos - Proper Texas Kitchen with Santa and his elves for breakfast to enjoy breakfast favorites, cookie decorating, balloon animal artist and face painting for the entire family. Don’t forget your camera for the perfect photo with the big man himself!
- Holiday Stroll & Lighted Parade in Historic Downtown Bryan: Come enjoy the best Lighted Holiday Parade in Bryan-College Station! Come sled down the snow hill, have your pictures taken with Santa, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies with the entire family! The stroll will begin at 5:00PM and the parade will start at 7:00PM at the intersection of 24th and Bryan Streets heading south, turning on 28th, and heading back north on Main Street.
- Reindeer On The Run Scavenger Hunt: Oh deer! Santa’s reindeer have escaped the North Pole and we need your help to find them! Explore City of Bryan locations to find all nine of Santa’s reindeer for a chance to win prizes. Go to Bryantx.gov/Reindeer for clues on where to find Santa’s nine reindeer in Bryan. Decode the clues, and head to each of the nine locations in Bryan. When you find the reindeer, scan the QR code to be entered to win great prizes.
- First Saturday Christmas Art Fair: Don't miss family-friendly fun and extraordinary artwork at DeGallery's First Saturday Christmas Art Fair! This outdoor art fair will feature live music, activities for kids, art vendors, and an artists' demo.
Culinary Delights: Savor the Flavors of the Season
Explore festive traditions in Bryan with Christmas light extravaganzas and mouthwatering holiday bites.
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- Thanksgiving Family Style Supper: You bring the friends and family, and the culinary team at Brazos PTK will do the cooking and dishes. Enjoy a worry-free Thanksgiving Family-Style Supper complete with award-winning chef specialties and delectable desserts. Gather 'round the table for classics like slow-roasted turkey & gravy and warm bread pudding while spending more time with those you're thankful for!
- BAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT: HOLIDAY PANETTONE BAKING CLASS: Watch the magic of the holidays come to life as Executive Chef Kevin Luque demonstrates how to bake the perfect panettone. A tall, fluffy, buttery brioche-style loaf filled with candied fruits and almonds - this dessert is best paired with a warm hot chocolate by the fireplace.
Arts and Entertainment: Experience the Magic of the Holidays
- The Nutcracker: Join Ballet Brazos for the The Nutcracker, a magical holiday tradition. From swirling snowflakes to the Sugar Plum Fairy, the classic performance is a feast for the senses.
- Holiday Spirit of Aggieland Concert: Join The Singing Cadets, Century Singers, and Women’s Chorus for the Holiday Spirit of Aggieland concert at Rudder Auditorium. The lively holiday performance is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy uplifting music and celebrate the season.
- Texas A&M Basketball Game: Elevate your winter experience in College Station by attending a Texas A&M basketball game at the cozy Reed Arena. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as you cheer on the Aggies against their rivals.
- Texas A&M University OPAS: Filled with inspiring performances about legends and icons (Tina Turner, Cher, Michael Feinstein with his celebration of Tony Bennett), OPAS Season 52 at Texas A&M University goes above, below and beyond. The 2024-25 season offers a slate of entertaining musicals, concerts and theatrical experiences no fan of live entertainment should miss.
Outdoor Activities: Embrace the Winter Scenery
- Gardens At Texas A&M University: As the temperature in College Station drops, the lush greenery gives way to a subtle winter palette, creating a picturesque landscape that captivates the senses. The air is filled with a sense of joy and wonder as visitors stroll through the gardens, surrounded by the subtle fragrance of evergreens. It's a magical occasion that combines the beauty of nature with the warmth of holiday spirit, making the winter stroll through the Texas A&M gardens a cherished tradition in College Station.
- Spirit Ice Arena: Experience the magic of the holidays at Spirit Ice Arena. Glide across the glistening ice surrounded by twinkling holiday lights, creating a picturesque and joyful atmosphere. Spirit Ice Arena hosts special holiday-themed events and activities, adding an extra layer of merriment to your visit.
- 5K, 10K, or 1 mile kids and family run at Lake Walk: Take part in a 5K, 10K, or 1 mile kids and family run this holiday season at Lake Walk! This festive run will lead you through the scenic Traditions neighborhood, with paved, tree-lined streets. You'll probably even see some houses with all-out decorations for the season!
Tips for Planning Your Christmas Trip to College Station & Bryan:
- Book Parking in Advance for Santa's Wonderland: Everyone loves a Texas Christmas, so we recommend planning your trip by first reserving your parking onsite. Remember that reservations fill up fast, so book your parking spot in advance!
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: With over 150 acres of Christmas magic to explore at Santa's Wonderland, we highly suggest you wear comfortable footwear so that you can enjoy every second of the park. Most of the park surfaces are paved and make for an easy stroll, but make no mistake, this place is BIG. You will want to grab a map or download online here.
- Dress in Layers: Dress in layers or bring a jacket with you as there is a 100% chance of REAL SNOW every day at Santa’s Wonderland. From snow play to snow tubing, which is included with your admission, you’ll want to be prepared for a true winter wonderland experience.
- Plan Your Meals: With over 23 food locations at Santa's Wonderland, you will want to plan your trip to include a tasty meal, sweet treats, and even a glass of locally brewed beer or wine. Don’t miss the Texas shaped “funnel cake”, or “roasting pits,” where you can get your smore’s on.
- Make Plans Early to See Santa: The big man himself, with his white beard and black cowboy hat, is waiting at Santa’s Station on the west side of Santa's Wonderland park. Make a reservation as soon as you arrive to avoid long waits. Keep in mind that the closer to Christmas, the busier Santa gets. Check the Attendance Forecast before you come. This forecast helps you decide what day is best for your friends and family to visit. Want to get an express pass and skip the lines? Learn more here.
- Plan Your Picture-Perfect Look: Must do photo spots at Santa's Wonderland include the Texas Flag, Candy Cane Tunnel, Giant Christmas Ornament, and Frostbite’s Frozen Forest. You can take photos yourself at most of the spots or take advantage of the park’s professional photography.
- Bring Your Fully Charged Phone!
- Take Advantage of Holiday Deals: When you spend Christmas in College Station, you will want to save a few dollars on dining and shopping whenever you can. That's why we created our Holiday Deals Pass!
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