Compiled by Hailey Andersen
Courtesy of Downtown Bryan Association
Anderson Twilight Firelight www.wheretexasbecametexas.org Nov. 24, 4:30 to 7pm Take a trip back to 1850 with a tour of the Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the candlelit inn; mule-drawn stagecoach rides; period music; dancing; and interaction with interpreters dressed in period wear.
Brenham
Blinn College: A Christmas Carol www.blinn.edu/boxoffice Dec. 2, 4pm Ring in the holidays with Blinn College as they present the infamous Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. Watch along as cantankerous Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts to help him see the true meaning of Christmas.
Unity Theatre: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever www.unitybrenham.org Nov. 28 to Dec. 2 This Christmas comedy by Barbara Robinson fills the holiday season with joy. There are six performances of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever this year. The show starts at 7pm, Nov. 28 through Nov. 30; at 2pm and 7pm on Dec. 1; and 4pm on Dec. 2.
Jingle Bell Market www.visitbrenhamtexas.com Nov. 30 & Dec. 1 10am to 7pm Make holiday shopping fun by stopping by the Ant Street Inn holiday market, located in their ballroom. Shoppers can purchase handcrafted gifts, books, jewelry, clothing, and treats. Admission is free.
Courtesy of the City of Brenham
Brenham Christmas Stroll & Lighted Parade www.jingle.cityofbrenham.org Nov. 30 & Dec. 1 Enjoy live entertainment, an appearance from Santa Claus, and holiday shopping while walking through the light-filled streets of downtown Brenham. The parade begins at 6pm on Saturday.
Caldwell Red & Green Chili Championship Cook-Off www.caldwelltx.gov Dec. 8 With more than 11 different categories of chili, competitors cook their best pots of chili for the Red & Green Chili Championship title. You can support these cook-off entrants and try some of the chili for yourself.
Christmas on the Square www.caldwelltx.gov Dec. 8 This annual Christmas celebration provides a fun, family friendly atmosphere in downtown Caldwell. Visit Whoville, hear performances from the high school band, take pictures with the Grinch and Santa, and more!
Courtesy of the City of Chappell Hills
Chappell Hill 2018 Christmas Home Tour www.chappellhilltx.com Dec. 8, 10am to 5pm Enjoy tours of five amazing homes in Chappell Hill, sponsored by the Chappell Hill Garden Club. Also, enjoy the Shimmer Flute Choir and visit the beautiful rug displays by the Round Top Hookers. For more information call (713) 562-6191.
Crockett The Texas Tenors: Deep in the Heart of Christmas www.pwfaa.org Dec. 18, 7:30pm The Texas Tenors return to the Crockett Civic Center for their fun-filled holiday show, Deep in the Heart of Christmas.
Montgomery Christmas in Montgomery www.experiencemontgomery.com Dec. 8, 9am to 5pm Enjoy a full day of Christmas cheer in historic Montgomery. Enjoy holiday festivities like the Christmas Parade, Candlelight Home Tour, and Breakfast with Santa.
Bryan College Station Santa’s Wonderland www.santas-wonderland.com Nov. 9 to Dec. 30 With more than 300 million lights, a Texas Christmas village, Santa’s Town, live music, and entertainment, Santa’s Wonderland has become one of the biggest Christmas attractions in Texas. Enjoy the nostalgic holiday atmosphere this year at Santa’s Wonderland!
Lights On! www.downtownbryan.com Nov. 16, 6pm Get into the holiday spirit at the annual lighting of Downtown Bryan this season!
Curtesy of the City of College Station
Fun Run at Santa’s Wonderland www.santas-wonderland.com Nov. 17 & 18, 5:30pm Participants run a route through 3 million lights, ending in a Texas Christmas village, Santa’s Town, where there will be music, food, and shopping. The 5K takes place on Nov. 17 and starts at 5:30pm The 1-mile fun run is on Nov. 18 at 5:30pm, however the park opens at 3pm both days and all hayrides start at or around 7pm.
Thanksgiving Rehearsal Dinner www.cstx.gov/seniors Nov. 19, 11:30am to 1pm Adults ages 55+ are invited to test their favorite Thanksgiving recipes at the Southwood Community Center. Bring a side dish or dessert to share. Turkey will be provided. Registration deadline is Nov. 16. Email kpeterson@cstx.gov or call (979) 764-6351.
Courtesy of Messina Hof
Thanksgiving with Messina Hof www.messinahof.com Nov. 22, 11am to 6pm Gather and give thanks with your family this Thanksgiving at Messina Hof! Enjoy a delicious three-course Thanksgiving meal this holiday season. Reservations required
Turkey Trot www.turkeytrot.com Nov. 22, 8am This Thanksgiving 5K starts and finishes in the parking lot of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center. The run costs $20 for kids/students, $25 for adults, and $75 for families of five or more.
Christmas in the Park: Lights On www.cstx.gov/christmas Nov. 22 through Jan. 1 Enjoy viewing more than 1 million lights for free that decorate the beautiful 47-acre Stephen C. Beachy Central Park from 6 to 11pm each day starting on Thanksgiving and ending New Year’s Day.
Wine & Wassail www.downtownbryan.com Nov. 24, 4pm to 8pm Stores in Downtown Bryan will have one wine tasting and one holiday drink (cider, hot chocolate, or wassail). In-store tickets are $25 and are available until Nov. 11. Online tickets are $30 and are available until Nov. 23. Day-of tickets are $35 and are available Nov. 24.
George Bush Presidential Library Community Tree Lighting Ceremony www.bush41.org Nov. 29, 5:30pm to 9pm This tree lighting ceremony is inspired by the annual tree lighting ceremony that takes place at the White House. The event includes music, entertainment, a public reception, and a special guest who will light the tree.
Courtesy of the City of College Station
Christmas in the Park www.cstx.gov/christmas Nov. 30 & Dec. 1 and Dec. 7 & 8, 6 to 10pm The City of College Station’s Christmas in the Park returns to Stephen C. Beachy Central Park. Enjoy old-fashioned hayrides, cookies and hot cocoa, live entertainment, a petting zoo, inflatables, real snow slides, photos with Santa, and more on select dates! Guests may bring their own refreshments. Coolers must be 48 quarts or smaller. Alcohol, glass containers, and pets are not allowed. Visit through Jan. 1 to see the lights on any night.
Queen Theatre: Holiday Movies www.queenbryantx.com Dec. 1 to Dec. 31 The Queen Theatre in Downtown Bryan will feature a variety of your favorite holiday films (and maybe a few you still need to check off your list) throughout the month of December.
37th Annual Christmas: Arts & Crafts Show www.elmoreproductions.net Dec. 1 & 2, 10am to 5pm Start your holiday season off with more than 100 artists and crafters offering one-of-a-kind hand-made jewelry and other Christmas gifts for the ones you love.
Holidays in the Rotunda www.bush41.org Dec. 1, 10am to 3pm Make the most of your holiday season and spend the day in the rotunda of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Enjoy musical entertainment, pictures with Santa, ornament making, and refreshments — all free!
Celtic Woman: The Best of Christmas www.MSCOPAS.org Dec. 3 & 4, 7:30pm MSC OPAS presents Celtic Woman, the multi-platinum Irish singing sensation. The Best of Christmas tour features music from the all-female ensemble’s most favorite Yuletide songs.
Holiday Crystal Wine Trail www.texasbluebonnetwinetrail.com Dec. 1 & 8, 11am to 6pm Dec. 2 & 9, 12pm to 5pm This special holiday-themed event on the Bluebonnet Wine Trail is sure to have everyone feeling merry and bright. Each stop on the trail throughout the Brazos Valley will have a wine tasting and holiday food samples.
Courtesy of the City of College Station
Breakfast with Santa www.cstx.gov/events Dec. 1, 9am to 12pm Enjoy a hot breakfast with Santa, Christmas-themed games, entertainment, and more at the Lincoln Recreation Center. Kids ages 12 and younger will also receive a gift from Santa.
Jingle Bell Fun Run www.cstx.gov/christmas Dec. 2, 1:15pm Kick off the holidays in B/CS at the 29th Annual Jingle Bell Fun Run. Entry fee is $15 before Nov. 18 and $20 between Nov. 19 and 25. Race shirts are guaranteed to participants who register by Nov. 18. Dogs are welcome. The run begins at 1:15 p.m. and is followed by the B/CS Christmas Parade.
B/CS Kids Marathon www.bcsmarathon.com Dec. 8, 12pm Kids 12 and younger are invited to participate in the 1.2-mile race. Each participant receives a t-shirt. The race begins at 12:30pm, however plan to arrive early.
Ballet Brazos: The Nutcracker www.balletbrazos.org Dec. 8, 2pm and 6pm The well-known Christmas story follows Clara and her nutcracker doll on a magical journey to the land of the Snow Queen and then on to the Land of Sweets where a celebration is held in their honor. The performance includes local dancers and guest artists from the NYC Ballet.
B/CS Marathon www.bcsmarathon.com Dec. 9, 7am The popular full- and half-marathon takes runners throughout the heart of Aggieland. All competitors who complete the race receive a t-shirt, medal, and jacket. Food and beer are served following the event.
Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Pops Concert www.bvso.org Dec. 9, 5pm The incredible BVSO Brass and Percussion musicians, organist James Faith, The Sanctuary Choir and The Canticle Ringers of Christ United Methodist Church, the College Station High School Varsity Women’s Choir, and the Brenham Children’s Chorus perform your holiday favorites.
Brazos Valley Chorale: ’Tis the Season to be Jolly! www.bvchorale.org Dec. 10, 7pm This family favorite event includes some of your holiday favorites, a full orchestra, and sing-alongs with the audience, just in time to lift your spirits for the Christmas holidays!
Courtesy of the City of College Station
Holiday Open House www.cstx.gov/events Dec. 12, 10am to 12pm Adults ages 55+ are invited to the Southwood Community Center to celebrate the holidays. Enjoy holiday treats, browse information tables highlighting available programs, take photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and more.
Bryan Viking Band Winter Concert www.bryanvikingband.org Dec. 13, 7 to 9pm The Bryan High Viking Band will put on their winter concert at the BISD PAC. The concert is the perfect place to spread holiday cheer and showcase the talents of this local high school band.
Downtown Bryan’s Annual Lighted Christmas Parade www.downtownbryan.com Dec. 14, 6:30pm Save the date for the ONLY lighted Christmas Parade in Bryan College Station! The parade begins at 24th and Bryan Street heading south, turns on 28th, and heads back up Main Street. Downtown streets will close at 5:30pm and re-open at the conclusion of the parade. Floats, vehicles, fire engines, and more, all complete with lights, of course, are a part of this fun night. It’s been rumored that Santa Claus will also make an appearance at the end of the parade!
Christmas Cellar Tour www.messinahof.com Dec. 15 & 22, 6:30 to 7:30pm Celebrate the holidays strolling through Messina Hof, drinking wine, hearing about the history of the winery, and learning about Italian and German Christmas traditions.
The Theatre Company: Who’s Holiday www.theatrecompany.com Dec. 20 & 21 The one-act, one-woman, adult comedy about a middle-aged Cindy Lou Who and her life living in a trailer park will get you giggling this Christmas. This show has mature themes and language.
New Year’s Eve Party www.messinahof.com Dec. 31, 9pm to 1am Ring in the New Year with drinks, dancing, appetizers, a dessert bar, and wine in your best 1920’s attire at Messina Hof’s New Year’s Cellar Speakeasy.
Navasota Navasota Theatre Alliance: A Christmas Carol www.navasotatheatre.org Dec. 6 through 8, 13 through 15, 7pm; Dec. 18, 9, 15, 16, 2pm & 7pm Navasota Theatre Alliance present’s Charles Dicken’s popular Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol. The live community theatre is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit with their performance about Ebenezer Scrooge and his adventures with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
Courtesy of the City of College Station
Round Top Round Top Christmas Parade www.roundtop.org Dec. 1, 6pm Christmas is the season to be jolly! Come celebrate this joyful season at the Round Top Christmas Parade to watch festive parade floats and listen to Christmas carolers.
20th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes and Historical Places www.roundtop.org Dec. 1, 10am to 4pm Admire the beautifully decorated and lighted homes and historical places for that extra cozy Christmas feeling. Holiday refreshments will be served at each home.
Blinn College: Sounds of the Season www.blinn.edu/boxoffice Dec. 1, 3pm Join the Blinn College Wind Symphony and the Blinn College Choir at Festival Hill in Round Top for a combined concert featuring Blinn College’s top instrumental and vocal ensembles. John Rutter’s The Gift of Life highlights a wonderful assortment of selections, which includes a sing-along of holiday favorites!
4th Annual Santa Paws www.roundtop.org Dec. 8, 12 to 2pm Spoil your furry friends this holiday season and let them enjoy pet parades, prizes, holiday snacks, and pet adoptions. Bring any pet gifts including treats, toys, cleaning supplies, and dog or cat beds/shelters.
Round Top Festival Institute: The Nutcracker Ballet www.roundtop.org; www.festivalhill.com Dec. 8, 4pm This holiday performance will get you into the Christmas spirit in no time! The popular Christmas ballet about Clara and her nutcracker doll sells out quickly, so get your tickets early.
Courtesy of the City of College Station
New Year’s Eve Community Party www.roundtoprifle.com Dec. 31, 6pm to 12am Enjoy live music, snacks, and a toast to ring in the New Year at the Round Top Rifle Association. Doors open at 6pm.
Washington Holiday Market www.wheretexasbecametexas.org Nov. 17, 10am to 2pm Get a jump start on your holiday shopping at this holiday market. There will be a great selection of holiday gifts including jewelry, soaps, lotions, baked goods, jams and jellies, yummy goodies, and more.
Christmas on the Brazos www.wheretexasbecametexas.org Dec. 7 & 8, 4:30 to 8pm Jump start your holiday season by experiencing a pre-Civil War Texas Christmas at the Washington on the Brazos Historic Site. Visitors will ride a wagon to Barrington Farm where they are greeted by costumed interpreters, musket-fires, music, and dancing.
