Get your Holiday and Christmas albums ready because the holidays are right around the corner! From parades to musicals, Bryan College Station has SO many festivities coming up for you, your friends, and your family! Below are a few of the Christmas events that are in the Brazos Valley to help you with your Christmas Cheer:
Santa’s Wonderland
Date: November 11th -January 1st 
Time: Monday-Thursday 6 PM-11PM; Fridays 6 PM – Midnight; Saturdays 3 PM-Midnight; Sundays 3 PM – 11 PM
Admission: Varies
Open from the middle of November through the beginning of January, Santa’s Wonderland is a Texas Christmas experience and 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! Santa’s Wonderland is composed of Santa’s Town a nostalgic Texas Christmas Village and its headlining attraction, the magnificent Trail of Lights! Santa’s Town is the perfect place for food, nightly musical entertainment, shopping, and a myriad of fun and unique activities for people of all ages. Just a few of the activities you can enjoy while there are riding the mechanical bull, visiting the petting zoo, riding the children’s train, enjoying the winery, and even visiting with Marshall Frostbite and the man himself, Santa! Also included with admission is a hayride or an upgraded 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! Santa’s Wonderland is a great place for making special holiday memories.
December 1st
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
5:30 pm
Join us as we light the George Bush Presidential Library Center’s Community Christmas Tree! Modeled after the tree lighting ceremony that takes place annually on the White House grounds, the ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m and will include musical entertainment and celebrity guest tree lighters. The ceremony will take place outside, and a reception will follow inside. Throughout the month, we encourage people to take their family pictures in front of the beautifully decorated, beautifully lit tree.
Holiday Magic
December 1st
5:30pm -8:30 pm
Sue Haswell Memorial Park
Free family event with train rides, sledding on real snow, pictures with Santa, holiday crafts and games, hot chocolate and cookies. Free Shuttle from Blinn College
December 2nd:
Times: Starting: 5:30 PM
Admission: FREE
First Friday has become an event on the “must do” lists for residents and tourists alike. Around 5:30 p.m. on the first Friday of each month, the sidewalks begin to buzz with activity. By dusk, streets and sidewalks are teeming with people pausing to listen to street musicians, watch a magic act, peruse artwork or just chat with friends. Shops stay open late to accommodate the increased traffic and restaurants stay busy until well into the late evening. In the warmer months just after sundown, free entertainment options abound! Some months, we offer a free movie in the park where visitors can bring blankets and lawn chairs to watch a movie sponsored by local businesses and enjoy food from food truck vendors. The Palace Theater also offers free concerts from school groups and bands you’re sure to love.
December 2nd & 3rd:
Journey Through Bethlehem
Walker County Fairgrounds
Friday & Saturday nights from 6pm to 9 pm
Admission: $1 per person
Journey through Bethlehem sets up shop at the Walker County Fairgrounds on Friday and Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. Visitors gain access to the city by paying $1 in taxes per person. Features a multi-denominational presentation of Bethlehem as it was on the night Jesus was born. We want to bring the “Good News” at this time of year in a very memorable way by recreating that special night in Bethlehem when Jesus was born.
December 2nd-4th
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Brazos Valley Troupe
December 2–7:30 pm
December 3rd – 3 pm & 7:30 pm
December 4th — 3:30 pm
Admission: Varies
America’s favorite family returns to the TROUPE stage as the Herdmans, the worst kids in town, learn the true meaning of Christmas. BVT’s past presentations of Barbara Robinson’s classic story & play have been truly unique and truly special. Don’t miss this season’s incarnation that will warm heart and tickle your funny bone!
Christmas in the Park 
Date: December 2nd – December 4th
Time: Friday 6-10 PM; Saturday noon-10 PM; Sunday 6-10 PM
Admission: Free
Christmas in the Park returns to Stephen C. Beachy Central Park on Dec. 2 from 6-10 p.m., Dec. 3 from 12-10 p.m. and Dec. 4 from 6-10 p.m. Free daily activities include old-fashioned hayrides to view light displays throughout the park, free cookies and hot cocoa, and photos with Santa.
On Saturday, Dec. 3 visitors can enjoy dance performances, inflatables, a petting zoo, two real snow slides and a Holiday Vendor Village with a variety of arts, crafts, jewelry, candles and more. Guests may bring their own refreshments, but coolers must be 48 quarts or smaller. Alcohol, glass containers and pets are not allowed. Food vendors will also be available.
The holiday celebration doesn’t stop there! Guests can continue the family tradition of viewing more than one million lights that will decorate the beautiful 47-acre Stephen C. Beachy Central Park from 6-11 p.m. each day starting on Thanksgiving and ending New Year’s.
Christmas with Rockapella
- December 02, 2016 – December 04, 2016
Venue: Miramont Country Club- Times: Starting: 6:00 PM
- Admission: $100.00
Where in the world is Carmen San Diego?!” She’s sipping egg-nog and crunching on candy canes with ROCKAPELLA right here in Aggieland! Hitch a sleigh-ride over to Miramont Country Club for some figgy pudding and merriment! ROCKAPELLA will fill your holiday hearts with joy by singing all your festive favorites! Often imitated – never duplicated, ROCKAPELLA is an originator of the astonishing full-band sound of “contemporary” a cappella, demonstrating to every audience the raw power of pure vocal talent and creativity. Santa’s coming early this year – so skip the stockings and get ready for some Ho Ho Ho Holiday cheer with CHRISTMAS WITH ROCKAPELLA! All tickets to “Christmas with Rockapella” include a 3-course meal at Miramont Country Club.
December 3rd
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
10 am to 3 pm
Family Friendly, Holiday, Special Events
Get into the holiday spirit with our annual Holidays in the Rotunda celebration on Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Bush Library and Museum! This free event takes place in front of the museum’s magnificently decorated 19-foot Christmas tree in the rotunda, and live entertainment and Santa’s workshop will get you in the yuletide spirit. Children will be able to make holiday ornaments in the classroom, while a variety of entertainers will keep things festive in the rotunda. There will be cookies, hot chocolate and punch served during the activities. Bring your camera to have your child’s picture taken with Santa!
For more information call (979) 691-4014, or email to reservations.bush@nara.gov.
The event in the rotunda is free, however regular prices apply for admission to the museum.
We will be collecting donations of canned and non-perishable food items for the Food for Families holiday food drive. Collection boxes will be at the main entrance near security. Come and enjoy the Holidays in the Rotunda event, and please help us feed the Brazos Valley this holiday season. Save $1 off regular admission price with a food donation (limit one per person, cannot be combined with other offers).
December 4th
Jingle Bell Fun Run
Date: Sunday, December 4th
Time: 1:15 PM
Registration to participate has ended.
The College Station Parks & Recreation Department’s 27th Annual Jingle Bell Fun Run is set for Sunday, Dec. 4 at 1:15 p.m. and will be followed by the B/CS Christmas Parade. This two-mile run starts at the corner of University Drive and South College Avenue and ends at the corner of Texas Avenue and Villa Maria.
Admission: Free
This year’s Christmas Parade theme is Toyland! The starting point for the parade is planned for Parking Lot 50. It will continue east on University Drive to Texas Avenue. The parade will then travel north on Texas Avenue to end at Sulphur Springs in Bryan. Grab your friends and family and head out to the 90th Annual Bryan College Station Christmas Parade!
December 5th
Gift Wrapping Party
For more information please contact: Kelsie Schauer, 979-822-9700, kschauer@vfcbrazos.org
Come and help us wrap presents for our CASA kids! We will have all of the wrapping supplies available along with hot chocolate and merry holiday music for you to enjoy. Space is limited so sign up early!
December 6th
Holiday Gift of Aesop: Storytelling by Barbara Hailey
10:30 am to 11:30 am
Annenberg Presidential Conference Center’s Frymire Auditorium
FREE. For grades Pre K-2
Family Friendly, K-12 Education, Livestream
Consider the wisdom of the ages brought to life in these stories to inspire hearts and minds. Aesop was the champion of the underdog and sought to bring joy to the lives of all. This holiday time is a perfect time to reflect on the joy of storytelling by joining Master Storyteller Barbara Hailey. Aesop gives the gift of understanding and happiness.
Due to limited seating in the onsite program, reservations are required. To make your reservations or for more information email bush.education@nara.gov or call (979) 691-4006.
December 7th
The holidays are a time when family and friends come together. As the family of KBTX prepares for the holidays, we invite you and your family to join us Wednesday, December 7th at the Brazos Center in Bryan for the 21st annual Food for Families Food Drive. During this event we will broadcast live throughout the day as we work to alleviate hunger in the Brazos Valley. Benefits the mobile pantry operated by the Brazos Valley Food Bank and the Son-Shine Outreach Center, your local non-profit organization “seeking to eliminate hunger by the distribution of food and grocery products through a network of nonprofit organization while providing education and community awareness on issues of hunger.” Together we can make a difference.
December 9th
Downtown Bryan Christmas Parade
Lighted Christmas Parade
Date: December 9th 
Time: 6:30 PM – 9 PM
Admission: Free
Kick off the holiday season on Friday, December 9 at 6:30 p.m. with the ONLY lighted Christmas Parade in Bryan-College Station! The parade will begin at 24th and Bryan Street heading south, turn on 28th, and head back up Main Street. Downtown streets will close at 5:30 p.m. and re-open at the conclusion of the parade. Floats, vehicles, fire engines and more, all complete with lights, of course, will join us for this night of fun! It’s been rumored that SANTA CLAUS will also be making an appearance at the end of the parade!
Second Annual Coca and Carols Sing Along
Location: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
217 West 26th St., Bryan, TX 77803
T:979-822-5176
Times: From: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Admission: Free
Join friends and family in singing traditional carols at St. Andrew’s following the annual Downtown Bryan Christmas Parade. Enjoy coca and cookies afterward, while listening to the bell choir play.
December 9th & 10th
Laugh Out Loud! Holiday Ha-Ha Edition Dec 9th & 10th @ 7:30PM
All Seats $10 and $8 for members, available at the door.
December 10th
Breakfast with Santa
Time: 9 AM – 12 PM 
Admission: Free
The Lincoln Recreation Center will host its Annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Enjoy a free hot breakfast, hosted in collaboration with Pi. Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Omicron Omega and Brazos Valley Area Alumnae Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Activities will include: entertainment, Christmas themed carnival games and more. All participants ages 15 and under will receive a gift from Santa. This event is free and open to the public.
Magic of Christmas with CHI St. Joseph Health
Venue: Brazos County Expo
Times: From: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Admission: Free
A free community event with continuous activities, crafts, and refreshments. Events includes, a strolling magician, bounce houses, train rides, face paintings and much more!
Brazos Valley Christmas Community Concert
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Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
2815 Welsh Avenue, College Station, TX 77845
Times: Starting: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free -
The Brazos Valley community is invited to the annual Brazos Valley Christmas Community Concert to be held on Saturday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. Sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, concert attendees will enjoy an evening of uplifting Christmas music to celebrate the Birth of the Savior Jesus Christ and a viewing of beautiful nativity sets from around the world. This annual free event features vocalists and instrumental performances by community members from local churches, members of the A&M Consolidated High School vocal ensemble, Brazos Valley Symphony members and local community theater performers. Following the musical event, light refreshments will be served. The concert will be held at 2815 Welsh, College Station, the corner of Deacon Drive and Welsh Avenue. All ages over 8 are invited and Christmas attire encouraged. For more information, please contact Bishop Nathan Sharp at 979-224-6062.
December 11th
Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra presents “Holiday Pops Concert”
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Location: Christ United Methodist Church
4201 State HWY 6 South, College Station, TX 77845
Times: Starting: 5:00 PM
Admission: $10-$30
Get into the holiday spirit! Bring the entire family to hear favorites such as “Silent Night” and “Little Town of Bethlehem,” participate in a fun and interactive sing-along, and attend a cookie reception immediately following the concert hosted by the Friends Association of the Symphony Orchestra. This collaborative performance will feature the outstanding BVSO Brass and Percussion musicians, organist James Faith, The Sanctuary Choir and The Canticle Ringers of Christ United Methodist Church, and the College Station High School Varsity Women’s Choir. This concert has become a signature Brazos Valley holiday tradition and a very special celebration for the entire community! Note: This event is separate from the subscription season and is not included in the purchase price of regular season tickets. Adult and child pricing available!
December 12th
Location: First Presbyterian Church
1100 Carter Creek Parkway, Bryan, TX
Times: Starting: 7:00 PM
Admission: $20 ($15 in advance); $5 students
Feel the holiday cheer at our Holiday Concert. This concert is an annual community favorite! Sit back and enjoy the Chorale’s interpretations of familiar holiday songs, but be sure to warm-up your vocal chords and join us in singing your familiar carols. We will also announce the winner of our annual Young Composer Competition (and debut the winner’s composition).
December 14th
Holiday Open House 
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Location: Southwood Community Center
1520 Rock Prarie Road, College Station, TX 77845
Times: From: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
All senior adults are invited to Southwood Community Center on Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. for delicious holiday treats. Browse the information tables highlighting programs offered to seniors. Entertainment, door prizes and special guests, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, available for pictures.
December 16th & 17th
I’ll Be Home for Christmas Dec 16th & 17th 2016
A TROUPE mainstay and holiday tradition returns as we get you in the true spirit of Christmas with the best of holiday tunes. Expect your favorite pop, R&B, comedy, country & western, traditional & sacred holiday music performed by TROUPErs, past & present.
December 18th
Cooking Party: Soups & Stews
Venue: Messina Hof
4545 Old Reliance Road, Bryan, TX 77808
COOKING PARTIES Every month Messina Hof hosts a Cooking Party, a demonstration focusing on a specific cuisine or technique. If you’re a beginner, we’ve got you covered with beginner lessons and if you’re already quite the chef you’ll appreciate the huge selection of information on spices, cuts of meat, tools and more. Each guest will receive a recipe booklet to take home AND will have a chance to register to win awesome culinary door prizes. DECEMBER COOKING PARTY: SOUPS & STEWS This month we will be cooking for the cooler weather and going through the technique for making stews and how to incorporate wine into them.
Christmas brings family and friends together. It helps us appreciate the love in our lives we often take for granted. May the true meaning of the holiday season fill your heart and home with many blessings. Put ‘Christ’ back in Christmas.
Merry Christmas
Brazos County Realty, LLC