By Bobbie Lehrmann, Assistant Director of Public Communications
The holiday season is fast approaching, and College Station is set to transform into a winter wonderland filled with dazzling lights, festive events, and the unmistakable spirit of Christmas.
So, prepare to unwrap the season’s magic with this captivating line-up of Christmas activities and events in College Station.
Santa’s Wonderland
Nov. 10 – Dec. 30 | 3 p.m. – Midnight (daily)
18898 State Highway 6 South
Ho, ho, ho! Immerse yourself in a million dazzling lights, real Texas snow, and acres of festive wonderland at Santa’s Wonderland. The glorious outdoor Christmas celebration boasts cheerful attractions, delightful shops, and delicious grub. It’s the grandest Christmas extravaganza in the South and is guaranteed to make your season merry and bright.
Kick-Off to Christmas in College Station
Sunday, Nov. 12 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Aggieland Outfitters, 303 University Drive East
Celebrate the start of the Christmas season with the Kick-Off to Christmas in College Station event at Aggieland Outfitters. Start your holiday shopping with live music and vendors outside the store. It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
Jingle Bell Market
Sunday, Nov. 12 | Noon-4 p.m.
Pebble Creek Country Club, 4500 Pebble Creek Pkwy.
Are you looking for unique and handcrafted gifts? The Jingle Bell Market is the place to be. Shop for one-of-a-kind items and get a head start on your Christmas shopping list.
Christmas in the Park: Lights On
Nov. 23-Dec. 31 | 6 p.m.-11 p.m. (daily)
College Station Central Park, 1000 Krenek Tap Road
Be enchanted by more than one million lights decorating the beautiful 47-acre Stephen C. Beachy Central Park. Don’t forget to bring your wish list for Santa and drop off your letters in the North Pole mailbox outside the Central Park Office. Christmas in the Park is a festive family tradition.
The Nutcracker
Friday, Dec. 1 | 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec 2 | 2 p.m., 6 p.m.
Texas A&M Rudder Tower, 401 Joe Routt Blvd.
Join Ballet Brazos for a magical holiday tradition with The Nutcracker. Experience dreams coming to life, swirling snow, mischievous mice, a handsome prince, and the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy. Arrive early for the fun, family-friendly holiday lobby and the unique Nutcracker Market.
Christmas in the Park: Event Weekend
Friday, Dec. 1-Saturday, Dec 2 | 6-10 p.m.
Beachy Central Park
In College Station, one of the highlights of the holiday season is always Christmas in the Park event weekend. With the addition of the first College Station Christmas Parade, this year’s event promises to be better than ever. Admission is free!
The two nights of fun and activities are Dec. 1-2 at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park. Holiday-themed festivities are scheduled from 6-10 p.m. each night. Featured fun includes old-fashioned hayrides, cookies, hot cocoa, local song and dance groups, photos with Santa and his reindeer, and more.
College Station Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 2 | 3:30 p.m.
The College Station Christmas Parade is a fabulous way to celebrate the holiday season in style. You’ll be dazzled by beautifully decorated floats, cheerful music, and the true spirit of Christmas in Aggieland. The parade begins at Post Oak Mall and travels west down Holleman, turns south on Dartmouth, crosses Southwest Parkway, turns east on Krenek Tap, and ends at Beachy Central Park.
Jingle Bell Fun Run
Saturday, Dec 2 | 6 p.m.
Beachy Central Park
For more than three decades, College Station’s annual Jingle Bell Fun Run has been the epitome of what fun is supposed to be.
The one-mile race isn’t timed and is intended to be an entertaining, light-hearted way to kick off the popular Christmas in the Park event at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park. But this year’s 33rd Jingle Bell Fun Run has a new twist by starting after the College Station Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2.
The parade starts at 3:30 p.m., followed by the race at 6 p.m. The starting line is close to the hayride line near the tennis courts. Part of the run goes along an unpaved trail.
Howdy Holly-Days
Saturday, Dec. 9 | 4-8 p.m.
Northgate Entertainment District
Don’t miss the Howdy Holly-Days event at Northgate. Grab your family and friends and head to the Patricia Street Promenade in Northgate, where you can indulge in shopping from over 50 vendors, enjoy live music, capture the magic with photo opportunities (including pictures with Santa), savor delicious food truck offerings, and even experience a snowy wonderland. The best part? It’s all free!
Gingerbread Build-Off
Sunday, Dec. 10 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Century Square, 175 Century Square Drive
Watch architects and engineers put their skills to the test in the American Institute of Architect’s gingerbread design and construction competition. It’s not just fun; it’s for a good cause, too! Children can decorate cookies in the Kids Build Area.
Century Square Cinema Holiday Edition
Thursday, Dec. 14 | 7 p.m.
Century Square, 175 Century Square Drive
Revel in the holiday spirit with a free Christmas movie at Century Square. Grab some hot cocoa and enjoy a cozy movie night under the twinkling lights. What better way to get into a merry mood?
Christmas Artisan Market
Saturday, Dec. 16 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Century Square, 175 Century Square Drive
Visit College Station joins Century Square in hosting 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. With a range of unique items on display, you’ll find those elusive gifts for your loved ones. It’s a shopping extravaganza you won’t want to miss.
Christmas in College Station erupts with joyous Christmas cheer and activities to make lasting memories. So, gather your friends and family, and make the most of the holly, jolly holiday season in the Heart of Aggieland.
Merry Christmas!
For more information on local holiday festivities, contact Visit College Station at 979-764-2625 or VisitCS@cstx.gov.
About the Blogger
Bobbie Lehrmann is in her first year as the city’s assistant director of public communications. She comes to College Station from the City of Navasota, where she served as marketing and communications director. Lehrmann lived most of her life in Australia and received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and media communications from Queensland University of Technology.
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