By Bobbie Lehrmann, Assistant Director Public Communications
College Station’s holiday season has been nothing short of magical, with an array of festive events bringing the community together in the genuine spirit of Christmas.
The Kick-Off to Christmas at Aggieland Outfitters set the tone for the season, ushering in holiday shopping with 13 local vendors showcasing their wares amid live music at the city’s heart. It was the perfect opportunity for eager shoppers to get their hands on the newly debuted 2023 Christmas ornament — a season keepsake to be cherished.
The first College Station Christmas Parade was a spectacle of beautifully decorated floats and cheery music, spreading the true essence of Christmas. After the parade, the Jingle Bell Fun Run added a touch of fun and excitement to the festivities.
Christmas in the Park at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park was an enchanting spectacle with more than a million lights transforming the park into a breathtaking wonderland. Families also dropped off hopeful wish lists for Santa in the North Pole mailbox.
The Ballet Brazos’s Nutcracker performance at Texas A&M’s Rudder Theater captivated audiences, weaving dreams with its timeless story and enchanting ambiance. The accompanying Nutcracker Market was a unique addition, offering a delightful holiday shopping experience.
Howdy Holly-Days at Northgate was a bustling affair, drawing in over 400 attendees. The event buzzed with 60 vendors, and an inflatable snow globe and bounce houses added to the joyful atmosphere. The highlight was the free hot chocolate served at the Painted Palomino Mobile Bar, courtesy of Amazon Prime Air. The friendly competition between the College Station Fire and Police Departments enhanced the evening’s excitement.
Century Square supplemented the holiday cheer with a cozy cinema experience featuring free Christmas movies under twinkling lights. The culminating event, the Holiday Artisan Market, hosted in collaboration with Visit College Station, offered a last-minute shopping haven with unique gifts and live music. The 26 vendors shared their excitement and gratitude for the event, expressing delight at the overwhelming response:
“Being part of this event was fantastic! We experienced a surge in sales, and our candles sold out faster than ever. Count me in for next year!”
“The Holiday Artisan Market was a game-changer for me — I’ve never sold this much! The items were flying off the shelves.”
“My products were almost entirely sold out. The demand was incredible! I had to restock during the event, thanks to the overwhelming support from the community.”
And, of course, Santa’s Wonderland remains a dazzling extravaganza with millions of lights, real Texas snow, and a lively ambiance attracting thousands of visitors.
As the season closes, the warmth and joy of these memories will linger with an indelible sense of community and camaraderie. It was indeed a holly, jolly Christmas in the Heart of Aggieland.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas!
For more details about past or upcoming events, 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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