By Bobbie Lehrmann, Assistant Director of Public Communications
The holiday season is upon us, and College Station is ready to dazzle with lights, festivities, and the enchanting spirit of Christmas. From timeless traditions to new experiences, this year’s holiday lineup promises magical moments for all.
These captivating Christmas in College Station events and activities offer all you need to unwrap the season’s magic and make memories for a lifetime.
Santa’s Wonderland
Nov. 15 – Dec. 30 | 3 p.m. – Midnight (daily)
18898 State Highway 6 South
Step into a Texas-sized Christmas celebration at Santa’s Wonderland, where over a million sparkling lights, real snow, and endless festive attractions await. Stroll through a winter wonderland of delightful shops, enjoy mouthwatering holiday treats, and create unforgettable memories. It’s the South’s grandest holiday destination!
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.
Ballet Brazos: The Nutcracker
Friday, Dec. 6 | 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec 7 | 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
Texas A&M Rudder Tower, 401 Joe Routt Blvd.
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. Don’t miss the holiday-themed lobby and Nutcracker Market before the show.
Christmas in the Park: Event Weekend
Friday, Dec. 6-Saturday, Dec 7 | 6-10 p.m.
Stephen C. Beachy Central Park
A highlight of the holiday season in College Station is always Christmas in the Park event weekend. Admission is free!
The two nights of fun and activities are Dec. 6-7 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 more.
The College Station Christmas Parade and the Jingle Bell Fun Run precede Saturday’s event night, which features the official lighting ceremony.
Breakfast with Blue Santa
Saturday, Dec. 7 | 8-10 a.m.
CSPD Headquarters, 800 Krenek Tap Road
The College Station Police Department hosts its annual Breakfast with Blue Santa on Saturday, Dec. 7, at police headquarters on Krenek Tap Road. From 8-10 a.m., Families are invited for donuts, milk, juice, and photos with Santa. Children 12 and under will receive a present while supplies last.
College Station Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 7 | 4 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 in time for the Christmas in the Park lighting ceremony.
Jingle Bell Fun Run
Saturday, Dec 7 | 6 p.m.
Stephen C. 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 an entertaining, light-hearted way to kick off the popular Christmas in the Park event at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park.
The run begins at 6 p.m. Part of the run is along an unpaved trail.
Holiday Spirit of Aggieland
Sunday, Dec. 8 | 3 p.m.
Texas A&M Rudder Tower, 401 Joe Routt Blvd.
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. A&M students receive one free ticket at the box office with a valid student ID. General admission tickets are $10 but increase to $12 on event day.
Howdy Holly-Days
Saturday, Dec. 14 | 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!
The Salvation Army Mayor Ring-Off
Saturday, Dec. 14 | 12. -5 p.m.
College Station Walmart, 1815 Brothers Blvd.
Regardless of which mayor prevails, the Salvation Army’s annual Mayor Ring-Off benefits the entire community through the invaluable work of the BCS Salvation Army. College Station Mayor John Nichols will man the iconic red kettle at the College Station Walmart on Saturday from noon-5 p.m., while Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez will be at the Walmart on Briarcrest Drive.
If you can’t make it in person, you can donate online through the virtual red kettle.
Christmas Artisan Market
Saturday, Dec. 21 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Century Square, 175 Century Square Drive
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. With a range of unique items displayed, you will surely find those elusive gifts for your loved ones.
It’s a shopping extravaganza you won’t want to miss.
College Station is your destination for festive holiday fun, cherished traditions, and magical memories. We encourage you to gather your loved ones and make the most of Christmas in the Heart of Aggieland.
Merry Christmas!
About the Blogger
Bobbie Lehrmann is in her second year as assistant director of public communications. She previously served as marketing and communications director for the City of Navasota. 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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