By Kelli Nesbitt, Parks & Recreation Marketing Coordinator
A beloved Brazos Valley holiday tradition comes alive with College Station Parks and Recreation’s Christmas in the Park event on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park.
The Jingle Bell Fun Run and College Station Christmas Parade end at the park, where Mayor John Nichols will flip the switch to turn on the holiday lights at 6 p.m., kicking off a night of festive activities.
Attractions run until 10 p.m. and include old-fashioned hayrides, cookies, hot cocoa, local song and dance groups, photos with Santa, an ice sculpture performance, and more.
Admission and parking are free!
Entertainment Schedule
| 3 p.m. | Jingle Bell Fun Run lineup (registration required) |
| 3:30 p.m. | Jingle Bell Fun Run |
| 4 p.m. | CS Christmas Parade |
| 6-6:20 p.m. | Lighting Ceremony |
| 6:25-6:55 p.m. | Texas A&M Choral Activities |
| 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Ice sculpture performance |
| 7-7:05 p.m. | Dance Arts Society |
| 7:10-7:40 p.m. | The Jazz Factor |
| 7:55-8:25 p.m. | Brazos Valley Flute Choir |
| 8:30-8:50 p.m. | Texas Ballroom Dance Association |
| 8:55-9:25 p.m. | Opus 024 |
| 9:30-9:50 p.m. | Aggie Wranglers |
Waiver and Wristbands
Free wristbands are required for all activities. Complete the waiver in advance and bring a digital or printed copy to the information booth, or fill one out on-site.
Santa Photos
Visit Santa at the Fun for All Playground. A professional photographer will not be available, but you can use the Texas Size Selfie photo station to have pictures sent directly to your phone. Printed photos are not provided, and pets are not allowed.
Ice Sculpture Performance
The Grinch and his dog, Max, will be brought to life in a 7½-foot ice sculpture carved on site by Ice Designs. The performance begins at 6:30 p.m. near the stage. Afterward, grab a photo and a carved snowflake, available while supplies last.
Food Vendors
Food trucks will be available, or you can bring your own refreshments. Vendors include Raging Bull Street Tacos, Macondo Grill, Something Different, Daily Bevs, Johnson & Johnson Kountry Kooking, and Chill Out Concessions. Glass containers are not allowed, and coolers must be 48 quarts or smaller.
Parking & Shuttle Hours (Dec. 6 only)
Beachy Central Park will be closed to through traffic from 7 a.m.-midnight. There is no parking at the park or nearby, so plan to take the shuttle from the Post Oak Mall parking lot (on the old Macy’s side). Shuttles run from 3 p.m.-midnight.
Handicap parking is available at the Beachy Central Park softball complex, accessed from State Highway 6. A valid handicap tag must be visible to enter the lot.
This popular holiday celebration wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of community partners Willy 97.7 FM, Bryan Broadcasting, and H-E-B.
We wish you a peaceful and joyous holiday season and the best in the coming year.
For more information, contact us at 979-764-3486 or parks@cstx.gov.
About the Blogger
Kelli Nesbitt has served the Parks & Recreation Department for 19 years, including 12 years as marketing coordinator. She also served 1.5 years as the marketing and community engagement specialist for the City of Bryan from 2023-25. A Bryan native, Nesbitt earned a bachelor’s degree in health & kinesiology from Sam Houston State.
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