Downtown Bryan Lighted Parade
Visitors can experience a festive week of activities throughout Historic Downtown Bryan, including a self-guided porch stroll through the East Side Historic District, holiday ghost tours, glassmaking workshops, and story times with Santa. Local businesses host themed shopping nights and craft classes leading up to the annual lighted parade. During the parade, spectators can watch illuminated floats compete for best-themed decorations under the Candy Cane on Main theme.
What to Expect
The only lighted holiday parade in Aggieland.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Historic Downtown Bryan
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Destination Bryan
Food & Drink
Dinner with Santa is listed at Casa Monarca on Tuesday; the pages give no menu or other event food-and-drink details.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and community-minded
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Know Before You Go
- Hours: The Lighted Parade is listed for 5PM–10PM on Thursday, December 17.
- Parking: Free and paid parking options downtown are shown on the City of Bryan's interactive parking map.
Tips & Advice
- Send in your parade application before December 7, because entries close once all spots are filled, even if that comes before the deadline.
- Design your float around the Candy Cane on Main theme, since the judging panel awards prizes for the best-themed decorations.
- Only trust parade or vendor messages from @destinationbryan.com addresses, since Destination Bryan never asks for payment through Venmo, Cash App or similar apps.
- Look up the City of Bryan downtown parking map before parade night to find free and paid parking close to Main Street.
- Dress warmly if you're staying downtown into the evening, since the parade, porch stroll and walking tours all happen outdoors in December.
Special Events & Promotions
- Sunday, December 13: Holiday Porch Stroll kickoff, a self-guided tour through the East Side Historic District.
- Monday, December 14: Holiday History Tour with the Carnegie History Center, a Christmas glass-making workshop at Brazos Glassworks, and Holiday Ladies Night Out at Wonderful Words Bookshoppe.
- Tuesday, December 15: wood ornament class at Burr's Unfinished Furniture, Holiday Trivia at The Owl Pub & Grill, Dinner with Santa at Casa Monarca, and Christmas Stories & Craft Night.
- Wednesday, December 16: Story time with Santa, an "A Christmas Carol" holiday ghost tour with the Carnegie History Center, and Men's Shopping Night at Wonderful Words Bookshoppe.
- Thursday, December 17: Candy Cane tour through downtown and Photos with Santa at Daniel Stark Law Offices, ahead of the Lighted Parade.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do during Holiday Stroll week?
Local businesses host free, family-friendly activities all week before the parade. There's a self-guided Holiday Porch Stroll, history and ghost tours with the Carnegie History Center, and glassmaking at Brazos Glassworks. You'll also find wood ornament classes, holiday trivia, shopping nights, and story and craft nights.
Where can we see Santa?
Dinner with Santa is at Casa Monarca on Tuesday. Story time with Santa is at Wonderful Words Bookshoppe on Wednesday. Photos with Santa are at Daniel Stark Law Offices on Thursday, parade day.
What's the parade theme this year?
Candy Cane on Main. A judging panel awards prizes to the floats with the best-themed decorations.
How can my group be in the parade?
There are separate applications for non-profits, for-profit businesses, school organizations and clubs, and individuals or unaffiliated groups. Applications are open through December 7 or until all spots are filled, whichever comes first.
Where can I park downtown?
The City of Bryan has an interactive map of free and paid parking options in Historic Downtown Bryan.
More Christmas Events Near Bryan
More Christmas Events near Bryan
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.