Experience the magic of the holiday season in College Station, TX, where festive lights and community spirit create an unforgettable Christmas atmosphere. From the massive Texas-themed Santa's Wonderland to the historic charm of Christmas in the Park, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're taking a scenic hayride, decorating cookies, dashing through the streets in the Jingle Bell Fun Run, or simply soaking in the local history, College Station offers a joyful celebration for locals and visitors alike.
The holiday season in College Station is filled with vibrant events that capture the heart and soul of this Texan city. Join the community in celebrating the season with unique experiences that blend tradition, creativity, and fun, making this a perfect destination for holiday cheer.
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The Top Christmas Events in College Station
- Santa's Wonderland
- Christmas in the Park
- Jingle Bell Fun Run
- Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert
- Holiday Artisan Market
- Poinsettia Celebration
- Aggieland Christmas Parade
- Yuletide at the George
College Station Holiday Light Displays
Santa's Wonderland
What to Expect:
Texas-sized Christmas attraction with hayrides and live music
Description:
Santa's Wonderland transforms College Station into a dazzling Texas-sized Christmas attraction. Visitors can embark on a festive hayride through illuminated scenes or tap their toes to live country music performances. This sprawling holiday destination pays homage to the Lone Star State's rich cowboy culture, blending traditional Christmas elements with a distinctly Texan flair. You'll find yourself immersed in a sea of twinkling lights as you explore the various themed areas, each offering a unique glimpse into the holiday spirit of the Lone Star State.
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College Station Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Artisan Market
What to Expect:
Showcase of locally crafted, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts
Description:
The Holiday Artisan Market spotlights College Station's thriving creative community. This curated event brings together local artisans and craftspeople, offering a diverse array of unique, handmade gifts. Visitors can browse through stalls featuring everything from hand-blown glass ornaments to artisanal food products, each item telling a story of local skill and creativity. The market provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work, continuing a tradition of supporting local talent that dates back to the city's founding. As you explore the market, the air fills with the earthy scent of handcrafted soaps and candles, adding to the sensory experience.
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College Station Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert
What to Expect:
Classical renditions of holiday favorites by a professional orchestra
Description:
The Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra elevates holiday music to new heights with their annual Holiday Pops Concert. This sophisticated event showcases the talents of professional musicians as they perform classical renditions of beloved Christmas tunes. The concert features a unique blend of traditional carols and contemporary holiday hits, all reimagined through the lens of orchestral arrangement. Audience members can marvel at the intricate interplay of strings, brass, and woodwinds as the symphony brings these familiar melodies to life. The event pays tribute to College Station's long-standing appreciation for the arts, which has been a cornerstone of the community since its early days.
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Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert
College Station Other Holiday Activities
Christmas in the Park
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration in a historic park setting
Description:
Christmas in the Park breathes new life into College Station's historic Stephen C. Beachy Central Park. This community-driven celebration showcases local talent and creativity, with handcrafted decorations adorning the century-old oak trees. Visitors can participate in cookie decorating workshops, learning techniques passed down through generations of local families. The event honors the park's rich history, which dates back to the early days of the city's founding. As you stroll through the illuminated pathways, the crisp winter air carries the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats from nearby food vendors.
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Jingle Bell Fun Run
What to Expect:
Festive 5K run with participants wearing jingle bells
Description:
The Jingle Bell Fun Run invigorates College Station with a symphony of tinkling bells. Participants don jingle bells on their shoes, creating a melodious chorus as they dash through the streets. This unique 5K event combines fitness with holiday cheer, encouraging runners to dress in their most outrageous Christmas attire. The run follows a route that showcases the city's most notable landmarks, offering a fresh perspective on familiar sights. Originating as a small community event, the Jingle Bell Fun Run has grown to become a beloved local tradition that brings together fitness enthusiasts and holiday revelers alike.
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Poinsettia Celebration
What to Expect:
Botanical showcase of rare and exotic poinsettia varieties
Description:
The Poinsettia Celebration transforms College Station into a vibrant sea of red, pink, and white. This unique botanical event showcases an impressive array of poinsettia varieties, including rare and exotic cultivars not commonly seen. Visitors can explore meticulously designed displays that highlight the diversity and beauty of this iconic holiday plant. The celebration also features educational workshops on poinsettia care and propagation, led by local horticulture experts. This event pays homage to the agricultural roots of Texas A&M University, which has long been at the forefront of plant science research. You'll gain a new appreciation for the poinsettia's rich history and cultural significance as you wander through the colorful exhibits.
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Aggieland Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Texas A&M University-themed holiday parade
Description:
The Aggieland Christmas Parade marches through College Station, celebrating the unique spirit of Texas A&M University during the holiday season. This lively procession features floats adorned with maroon and white, the university's colors, alongside traditional Christmas decorations. Student organizations and local businesses showcase their creativity with Aggie-themed holiday displays. The parade route winds through historic downtown Bryan, highlighting the area's rich architectural heritage. Spectators can join in singing the Aggie War Hymn as the famous Fightin' Texas Aggie Band passes by, blending school pride with holiday cheer. This event embodies the strong connection between the university and the local community, a relationship that has defined College Station for over a century.
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Yuletide at the George
What to Expect:
Luxurious holiday celebration at a presidential-themed hotel
Description:
Yuletide at The George transforms this presidential-themed hotel into a bastion of holiday elegance. The event pays homage to the Christmas traditions of various U.S. presidents, with each area of the hotel decorated to reflect a different era of White House holiday celebrations. Visitors can indulge in a specially curated menu featuring dishes inspired by presidential holiday feasts throughout history. The George's commitment to historical accuracy extends to the decor, with replicas of famous White House Christmas ornaments on display. As you explore the lavishly adorned spaces, you'll gain insights into the evolution of American holiday traditions from the nation's earliest days to the present.
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Nearby Events
Messina Hof's Holiday Wine Pairing Dinner (Bryan)
What to Expect:
Gourmet holiday meal paired with locally produced wines
Description:
Messina Hof Winery presents a sophisticated culinary journey with their Holiday Wine Pairing Dinner. This exclusive event marries gourmet holiday cuisine with carefully selected wines from their local vineyards. Guests savor a multi-course meal, each dish thoughtfully crafted to complement the nuanced flavors of Messina Hof's award-winning wines. The dinner showcases the rich agricultural heritage of the Brazos Valley, incorporating locally sourced ingredients into each course. As you indulge in this gastronomic experience, you'll learn about the art of wine pairing from expert sommeliers, gaining insights into the intricate process of winemaking in Texas.
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Messina Hof's Holiday Wine Pairing Dinner
Breakfast with Santa (Bryan)
What to Expect:
Intimate breakfast event with Santa in a historic setting
Description:
Breakfast with Santa offers a personal holiday experience in the heart of College Station. This intimate event takes place in a beautifully restored historic building, blending Christmas cheer with local heritage. Children and adults alike can enjoy a hearty breakfast while engaging in one-on-one conversations with Santa Claus himself. The event harkens back to simpler times, recreating the warmth and charm of traditional holiday gatherings. Guests can participate in storytelling sessions, where local historians share tales of College Station's Christmases past, providing a unique glimpse into the city's festive history.
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Candy Cane Fun Run (Bryan)
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed obstacle course race with candy cane challenges
Description:
The Candy Cane Fun Run injects a dose of whimsy into College Station's holiday season. This unconventional race features a series of candy cane-themed obstacles, challenging participants to navigate through peppermint-inspired hurdles and puzzles. Runners don striped red and white attire, transforming the course into a living candy cane forest. The event incorporates elements of local history, with obstacles named after notable College Station landmarks. As you tackle each challenge, the air fills with the minty aroma of candy canes, adding to the sensory experience. This unique blend of fitness and holiday fun has quickly become a beloved tradition in the community.
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Junior League Holiday Market (Bryan)
What to Expect:
Upscale holiday shopping event supporting local charities
Description:
The Junior League Holiday Market elevates the shopping experience in College Station. This sophisticated event brings together high-end vendors and local artisans, offering a curated selection of unique gifts and holiday decor. Shoppers can browse through elegantly decorated booths while supporting the Junior League's charitable initiatives. The market features exclusive items not found in typical stores, from bespoke jewelry to gourmet food products. As part of its commitment to community service, the event highlights local non-profits, educating visitors about various ways to give back during the holiday season. You'll find yourself immersed in a refined atmosphere, with the soft strains of classical holiday music setting the tone for an elegant shopping experience.