Enjoy the festive magic of Midland with our holiday guide. For Midland residents and newcomers, our guide is your key to the festive season.
Christmas at the Mansion offers a charming journey back in time amid stunning holiday décor. Experience the enchanting dance performances at the Midland Festival Ballet's rendition of The Nutcracker, a beloved holiday tradition. And the Christmas Tree Lighting is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it lights up the city with joyful wonder. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Midland
- Christmas at the Mansion
- Midland Festival Ballet's The Nutcracker
- Christmas Tree Lighting
- Christmas Market
- Midland Jazz Association Christmas Concert
- A Night in Bethlehem
Midland Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community-wide celebration featuring a massive tree
Description:
Midland's annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony unites the community in a dazzling display of holiday spirit. The focal point is an enormous tree, towering over the city center, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. Local choirs and musicians perform traditional carols, filling the air with joyous melodies. Children eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus, who makes a grand entrance to help illuminate the tree. This tradition dates back to the 1950s, symbolizing the start of the holiday season in Midland. Visitors can create personalized ornaments to hang on a community tree near the main display.
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Midland Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Blend of traditional European market with local Texas flair
Description:
Midland's Christmas Market fuses Old World charm with Lone Star spirit. Wooden stalls line the streets, offering a diverse array of handcrafted gifts, artisanal foods, and unique decorations. Local artisans showcase their talents alongside vendors selling traditional European holiday treats. The market pays homage to Midland's German heritage, evident in the architecture of some of the city's historic buildings. Visitors can try their hand at traditional crafts like candle making or gingerbread house decorating. The aroma of freshly baked strudel and spiced cider wafts through the air, enticing shoppers to indulge in seasonal delights.
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Midland Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Midland Festival Ballet's The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Local ballet company's interpretation of the classic holiday tale
Description:
Midland Festival Ballet brings Tchaikovsky's beloved masterpiece to life with a West Texas twist. This production of The Nutcracker incorporates regional elements, blending classical ballet with local flavor. Talented dancers from the community take center stage, showcasing years of dedication and skill. The performance features elaborate costumes and set designs that transport the audience to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers. You'll marvel at the graceful movements as the dancers tell the timeless story. The Midland Festival Ballet, established in 1994, has become a cornerstone of the city's cultural scene.
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Midland Festival Ballet's The Nutcracker
Midland Jazz Association Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Jazz interpretations of classic Christmas songs
Description:
The Midland Jazz Association's Christmas Concert reinvents holiday favorites with smooth, syncopated rhythms. Talented local musicians infuse traditional carols with improvisation and swing, creating a fresh take on familiar tunes. The concert showcases the rich jazz heritage of West Texas, which has produced notable musicians since the early 20th century. Audience members can participate in a jazz workshop before the show, learning about the genre's unique elements. The performance space vibrates with the warm tones of saxophones and the tinkling of piano keys, offering a sophisticated alternative to typical holiday music events.
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Midland Jazz Association Christmas Concert
Midland Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at the Mansion
What to Expect:
Historic mansion decorated in period-specific Christmas decor
Description:
The Turner Mansion transforms into a living history exhibit during Christmas at the Mansion. Each room showcases authentic holiday decorations from different eras, allowing visitors to step back in time. Explore the evolution of Christmas traditions as you wander through lavishly adorned chambers. The mansion, built in 1907, stands as a testament to Midland's oil boom era. Visitors can participate in a scavenger hunt to discover hidden historical artifacts throughout the decorated rooms. The air fills with the subtle scent of pine and cinnamon, evoking memories of Christmases past.
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A Night in Bethlehem
What to Expect:
Immersive recreation of ancient Bethlehem
Description:
A Night in Bethlehem transports visitors to the time of Jesus' birth through a meticulously crafted village recreation. Volunteers in period costumes bring the streets of ancient Bethlehem to life, demonstrating traditional crafts and customs. The event draws inspiration from historical and archaeological records to ensure authenticity. Participants can engage in hands-on activities like pottery making or weaving, gaining insight into daily life in biblical times. This living history experience offers a unique perspective on the origins of Christmas, connecting modern celebrations to their historical roots. The air is filled with the earthy scent of olive wood and freshly baked bread.
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Nearby Events
Candlelight at the Ranch (Lubbock)
What to Expect:
19th-century Texas Christmas celebration at a historic ranch
Description:
Candlelight at the Ranch in Lubbock illuminates Christmas traditions of 19th-century Texas. The National Ranching Heritage Center transforms into a frontier holiday scene, with historic structures aglow with the warm light of lanterns. Volunteers in period attire demonstrate yuletide customs from the 1780s to the 1950s. Visitors can participate in traditional ranch activities like rope making or cowboy poetry readings. This event highlights the often-overlooked holiday practices of early Texas settlers and ranchers. The crisp winter air carries the smoky aroma of campfires, evoking the atmosphere of a bygone era on the Texas frontier.