Make the most of your holiday season in Temple with our planner guide. Discover all the best festive events and activities. From Temple residents to wandering spirits, this guide ensures you don't miss a moment of seasonal magic.
One of the highlights is the Santa Fe Christmas Parade, where festive floats and twinkling lights bring joy to the streets. Experience the charm of the season with horse-drawn carriages and pioneer-themed decor at Christmas on the Chisholm Trail. And Caroling in the Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, with harmonious voices filling the air. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Temple
- Santa Fe Christmas Parade
- Holiday Market
- Winter Wonderland
- Christmas at the Depot
- Christmas Craft Fair
- Jingle Bell Run
Temple Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Showcases local artisans and unique handcrafted gifts
Description:
Temple's Holiday Market spotlights the talents of local craftspeople and artisans. Stalls brim with one-of-a-kind gifts, from hand-blown glass ornaments to small-batch gourmet treats. The market emphasizes sustainability, with many vendors using recycled or locally-sourced materials. You can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques, gaining appreciation for the skill behind each item. This event not only provides a platform for local creators but also celebrates Temple's rich artistic community, a legacy that spans generations.
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Christmas Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Focuses on traditional and pioneer-era crafts
Description:
Temple's Christmas Craft Fair stands out by emphasizing traditional and pioneer-era crafts. Artisans demonstrate skills like quilting, woodworking, and metalsmithing, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship of bygone eras. The fair honors Temple's frontier roots, showcasing techniques that early settlers would have used. Visitors can try their hand at making corn husk dolls or pressing apple cider using historic methods. This event not only provides unique gift-buying opportunities but also serves as a living history lesson, connecting attendees to the region's rich cultural past.
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Temple Holiday Giving Opportunities
Jingle Bell Run
What to Expect:
Festive-themed fun run supporting local charities
Description:
The Jingle Bell Run in Temple combines physical activity with holiday spirit and charitable giving. Participants don festive attire and jingle bells as they run or walk through the city streets. The route passes by some of Temple's most notable landmarks, offering a unique perspective on the city's architecture. This event supports local charities, embodying the spirit of community giving. You can join in the "Best Dressed" contest, adding a playful competitive element to the run. The Jingle Bell Run has become a beloved tradition, promoting health and goodwill during the holiday season.
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Temple Other Holiday Activities
Santa Fe Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Parade route through historic downtown Temple
Description:
Temple's historic downtown transforms into a holiday spectacle during the Santa Fe Christmas Parade. Floats adorned with twinkling lights glide through streets lined with century-old buildings. You can catch a glimpse of Santa riding atop a vintage fire truck, a nod to the city's rich railway history. The air fills with the cheerful sounds of marching bands playing classic carols. This beloved tradition brings together local businesses, schools, and community groups, showcasing the spirit of Temple during the holiday season.
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Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday-themed activities and displays
Description:
Temple's Winter Wonderland event transforms the city into a hub of holiday cheer. This family-friendly celebration boasts an array of interactive displays and activities. Children can mail letters to Santa at a special North Pole post office or decorate cookies in Mrs. Claus's kitchen. The event pays homage to Temple's agricultural roots with a display of vintage farm equipment decked out in lights. Visitors can also enjoy ice sculpture demonstrations, marveling at artists turning blocks of ice into glistening works of art.
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Christmas at the Depot
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a restored historic train depot
Description:
Christmas at the Depot in Temple celebrates the holidays in a uniquely Texan setting. The restored Santa Fe Depot, a testament to the city's railroad history, serves as the backdrop for this charming event. Visitors can explore vintage train cars decked out in period-appropriate decorations. The event features model train displays, delighting both children and adults with intricate miniature landscapes. You might catch the sounds of a barbershop quartet performing classic carols, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere of this celebration of Temple's transportation heritage.
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Nearby Events
Christmas on the Chisholm Trail (Belton)
What to Expect:
Reenactments of 19th-century Christmas celebrations
Description:
Step back in time at Christmas on the Chisholm Trail in Belton. This immersive event recreates the holiday atmosphere of the 1800s, complete with period-costumed interpreters and authentic decorations. Visitors can participate in traditional crafts like candle dipping or watch blacksmiths demonstrate their skills. The Chisholm Trail played a crucial role in Texas history, and this celebration honors that legacy while bringing the past to life. Experience the simpler joys of a frontier Christmas, far removed from modern commercialism.
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Christmas on the Chisholm Trail
Caroling in the Park (Belton)
What to Expect:
Community-led caroling in a picturesque park setting
Description:
Belton's park comes alive with the harmonious voices of community members during Caroling in the Park. This grassroots event encourages locals and visitors alike to join in singing beloved holiday tunes under the starry Texas sky. Songbooks are provided, allowing everyone to participate regardless of musical expertise. The tradition of caroling dates back centuries, and Belton keeps this custom thriving. Bring a thermos of hot cocoa to sip while you sing, adding to the cozy atmosphere of this heartwarming gathering.
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Christmas Light Tour (Salado)
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of elaborately decorated historic homes
Description:
Salado's Christmas Light Tour offers a unique glimpse into the town's historic charm. This self-guided excursion takes you past beautifully preserved 19th-century homes, each adorned with elaborate light displays and decorations. The tour highlights Salado's rich architectural heritage, with many homes dating back to the 1800s. You can stop at designated points to learn about the history of each property and its holiday decorating traditions. The soft glow of thousands of lights creates a captivating atmosphere as you stroll through this picturesque Texas town.