December rolls into the Brazos Valley with twinkle lights, small-town charm, and enough community events to fill your calendar twice over. Whether you’re in the mood for markets, parades, Santa sightings, or a cozy holiday stroll, there’s something happening every single week — and most of it is just a quick drive from the Snail.
Here’s what’s lighting up the season around town:
Festivals, Parades & Classic Holiday Magic
Holiday Magic
Dec 4 · 6:30 PM — Sue Haswell Memorial Park
A family-friendly evening packed with lights, treats, and community spirit.
Holiday Stroll & Lighted Parade
Dec 11 · 5 PM — Historic Downtown Bryan
The parade kicks off at 7 PM and brings that perfect “small town Christmas” energy.
Howdy Holly-Days
Dec 13 · 5–9 PM — Northgate District
Live entertainment, festive booths, and plenty of maroon spirit.
Markets, Makers & Local Shopping
Christmas Market
Dec 6 · 10 AM — Wellborn Market
Great chance to grab local gifts, baked goods, and artisan finds.
43rd Annual Christmas Arts & Crafts Show
Dec 6–7 · 10 AM–5 PM — The Brazos Center
A holiday institution full of handmade treasures.
Night Bazaar at LakeWalk
Dec 6 · 6–10 PM — LakeWalk
Lights, music, and local vendors, a picturesque evening out.
Holiday Market at Rountree
Dec 7 · 1–6 PM
A cozy neighborhood market filled with unique finds from local makers.
Merry & Bright Marketplace
Dec 13 · 12–6 PM — Legends Event Center
Newer event, big turnout, tons of vendors in one stop.
Performances, Movies & Arts
The Nutcracker — Ballet Brazos
Dec 5–6 — Rudder Auditorium
Several performances, beautifully staged.
Holiday Movies at the Queen Theatre
Dec 5–24 — 6–9 PM
Classics all month long: The Holiday, Elf, The Grinch, and It’s a Wonderful Life.
A Christmas Carol — StageCenter
Dec 4–14 — 7 PM (Matinees at 2 PM)
A local take on the Dickens classic.
Holiday Sing-Along
Dec 20 · 7–9 PM — Stage Center
A festive community favorite.
Family Fun & Santa Sightings
Photos with Santa — Kimbell Cultural Event Center
Dec 5 · 5–10 PM — Downtown Bryan
Winter Wonderland at Travis Fields
Dec 6 · 1 PM — Bryan
Holiday Porch Stroll
Dec 7 · 4–7 PM
Self-guided stroll through historic decorated homes.
Reindeer on the Run Scavenger Hunt
All December — Bryan City Parks
A month-long outdoor scavenger hunt that’s great for families.
Santa’s Wonderland — The Big One
Nov 14–Jan 4 — Hwy 6, College Station
If you’re new to the area… yes, it’s as big as everyone says. Expect crowds, lights, and holiday overload in the best way.
A Few Snail-Approved Tips Before You Go
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Parking fills up fast downtown — consider carpooling or using rideshares.
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Bundle up — Texas weather likes to keep us humble in December.
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Book ahead if you’re catching a show or Santa photo event.
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If you’re visiting from the park, give yourself a little extra travel time: holiday traffic hits different.
Wherever your holiday adventures take you, we love seeing our guests head out into our local communities and enjoy everything Bryan-College Station has to offer this season. And when the holiday shopping is all done, remember to rest your shells with us.