Behind the Gavel: Feb. 18, 2025
The Bryan City Council meets on Tuesday, Feb. 18, for their workshop and regular meetings at City Hall. Learn everything you need to know about the meeting here.
Holiday Cheer Starts Here!
It’s time to deck the halls and plan your holiday season in Bryan! We’ve gathered a list of holiday festivities to add to your calendar.
Santa Mailboxes
Now – Dec. 15
Various locations around town
Participation: Free
Ready to share your wish list with Santa? Drop your letter in one of the red Santa Mailboxes! Letters dropped off by Dec. 15 will get a written response from Santa. Don’t forget to include a return address!
Mailboxes are located at POV Coffee House at Lake Walk, the Carnegie History Center in Historic Downtown Bryan, and the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History.
Lights On!
Friday, Nov. 22 | 5 – 10 p.m.
Historic Downtown Bryan
Admission: Free
At 6:30 p.m., join the countdown to illuminating the Sale Park Christmas tree and Historic Downtown Bryan. You’ll also get to enjoy photo backdrop stations, train rides, live entertainment, bounce houses, free hot chocolate, a special appearance by Santa Claus, and other holiday-themed activities hosted by local businesses.
Merry & Bright Marketplace
Saturday, Nov. 23 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Legends Event Center
Admission: $5
Searching for unique, locally-crafted gifts? Stop by Legends Event Center as it transforms into a holiday shopping extravaganza where you’re sure to find something special for everyone on your list. Bonus: there will be seasonal cocktails to enjoy while you support local, small businesses.
Holidays Around the World
Monday, Nov. 25
10:30 a.m. | Clara B. Mounce Library
3:30 p.m. | Larry J. Ringer Library
Admission: Free, tickets required
Kick off your holiday season with storyteller Elizabeth Kahura presenting Holidays Around the World, hosted by the Bryan + College Station Public Library System. The performance highlights Thanksgiving, Christmas, Las Posadas, Kwanzaa, and Diwali through pictures, storytelling, poetry, music, and dance. Free tickets will be available at the door 30 minutes before each performance on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is limited.
Reindeer on the Run
Friday, Nov. 29 – Friday, Dec. 13
Various Parks and Recreation facilities
Admission: Free
Oh deer! Santa’s reindeer have escaped from the North Pole and are hiding out in Bryan. We need your help to find and return them to Santa before Christmas Eve! All you have to do is follow the clues to locate all nine reindeer and then you’ll be entered into a prize drawing.
Holiday Magic
Thursday, Dec. 5 | 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Sue Haswell Memorial Park
Admission: Free
Returning for its 26th year, Holiday Magic offers snow hills, holiday music by Bryan ISD choirs, inflatables, train rides, face painting, cookies, hot chocolate, letter to Santa, a character scavenger hunt and a special showing of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. Park at Blinn College and take the complimentary shuttle service for a hassle-free evening of festive fun.
Winter Wonderland
Saturday, Dec. 7 | Noon – 3 p.m.
Travis Fields, Travis Bryan Midtown Park
Admission: Free
Presented by the George H.W. Bush Library and Museum, the whole family is invited to enjoy holiday games, a petting zoo, a vendor market, a toy drive by The Marine Corps League, and a chance to meet Santa and other favorite holiday characters.
Holiday Night Bazaar
Saturday, Dec. 7 | 6 – 10 p.m.
Lake Walk
Admission: Free
Need to cross some Christmas shopping off your list? Shop with over 50 artisans, farmers, producers, and crafters from the Brazos Valley. Enjoy live music and Christmas lights around Lake Walk while you shop, and check out the grand opening of North Star Lounge at Hershels inside The Stella Hotel.
Senior Social: Holiday Cookie Decorating (ages 55+)
Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 3 – 5 p.m.
Legends Event Center
Admission: $20 per person, registration required
Celebrate the season with a holiday cookie decorating social for adults 55 and older. Candace’s Cookie Shoppe will show you how to turn plain cookies into festive masterpieces while you mingle and have fun! The cost is $20 per person to cover supplies. Registration is required by Monday, Dec. 9.
Ballet Brazos Nutcracker Storytime
Thursday, Dec. 12 | 5 p.m. | Clara B. Mounce Library
Sunday, Dec. 15 | 2 & 3 p.m. | Larry J. Ringer Library
Admission: Free, tickets required
Experience the magic of the holiday season with the Bryan + College Station Public Library System as Ballet Brazos dancers bring “The Nutcracker” to life, narrated by a librarian. Free tickets will be available at the door 30 minutes before each performance, on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is limited.
Downtown Holiday Stroll & Lighted Parade
Thursday, Dec. 12 | 5 – 9 p.m. (Parade starts at 7 p.m.)
Historic Downtown Bryan
Admission: Free
The season wouldn’t be complete without Destination Bryan’s annual Downtown Holiday Stroll & Lighted Parade. Stroll through Historic Downtown Bryan to shop, eat, drink, and partake in holiday-themed activities. At 7 p.m., be dazzled by floats, fire engines and vehicles festively decorated for the only lighted parade in Bryan-College Station.
Wreaths Across America
Saturday, Dec. 14 | 11 a.m.
Bryan City Cemetery & Oakwood Cemetery
Admission: Free
Honor military veterans this holiday season by volunteering with Wreaths Across America to place wreaths on graves at Bryan City Cemetery and Oakwood Cemetery.
The balsam fir wreaths symbolize the eight services: Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, Space Force, and POW/MIA.
Interested in sponsoring a wreath? Each wreath costs $17, and the deadline is Dec. 2.
Mayor Ring-Off
Saturday, Dec. 14 | Noon – 5 p.m.
All proceeds benefit The Salvation Army Bryan/College Station.
Mayor Bobby Gutierrez will face off against College Station Mayor John Nichols in the Salvation Army’s annual Mayor Ring-Off on Saturday, Dec. 14 from noon to 5 p.m.
You can also give now through Dec. 14 online through our Virtual Red Kettle.
Maroon & White Night
Friday, Dec. 20 | Starting at 6 p.m.
Historic Downtown Bryan
Enjoy the magic of Historic Downtown Bryan during this special holiday edition of Maroon & White Night. Stroll through festive decorations while enjoying delicious food and drinks, unique shopping, and holiday cheer.
Texas A&M employees and retirees get exclusive discounts at select businesses by showing an employee ID or business card.
Looking for more festive events and shopping? Check out Destination Bryan’s Holiday Guide.
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