Your Guide to Celebrating the Holiday Season in Bryan, Texas
The holidays are here and there's so much cheer in Bryan this year! With festive events, comfortable accommodations, delicious eats and drinks, and plenty of good tidings and joy to be found – we’re ready to welcome everyone to our cozy community!
Follow Destination Bryan on Instagram to keep up with updates on events & things to do in Bryan, Texas!
Twinkling Lights & Jolly Events
With something for everyone — from holiday lights to classic Christmas movie lovers, famished foodies, and family-focused travelers alike — there are plenty of things to do this holiday season in Bryan!
Lights On! In Historic Downtown Bryan
Friday, November 18 | 6:00PM | Free Event
Destination Bryan will kick off the holiday season in Bryan, Texas with the annual Lights On! Help us countdown to turn on thousands of lights along Main Street and Bryan Avenue to illuminate picturesque Historic Downtown Bryan. This free, family-friendly event will include holiday photo backdrop stations, live music, and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
Check out all the activities & street performances at this year's Lights On here!
Holiday Stroll & Lighted Parade in Historic Downtown Bryan
Thursday, December 8 | 6:00 PM | Free Event
Come enjoy the best Lighted Holiday Parade in Bryan-College Station! Stroll around Historic Downtown Bryan for an evening of holiday cheer, and merriment, and even mark off some of your holiday shopping list! The parade will begin at 6:00PM at the intersection of 24th and Bryan Streets heading south, turning on 28th, and heading back north on Main Street. Floats, vehicles, fire engines, and more – all decorated with lights – will parade through the streets of Downtown Bryan for a night of festive holiday fun!
A little elf told us that if all the children in Bryan-College Station are extra good this year, Santa will even pay us a special visit at the end of the parade!
Holiday Magic at Sue Haswell Park
Thursday, December 1 | 5:30 PM - 8:30PM | Free Event
Come sled down the snow hill, have your pictures taken with Santa, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies with the entire family! There will also be other entertainment, inflatables, games, train rides and a drop box for your letters to Santa.
Reindeer On The Run Scavenger Hunt
December 1 – 21 | Bryan City Parks | Free
Oh deer! Santa’s reindeer have escaped the North Pole and we need your help to find them! Explore City of Bryan locations to find all nine of Santa’s reindeer for a chance to win prizes. Go to Bryantx.gov/Reindeer for clues on where to find Santa’s nine reindeer in Bryan. Decode the clues, and head to each of the nine locations in Bryan. When you find the reindeer, scan the QR code to be entered to win great prizes. The Reindeer on the Run scavenger hunt winner will be drawn for on December 21.
Holiday Events in Bryan, Texas
Holiday event highlights include Lights On! in Historic Downtown Bryan, Magic in the Park, The Annual Holiday Stroll & Lighted Parade, Full Moon Dinners at Ronin, The Brazos Valley Farmers' Market, Christmas tree farms, and so much more!
Swipe or use the arrows to view these featured events.
Cheers To A Legendary New Year
We invite you to ring in 2023 with us alongside our community right here in Bryan, Texas. Click here to find all the best New Year's celebrations in Bryan-College Station.
Markets + Shops
Get your holiday shopping wrapped up this holiday season when you shop in Downtown Bryan boutiques & shops! Here are some of our top spots below.
The Local At Lake Walk
4100 Lake Atlas Drive | Seasonally Every Tuesday | 4:00PM - 7:00PM
Free and open to the public The Local offers an array of artisans, farmers, producers, and crafters from across the Brazos Valley. From fresh foods such as bread and honey to homemade soaps and handcrafted jewelry, The Local features a variety of vendors week to week. Don't miss out on this neat market, this season of The Local runs until November 22! Be sure to also experience The Local's Night Bazaar on December 9 starting at 6:00PM - 10:00PM.
Main Street Holiday Market
Brazos County Expo | 5827 Leonard Road | November 19 - 20
The 5th annual Main Street Holiday Market will feature fantastic vendors who will be bringing the best in clothing, gifts, gourmet food, accessories, Texas handmade, jewelry, home and holiday decor, gifts for the guys, Scentsy, soaps, kids clothing, photography, candles, and so much more. Santa arrives on Saturday morning and you don't want to miss him! Show hours are Saturday 10:00AM-5:00PM and Sunday 11:00AM-4:00PM. Admission is $6.00 or $5.00 with your non-perishable food donation to The Bridge Ministries in Bryan, Texas. Kids 12 and under are free There is free parking and hourly door prizes too!
First Friday
Historic Downtown Bryan | December 2 | 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Stroll the festive-filled streets in Historic Downtown Bryan and enjoy live music, art, and an array of shopping and dining options. Members of the Brazos Valley Farmers’ Market will also be selling their goods on Main Street, and various shops and restaurants will be open extra late into the evening.
Farm Patch
3519 South College Avenue | Open Monday - Saturday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Open since 1974, The Farm Patch is an open-air market offering unique fruit and vegetable stands that include all types of food products, flowers, and bedding plants. During the holiday season, The Farm Patch offers poinsettias and winter plants that will perk up your home and office for the holiday season! Get ahead of the gift-giving and be sure to order their festive holiday baskets filled with local fruit, nuts, and more.
Brazos Valley Farmers’ Market
500 North Main Street | Every Saturday 8:00AM - 12:00PM
Locals love the year-round Brazos Valley Farmers’ Market that takes place every Saturday at the North end of Historic Downtown Bryan. Shop local produce, pantry essentials, and more that align with each of Texas' seasons! In the holiday season, you'll find delicious honey products, jams & jellies, root vegetables, and more! This farmers' market is also pet-friendly, so even your furry friends can tag along!
Vintage resale finds, custom-made felt cowboy hats, original works of art, hand-blown Christmas tree ornaments...You'll find all this and more among the locally owned retail shops in Historic Downtown Bryan.
Old Bryan Marketplace
202 South Bryan Avenue | Open Monday - Saturday | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Filled to the top with unique finds of home decor, florals, accessories, collectibles, and more, Old Bryan Marketplace is a treasure trove that will draw you in. Owned and operated by a fourth-generation Bryan resident, this establishment is sure to give you a warm, Bryan welcome to you and your friends.
Take a peek at the online store here.
Sparrow Lane
205 South Main Street | Open Tuesday - Saturday | 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Located right on Main Street, Sparrow Lane is an eclectic shop that sells ornate European antiques, home décor, kitchenware, gift sets, jewelry, apparel and more. If you need a hostess or celebratory gift we highly recommend you check out their cute tea towels and candles!
Texas Rose Boutique
205 North Main Street | Open Monday - Saturday | Hours Vary
Texas Rose Boutique is one of the cutest women’s clothing shops in Bryan, Texas, and offers a wide selection of urban western ware with a twist. Conveniently located on Main Street, this shop offers a variety of items like women’s tops, denim, dresses, jackets, shoes, jewelry, handbags, and more! Visit their online store here.
Need to fuel up pre-shopping? Check out the cutest coffee shops Bryan has to offer!
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry – Bryan, Texas Style!
When it comes to food & drinks - Bryan, Texas has you covered. If you're looking for casual spots to grab a bite & brew during the holidays check out a few of our favorites listed below!
Rx Pizza
200 West 26th Street | Open Daily | Hours Vary
With indoor seating and large glass windows overlooking one of the most picturesque streets in Historic Downtown Bryan, RX Pizza strives to provide a unique environment for people to enjoy their leisure time. That’s why their serve their own favorites – hand-tossed brick oven pizza and amazing craft cocktails. Be sure to ask your server what their pizza and cocktail of the month are!
Bavarian Brauhaus
109 North Main Street | Open Monday - Saturday | Hours Vary
Bavarian Brauhaus in Historic Downtown Bryan is every local's favorite pub serving traditional dishes from Bavaria and a long list of quality German beers. We're talking handmade schnitzel, spaetzle, and some seriously delicious desserts! Right next door of course is Murphy's Law, a local hot spot and on the regular features live music, delicious bites, drink specials & more! Enjoy a variety of Irish whiskies and a properly poured Guinness beer every time you visit!
Shipwreck Grill
206 East Villa Maria Road | Open Daily | Hours Vary
Located in Midtown, "The Ship" is known for their fresh oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, fish baskets, burgers, and during the season – crawfish! They’ve got great drinks, draft beer, and a large patio with heaters if your group needs to spread out a bit!
Carney's Pub & Grill
3410 South College Avenue | Open Daily | Hours Vary
Serving as the local watering hole for decades, “Carney’s” is a must-try spot on any trip to Aggieland. Located in Bryan’s up-and-coming Midtown area, this pub serves a variety of craft beers on tap, mixed-drinks, melt-in-your mouth steak quesadillas, tasty tacos, large salads, and more. We're serious, Carney’s is a must on any weekend in Aggieland!
For more upscale dining options with hand-crafted cocktails, premium wine selections, and tasty bar bites this winter - check out our recommendations below!
Ronin Farm & Restaurant
800 North Main Street | Open Wednesday - Sunday | Hours Vary
Ronin Farm & Restaurant in Historic Downtown Bryan serves as a prime location for food, fellowship, and nostalgia while preserving the culinary traditions of Texas by sharing sustainable foods and exceptional experiences with the community. Featuring family farm cuisine with a constantly evolving menu, you'll always be surprised by their eclectic and of course super tasty menu options. Reservations for Ronin are recommended.
Christopher’s World Grille
5001 Boonville Road | Open Tuesday - Saturday | 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
At Christopher's Award-winning Chef Christopher Lampo, CEC presents classic steak & seafood dishes with delightfully unexpected twists! Dine in this 100-year-old ranch house in Bryan, Texas that features an elegant blend of historic features & antiques. Be sure to save room for their divine desserts!
Make a reservation here.
The Vintage House Restaurant at Messina Hof Winery
4545 Old Reliance Road | Open Daily | Hours Vary
Located on the Messina Hof Estate, the Vintage House Restaurant combines farm-fresh produce and Messina Hof wines to create the ultimate dining sensation. You can also visit the Tasting Room to find the perfect wine for any palate, and tasty bites from their recommended pairings! Get a tour of the vineyard and barrel room to get the ultimate vineyard experience!
If you're interested in more foodie-spots in Bryan, be sure to check out The Official Bryan, Texas Taco Trail - with more than 40 spots! Sign up for free now!
Holiday Happy Hours
Keep out of the cold and warm up in one of the several bars, breweries & live music event venues in Bryan, Texas offering tasty drinks and plenty of fun!
The Grand Stafford Theater
106 South Main Street | Live Music Shows Weekly
Make your holiday happy hours a bit more unique this holiday season and experience a live music show at The Grand Stafford Theater in Historic Downtown Bryan. Grab a beer or sip on some crafted Bourbon cocktails at this unique live music venue!
Check out The Stafford's winter line up.
Messina Hof Winery
4545 Old Reliance Road | Open Daily
Located right in Bryan’s backyard, Messina Hof Winery is one of the most renowned wineries in the state. Family-owned and operated, Messina Hof has been producing top-rated Texas wines for over 40 years and offers wine tastings, winery tours, gourmet dining, and more in their Wine Bar, Tasting Room, and at The Vintage House Restaurant. Plus on cooler days their delicious, hot mulled wine is served.
Make reservations for their Who Killed Santa Murder Mystery Dinner and more today!
Vino Boheme Wine Bar
206 West 26th Street | Open Wednesday-Sunday
A new, eclectic wine bar both in style and geography. Named after the Bohemian lifestyle, this wine bar serves up a hefty wine list, delectable charcuterie boards, and more that will have you getting into the holiday swing of things in no time!
Wine & Wassail - Sip & Shop in Historic Downtown Bryan
Saturday, December 10 | 4:00PM - 10:00PM | Benefitting Voices For Children
Gather in Downtown Bryan for the annual Wine & Wassail holiday sip & shop event. During this time of year, Downtown Bryan is covered in thousands of lights and the stores are decorated for the holidays! Each store will feature one wine tasting and one holiday beverage (hot chocolate, wassail, cider, or something warm!). Each ticket includes includes a wine glass, wine tastings at participating businesses, a tote bag, and a map of all of the participating merchants in Downtown Bryan. Purchase tickets here.
Ticket profits from this event will also go to support Voices for Children, a nonprofit located in Downtown Bryan whose mission is to provide volunteer advocates who ensure children who have experienced abuse or neglect have a safe and permanent home.
Family Activities
Let the whole family get in on the fun in Bryan this holiday season! Check out a few of our favorite family-friendly activities below.
BigShots Golf Aggieland
400 West Villa Maria Road | $25 Per Hour Weekdays & $45 Per Hour Weekends
Bring the whole crew for a holiday family reunion at BigShots Golf Aggieland located in the new Travis Bryan Midtown Park. Aside from tee boxes, yummy & scratch kitchen food, and handcrafted cocktails, BigShots Golf Aggieland also offers mini-golf, lawn games, and cozy lounge areas! Plus, during the winter season BigShots offers heaters in each of their golfing bays.
Kelumac Christmas Tree Farm
10379 Taylor Road | Contact The Farm To Schedule Your Visit
Unleash your inner Griswold and bring the whole family out to Kelumac Christmas Tree Farm! The earlier you visit, the better the selection of trees for you to pick from! Kelumac provides: saws, measuring poles, and a wagon cart to haul your tree for cleaning and bailing. For reservations for professional photography sessions contact the farm.
Aggieland Wild Animal Safari
18075 FM 974 | Open Daily | 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Take advantage of the mild Brazos Valley winter & head out on an adventure you’ll never forget! Aggieland Wild Animal Safari is home to a 250-acre drive-thru safari, 20 acres of walkthrough zoo, and dozens of species of exotic animals. Make friends with a giraffe or 2, feed a herd of zebras, and watch as otters splash and play on their slide. Don’t miss out on their Black Friday discounts! Click here for details.
Book Your Stay in Bryan, Texas
Experience a legendary holiday season & settle in to southern hospitality in Bryan, Texas. We've got options for every style at competitive rates this winter in Bryan!
While we do our best to stay in-tune with the community & keep up with all things in Bryan, we may have missed a spot or two. If you believe we left off your favorite holiday spot, kindly send us an email at marketing@destinationbryan.com.
Follow us on instagram to find plenty more things to do in Bryan, Texas
Annual Events
Every year Bryan, Texas is host to many exciting events and festivals that highlight local culture, cuisine, and important holidays.
Shopping
Vintage resale finds, custom-made cowboy hats, original works of art, hand-blown garden ornaments...You'll find all this and more among the locally owned retail shops in Historic Downtown Bryan.
Historic Downtown Bryan
In Historic Downtown Bryan, the legendary stories of our past converge with a thriving arts scene, top-rated restaurants, signature events, and eclectic boutiques & antique shops to form the ever-evolving cultural hub…
Arts, Culture, & History
Bryan is a vibrant, diverse community home to a thriving arts scene, rich in cultural diversity, and rooted in a storied past more than 150 years in the making.
