Your Guide to Holiday Events and Markets in Bryan, Texas

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 22 | 6:00PM - 8:00PM | Free Event

Begin Christmas festivities with the annual Lights On! Join us for this special event and watch thousands of lights glow along Main Street and Bryan Avenue, transforming Historic Downtown Bryan into a holiday wonderland. Enjoy free admission, festive picture stations, lively entertainment, and more. This family-friendly tradition includes a visit from Santa Claus, mouthwatering treats, and holiday shopping.

Check out all the activities & street performances at this year's Lights On here!

Holiday Stroll & Lighted Parade in Historic Downtown Bryan
Thursday, December 12 | 5:00 PM - 9:00PM | Free Event

Come enjoy the best Lighted Holiday Parade in Bryan-College Station! Wander through downtown Bryan and take in stunning dazzling lights. Dive into a merry atmosphere and browse through an array of local businesses, finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones. The stroll will begin at 5:00PM and the parade will start at 7:00PM 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 5 | 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM | 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.

First Friday in Historic Downtown BryanFriday, December 6 | 5:00PM - 10:00PM | Free Event

Make your way to the downtown Bryan area, where mouthwatering eats, live entertainment, and local vendors await. Tap your feet to infectious beats and listen to an array of talented musicians.

Reindeer On The Run Scavenger Hunt
December | 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 drawing will be on Wednesday, December 20, and three winners will be selected.

Active Texan Tinsel Trot at Lake Walk
Saturday, December 14 | Lake Walk

Take part in a 5K, 10K, or 1 mile kids and family run this holiday season at Lake Walk! This festive run will lead you through the scenic Traditions neighborhood, with paved, tree-lined streets. You'll probably even see some houses with all-out decorations for the season! After the Tinsel Trot, enjoy a party under the Christmas lights at Lake Walk.

Jingle Bell Sip & Shop in Historic Downtown Bryan
Thursday, December 19 | 6:00PM - 8:30PM | Benefitting Voices For Children

Gather in Downtown Bryan for the annual 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.

Santa Mailboxes
Now until December 15th | Multiple Locations

While you're in town, mail your letter to Santa using one of the red Santa Mailboxes! All letters dropped off before December 15th will receive a written response from the holly jolly man himself. Be sure to include a return address on your envelope so that you can receive a letter back from Santa.

Santa Mailboxes will be located at POV Coffee House at Lake Walk, The Carnegie History Center in Historic Downtown Bryan, and Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History.

The Local At Lake Walk
4100 Lake Atlas Drive | Every Third Tuesday | 4:00PM - 7:00PM

Free and open to the public The Local offers a variety 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. Don't miss out on this neat market, this season of The Local runs until November 19! Be sure to also experience The Local's Night Bazaar on December 7 starting at 6:00PM - 10:00PM.

Holiday Showcase at The Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History
3232 Briarcrest Lane | December 3 | 5:30PM - 7:30PM

The annual Holiday Showcase is a great time to get holiday shopping done while experiencing the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History! This even features a variety of local artists and authors selling unique gifts for the holidays. There will also be live music, wine, and hors d'oeuvres, along with access to the Museum gift shop and the new special exhibit, Capturing Time: The Story of Early Photography.

Merry & Bright Marketplace
2533 Midtown Park Boulevard | November 23 | 11:00AM - 5:00PM

Shop from local artisans, crafters, and makers during the inaugural holiday market at Legends Event Center! The Merry & Bright Marketplace will bring together some of the best makers in the Brazos Valley for a one-day holiday shopping extravaganza.

First FridayHistoric Downtown Bryan | December 6 | 5:00PM - 10:00PM

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.

Miracle on Main Street Market
800 N. Main Street | December 7 | 11:00AM - 3:00PM

Enjoy a day of shopping with the entire family during Miracle on Main Street Market in Historic Downtown Bryan. There will be over 60 local vendors to shop from, along with live music, special Christmas giveaways, photos with Santa, and themed holiday cocktails for purchase.

42nd Annual Christmas Arts & Crafts Show
3232 Briarcrest Drive | December 7 & 8 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

This free market is a long-standing tradition in Bryan, Texas! There will be over 100 vendors at the Brazos Center selling a variety of unique holiday gifts, from artwork to handmade soap. You never know what you might find (or how many gifts you can check off your list)!

First Saturday Christmas Art Fair
930 North Rosemary Drive | December 7 | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Don't miss family-friendly fun and extraordinary artwork at DeGallery's First Saturday Christmas Art Fair! This outdoor art fair will feature live music, activities for kids, art vendors, and an artists' demo.

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 included 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!

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 | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

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!

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.

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