A Merry & Bright December in College Station

The holiday season has arrived, and College Station & Bryan are packed with festive fun, family outings, holiday markets, cozy evenings, and plenty of seasonal magic. Whether you're looking for activities with the kids, date-night ideas, shopping events, or holiday experiences with friends, here are all the best ways to make December unforgettable! 

1. Family-Friendly Festivities

• There are countless ways to enjoy the holidays with the whole family this month: 
• The Jingle Bell Ride – Central Park @ 5 PM
  A brand-new holiday cycling event! Deck your bike with lights, dress in your merriest attire, and enjoy a festive ride through Central Park 
• Downtown Bryan Holiday Stroll & Light Parade – Dec. 11 @ 5 PM
  A beloved annual tradition featuring twinkling lights, music, shopping, and the magical holiday parade down Main Street. 
•  Santa Paws Pictures – Dec. 13, 12 PM–4 PM (Waggie Pet Zone)
  Free photos with Santa Paws for your furry friends! 
• Free Stroller Strides + Cookie Decorating – Dec. 17 @ 9:30 AM (Century Square)
  Join Fit4Mom for a morning workout followed by festive cookie decorating for little ones. 
•  Christmas Classics at City Hall 
• A Christmas Story – Dec. 12 @ 5 PM & 7:15 PM 
• Elf – Dec. 20, festivities from 5–10 PM with a 7:15 PM showtime 
•  Snow Time Like Christmas – Great Escapes 
  • Dec. 12 @ 7 PM 
  • Dec. 14 @ 5 PM
    A snowy holiday celebration with winter-themed fun for kids. 
• Santa Claus is flying into Easterwood Airport – Dec. 13th @ 11AM to 2PM Brazos Valley Flight Services 
• Brazos Valley Hobby and Games Christmas Party – Dec. 19th @ 6pm 

2. HolidayMarkets & Seasonal Shopping

• Hotel McCoy Winter Vendor Market – Dec. 11 (7–10 PM) 
• Century Square Holiday Artisan Market – Dec. 20 (11 AM–3 PM) 
• Benjamin Knox Holiday Market – Dec. 19 (6–9 AM) 
• Merry & Bright Marketplace – Dec. 13 @ Legends Event Center (11 AM–5 PM) 
• Holiday Market at Rountree – Dec. 14, 21 & 28 (12–5 PM) 
• Spaliday – Dec. 12 (11 AM–7 PM), 15971 FM 2154
  A day dedicated to self-care, mini services, giveaways & local vendors. 

Tip: Holiday markets make for effortless Christmas shopping , bring a tote bag for your local finds! 

 2. Holiday Nights Out

For the adults, December offers cozy cocktail events, festive parties, and relaxing nights out: 

• The Great Duddmas Party – Dec. 13 @ 8 PM (Dudley's Draw)
  Ugly sweaters required — holiday chaos encouraged. A College Station classic. 
•  Paint & Sip – Dec. 10 (Hotel McCoy, 6–9 PM)
  A festive evening of creativity, drinks, and holiday vibes. 
• Toast & Taste – Every Tuesday in December (Hotel McCoy, 6–8 PM)
  Explore wine, small bites, and community every week leading up to Christmas. 
•  Messina Hof Holiday Cellar Tour – Dec. 19 & 20 (4:30–7 PM)
  A guided winter wine experience through Messina Hof's decorated cellar — the perfect date night. 
• Cocktail Class – Dec. 17th (The LaSalle Hotel, 6:30PM) 
• Howdy Holly-Days – Dec. 13th (Northgate District & The Dixie Chicken, 4-8PM)  

Tip: Many nightlife events fill up fast, call ahead to reserve your spot!

3. Seasonal Experiences & Local Shopping

Want to stay cozy and support local this season? Try these: 

• Christmas-themed nights at Santa's Wonderland (always a hit for families, dates, and visitors). 
• Hyperbole Bookstore Grinchfest – Dec. 14, 1–2:30 PM
  Meet the Grinch, enjoy themed kids' activities, holiday music, books, treats, and photo ops. 
• Holiday shopping at Century Square, Downtown Bryan, and The Warehouse District. 
• Sleigh the Season at Ravens Bookstore and Nan's Blossom Shop – Dec. 13th @8am

Tip: Shopping local is one of the best ways to give back during the holidays, and you'll find gifts you can't get anywhere else. 

✅ Final Tips & Reminders

• Dress warm: Our Texas winters love to surprise us. 
• Arrive early: Events in Bryan & College Station fill up quickly. 
• Bring cash: Some vendors at markets are cash-only. 
• Support local: Every sip, shop, & stop helps small businesses thrive. 
• Take photos: December memories come once a year, capture them! 

Don't see your event? Message us to be added to the blog or our stories!

✨ From holiday parades and markets to wine tastings, snowy nights, and cozy family fun, December in College Station & Bryan is truly magical. Whether you're here for the lights, the events, or the seasonal spirit, there's something for everyone this month. 

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