BELL COUNTY, Texas — As the holiday season gets in full swing, you may be wondering where you can embrace the festivities around Central Texas.
Whether you want to watch a Christmas-themed float parade or experience a true winter wonderland, there are plenty of things to participate in.
View our list of holiday events happening around Central Texas below!
Killeen
Candy Cane Lane Sip & Paint - Ugly Sweater Edition
Put on your ugliest sweater and let's get festive! Whether you're an experienced artist or just looking for a good time, this event is perfect for everyone. So grab your friends and come on down to Candy Cane Lane for a jolly good time!
Time: 7-10 p.m.
When: Dec. 1
Location: 3601 S W S Young Dr, Killeen, TX
Christmas Tea Party
Project: Spread a Lil Love proudly presents a Christmas Tea Party! Purchase your Guest ticket for an afternoon of Delicious Christmas Teas, desserts and hors-d'oeuvres, prizes, entertainment, shopping and more!
Guest ticket prices: $30 till 11/15, $35 11/16 - 11/30, $40 12/1 - 12/10
Time: 3-6 p.m.
When: Dec. 16
Location: 3601 S W S Young Dr, Killeen, TX
Holiday Bazaar Youth Takeover
It’s All About You Talent Services is hosting a "family fun filled event" on Dec. 16 at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center, the 2023 Holiday Bazaar Youth Takeover! The event promises activities such as pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, over 100 unique vendors, games for kids 5-18, a cookie decorating contest and free gifts for the first 100 kids (must register on Eventbrite). Admission to the event is $5, or free with the donation of a toy.
Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
When: Saturday, Dec. 16
Location: Killeen Civic and Conference Center, 3601 S W S Young Dr., Killeen, TX
Waco
Dr. Pepper Christmas
The Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco has invited Central Texans to the "Dr. Pepper Christmas" on Friday, Dec. 8. Held at the Dr. Pepper Museum and sponsored by Premier ER + Urgent Care, the Dr. Pepper Christmas will feature family activities such as free pictures with Santa, Dr. Pepper Make-a-Soda and Taste-a-Soda experiences, live music from Pushwater, snow in the courtyard, Holiday Story Time provided by the McLennan County Library Outreach and more! The event is free to attend, except for ticketed events, and the museum itself will be open free of charge as well.
Time: 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
When: Friday, Dec. 8
Location: The Dr. Pepper Museum, 300 S 5th St., Waco, TX, 76701
Wild Lights
At Cameron Park Zoo under a starlit sky, animals rest and dreams fly high. The Zoo gleams with festive delight, and lights shine bright. Warm treats await. Santa will be available to children of all ages from November 24 through December 23. Refreshments include food trucks, hot chocolate, coffee, and Rudolph’s Watering Hole. For times, prices and tickets visit Cameron Park Zoo.
Time: 5 p.m.
When: Nov. 24- Dec. 31
Location: 130 East Marvin R Felder Drive Temple, TX 76504
Christmas Lights in the Village
The fourth season of Christmas Lights in the Village is coming! Experience an immersive nighttime walk through the historic village. The event is going to be featuring thousands of lights, Santa Claus, a petting zoo, train rides, audio tours and more. Come and experience this family-friendly holiday tradition in our historic village. Tickets can purchase online or at the Mayborn Museum. Adult and children tickets are $12. Museum members and Baylor students can get in for $8.
Time: 6-9 p.m.
When: Dec. 8-10, 15-17
Location: 130 East Marvin R Felder Drive Temple, TX 76504
Temple
Gingerbread House Event
Get ready to unleash your creativity and build the most delicious gingerbread house ever. This in-person event will be held at the Temple College Pavilion. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, everyone is welcome to participate and show off their sweet architectural skills. Two people per house. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
When: Dec. 2
Location: 130 East Marvin R Felder Drive Temple, TX 76504
Holiday Town
Enjoy a variety of activities and attractions for all ages. From decorating cookies, ornament making, snowman building, slime and STEM fun and much more. Including local crafters booths and mouthwatering treats, there's something for everyone. Take a stroll through our Holiday Town, filled with unique gifts and crafts. Don't miss the opportunity to meet the Leopard and capture that perfect holiday photo.
Time: 12-6 p.m.
When: Dec. 2
Location: 130 East Marvin R Felder Drive Temple, TX 76504
Christmas Parade
The City of Temple proudly presents the 77th Annual Christmas Parade "An Old-Fashioned Christmas," a cherished holiday spectacle that stands as one of Texas' staple yuletide processions. Be part of the magic on the first Monday in December as we welcome Santa Claus into the heart of Downtown Temple!
Time: 6:15-7:20 p.m.
When: Dec. 5
Location: Downtown Temple
A Very Special Christmas
It’s a Very Special Christmas Celebration at Wilson Park Rec! This free community event is for children with special needs and developmental disabilities and their families. This event is for children 25 and under, parents or guardians must be present with their participants. There will be toys from Santa, snacks, holiday crafts and games, and light refreshments while supplies last. Registration will be on Eventbrite so please call 254-298-5740 for more information.
Time: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
When: Dec. 10
Location: Wilson Park Recreation Center, 2205 Curtis B Elliott Dr Temple,
Belton
Christmas on the Farm
The event offers over 40 fun activities for kids of all ages. There will be mini hay rides, a petting zoo, games, live entertainment and pictures with Mrs. Claus. Tickets are available at the event.
When: Dec. 2
Location: 301 W Loop 121, Belton, TX
UMHB Community Christmas Carol
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Arts Academy is hosting its first Community Christmas Carol Sing! This event will feature popular Christmas carols, special musical performances, photo opportunities and much more. Best of all, it's completely free!
Time: 4 p.m.
When: Sunday, Dec. 10
Location: McLane Great Hall at the Bawcom Student Union
Copperas Cove
Krist Kindl Markt
This event is free for everyone. Join the Copperas Cove community for free pictures with Santa, ugly sweater contest, and movies.
When: Nov. 30-Dec. 3
Location: 1206 W Ave B
Christmas Story Time
Bring your little ones and let them immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Christmas tales. Storytellers will captivate their imagination with stories about Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, and the true meaning of Christmas. It's a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories and spread holiday cheer.
Time: 10-11 a.m.
When: Dec. 8
Location: Chick-fil-A, Robert Griffin III, Copperas Cove
Harker Heights
The Annual Santa on the Fire Truck
Santa will begin his nightly visits on the Fire Truck at 6pm each night. He is looking forward to seeing everyone out in the front yards. The actual route for each area will be published the day before Santa’s visit. The area map will show the directional route that is specific for those neighborhoods. Area #1 is already published.
Time: 6 p.m.
When: Dec. 18-23
Location: Harker Heights
College Station
“What Sweeter Music Can We Bring" a choral concert
The event will consist of story telling and a special guest appearance from Santa. This is the second concert of "Songs of the Traveler" season. The first half will consist of some of the favorite traditional and non-traditional Christmas songs. In the second half, the newly formed Bluebonnet Children's Choir will perform. Tickets are available in advance. Regular tickets are $20, student tickets are $5, and children under the age of six are free. Buy a package of four regular tickets and get a 20% discount
Time: 5 p.m.
When: Dec. 9
Location: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1200 Foxfire Drive in College Station