TEMPLE
DISCOVER YOUR TEMPLE Temple is a getaway not far at all, a home for artists, train enthusiasts, families, and everyone in between. Whether you experience Temple through our Instagram-worthy murals or a meal at a local restaurant, your experience is unlike any other. Share your experiences, find Instagram-worthy spots, explore the destination, and discover your Temple.
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DECEMBER 6 DOWNTOWN TEMPLE
The City of Temple is hosting the Merry & Bright Holiday Lights Tour & Contest. Take an evening drive or neighborhood stroll around the city to see the wonderfully decorated local homes and vote for your favorite.
Get your Holly Jolly on:
Experience Temple’s Christmas Magic!
By Courtney Jones
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and Temple, Texas, is gearing up to be the ultimate holiday destination in Central Texas. Temple will transform into a holiday wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive parades, and merry markets this year. Don’t miss the excitement that is Holly Jolly.
Whether you’re a local or visiting for the holidays, you won’t want to miss out on this month-long celebration. From joyful, family- friendly activities to live music, Temple is pulling out all the stops to create a holiday experience that will leave you returning to Temple, Texas, for many more Christmases to come.
NOV 30 Christmas at the Plaza TREE LIGHTING & HOLIDAY MARKET
Ring in the season with the City of Temple’s newest holiday tradition – Christmas at the Plaza! This magical evening, beginning at 3 PM at Santa Fe Plaza, boasts a holiday market, spectacular sights, and fun for all. With the tree lighting at 7 PM, watch the night sky come alive with festive lights.
DEC 2 - 31 Merry & Bright Holiday Lights Tour
DEC 2 Temple Christmas Parade
Delight in the magic of the 78th Annual City of Temple Christmas Parade! This beloved tradition kicks off at 6:30PM with over 100 dazzling floats, cars, and participating groups. Don’t miss the grand finale: Santa Claus will be waving to all as he rides down West Adams Ave.
Head to our website for an interactive map, and take an evening drive or neighborhood stroll around the city to see the lavishly decorated local homes and vote for your favorite.
DEC 6 Kringle Krawl & Jingle Jam
Find yourself in Downtown Temple this festive season on First Friday! Dress to impress (Santa, that is) and enjoy holiday-themed drink specials at participating venues for Kringle Krawl. Enjoy live music from beloved local artists and lots of family fun as part of the Jingle Jam Christmas Concert at The Yard!
DEC 7 Winter Wonderland
DEC
DEC 10 Senior Christmas Dinner
This festive event will include dinner with all the trimmings and a night full of dancing!
Take festive pictures with Santa and create crafts at Wilson Park Recreation Center from 12-2PM!
7 Santa at the Depot
Santa will arrive in Temple on the train for photos–only by appointment, so book early! Plus, families will enjoy crafts, games, and a Winter Market full of delightful surprises for all ages.
DEC 13 Plaza Picture Show THE POLAR EXPRESS
Bring your favorite people, a cozy chair, or a blanket to enjoy The Polar Express under the open sky. Who knows? You may receive the prized golden ticket for a ride to the North Pole!
DEC 21 Santa Departs for the North Pole
Come out to the airport to see Santa off as he travels back to the North Pole to prepare for Christmas deliveries!
DEC 14 Santa Paws
Enjoy a pet-friendly day at the Railroad & Heritage Museum with the “Working Rail Dogs” exhibit, photos with Santa (Polaroids and digital), dog-friendly vendors, and an agility course!
NATURE IN LIGHTS: A DAZZLING DRIVE-THRU DISPLAY
For a holiday experience like no other, take a trip to BLORA for the enchanting Nature In Lights attraction. Drive through mile after mile of vibrant holiday lights and displays that turn the scenic nature area into a holiday fantasy. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to experience the wonder of the season, this is one holiday outing you’ll want to add to your list.
OH, CHRISTMAS TREE, OH, CHRISTMAS TREE!
Capture the holiday spirit with Discover Temple’s Holiday Photo Contest. Each year, Discover Temple hosts a photo contest for locals and visitors to submit photos of them experiencing Temple to the fullest- and, in this case, showing off their holiday spirit and how they celebrate the beloved season out and about in the destination. Grab your loved ones and take a photo with one of the beautiful Christmas trees across the city. Don’t forget to tag Discover Temple on your posts to be featured in the next Holiday Issue of The Temple Ticket.
THE HOLIDAY FUN DOESN’T STOP HERE
Temple, Texas, is brimming with Christmas magic this year, and it only gets better from here. From special holiday market opportunities and carols to theatrical plays and family fun, you won’t want to miss all the holiday cheer. Enjoy performances at the Temple Civic Theatre and special holiday events at the Cultural Activities Center. Visit hollyjollytemple.com for a full calendar of holiday happenings and plan your festive escape to Temple today. This season promises memories to treasure and traditions to cherish. See why Temple is your perfect holiday destination, year after year!
NOV 30 Christmas at the Plaza
3-8pm Holiday Market
7pm Tree lighting
Santa Fe Plaza
DEC 2 City of Temple Christmas Parade
6:30pm
Downtown Temple
DEC 2-31 Merry & Bright Holiday Lights Tour & Contest
Check out our website for an interactive map and voting instructions
DEC 6 Kringle Krawl
Downtown Temple
DEC 6 Jingle Jam
5:30 - 8:30pm
The Yard
DEC 7 Santa at the Depot* 10am-3pm
Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum
DEC 7 Winter Wonderland 12-2pm • Wilson Recreation Center
DEC 10 Senior Christmas Dinner
6-8:30pm Mayborn Civic & Community Center Tickets on Sale Nov 14
DEC 13 Plaza Picture Show: The Polar Express Fun starts at 6pm • Movie begins at dusk Santa Fe Plaza
DEC 14 Santa Paws* 10am-1pm Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum *Registration required
FOR YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO HOLIDAY FUN AROUND TOWN VISIT:
WHAT IS THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE
WHEN?
WHO HOSTS THE PARADE?
WHAT IS THE PARADE ROUTE?
WHERE SHOULD VISITORS PARK? WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING WITH YOU?
DECEMBER 14, 10 AM - 1 PM
Christmas Photo Contest Christmas Photo Contest
TANYA TAYLOR
LYNN REICHL
Holiday BucketList Holiday BucketList
Temple Civic Theatre
MILK & COOKIES WITH SANTA
Enjoy milk and cookies with Santa and his Elves! Bring yourself, your children, AND your pets for a photo with Santa! $10 per person or pet.
Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 10:00 AM
The Nutcracker Ballet The Nutcracker Ballet
SHOP LOCAL SHOP LOCAL
It’s the season of giving, which means lots of presents and shopping days are ahead. This holiday season, shop local for all your gift needs. Here in Bell County, you can find plenty of businesses, boutiques, and local shops with perfect gifts for everyone on your shopping list.
Downtown Temple’s antiques and boutique shops will provide you with the perfect opportunity to find one-ofa-kind trinkets and lovely accessories. Other local businesses like Emporium Spice and Chef Flaco’s have the best blends of seasonings and salsas for the chef in your life.
With bookshops, Asian markets, vendor booth-ran businesses, boutiques, and consignment stores, there are all kinds of valuable and memorable gifts waiting for you.
Happy Holidays and season’s greetings! Discover Temple and Bell County’s incredible array of shopping experiences today.
NOVEMBER 8-10, 2024
TEMPLE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Nature In Lights
CHRISTMAS TRAIL AT B.L.O.R.A. CHRISTMAS TRAIL AT B.L.O.R.A.
November 15 - December 31 November 15 - December 31
Discover Nature In Lights this holiday season at B.L.O.R.A. featuring a drive-thru self-guided tour of 5.5 miles of holiday light attractions, Santa's Village, and plenty of Christmas cheer to go around.
Parade of Lights Parade of Lights
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