Brownwood Feels Like Home for the Holidays
The holiday season is here! There’s no better way to celebrate the holiday season than in a charming town. In Brownwood, our festive spirit is alive and well, with many events and activities that are sure to make your holiday season magical. Let’s dive into Brownwood’s holiday events.
Annual Turkey Trot – November 23
Want to get some cardio in before you gobble up some turkey? Sign up for the Pregnancy Care Center Turkey Trot! This trot benefits the Brownwood Pregnancy Center and participants can choose between the 5K run or a two-mile walk. The participation fee goes directly to the center, so you can feel great about giving back this Thanksgiving. Sign up here.
Shop Small Saturday – November 25th
National Shop Small Saturday is November 25th! It’s the perfect day to support the small businesses that make our town so charming. Head downtown and shop at our small businesses to pick out your Christmas gifts and even get something for yourself.
2023 Lighted Christmas Parade – November 30
There is nothing like a parade in a charming town! The 2023 Lighted Christmas Parade will be taking place in Historic Downtown Brownwood. Each year, the Brownwood Chamber of Commerce organizes a group of local businesses and organizations to put on a fun evening parade. The event starts at 6:30 PM so only the beautiful Christmas lights can illuminate the parade.
15th Annual Christmas Under the Stars Festival – December 2
Have your kids ever had breakfast with Santa? They can at the 15th Annual Christmas Under the Stars Festival! Here, there will be free activities for kids, food, hot chocolate, and even cookie decorating! It’s a can’t-miss holiday festival for the whole family. This festival is from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM downtown.
Sipping Under the Stars – December 2
December 2 is a busy day for the people of Brownwood! Also on December 2 is Sipping Under the Stars, one of our most iconic events of the year. For five years, local wineries and restaurants have teamed up to provide the people of Brownwood with a fun tasting experience. Tickets for general admission are $25 and VIP tickets are $35. VIP attendees get 10 tasting tickets per person, a wine tote, a commemorative wine glass, and exclusive offers from downtown merchants. General admission tickets get you 10 tasting tickets. Our downtown shops will be open and live music will be there as well. This event starts at 3:00 PM and lasts until 8:00 PM.
Holiday at the Lake – December 8 & 9
Lake Brownwood State Park is home to frequent campers and outdoor lovers. This year, campers will be decorating campsites and handing out candy as a drive for the Brown County Humane Society. Viewers of the holiday decor are encouraged to bring supplies for the Humane Society. Visit on either December 8th or 9th between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM and support our local furry friends!
The Happy Elf by Harry Connick Jr. Play – December 8-17
The Lyric Theatre is putting on The Happy Elf eight times in December. This is a holiday story, written by Harry Connick Jr., that follows Eubie the Elf. Eubie spreads Christmas cheer in his town, Bluesville. It’s the perfect show to attend during the holidays!
Second Sundays – December 10th
Every second Sunday of the month, downtown Brownwood businesses join forces to create a fun shopping and eating experience. In December, businesses will be bringing holiday charm to attendees with great Christmas gifts, holiday home decor, and seasonal foods. You don’t want to miss this fun event!
Cookies with Santa – Shaw’s Marketplace – December 10th
Santa is making a stop at Shaw’s Marketplace on December 10th! His sleigh will be there from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. There will be a meet and greet and plenty of cookies for kids to enjoy. After your kids have met Santa, you can pick out Christmas gifts from Shaws’ local vendors for the entire family. RSVP to the event here.
Family Camp Christmas Festival – December 9-11
The Heart of Texas Camp and Retreat will be throwing its third annual Christmas festival this year! For only $5 per person, the whole family can enjoy tractor-pulled wagon rides, zip lining, marshmallow roasting, Christmas lights, and a corn maze. Register here for your tickets.
After the festival, the camp will be keeping up their Christmas lights for a free drive-thru. Grab some hot cocoa, hop in the car, and see some Christmas lights between the 11th and the 23rd.
Polar Express Reimagined – December 16th
An evening filled with Christmas wonder at the Martin & Frances Lehnis Railroad Museum and Visitor Center. Cuddle up with a warm cup of hot cocoa and enjoy a theatrical reading of The Polar Express with a special guest, Santa Claus himself. Be prepared to be swept away on a magical mini train ride. The event takes place from 5:00-7:00 PM. Tickets are $10 per person, and are only available in advance. Due to limited tickets available, tickets will not be sold at the door.
Visit Brownwood This Holiday Season!
Looking for a Winter getaway? Make Brownwood your destination! Look through our events to see the best days to visit this season. We can’t wait to welcome you with holiday cheer!
