It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in the Brazos Valley as Downtown Bryan and their presenting sponsor, West Webb Allbritton & Gentry, kicks off the holiday season with the annual Lights On! event on Friday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. Come see thousands of lights illuminate Main Street and Bryan Avenue and enjoy free activities for the whole family!
The opening ceremony starts at Gloria Stephan Sale Park at 6 p.m. with a performance by the Salvation Army Band and the grand arrival of Santa Claus. Then at 6:30 p.m., join in the official countdown to turn on the lights that will illuminate downtown. Or watch a live stream broadcast of the opening ceremony and countdown in front of the Queen Theatre if you prefer.
Meander down Main Street to the Palace Theater under the twinkling lights to watch performances from Stephen F. Austin Middle School’s orchestra and choir followed by dancers from Ballet Brazos and Texas A&M’s dance program.
Along the way, pick up cookies from the BCS Women’s Club and hot cocoa from the Salvation Army. Stop to make crafts with the kids along Main Street, and at the North end of Downtown, take a miniature train ride or join in a hockey activity that feels just like playing ice hockey.
And there’s plenty of chances for photo ops! You’ll find photo stations with different backgrounds sprinkled around the downtown area for silly fun with the kids, and why not knock off another item from your to-do list, and let Fig-Mint Photography snap some shots for your Christmas cards? You can also take photos with Santa in front of a large ornament at the Carnegie History Center.
You can even drop off your letter to Mr. Claus in one of the three Santa mail boxes! But first, craft your ultimate wish list by printing the template available on the Destination Bryan Website. Find the big red metal mailboxes in front of the Carnegie History Center, the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History, and the Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley. Santa and his elves will then get busy responding to every letter!
There’s no better time to start your holiday shopping, so Downtown Bryan businesses will kick off their holiday season at the event. Be sure to come early to shop and dine!
Ring in the holiday season in Downtown Bryan under the dazzling lights and support local businesses while spending time with your family. It’s sure to be a night filled with fun and holiday cheer!
Parking for the event is free and available to all spaces outside of the road closures. There is also a pay to park option at the Roy Kelly Parking Garage right across the street from the courthouse.
