12 Things To Do In Downtown Temple This Holiday Season

The holidays are a time for joy, peace, and spending time with friends and family. Make the most of your holiday break by exploring the downtown district and all its businesses, attractions, and holiday displays. Discover Temple has a list of twelve things to see and do this holiday season in downtown Temple.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at this year's brand new event, Christmas at the Plaza! Join us for a magical tree lighting show that will fill the air with festive music and vibrant lights, creating the perfect atmosphere for family fun. This is your chance to create lasting memories and start a cherished family tradition. Mark your calendars for November 30 and head over to the Santa Fe Plaza—let’s celebrate the holiday spirit together! Don’t miss out on this enchanting evening!

Downtown Temple has two train depots; the Santa Fe Depot and the CentraMod Moody Depot. The Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum is housed inside the Santa Fe Depot, where visitors can see rotating and permanent exhibits or attend events and family days. Want another fantastic train attraction? The CentraMod building features an incredible model railroad display. The Central Texas Area Model Railroaders use the facility to put together these displays. 

Take holiday photos of all three trees located downtown. There are trees stationed at City Hall, the Santa Fe Plaza, and The Yard. 

With the holiday break coming up it's time to think of how you can help pass some of the extra time doing something fun. For avid readers or families with young children, opt to check out a library book from the Temple Public Library. With so many books to choose from, there will be plenty of fun stories to dive into before the break is over.

Run through the fountains at Santa Fe Plaza.  These festive fountains take on some merry hues during the Christmas season. When lit, the fountains twinkle with red and green lights. Fountain hours are from 7 AM to 9:30 AM, 11 AM to 1 PM, 3 PM to 4 PM, and 5 PM to 11 PM.

Grab a local brew from one of Temple's downtown breweries and businesses. It's time for a round of drinks and a jolly laugh to lift the spirits this holiday season. Take a moment or two to enjoy a drink at Bird Creek Brewing, Treno Pizzeria, BJ's Brewery & Tasting Room, Mo's Rail Yard Saloon, Green Door On Second, Or O'Brien's Irish Pub.

Who doesn't love music during the holiday season? Live music can be found around every corner of the downtown district. Check out the great live music options on our events page or visit hollyjollytemple.com to learn about all the holiday carols you can find this season.

Dine downtown this Christmas! There are delicious restaurants for many cuisine types you've been craving. Want to experience refined dining and upscale style? Pignetti's, 17 South, and Cheeves Bros. Steakhouse are the perfect fit. Are you looking for something a little more laid back? The downtown district's other restaurants, Treno Pizzeria, Bird Creek Brewing, Nami Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, La Dalat, Thai Cafe, Cha Community, and O'Brien's Irish Pub all have entrees and menu items you are sure to love. 

Get ready to cheer for the new year! Downtown Temple has several great locations to toast to new friends and old, good times and bad, and everything in between. Head to O'Brien's Irish Pub, Mo's Rail Yard Saloon, Green Door On Second, J Kowboy, and Bird Creek Brewing for a good drink with great company. There's plenty to toast to this year. 

'Tis the season to go shopping. Ladies, grab your girls and head to your nearest downtown boutique for shopping. Whether shopping for gifts for yourself, there is an excellent selection of clothing, spa items, accessories, and items for the home to shop for. Clover Lane, Susan Marie's, Twice Upon A Clothesline, The Hub, Darling Decor & More, Parlour Antiques & Oddities, and 2nd Street Emporium have knickknacks, home goods, and apparel. Spend some time shopping in downtown Temple this weekend. 

There's always time to play and have fun during Christmas break. With the kids home from school, you'll need a fun way to pass the time and burn some of that pint up energy. Whistle Stop Park is also nearby, and its fun theme of trains fits in perfectly with the rich railroad history of Temple. Make the most of your extra time to laugh and play with loved ones and friends. 

It's no secret that Temple is known for its connection to the railroad. Temple is home to a working Amtrak station, a railroad and heritage museum, and train-themed parks. Behind the Santa Fe Depot, visitors can find a stationary train that they can view and a caboose they can walk through. The local park also has excellent viewpoints of the trains passing through town. Discover a newfound love of trains in Temple today.