Holiday Head Start

Downtown Temple is officially in its twinkle era. Lights, wreaths, banners, and towering Christmas trees transform the heart of the city into a picture-perfect holiday scene. A stroll through Downtown feels like stepping into your favorite Christmas movie—only with more tacos, craft brews, and Texas charm.

Must-Attend Events This Year:

Christmas at the Plaza | Saturday, November 29

Kick off Holly Jolly with a bang! Head to the Santa Fe Plaza for a holiday market, enchanting tree-lighting, and live family fun.

City of Temple Christmas Parade | Monday, December 1 at 6:30 PM

A beloved downtown tradition returns—floats, lights, music, and full-on seasonal joy. Mark your calendar!

Kringle Krawl | Friday, December 5 

Mark your calendar! December’s First Friday is the way to experience downtown holiday fun. Expect:

• Holiday shopping
• Food + drink specials
• Block parties
• Festive entertainment for all ages

This month also introduces two new holiday favorites:

Kringle Krawl — enjoy seasonal specials, festive sips, and spontaneous caroling throughout Downtown.

Jingle Jam | Friday, December 12

Live bands, singers, and a stage full of holiday groove at The Yard in downtown, perfect for friends and families alike.

Rink on the Rails | Friday, December 12 - Sunday, January 4

New this year, glide into the season with an outdoor ice-skating experience in downtown Temple’s MLK Festival Grounds.

More Ways to Celebrate

Santa at the Depot | Saturday, December 6

Visit the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum for holiday fun, photo ops with Santa, and a new trackless train ride for the kids.

Second Saturday Market | Saturday, December 13

Shop local, sip cocoa, and bring your furry friends to the Second Saturday Market at Main Street Design and Consign. Local vendors will fill the market with homemade treats, jewelry, art, apparel, décor, and more—perfect for crossing off that gift list.

Want more inspiration? Don’t forget to check out the holiday edition of The Temple Ticket for all the festive fun happening this season.

Christmas at the Plaza returns on November 29, 2025, bringing even more magic to Downtown Temple. Enjoy a festive Holiday Market with 75+ local vendors, cozy s’mores, carriage rides, live reindeer, photo ops, and a fun Kid Zone. The market opens at 5 PM, followed by a dazzling drone show at 8:15 PM and the grand tree-lighting at 8:30 PM. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season at Santa Fe Plaza!

Santa at the Depot is one of Temple’s most beloved holiday traditions, offering families a magical chance to see the Santa Fe Depot decked out for the season. While photo tickets with Santa are sold out, everyone is still welcome to stop by to watch Santa arrive by train, a crowd favorite and a moment that’s free for all to enjoy. It’s a simple, joyful way to soak in the holiday spirit at the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum.

The 79th Annual City of Temple Christmas Parade is set for Monday, December 1, 2025 at 6:30 PM in downtown Temple. This year’s theme is “A Lone Star Christmas,” inviting community groups, businesses and schools to shine Bright with festive floats, lights and music. For parade route details and additional schedule info, visit hollyjollytemple.com.

This holiday season, Temple’s arts and music scene is shining bright. At the Temple Civic Theatre, Milk and Cookies with Santa returns on Saturday, December 13 at 10:00 AM, where you can bring kids (and even your pets) for pictures with Santa, enjoy cookies, and soak up the cheerful atmosphere. Just down the road at the Cultural Activities Center, the beloved The Nutcracker Ballet, performed by the Classical Ballet Conservatory, takes the stage from December 12 through 14 with multiple showtimes, including Friday at 7 PM, Saturday at 12:30 PM and 7 PM, and Sunday at 2 PM. Whether you’re looking for musical magic, theatrical sparkle, or a holiday outing that brings everyone together, these performances are a perfect way to celebrate the season in Temple.

Nature in Lights at BLORA is one of Central Texas’ favorite holiday traditions. This five-mile drive-through trail is filled with glowing displays, sparkling scenes, and festive magic the whole family will love. After the trail, stop by Santa’s Village in December for treats, hot cocoa, local vendors, and photos with Santa. It’s a cozy, memorable way to enjoy the holidays outdoors. Nature in Lights runs this year from November 27 to December 31.

The holidays in Temple are full of sparkle, smiles, and so many fun things to do. From parades and lights to festive markets and family outings, there’s something magical happening all season long. Check out the latest Temple Ticket to find your must-do holiday events and start planning your merry moments.

Snapping photos along the way? Tag @discovertemple and #discovertemple for a chance to be featured in our holiday galleries.
For even more festive fun, visit hollyjollytemple.com!