Holiday Head Start

As the year draws to a close, the holiday season is upon us once again. It's a time of year filled with excitement and joy, and there's no better time to start planning all your holiday activities. Whether you're looking to attend the best holiday events, schedule family-friendly outings, or keep up-to-date with all the holiday happenings, Discover Temple is here to help.

We provide comprehensive guides on everything Christmas-related, from the best places to buy gifts to the top holiday attractions in the area. Our insider tips on the best events will help you make the most of your holiday season, with recommendations for concerts, festivals, and other fun activities.

But that's not all. Discover Temple also offers information on great places to eat, stay, and shop in Temple. We'll help you find the perfect restaurant for your holiday dinner or the best hotel for visiting relatives. And with our shopping guides, you'll be able to find unique, locally-made gifts for everyone on your list.

So, whether you're a long-time resident of Temple or a first-time visitor, Discover Temple is your ultimate guide to all things holiday-related. Get ready to create unforgettable holiday memories with our help!

The downtown area of Temple is becoming more festive every day as the City of Temple has started putting up holiday decorations. The lovely Christmas trees that you know and love will soon light up the downtown area as they are placed at City Hall, The Yard, and Santa Fe Plaza. Take a leisurely stroll through the growing downtown district to witness your favorite local businesses decorate for the holidays. Seeing these festive decorations all around is truly magical.

Whether you're out and about shopping or just enjoying the area, downtown Temple is a sight to see. With the holidays approaching, there are events happening all over the place. First Friday, which is one of downtown Temple's most noteworthy events, will take place on December 1. There will be plenty of food and drink specials at your favorite downtown restaurants, shopping, block parties, and lots of fun things to do with your family and friends. Come early to relish dinner, block parties, and shopping, or stay late for a piano show at Green Door On Second.

If you want to make your visit to downtown Temple extra festive, there's an event that you won't want to miss. On Saturday, December 9, the Temple Small Business Coalition's Holiday Market & Food Truck Frenzy will be held. Local vendors will be selling all kinds of goods, including homemade bread and desserts, jewelry, and apparel. Bring your dogs, gather your family, and shop with the local business owners at this holiday market.

If you are looking for more holiday ideas and all our favorite festivities, read the latest issue of The Temple Ticket. 

Santa at the Depot is a highly anticipated ticketed event held at the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum. This event is specially designed for families and offers a delightful experience for the little ones. The event features various fun-filled activities that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. There will be plenty of opportunities to take pictures with Santa Claus, creating unforgettable memories for the whole family. Along with the photo sessions, there will be plenty of fun and entertainment that visitors can enjoy. The Santa at the Depot event is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

The 77th Annual City of Temple Christmas Parade is held on Monday, December 4, at 6:30 PM. Before the parade, a special tree lighting ceremony with the mayor will occur outside City Hall. The annual Christmas Parade has become a holiday tradition for families in Bell County. The parade's theme this year is "Old Fashioned Christmas," and features lit displays and floats organized by local schools, groups, and businesses. For more information about the parade route and schedule, visit the Temple Parks website.

Christmas parades are one of the most sought-after family events to attend during the season. In addition to the 77th City of Temple Annual Christmas Parade, visitors can watch the Parade of Lights, which features boats on Belton Lake decked out for the holidays. The best viewing area for this unique parade is on the patio of Dead Fish Grill, which overlooks the lake. Parade of Lights takes place on December 4 from 6:30 PM to 9 PM.

What would the holiday season be without a little Christmas music to lift the mood? The Temple Symphony Orchestra is hosting a Home For The Holidays: Celebrating the Season concert on Saturday, December 16, beginning at 7:30 PM in honor of the upcoming holiday. Visitors can expect to hear beautiful arrangements of classic songs and holiday music. 

For ballet fans, visitors will want to grab tickets to a performance of the classic Christmas Ballet, The Nutcracker. The Classical Ballet Conservatory at Lisa's Dance Connection presents this beautiful ballet production. Buy tickets to the ballet for shows from Friday, December 8, through Sunday, December 10.

Temple Civic Theatre is also putting on a production of A Christmas Carol.  You won't want to miss this classic Christmas tale. Visitors can look at the Temple Civic Theatre's website to find more information on upcoming productions or give the gift of tickets to another excellent performance for the holiday season.

The Sterle Fine Art Studio is hosting its second annual Kris Kringle Artist Caravan. The Sterle Fine Arts Studio will be open Friday, December 1 through Sunday, December 3, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Visitors can walk around the studio, shop for unique art and gifts, enjoy hot chocolate, and meet the artists. You'll find gifts starting at $5. 20% of proceeds from this special holiday event will be donated to Hope Pregnancy Center. Shop small and shop local this holiday season and make plans to attend this wonderful event.

Spending time outdoors is always a great idea, but it can be challenging during the colder weather. Fortunately, BLORA offers an event that makes exploring nature during the holiday season more manageable. The Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area hosts a Nature In Lights trail annually, and it's a mesmerizing sight to see. This five-mile trail features all kinds of light displays and arrangements, making it a perfect family tradition during the Christmas season. After paying the entrance fee, you can experience this stunning lit trail that you'll be craving to see again.

In addition to the trail, BLORA also features a scenic Santa's Village and Depot area that opens in December. Visitors can shop at local toy and food vendor booths and enjoy special holiday-themed items. With hot cocoa, treats, novelties, and pictures with Santa, it's no surprise that this event is a favorite for visitors and locals alike. People travel from all across the Central Texas region to witness the incredible displays at this stunning nature scene. Nature In Lights at the BLORA takes place from November 17 to December 31.

The holiday season in Temple is a time of great excitement and joy. There are many wonderful events and activities to enjoy, including parades, magnificent holiday lights, and a variety of exciting festivities. If you want to make the most of this festive season, be sure to check out the latest edition of The Temple Ticket, which is packed with information on the best holiday attractions, gatherings, and events. 

Whether you're looking for family-friendly activities or something more adult-oriented, there is something waiting for you in Temple during the holidays. So don't miss out on all the holiday cheer and fun activities this season! Make sure to mark your calendars for the upcoming holiday events you want to attend. With so much to see and do, you're sure to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Read The Temple Ticket to learn more about all the holiday happenings in Temple.

Want a chance to have your photos featured in our holiday galleries? Tag @discovertemple and #discovertemple on Instagram with your holiday event photos to be featured.