TEXAS CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Aggieland feels different during the holidays. Come for a weekend of shopping or bring the kids to meet Santa. Here are a few of our favorite seasonal traditions happening right here on campus.
Texas A&M Christmas Events
These holiday traditions happen right in our backyard. You can enjoy them from the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center or take a short stroll across campus.
- 5th Annual Holly Jolly Holiday Market
- Every late November, our ballrooms transform into a cozy seasonal market. It’s one of the best ways to kick off the holidays - grabbing a warm drink, strolling through local artisan booths, and picking up unique, handcrafted Aggie gifts out of the cold. Admission is free, though our hotel is entirely cashless.
- Breakfast with Santa at Brazos – Proper Texas Kitchen
- Early December brings a favorite family tradition: Breakfast with Santa at Brazos – PTK. Kids will love the cookie decorating, face painting, and special moments sharing their wish lists with Santa, while parents relax over a full Texas breakfast spread. Tables fill up quickly, so be sure to reserve yours in advance.
- The Nutcracker by Ballet Brazos
- The season never quite feels official until the music of The Nutcracker starts playing. Ballet Brazos puts on a wonderful production every December right across campus at Rudder Theatre Complex. Sitting just a short stroll from our front doors, it makes for an effortless afternoon or evening tradition without any parking hassle.
College Station Christmas & Winter Events
If you feel like exploring around town, College Station goes all out for the winter months. Here are a few community highlights to add to your itinerary:
- Santa’s Wonderland
- A staple of a Texas Christmas, this massive 175-acre park is famous for its winding Trail of Lights, real snow tubing, horse-drawn carriage rides, and festive live music. It runs daily from mid-November through early January.
- Jingle on The Green at Century Square
- Stop by Century Square on Sunday, December 6th for a fun afternoon featuring hot cocoa stations, holiday crafts, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and even a forecast of falling snow!
Texas A&M Winter Graduation
Commencement is easily one of our absolute favorite times of the year, and staying right here at the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center puts you right in the heart of all the action.
From taking a stress-free stroll straight to the ceremony to celebrating with family over a memorable meal, our on-campus location makes us the ultimate home base for your graduation weekend.
Texas A&M Graduation Schedule
Keep an eye on the official university portal for exact ceremony times by college. Staying on campus lets you bypass the game-day traffic and take a leisurely walk straight to the ceremony venue.
Gather & Celebrate
After the diploma is in hand and the cheers have died down, you will want a comfortable place to sit back, relax, and savor the moment together. Right inside the hotel, Block T Bar & Grill offers a lively, welcoming spot to raise a toast, share a casual bite, and reminisce over the past four years while taking in panoramic views of Kyle Field. If you are looking for something a bit more intimate, you can reserve the Brazos – PTK Private Dining Room. It gives your family a quiet, dedicated space to gather around the table, share stories, and enjoy a memorable celebratory meal at your own pace.
Favorite Graduation Photo Spots
No graduation weekend in Aggieland is complete without capturing those classic cap-and-gown memories, and some of the university’s most cherished backdrop spots are just a short stroll from our lobby.
Take a quiet walk under the lush canopy of the iconic Century Tree, a timeless tradition for every Aggie family. From there, head back toward the hotel to pose in front of the imposing facade of Kyle Field, framed perfectly right outside our back doors. Finally, finish your photo circuit at the heart of campus with shots in front of the landmark Academic Building and the giant Aggie Ring Statue, ensuring you capture the true spirit of Texas A&M before heading home.
College Station Restaurants
From quick, casual bites with family to elegant, white-cloth celebratory dinners, College Station offers a rich blend of local culinary flavors:
- Brazos – Proper Texas Kitchen (On-Site): Comfort food with a modern Texan spin, sourcing ingredients locally for simple, satisfying meals.
- The Republic Steakhouse: A warm, upscale choice known for prime steaks and a fine whiskey collection.
- Christopher's World Grille: Set in a beautiful historic home, offering a cozy atmosphere and a menu focused on seafood and global dishes.
- Casa Mangiare: A comfortable neighborhood spot for familiar Italian dishes and good wine.
Staying at the Texas A&M Hotel
Commencement weekend or a holiday getaway, staying on campus means you can take things at your own pace.
What to Expect During Your Visit:
- Central Location: Located directly across from Kyle Field, making it simple to walk to campus venues, theater performances, and graduation ceremonies without worrying about parking.
- Comfortable Spaces: Unwind in guest rooms designed for restful stays, drop by Block T Bar & Grill for casual gatherings, or enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Brazos – PTK before heading out for the day.
- Exceptional Eats: Savor authentic Texas flavors without leaving the property, from casual drinks and elevated tavern fare with views of Kyle Field to upscale, locally sourced dining and private celebratory rooms.
