Things to Do

The Brownwood Christmas Under the Stars Festival

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Tony Maples Photography

 

*All photos courtesy of The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce

If you’re craving an old-fashioned Christmas atmosphere, gather your friends and family and head to Brownwood, Texas for the Christmas Under the Stars Parade and FestivalBrownwood is located in the heart of Texas on the leading edge of the Texas Hill Country. Its picturesque downtown area is abuzz with shopping, dining, and theater activities while Brownwood’s many parks offer hiking and nature fun for everyone.

Christmas Under the Stars Lighted Parade: November 30 at 6:30 p.m.

Brownwood Christmas Festival

The Brownwood Christmas festivities begin on Thursday, November 30 at 6:30 p.m. with the Christmas Under the Stars Lighted Parade in the downtown core. There you’ll see over 100 parade entries from classic cars, floats, marching bands, and other vehicles – all decorated and lit-up for the holiday season. The warmth of the holiday season is evident at this popular event as locals and visitors alike look forward to this beautiful parade.

The parade kicks off a weekend of fun and merriment at the 9th annual Christmas Under The Stars Festival. The festival is held at the Depot Plaza Complex and the Lehnis Railroad Museum and is open from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2. Visitors will enjoy special snacks endorsed by the “Big Man in Red” himself such as funnel cakes and hot chocolate, while the kids are kept busy doing Christmas-themed crafts, sliding down Snow Mountain (the giant inflatable snow slide), and whispering their Christmas wishes to Santa and Mrs. Claus.

For the train enthusiasts, no visit to Brownwood is complete without a stop at the Lehnis Railroad Museum. During the festival, the museum will have live entertainment and a craft that will please the biggest and the smallest engineers.

“Treats For Santa” Bake-Off

Santa and Mrs. Claus

Many folks are already eagerly anticipating the goodies that will be at the “Treats For Santa” Bake-Off competition on Saturday, December 2. During this annual event, area bakers can enter the contest to show off their skills in several categories including pies, cakes, bars/brownies, cookies, bread/rolls, and muffins. Baked goods will only be accepted on Saturday, December 2 from 3 until 4 p.m. at the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce and judging will begin at 4:30 p.m. Scoring for each treat will be based on taste, appearance, and originality.

After judging, the entries will be moved to the Depot Civic and Cultural Center near Santa and Mrs. Claus for display and samples will be available for sale to the public. The cost to enter the competition is $10 per entry and cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.

“Big Wheel Races” For the Tall and the Small

Big Wheel races

To work off all of those holiday treats, plan to participate in the “Big Wheel Races,” a festival favorite of children and adults alike. Race head-to-head on the bikes and enjoy a blast from the past on these iconic toys. This game isn’t just for the kids either…there will be big wheels available for adults too!

As if the food, lights, and activities aren’t enough to keep you busy at the Christmas Under the Stars Festival, there will also be local musical talent on hand to entertain the crowds at this unique and quaint holiday gathering.

An Easy Getaway or Meeting-Place For Friends and Family

Brownwood Christmas

 

Brownwood and nearby Early, Texas have comfortable lodging available for out-of-towners who would like to attend this little slice of Americana Christmas. Since Brownwood is so centrally located, it makes for an easy weekend getaway or a good place to meet friends and family from almost any part of Texas. Visit the Brownwood Chamber of Commerce website to locate accommodations and restaurant listings in the greater Brownwood area.