The holidays are quickly approaching! Tis’ the season for hot chocolate, candles, and time with family! The beautiful weather is a sign to go out and get in the holiday spirit.

Here I bring you a bucket list of the best fall and winter events to attend around town!

Christmas Carousel
Dates: November 4-7
Location: Abilene Convention Center

You don’t want to miss this chance to shop for the holidays!
“Christmas Carousel is an annual fundraising event led by the Junior League of Abilene. Each year, a new theme is chosen for this holiday shopping extravaganza” (jrleagueabilene.com).

Denton Valley Farms
Date: open through November 7 (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Address: 8750 Co Rd 224, Clyde, TX 79510
Cost: free entry, $17 wristband for activities

Denton Valley farms is a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and picturesque venue all in one. If you’re looking for some fall fun and a little spook, this is the perfect place to be.

Aaron Watson Concert & Christmas Festivities
Date: November 7 at ACU
Price: Free Entry

“The Nov. 7 kick-off event will include food trucks, vendors, photo spots, and displays showcasing a variety of international Christmas traditions from 5:30-8 p.m. while opening bands play. After the annual ACU tree lighting ceremony, Watson will take the stage at 7:45 p.m. The concert is free, and all the evening’s festivities are open to the community” (bigcountryhomepage.com).

The Nutcracker by Abilene Ballet Theatre
 Date: November 19-25
Location: Paramount Theatre
Price: $25 for Adults, $15 for Students

Tickets for the Nutcracker go on sale November 5th. Don’t miss this Holiday classic! “We are grateful to be able to perform our 35th anniversary presentation in November this year and in the place we love” (abileneballettheatre.org).

Winter Lightfest
Dates: November 26-28, December 3-5, 10-12, & 17-19
Location: 2250 EN 10th, Abilene, TX 79601

“This year, Winter Lightfest features a 3/4-mile walking path through more than 3 million lights with photo ops, a virtual reality experience, Santa, hot chocolate, s’mores and more” (unitedwayabilene.org). Take your family to the lightfest for a truly magical experience!

West Texas Christmas Lights Parade
Date: Nov 30th at 6:30
Location: Downtown Abilene

The Christmas Lights Parade is a great place to go with your family and friends for some holiday fun! The Wylie Pure Gold Band will be featured in the parade! “This year’s Christmas Lights Parade is about Memories: to appreciate what is, what was, and what will be. Merchants, museums, and galleries will open their decorated doors for an evening of holiday cheer, fun activities, and shopping” (Abilenevisitors.com)

Wylie Bulldog Christmas Market
Date: December 2nd from 5-8pm
Location: Wylie High School

Come support students and school organizations at the Bulldog Market! The market will feature food, products, and lots of fun!

Christmas Movie Magic by the Philharmonic
Date: December 4th
Location: Abilene Convention Center

“All aboard! Take a ride with the Abilene Philharmonic featuring the soundtracks from your favorite Christmas movies: The Polar Express, Home Alone, Elf, Frozen, and much more! Pajamas optional. Philharmonic musicians take the stage. Featuring Paul Rowe, vocalist, and Abilene Chamber Singers” (abilenevisitors.com).

Paramount Film Series: White Christmas
Date: December 10 & 11
Location: Paramount Theatre

Watch a classic Christmas movie under the stars!

Abilene Zoo’s Christmas Celebration Date: December 17-23

“The Abilene Zoo is a place to decorate cookies, sip hot chocolate, go ice skating, eat s’mores by the fire and experience a live nativity! While exploring the Abilene Zoo’s winter wonderland, you will be greeted by thousands of beautiful lights and real reindeer,” states abilenezoo.org.

It’s never too early to celebrate! Bring your family to these events around town, and you are guaranteed to have a holly jolly holiday!

photo credits:
abilenevisitors.com