Events in November & December 2024
NOVEMBER 2024
Nov. 30
Christmas at the Plaza
The city of Temple is hosting its Christmas tree lighting, complete with stunning lights, festive music and a heartwarming countdown that brings the holiday spirit to life.
The event will also include live reindeer, with an opportunity for photos with a “ReinSteer.” There will be unique vendors to explore, food trucks and fun activities for the kids.
The event will be held at the Santa Fe Plaza, 301 W. Avenue A in downtown Temple, 3-8 p.m., with the tree lighting show beginning at 7 p.m.
Wreaths for Vets
The annual Wreaths for Vets wreath-laying ceremony will be at 10 a.m. at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. After a ceremony, hundreds of volunteers help lay wreaths at the graves of fallen service members.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2024
Thru Dec. 31
Nature in Lights
Santa’s Village and Santa’s Depot – Friday-Saturday from Nov. 28 to Dec. 8, then nightly Dec. 13-24.
Now in its 28th year, Fort Cavazos’ Nature in Lights is a sight to behold. The 5.5-mile route around Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Center includes more than 140 displays and hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights. Listen to Christmas music on a special channel while driving through the displays.
The ever-popular Santa’s Village, with opportunities to take the annual Santa photo; and Santa’s Depot, where kiddos can ride a train through a light display, are always a hit with children.
Nature in Lights is at BLORA, 7999 Sparta Road. For more information or advance tickets, call 254-287-2523.
DECEMBER 2024
Dec. 2
Temple Christmas Parade
The city of Temple’s 78th annual Christmas Parade kicks off in historic downtown at 6:30 p.m. By 7:20 p.m., the big man in red will make his way down West Adams Avenue into downtown.
Dec. 5
Fort Cavazos Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Great Place will host its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5 p.m. The annual event features live music, treats and a visit from the big man in red.
Salado Christmas Parade
The Village of Salado kicks off the holiday season at 6 p.m. with a parade along Main Street, running south to north. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and find a comfortable spot along the lighted sidewalks lining Main Street.
Parking will be available at Baptist Church, Brookshires Shopping Center, and alongside streets.
Dec. 6
Festival of Trees
Killeen’s annual Festival of Trees will surely put you in the holiday spirit, while giving to a good cause. This year’s event will benefit Wreaths for Vets and the Noble Giving Scholarship Program.
Warrior Wonderland
The Texas A&M University – Central Texas Police Department will hosts its annual Warrior Wonderland from 6-9 p.m. at the Killeen campus. The event will includes food, vendors, music and pictures with Santa. They ask that attendees bring a new, unwrapped toy in support of BIG Love Cancer Care.
Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-14
64th annual Christmas Stroll
This is your opportunity to experience the magic of Salado during the holidays. Businesses will be open late, so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque community and take care of your holiday shopping at the same time.
Dec. 7
Grinch Fest Night Market
The city of Nolanville will host its annual Grinch Fest Night Market from 5-8 p.m. in downtown Nolanville. The festive event will include live music, food trucks, vendors, an ugly sweater contest and much more.
Yuleaween in Killeen
Killeen is celebrating Halloween and Christmas with its Yuleaween in Killeen event, featuring a host of local vendors selling creepy-cool and holly-jolly creations at the Killeen Civic & Conference Center. Hours are noon to 8 p.m.
Dec. 12
Temple Civic Theatre
Temple Civic Theatre will be showcasing Hometown Holidays, featuring a celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa music. Dates are Dec. 12-15 and Dec. 19-22. Check templecivictheatre.com for more information.
Dec. 14
Holiday Market at the Depot
Join the holiday fun during Holiday Market at the Depot in downtown Belton. The event will feature live music, food and holiday fun from noon to 7 p.m. at the Katy Depot.
Dec. 14-15
A Sami Show
The 49th annual arts and crafts marketplace will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. This Christmas event will have sales in every booth at the Cadence Bank Center. Admission is good for the entire weekend. For more information, visit www.samishow.com.
