Temple Ticket: Holiday 2025

TEMPLE THE TICKET

H O L I D A Y I S S U E

DISCOVER YOUR TEMPLE Temple is a getaway not far at all, a home for artists, train enthusiasts, families, and everyone in between. Whether you experience Temple through our Instagram-worthy murals or a meal at a local restaurant, your experience is unlike any other. Share your experiences, find Instagram-worthy spots, explore the destination, and discover your Temple.

DECEMBER 5

DECEMBER 12

A Classic Christmas THE GOLDEN HOLIDAY

Morning:

Enjoy breakfast and conversation at Megg’s Café, known for its relaxed charm.

Take a scenic drive through Historic Downtown Temple, stopping at the Cultural Activities Center for holiday art exhibits or concerts.

Afternoon:

Stop by Temple Mall’s Holiday Craft Market or the Downtown antique shops for one-of-a-kind gifts.

Visit The Czech Heritage Museum & Genealogy Center for a touch of holiday tradition.

Evening:

Catch a Christmas show or choir performance at the Cultural Activities Center or First United Methodist Church.

Wrap up the evening with dessert at Sweet and Savory Seasons Bakery or Helados La Azteca, or a glass of wine at 3 Texans Winery while listening to live holiday tunes.

These itineraries are simply suggestions visitors are encouraged to discover Temple and all that we have to offer at their own pace!

Sparkle, Sip, & Shop GIRLS

TRIP IN TEMPLE, TX

Morning:

Start with a festive latte flight from On The Go Coffee Co. or Summer Moon, then hit the Downtown boutiques for shopping and laughter.

Don’t miss The Hub or local market days; these are the perfect places for unique finds and handmade gifts.

Afternoon:

Snap selfies in front of the Santa Fe Depot tree and Temple’s holiday murals.

Grab a girls’ lunch at Bird Creek Brewing, then visit 3 Texans Winery for a Christmas wine slushie or holiday-themed flight.

Evening:

Go ice skating at Rink on the Rails, then head to Downtown Temple for cocktails, twinkle lights, and laughter.

End the night with dessert or a cheeky holiday drink at Bold Republic Brewing.

These itineraries are simply suggestions visitors are encouraged to discover Temple and all that we have to offer at their own pace!

GetyourHollyJoll yon!

It’s beginning to look a lot like

Christmas...

and Temple, Texas, is gearing up to be the ultimate holiday destinationin Central Texas. Temple will transform intoa holiday wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive parades, and merry markets this year. Don’t miss the excitement that is Holly Jolly. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the holidays, you won’t want to miss out on this month-long celebration. From joyful, family-friendly activities to live music, Temple is pulling out all the stops to create a holiday experience that will leave you returning to Temple, Texas, for many more Christmases to come Whether you’re popping in for a weekend or staying all season, here’s your guide to savoring every sparkle.

CHRISTMAS AT THE PLAZA

TRACKSIDE CINEMA

IT’S THE HOLIDAY SEASON MOVIES & MERRIMENT

Ring in the season with the City of Temple’s newest holiday tradition, Christmas at the Plaza. This magical evening, set to begin November 29 at 5 PM at Santa Fe Plaza, promises to be bigger and brighter than ever with a holiday market, spectacular sights, and fun for all. With the holiday tree lighting at 7 PM, watch the night sky come alive with festive lights The Santa Fe Plaza turns into a winter wonderland where visitors can shop with local vendors, decorate and enjoy family-friendly activities, sip festive treats, and more. Bring your family, friends, and holiday spirit as we kick off the season with music, lights, and lots of fun

CITY OF TEMPLE CHRISTMAS PARADE

WHERE MAGIC MEETS MAIN STREET

Delight in the magic of the 79th Annual City of Temple Christmas Parade, taking place on Monday, December 1, in front of the City of Temple City Hall. This beloved tradition kicks off at 6:30 PM. Enjoy over 100 dazzling floats, cars, and participating groups, glowing with holiday cheer to the theme of “A Lone Star Christmas” as they make their way down the parade route through Downtown Temple. Stroll the route with a cup of hot cocoa in hand, wave at neighbors and performers, and don’t blink because the grand finale is unforgettable: Santa himself will roll down the parade route to share joyful waves and holiday cheer.

Slip into the comfiest pajamas, grab your coziest blanket, and join us at the Santa Fe Depot for a free screening of The Polar Express as part of Downtown Temple’s Trackside Cinema series. Visitors can register to attend a showing on either December 19 or 20. The movie will be held indoors, so there will be no need to worry about cold weather stopping you from enjoying the fun. Food vendors will be on-site, and activities and fun will begin at 6 PM, with the movie starting at dusk. Discover the magic of movies in Downtown Temple.

RINK ON THE RAILS

GLIDE INTO THE HOLIDAYS

It’s time to lace up those skates and make some frosty memories. Rink on the Rails is bringing real-ice skating to Downtown Temple this holiday season, at the MLK Festival Grounds. From December 12 through January 4, visitors and locals can experience the magic of skating under the lights.

Perfect for date nights, family outings, or friendly holiday hangouts, this rink promises winter fun for everyone. Warm up between spins with hot cocoa from nearby vendors, snap a photo with the glittering lights, and soak in the cheerful music filling the area. Whether you’re practicing your twirls or just trying to stay upright, Rink on the Rails is your ticket to a classic holiday experience – Temple style. Grab your mittens and skates and glide into the joy of the season.

DEC 1 Temple Christmas Parade

This beloved tradition kicks off at 6:30PM with over 100 dazzling floats, cars, and participating groups Don’t miss Santa Claus as the grand finale!

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1

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DEC 5 Kringle Krawl

Dress to impress (Santa, that is) and enjoy holiday-themed drink specials at participating venues for Kringle Krawl at First Friday in Downtown

4 Temple

5

NOV 29 Christmas at the Plaza

DEC6 Santa at the Depot Santa willarriveinTempleon the trainforphotos–onlyby appointment, so book early! Plus, TREE LIGHTING & HOLIDAY MARKET

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families willenjoycraftsandgames at theSantaFeDepot

Celebratethereturn ofChristmas atthe Plaza! This festive tradition featuresa spectacular Christmas tree lighting show, unique local vendors, and plenty of holiday fun for the family Join us for a magical evening to ring in the season!

7 30 29

DEC 12-JAN 4 Rink on the Rails

DEC 19 & 20

The Polar Express Slip into the comfiest pajamas, grab

your coziest blanket, and join us at the Santa Fe Depot for The Polar Express Who knows? You may receive the prized golden ticket for a ride to the North Pole!

It’s time to lace up those skates and make some frosty memories! Experience the magic of ice skating under the lights at Rink on the Rails in Downtown Temple at the MLK Festival Grounds

14 13 DOWNTOWN ICE SKATING 12 11 10 9 16 17 18

DEC 12 Jingle Jam

Enjoy live music from beloved

local artists and lots of family fun as part of the Jingle Jam Christmas Concert at The Yard!

DEC 11 Wilson Winter Workshop

Take festive pictures with Santa and create crafts at Wilson Park Recreation Center from 12-2PM!

DEC 9 Senior Christmas Dinner

This festive event will include dinner

DEC 5 - 15 Merry & Bright Holiday Lights Contest

Head to our website for an interactive map, and take an evening drive or neighborhood stroll around the city to see the lavishly decorated local homes and vote for your favorite 23 24 with all the trimmings and a night full of dancing!

JINGLE ALL THE WAY DOWNTOWN!

Downtown Temple is where holiday festivities begin in Temple, Texas. With many significant events and happenings in this district, it should be no surprise that Downtown Temple is a place you’ll want to explore and learn more about this season. From decorated window displays to festive menus and events like First Friday on December 5 and Jingle Jam on December 12, Downtown Temple comes alive with the spirit of joy and beloved holiday fun. Find yourself in Downtown Temple this festive season.

NATURE IN LIGHTS

A DAZZLING DRIVE-THRU DISPLAY

For a holiday experience like no other, take a trip to BLORA for the enchanting Nature In Lights attraction. Drive through mile after mile of vibrant holiday lights and setups that turn the scenic nature area into a holiday fantasy. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to experience the wonder of the season, this is one holiday outing you’ll want to add to your list.

OH, CHRISTMAS TREE, OH, CHRISTMAS TREE!

Capture the holiday spirit with DiscoverTemple’s Holiday Photo Contest. Each year, Discover Temple hosts a photo contest for locals and visitors to submit photos of them experiencing Temple to the fullest- and, in this case, showing off their holiday spirit and how they celebrate the beloved season out and about in the destination. Grab your loved ones and take a photo with one of the beautiful Christmas trees across the city. Don’t forget to tag Discover Temple on your posts to be featured in the next Holiday Issue of The Temple Ticket.

THE HOLIDAY FUN DOESN’T STOP HERE

Temple, Texas, is brimming with Christmas magic this year, and it only gets better from here. From special holiday market opportunities and carols to theatrical plays and family fun, you won’t want to miss all the holiday cheer. Enjoy performances at the Temple Civic Theatre and special holiday events at the Cultural Activities Center. Visit hollyjollytemple. com for a full calendar of holiday happenings and plan your festive escape to Temple today. This season promises memories to treasure and traditions to cherish See why Temple is your perfect holiday destination, year after year!

PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY ESCAPE TO TEMPLE

Head to hollyjollytemple.com orDiscover Temple’s events page to view the full calendar, RSVP for events, and stay in the loop on any surprise activations.

With full hearts, bright lights, and community spirit, Temple is becoming Central Texas’s ultimate Christmas destination. Bring your people. Bring your cheer. Bring your camera. Whether it’s your first Holly Jolly or your latest, come experience the wonder, make new traditions, and fall in love with Temple all over again. See you under the lights!

NOV 29 Christmas at the Plaza

5-9pm • Santa FePlaza

8:15pm Drone Show & Tree Lighting

DEC 1 City of Temple

Christmas Parade

6:30pm • Downtown Temple

DEC 5 - 15 Merry & Bright Holiday Lights Tour & Contest Begins

Checkout ourwebsitefor an interactive map and voting instructions

DEC 5 Kringle Krawl

Downtown Temple

DEC 6 Santa at the Depot*

10am - 3pm Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum

DEC 9 Senior Christmas Dinner

6 - 8:30pm Mayborn Civic & Convention Center Tickets on Sale Nov 6

DEC 11 Wilson Winter Workshop

6-8pm • Wilson Recreation Center

DEC 12 Jingle Jam

5:30-8:30pm • The Yard

DEC 19 Winter Water Wonderland

6:30pm • Sammons Indoor Pool

DEC 12 - JAN 4 Rink on the Rails Ice Skating MLK Festival Grounds

DEC 19 & 20 The Polar Express*

Funstartsat6pm•Moviebeginsatdusk Santa Fe Plaza

*Registration required

Glide Into Holiday Magic

Downtown Temple is about to get a whole lot cooler! This holiday season, lace up your skates and hit the ice at Rink on the Rails. From December 12 through January 4, the MLK Festival Grounds (301 S 4th St) will become a sparkling winter wonderland where families, friends, and date nights come to life under the glow of twinkling lights. Glide, spin, and laugh your way into a brand-new holiday tradition right here in downtown Temple.

Whether you ’ re perfecting your triple axel (or just trying not to fall), this magical rink is the perfect place to make memories that will warm your heart all season long.

Tickets go on sale soon at hollyjollytemple.com grab yours early and be part of the fun!

RINK HOURS

Non-School Days:

Mon–Thurs: 3–8:30 PM

Fri–Sat: 11 AM–10:30 PM Sun: 11 AM–8:30 PM

School Days:

Mon–Thurs: 11 AM–8:30 PM Fri–Sat: 11 AM–10:30 PM Sun: 11 AM–8:30 PM

ADMISSION: $12

SKATE AIDS: $5

This holiday season, skip the trip up north, because the coolest adventure of the year is happening right here at home. Discover the magic. Discover Temple.

Temple Civic Theatre

HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS

A celebration of the holidays, from Christmas and Hanukkah to Quwanza. Featuring TCT performers and community groups, Christmas, Broadway, musical dance numbers, local choirs, and so much more. December 18-21.

MILK & COOKIES WITH SANTA

Enjoy milk and cookies with Santa and his Elves! Bring yourself, your children, AND your pets for a photo with Santa! $10 per person or pet. Saturday, Dec 6, at 10 AM.

WHAT IS THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE

The City of Temple Annual Christmas Parade is a familyfriendly holiday event that has been bringing locals and visitors joy since 1946. This year’s theme is “A Lone Star Christmas” The parade features lit, unique displays from local business owners, organizations, student groups, and individuals.

WHEN?

The parade takes place on Monday, December 1. The parade starts at 6:30 pm and lasts approximately 90 minutes.

WHO HOSTS THE PARADE?

The City of Temple hosts the parade every year.

WHAT IS THE PARADE ROUTE?

The parade route starts at the intersection of E. Adams Avenue and N. 8th St., then proceeds west along Adams Avenue. The parade then continues to the front of the Municipal Building and heads all the way to N. 23rd St. The parade disbands at Temple High School.

Visitors and locals can head to the downtown district of Temple to watch the parade. Viewing for the parade is street-side and visitors can watch anywhere along the parade route.

WHERE SHOULD VISITORS PARK?

Visitors can park on street-side parking. Parking will also be available in the City Hall parking lot as well as in various areas downtown such as the Santa Fe Plaza. The Santa Fe Plaza will also have a tree lighting ceremony for the tree located in the heart of the plaza. Visitors can find plenty of close parking spots in the Santa Fe Plaza area.

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING WITH YOU?

Bring lawn chairs so you have a comfortable spot to sit for the parade. With the cold weather in store, be sure to bring blankets and bundle up to make sure you and your family are warm and cozy for the duration of the event. Visitors should also make sure to bring extra cash. The downtown district is filled with plenty of restaurants and shopping. Visitors can shop around the local area while they wait for the parade to start.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6

NOHELY MACKOWIAK

Holiday BucketList Holiday BucketList

SNAP A PHOTO WITH THE KIELLA CHRISTMAS TREE IN WEST TEMPLE

ATTEND THE 79TH ANNUAL CITY OF TEMPLE CHRISTMAS PARADE

STROLL THROUGH DOWNTOWN

TOUR NATURE IN LIGHTS AT BLORA

CHRISTMAS AT THE PLAZA

ENJOY A CUP OF CHRISTMAS CHEER

DISCOVER THE PARADE OF LIGHTS AT BELTON LAKE

SHOP COZY WINTER FINDS AT LOCAL BOUTIQUES

JINGLE ALL THE WAY AT JINGLE JAM

The Nutcracker Ballet The Nutcracker Ballet

THE CLASSICAL BALLET CONSERVATORY PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER BALLET

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES CENTER

DECEMBER 12

SHOP LOCAL SHOP LOCAL

It’s the season of giving, which means lots of presents and shopping days are ahead. This holiday season, shop local for all your gift needs. Here in Bell County, you can find plenty of businesses, boutiques, and local shops with perfect gifts for everyone on your shopping list.

Downtown Temple’s antiques and boutique shops will provide you with the perfect opportunity to find one-ofa-kind trinkets and lovely accessories. Other local businesses like Emporium Spice and Chef Flaco’s have the best blends of seasonings and salsas for the chef in your life.

With bookshops, Asian markets, vendor booth-ran businesses, boutiques, and consignment stores, there are all kinds of valuable and memorable gifts waiting for you.

Happy Holidays and season’s greetings! Discover Temple and Bell County’s incredible array of shopping experiences today.

Yuletide Tour Of Homes

NOVEMBER 14-16

TEMPLE

Nature In Lights

CHRISTMAS TRAIL AT B.L.O.R.A. CHRISTMAS TRAIL AT B.L.O.R.A.

November 15 - December 31 November 15 - December 31

Discover Nature In Lights this holiday season at B.L.O.R.A. featuring a drive-thru self-guided tour of 5.5 miles of holiday light attractions, Santa's Village, and plenty of Christmas cheer to go around.

Parade of Lights Parade of Lights

The Parade of Lights is a holiday event featuring boats decked out with holiday cheer on Belton Lake.

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Sounds of the Season

DEC 20 | MARY ALICE MARSHALL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | 7:30 PM

Join in the fun as the Temple Symphony Orchestra performs all your holiday favorites at the annual holiday concert.

ON THE PROGRAM:

Anderson- a Christmas Festival

Tchaikovsky - Nutcracker (Act 2, Waltz of the Flowers; Act 2, Pas de Deux; Act 1, #6 to end of Act)

Lovrien - Minor Alterations 2

Bach - Brandenburg Concerto no. 3

Anderson - Sleigh Ride

Davis - Stille Nacht

All Aboard the Holiday Express

Family Fun in Temple, TX

Morning:

Start your day with breakfa Co., everyone’s favorite for Head to the Temple Railroa festive exhibits and train-th

Afternoon:

Explore Downtown Temple’s visit local shops decked ou

Grab lunch at Bird Creek Br skates at Rink on the Rails, C Outdoor Ice Rink at MLK Fes

Evening:

Warm up with hot tea or fun Community.

Catch the Christmas Parad movies under the lights at T

Explore the city and experie Holiday Lights Tour or drive at BLORA.

These itineraries are simply suggestions visitors are encouraged to discover Temple and all that we have to offer at their own pace!

A COZY & cOOL cHRISTMAS ESCAPE

ROMANTIC HOLIDAZE

antic brunch at Megg’s Cafe or ng.

and through the Temple Farmers edition) for gifts and artisan

e Hub.

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ogether at Rink on the Rails— mance like gliding under holiday

nery & Vineyard for a cozy wine ed by holiday décor.

local photo ops and Christmas

drinks at Helados La Azteca. mas Parade or stop by The Art afting and art a la carte.

at Pignetti’s, then end the night photo under the glowing Santa

These itineraries are simply suggestions visitors are encouraged to discover Temple and all that we have to offer at their own pace!

#DiscoverTemple