21-Jan.9 "...visions of sugar plums..." A Chappell Hill Christmas Display at the Historical Museum
Enjoy Christmas Past, 1882 - 1960's featuring The Mercer Collection set up as the children's bedroom, complete with toys and a time-line of favorite Christmas traditions. Museum located at 9220 Poplar St. Chappell Hill, TX, Hours: Wed. - Sat. 10-4, Sun. 1-4 (Info: 979-836-6033)

22 “Santa’s Holiday Surprise!”
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be vacationing in downtown Brenham before the rush of the busy season. As a pre-holiday treat, they will be leaving a present in every store for you to drop an entry into for a grand prize giveaway! This is your opportunity to find some special gifts and register to win one of Santa’s terrific presents! Both Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photo opportunities too - don’t miss it!

22-23 “Poinsettia Celebration” at Ellison’s Greenhouses
A Texas Family Tradition! Wander through a stunning 80,000 blooming Poinsettias, featuring their exclusive “Texas Sized” poinsettias! Kick off your Christmas shopping among a variety of booths during the festival, from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Saturday & Sunday. Live entertainment, food and fun! 1808 S. Horton, Brenham. $2 per adult, $1 per child. (Info: 979-836-0084).

22-23 “Heritage Society Home Tour”
Stroll through four of Brenham’s finest historical homes superbly decorated for the holidays. You will experience the Giddings Stone Mansion as a picture straight from the 1870s-1890s. While the Giddings-Wilkins house is decorated to the hilt in the era of the 1840s-1850s. Each tour is personally guided by charming docents clad in period costumes. Tour times are from 10 am-4 pm 2203 Century Circle, Brenham. Admission fee. (Info: 979-836-1690).

29 “Twilight & Firelight” at Fanthorp Inn State Historical Park
Visit the 1850s stagecoach inn bedecked with lanterns, luminaries, and decorations, the inn comes to life with living history, music and poetry and period characters! Ride the stagecoach and wagon from the historic Grimes County Courthouse to the inn. Enjoy holiday fare and start the holidays off right. 4:30-7:30 p.m.; fees $6 adults, $4 children 12 and under. Located on State Highway 90, Anderson. (Info: 936-873-2633)

4 “Brenham’s Children’s Chorus”
This is a Christmas event for the whole family with entertaining, beautiful music. The Chorus will have a Christmas concert which time they will perform the Children’s Messiah with a string ensemble. The concert will take place at Brenham High School Auditorium. Admission Fee: $3.00 (Info: www.brenhamchildrenschorus.org <http://www.brenhamchildrenschorus.org> or call 979-277-6533)

4-7 “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” presented by Unity Theatre
This hilarious comedy concerns the efforts of one woman to put on the annual church Christmas pageant. What should be a little church play quickly turns into more than she bargained for- but with an ending sure to warm every heart! Bring the family to this Unity Theatre Studio production and enjoy holiday entertainment at its best. Times are Thursday - Saturday at 8:00 pm and on Sunday at 4:00 pm 300 Church Street, Brenham. Call for ticket prices. (Info: 979-830-8358)

5-6 “Downtown Christmas Stroll”
A small town Christmas favorite! Enjoy sipping a hot cup of cider as you stroll along the charming streets of the Main Street Historic District. Don’t miss the parade on Friday night beginning at 5:30 pm and the annual Community Tuba Concert, along with other entertainment and food booths. A continuation of the Stroll on Saturday will provide for unique shopping opportunities and special holiday offers. Hours are 5 pm - 9 pm Friday and 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday. Downtown Brenham. No admission fee. (Info: 979-836-3339)

6 "Sounds of the Season" with the Studio 1 Singers. On the Square in the old Brenham National Bank/Unity Theatre Building 2 shows during the Christmas Stroll: 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. For a pleasant break from holiday shopping during the Stroll, come by for sweets and some of the best live music you'll hear this Christmas Season! Tickets - $5 (Children 12 and under -free) Families - $10

5-6 “Christmas at the Mansion” Our beloved historic Giddings Stone Mansion will open its doors and allow families to step back in time to experience an 1870’s Christmas. Each room will be decorated in authentic period Christmas décor and will be brimming with all kinds of fun and activity. Activities and skits will provide opportunities to make lasting memories as a family. On Saturday, children’s craft activities will be available. Spend time with Santa, docents and Brenham’s Heritage Belles. Friday 7 pm-10 pm and Saturday 11 am-4 pm. 2203 Century Circle, Brenham. Admission fee. (Info: 979-836-1690)

6 “Handel’s Messiah”
Generations have grown up to the exquisite sounds of Handel’s beloved Hallelujah chorus! Bring the family and join the entire Brenham community as we celebrate the season in the beautiful state of the art W.W. O’Donnell Performing Arts Center. Under the baton of celebrated conductor Ronnie Sanders. 7pm. Admission Fee. (Info: 979-836-3695)

6 “A Pioneer Christmas” in Independence
Stroll Coles Settlement as costumed docents re-enact a Pioneer Christmas. Meet an early Texas Santa, see an authentic Indian Lodge, and shop the Pioneer Market! Tour historic homes from one of Texas’ first settlements, displayed in period decoration. Visit the renowned Antique Rose Emporium nearby. Hours are 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Adults - $8.00; children 12 and under - free; Groups of 25 or more - $5.00 (nonrefundable) sold in advance only. Corner of FM 50 & FM 390, Independence. (Info: 979-830-0077).

7 “First Annual Madrigal Dinner”
Create a special Christmas memory by enjoying a medieval feast and musical entertainment. Offered by Blinn Choral Club and held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. 6pm. For tickets contact Jennifer Wise. (Info: 979-830-4239)

12-13 “Barrington Candlelight Christmas”
Celebrate the holiday season 1850’s-style at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Park. A wagon ride, candlelight tour, storytelling and refreshments are all part of what will be a truly memorable evening. A great family tradition! Hours are 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park, Washington. Admission fee. (Info: 936-878-2214).

13 “Chappell Hill Historic Christmas Home Tour”
Step back in time to a gentler era. Stroll Chappell Hill decorated in mid-1800's Holiday Splendor. Nineteenth century children's activities, a Home Tour, wandering carolers, carriage rides, wassil, demonstrators, Teddy Bear Parade, storytime with Mrs. Clause and a visit with Santa are just a few of the activities you will enjoy as you stroll down Main Street. Begin at the Old Rock Store, Main Street- Downtown, Chappell Hill. $10 Advance Admission, $12 at Door. (Info: 979-836-6033).

13 “Teddy Bear Parade”
While visiting historic Chappell Hill, stop to enjoy the procession of children as they stroll down the street “parading” their favorite teddy bear! The parade takes place from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm, so register beforehand if you want your entry to be judged! Prizes will be awarded by local judges. Santa and Rudolph will arrive on a fire truck and Mrs. Claus will read to the children. Photo opportunities are available with Santa! Downtown, Chappell Hill. No admission fee. (Info: 979-277-1122 or 979-836-6033).

13 “Orchestra of New Spain”
A wonderful concert filled with a seasonal program of symphonic and choral Spanish baroque music at the Festival-Institute at Round Top. The conductor will be Grover Wilkins. This afternoon concert beginning at 3:00 pm is sure to be an event you won’t want to miss. Fm 237, P.O. Box 89, Round Top. Admission fee: Adults $15, Students $5.
(Info: 979-249-3129).

31 New Year’s Eve “Masquerade Ball”
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style! Unity Theatre is rolling our the red carpet for you to enjoy music, dancing, a live cabaret performance, delicious food, and a bubbly glass of champagne at the stroke of midnight. Unity Theatre, 300 Church Street, Brenham. Admission fee. (Info: 979-830-8358).

31 “New Year’s Eve Grand Masquerade Evening”
Ring in the New Year with dinner, live music, dancing, sparklers and champagne. Call for reservations and overnight accommodations. FM 237, Round Top. (Info: 979-249-3129).

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