Shop, Dine and Explore Downtown Bryan: Things to Do Nov. 13–19, 2026

Welcome to Around the Brazos Valley, a weekly guide from Southern Luxe Group to what's happening in Bryan, College Station and the towns around them.

This is the week the holiday season starts to feel real around here. Santa's Wonderland opens its gates, the first holiday markets pop up, and Historic Downtown Bryan gets ready for its Festival of Trees and the return of the holiday lights. If you've been meaning to spend an afternoon shopping, eating and wandering downtown, this is a great week to do it. Here's what's on the calendar for November 13 to 19, 2026.

Why Downtown Bryan is worth an afternoon

Historic Downtown Bryan is one of the most walkable spots in the Brazos Valley. Main Street and the blocks around it are lined with restored brick buildings filled with locally owned boutiques, gift shops, restaurants, coffee shops and bars, and there's almost always something going on, from First Friday to open mic night at The Palace Theater on Wednesdays. With holiday shopping season starting, it's an easy place to check a few names off your list while supporting local owners. Destination Bryan keeps an updated holiday shopping guide if you want ideas before you go.

Friday, November 13

Santa's Wonderland opens for the 2026 season

The big one is here. Santa's Wonderland in College Station kicks off its 2026 season, and for a lot of local families it's the official start of the holidays. Opening weekend is always busy, so buy tickets ahead and plan to dress warm.

• When: Opens Friday, Nov. 13 (6 p.m. to midnight); open select days through Jan. 3, 2027, with hours that vary by day
• Where: 18898 Hwy. 6, College Station
• Cost: Daily admission about $35 to $55, with add-on experiences extra
• Details: santas-wonderland.com

Lick Creek Park in the Dark

For families who'd rather trade crowds for stars, the Gary Halter Nature Center hosts an overnight campout at Lick Creek Park focused on the park's nocturnal creatures. Expect a hot dog dinner, nature talks, s'mores, a night hike and some camping basics. Bring your own tent and gear (there's no electricity), and note that space is limited and pets aren't allowed.

• When: Friday, Nov. 13, starting at 6 p.m., through Saturday morning, Nov. 14
• Where: Lick Creek Park, 13600 Rock Prairie Road, College Station
• Cost: $8 per person; registration required
• Details: Visit College Station event page

Saturday, November 14

Saturday farmers markets in Bryan and College Station

Start the weekend with local produce, baked goods and handmade gifts.

• When: The Farmers' Market in Brazos County, 8 a.m. to noon; Aggieland Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (rain or shine)
• Where: Midtown Park, 206 W. Villa Maria Road, Bryan; and the Post Oak Mall parking lot, 1500 Harvey Road, College Station
• Cost: Free admission
• Details: Destination Bryan events and aggielandfarmersmarket.com

Texas A&M vs. Tennessee at Kyle Field

It's a home game weekend, so expect heavy traffic around campus and plan extra time if you're heading anywhere near Kyle Field on Saturday afternoon.

• When: Saturday, Nov. 14; the SEC set a kickoff window between 2 and 3:15 p.m. (ESPN or SEC Network)
• Where: Kyle Field, Texas A&M University, College Station
• Cost: Ticket prices vary
• Details: 12thman.com

Sunday, November 15

Jingle Bell Market

Now in its 12th year, the Jingle Bell Market is a relaxed Sunday afternoon of holiday shopping with local vendors. It's a nice way to get a head start on gifts.

• When: Sunday, Nov. 15, noon to 4 p.m.
• Where: Pebble Creek Country Club, 4500 Pebble Creek Parkway, College Station
• Cost: Free admission
• Details: Jingle Bell Market on Facebook

Monday, November 16 and all week

Festival of Trees at The Kimbell

This is my favorite reason to head downtown this week. Local businesses, groups and friends decorate Christmas trees that go up for bid in an online silent auction, with proceeds benefiting Voices for Children, CASA of the Brazos Valley. Stroll through, pick a favorite, and grab lunch or coffee on Main Street while you're there.

• When: Nov. 16 through Dec. 4, viewing daily 1 to 5 p.m.; final viewing and bidding on First Friday, Dec. 4, with the auction closing at 8 p.m.
• Where: The Kimbell, 607 N. Main St., Bryan
• Cost: Free to view; bidding online
• Details: Festival of Trees 2026 bidding page

Looking ahead: Downtown Bryan's holiday lights come back on Friday, Nov. 20, with more rooftop lights and a new interactive photo display at Mounce Plaza. I'll have the details in next week's guide.

Local spotlight: Catalena Hatters

If you've walked down Main Street, you've probably peeked through the big windows at Catalena Hatters, 203 N. Main St. in Downtown Bryan. Sammy and Carolyn Catalena started the family business in 1983, and today their sons, Scott and Travis, run the shop. They make custom hats, restore and reshape well-loved ones, and you can watch the work happen right from the retail floor. A custom hat or a hat restoration makes a memorable gift for someone special. Learn more at catalenahatters.com.

Living in the Brazos Valley

Weeks like this are a good reminder of what makes this area special: a historic downtown with real character, a university town full of tradition, and plenty of room to get outside. If you're thinking about a move, start with my guide to living in Bryan-College Station, TX and my local's guide to the Brazos Valley. And if you missed last week's guide, catch up on fall in Aggieland.

Let's talk about your next move

I help buyers and sellers from the Greater Austin Area to Bryan College Station, and I'm always happy to talk neighborhoods, timing or what the market looks like right now. Book a time on my calendar or call or text me at (512) 629-9050.

Trina Heinmiller
Team Lead | Southern Luxe Group | eXp Realty

Event details can change. Please confirm dates, times and prices with each organizer before you go.