Choose Your Own Cheer: Christmas, College Station-Style

Four Ways to Find Your Festive in College Station

The holidays are here in College Station. Lights glow a little brighter, holiday treats taste a little sweeter and every corner of town feels charged with that unmistakable Aggie Spirit. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, a night out with friends or a family trip anchored by Santa’s Wonderland, there’s no shortage of merry moments waiting for you.

That’s where “Choose Your Own Cheer” comes in. Instead of a one-size-fits-all guide, we built four customized holiday itineraries designed around the way you like to celebrate — from kid-friendly fun to cozy date nights to girls’ trips full of sparkle and guys’ outings packed with good food and good times. Simply pick your path below and let the festive adventure begin.

No matter how you holiday, College Station has a way of turning simple moments into standout memories. Ready to find your cheer? Scroll on and choose your perfect Aggieland holiday.

Path 1: Family Fun in the Heart of Aggieland

Make memories that’ll keep the kids smiling long after the lights go out.

Morning: Kick things off with breakfast at a local favorite like Stella Southern Café or Blue Baker for hot cocoa, pastries and a low-key morning before the day gets rolling. If the weather’s nice, take a relaxed walk through Aggie Park and snap a family photo by the water with an iconic Kyle Field backdrop.

Daytime/Afternoon: Head over to Century Square for some light shopping and let the kids burn off energy on The Green + grab a sweet treat at Hey Sugar Candy Store OR if the weather is nice, take a trip out to Aggieland Safari for a wild take on the holidays.

Evening: Bundle up and bring your crew out for a drive around the lights at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park - be amazed by our 90 foot tall Christmas tree + over one million lights around the park OR for a more traditional/DIY experience, pile in the car and take a drive through some of our local neighborhoods (Pebble Creek, Miramont, Castlegate... just to name a few) then end the night with your favorite holiday movie at your hotel.

Bonus “Family Tip”: Restaurants and attractions may have adjusted holiday hours, so give your spots a quick check before driving out. Planning ahead makes for a smooth and stress-free holiday!

Path 2: A Holiday Date Night to Remember

From mistletoe moments to fireside dinners, your holiday romance starts here.

Afternoon: Start your date with a relaxed wander through The George or Cavalry Court where the lobbies are dressed in their holiday best. Snap a festive photo together beneath the glowing tree or by the cozy outdoor fire pits. After taking in the decor, settle in at 1791 Whiskey Bar for a crafted cocktail or a shared bourbon flight that eases you into the evening at a slow, comfortable pace.

Dinner: Make your way to Casa Mangiare or Luigi’s Patio Ristorante for a dinner that feels like an occasion all on its own. Casa Mangiare brings a modern, upscale feel with rich flavors that make the night memorable. Luigi’s keeps things warm and intimate with live music, twinkling lights and classic Italian dishes that feel just right for a holiday evening. Either choice sets the perfect tone for conversation and connection.

After Hours: Wrap up the night with a horse-drawn carriage ride at Santa’s Wonderland. It’s one of the most romantic experiences of the season with glowing lights, music drifting through the air and plenty of time to sit close and enjoy the moment.

Bonus “Pro Tip”: Book a stay at The George or Cavalry Court for a festive overnight escape. Both properties bring the holiday atmosphere to life and make it easy to relax, sleep in and extend the magic into the next morning.

Path 3: Merry & Bright with Your Besties

Sip, shop, sparkle — make the most of your getaway with the girls.

Morning: Get your girls’ trip started the right way with brunch at Porters Dining + Butcher where the menu brings a polished twist to comfort favorites or head to Marfa Texas Kitchen for a bright, West Texas vibe and plates that always hit the spot. Order a round of mimosas or maybe a Lavendar Haze, share a few bites across the table and set the tone for a relaxed day together.

Shopping Stops: Spend the late morning wandering Century Square where you can pick up holiday outfits, gifts or treats for yourself. Swing into Kendra Scott to design custom maroon jewelry at the Color Bar and browse the local boutiques for unique finds that feel personal and festive. The decorations around The Green make it a picture-perfect setting for a quick group photo before you move on.

Afternoon: As the day warms up a bit, head across the street to West Campus where The Gardens at Texas A&M University are open for holiday-themed photos under the lights or among the winter blooms. It’s an easy way to capture memories without feeling rushed or crowded. From there, make your way to Messina Hof for an afternoon of wine flights and charcuterie. Settle into the patio or the tasting room and enjoy the good life with the girls.

Evening: Reserve a table at The Dean for a dinner that feels polished but still relaxed. Afterward, head to the Reveille Rooftop Bar for late-night cocktails and skyline views that add just enough holiday sparkle to close out the night. If the weather is nice, grab a spot outdoors and enjoy the cool air and lights from across town.

Bonus “Make it a weekend!”: Turn the trip into a full holiday escape with an overnight stay at the Texas A&M Hotel or Hotel McCoy. Both offer cozy rooms, great amenities and the perfect home base for a girls’ getaway. Add a spa treatment or facial to keep the weekend feeling refreshed and recharge before heading home.

Path 4: Guys’ Trip with Holiday Spirit

Round up the boys and make it a holiday weekend built on good eats, good pours and good company.

Afternoon: Get your guys’ trip rolling with a craft beer flight at Rough Draught where you can sample local brews and ease into the afternoon or grab a pitcher at the Dixie Chicken for a classic College Station experience. If the weather’s decent, sit out on the patio, swap stories and maybe play a game or two of 42.

Dinner: Fuel up with a Lone Star State-sized dinner at C&J Barbecue or Coopers Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que where the brisket, ribs and sausage plates make sure no one leaves hungry. Both spots deliver that unmistakable Texas flavor that feels just right for a guys’ night out during the holidays.

Evening: After dinner, head to The Tap for live music and a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for catching up with the boys. If you’re looking to add something different to the mix, swing by Cavalier Cigar Co. for some of the best cigars in town or test your aim at The Cut with a round of axe throwing. Pick one or hit all three – the night is yours to decide.

Bonus “Sports on the Schedule”: Both the Aggie Men's and Women's teams will be playing at home Christmas week, so be sure to Pack Reed and watch them BTHO everyone! After all, nothing rounds out a guys' trip like live Aggie sports.

No matter which path you choose, the holidays in College Station have a way of slowing you down and pulling you in. Maybe it’s the glow of the lights at Santa’s Wonderland, the sound of laughter rolling through Century Square or that first sip of cocoa on a chilly night. Maybe it’s all of it together.

What matters is that you make the trip your own. Stay for a night or fill a whole weekend. Bring the family or assemble your crew. Celebrate big or keep it simple. However you holiday, there’s always something here that feels special.

When you’re ready to plan your getaway, we’ll be here to help you find your cheer in the Heart of Aggieland.

Happy Holidays, y'all!