Sweet Ways to Celebrate the Holidays

Downtown Bryan comes alive in a new way at Christmastime. Businesses deck out for the season with enchanting window displays and joyful painted scenes. Holiday tunes can be heard from the courthouse square. Lights shimmer all around. There’s a magic you can feel.

The holiday seasons is a bit sweeter here. What else would you expect from the candy cane capital of the world?

From the outdoor Christmas market on the courthouse lawn to the beautifully decorated store windows that beckon shoppers inside, there is so much to explore and enjoy during the holidays. Bryan features plenty of places for families to gather, spots for romantic nights out, and events that celebrate the season in style.

What can you do in Bryan during the holidays? Some of our top holiday attractions and events include:

• Santa Arrival Parade: Help the community welcome Santa on his horse-drawn sleigh, and join in the countdown as he gives the signal to light the square for the season.
• Christkindl Market: This 11-night, European-inspired outdoor market includes chalets filled with unique finds, horse-drawn wagon rides, visits with Santa and free nightly enteratinment.
• Festival of Trees: Browse and bid on beautifully decorated trees inside the Williams County Courthouse, which is featured on the National Registry of Historic Places.
• Christmas with the Toledo Symphony: Enjoy the sounds of the season at this annual concert.
• Spangler Candy World: Explore the history of Spangler Candy Company, the largest manufacturer of candy canes in the United States. Candy World also features free games, hands-on STEM activities, a 4D movie experience and a gift shop.
• Dickens’ Village Exhibit: A portion of the WCPL Local History Center transforms into a Victorian village each year at Christmastime. See this unique exhibit featuring hundreds of pieces including Big Ben, the Globe Theater and Ebenezer Scrooge’s house.
• Shopping & Dining: Bryan’s unique boutiques go all-out for the holidays. Visit them for festive finds and beautiful gifts. Fuel your shopping trip with a stop at one of our locally owned eateries. You’ll find a variety of delicious fare & seasonal treats to enjoy.

Check out our events page for all the details on this year’s holiday festivities, and view our map to find shopping and dining destinations.