Your guide to holiday fun in Stephenville

BY CAROLINE CRAIN / Multimedia Journalist

For many Tarleton State University students, the holiday season means heading home. However, for those staying in Stephenville, exploring the town’s festivities could be a great way to embrace the season.
 

Whether you’re a freshman spending your first Christmas in the Cowboy Capital or a senior curious about what you’ve been missing, Stephenville has plenty of seasonal cheer to discover.
 

To make things easy, we’ve rounded up five exciting holiday activities—on and off campus—that are perfect for those looking to embrace the local festivities.
 

Holly Jolly Christmas Festival
 

The Holly Jolly Christmas Festival will take place Monday, Dec. 9, in the Downtown Stephenville Square. Hosted by Stephenville Parks and Recreation and the Stephenville Chamber of Commerce, this holiday tradition brings the community together for a night of holiday cheer. 
 

Students, families and residents can enjoy an array of activities, including the official lighting of the city Christmas tree, pictures with Santa, carriage and hay rides, Christmas crafts and holiday gift vendors. 
 

With free admission, this event is a great option for students and locals looking to unwind and celebrate the season.
 

Stephenville ChristmasVille and Parade
 

The 2024 Stephenville ChristmasVille and Parade is on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Stephenville’s Downtown Main Street. 
 

The event offers the chance to celebrate the start of the holiday season with a blend of holiday shopping, food and festive fun. Kicking off with a Chili Cook-off at 10 a.m., the event 

invites locals and visitors to enjoy delicious chili while supporting local businesses. 
 

The evening culminates in a magical Christmas parade at 6:30 p.m., where community groups, floats and holiday lights will line the streets of downtown.
 

Sophomore Jacob Miller attended the Stephenville ChristmasVille and Parade last year and said it was a highlight of the season.
 

“The parade was incredible,” Miller said. “Seeing all the floats and lights really made it feel like Christmas.”
 

Whether you’re browsing shops, tasting chili, or watching the parade, this day is a fantastic way to experience the holiday spirit in Stephenville.
 

Light Up the Night
 

Light up the Night is an annual event that stretches most December weekends, open this year Dec. 6-8, 13-15 and 20-22 at the Stephenville City Park.
 

Presented by Erath County United Way and Christmas Decor, Light up the Night is a must-see event for holiday enthusiasts. This three-quarter-mile walking trail features nearly 3 million lights and iconic displays, making a festive place for students and families to take in the holiday magic. 
 

Highlights include pictures with Santa every Friday night from 6 to 8 p.m., live performances at the Birdsong Amphitheater on Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Christmas movies on Sundays, a new edition for 2024. 
 

The event is family-friendly, with affordable admission: $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under and free for kids under 2 (with a paid adult).
 

Freshman Mary Crain said that although it is her first year at Tarleton, she has spent many Christmases in the Stephenville area. Light Up the Night was one of her favorite events.
 

“The lights are so beautiful, so I always make sure to take pictures with my friends,” Crain said. “It’s a really nice tradition that we always do.”
 

Theatre at Tarleton Presents “A Christmas Carol”
 

Theatre at Tarleton will perform the classic holiday tale of “A Christmas Carol” from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1 this year, each showing at 7:30 p.m. in the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center Theater.
 

These productions will feature talented theater students and local members of the Stephenville community. The shows are great ways for students to get into the holiday spirit while supporting the arts at Tarleton.
 

Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, children and faculty and $5 for students with ID. 
 

Tarleton Campus Lighting
 

The Tarleton Campus Lighting Celebration is a classic way to kick off the holiday season with fellow Texans. The 2024 celebration took place on Nov. 5 at the Trogdon House Lawn.
 

This annual tradition includes the lighting of the campus Christmas tree, symbolizing the start of the festive season. Attendees enjoy a lively evening with free food, giveaways and the chance to connect with the Tarleton community. 
 

Zimrie Goen is a senior at Tarleton who showed her appreciation for the event.
 

“Every single year I’ve been here I’ve been to the tree lighting,” Goen said. “I would give it a ten out of ten. It’s just a lot of fun.”
 

The 2024 Campus Lighting has already passed, but be sure to mark your calendar for next year’s event—it’s a tradition you won’t want to miss.