The holiday season is a time for joy, beauty and family in Washington County and at Gates Ranch, an exclusive community of family estate farms. Here are a few shopping and entertainment activities, all within about an hour of Houston and in close proximity to Gates Ranch. Plan ahead now!
Unity Theatre in Brenham presents “Miracle on 34th Street” in Brenham
December 3-20
The Christmas spirit is alive and well in this heartwarming yuletide classic based on the beloved film and novel – a nostalgic holiday treat! Performances are every Thursday through Sunday, beginning December 3rd and running through December 20th. Thursday shows are at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and on Sundays at 4 p.m. Tickets are $30.
The Unity Theatre is located at 300 Church Street in Brenham. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Unity Brenham website or call 979-830-8358.
Christmas Stroll & Lighted Parade in Brenham
December 4-5
Come to Brenham and experience the small-town holiday spirit at the annual Christmas Stroll & Lighted Parade. Enjoy live entertainment and holiday shopping as you stroll along the beautifully lit streets of downtown Brenham on Friday evening and all day Saturday, December 4 and 5. All of the shops will be open, and there will be fun activities for kids throughout the day, including a giant slide. The Lighted Parade on Saturday evening offers even more family fun!
All events are in downtown Brenham. For more information, please visit Brenham’s website.
Christmas Fayre in Chappell Hill
December 5
Santa is coming to town for Chappell Hill’s Annual Christmas Fayre on Saturday, December 5 – and you won’t want to miss it! Children are invited to dress in their favorite holiday attire and bring their teddy bear friends for a special day in historic downtown Chappell Hill. Festivities include fun and games for children, the Teddy Bear Parade, Santa’s arrival, live reindeer petting and photos, train rides, wine tasting, live music, ceremonial lighting of downtown holiday lights and Christmas tree, and firing of the cannon. Local businesses and vendors will provide opportunities for holiday shopping as well as food and refreshments for guests.
The elves are busy preparing, so please check in for more details at Chappell Hill’s website.
Christmas-on-the-Brazos at Washington on the Brazos State Historical Site
December 12
Celebrate the holiday season at Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site on December 12, including “Candlelight Christmas” from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Activities include timed vignettes or glimpses into 1850s festivities by way of a candlelit tour of Barrington Farm. Other events include live 19th century music and dancing, bonfires and Christmas readings, 1850s Santa Claus, musket firing, cookies and hot cider.
The Washington on the Brazos State Historical Site is located off Highway 105 between Navasota and Brenham on FM 1155. For more information, please visit this website or call
936-878-2214.
Bethlehem in Independence
December 18-19
Country churches in Independence, Texas come together to perform different scenes of the Christmas story. Visitors sipping hot chocolate travel from scene to scene via hayrides. For more information, please call the Independence General Store at 979-836-4211.
Brunch with Santa – The Inn at Dos Brisas
December 20
You can also say hello to Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick on Sunday, December 20, at Brunch with Santa at Dos Brisas. Reserve your seating at 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Cost is $59 per adult and $20 per child. Brunch with Santa includes cider tasting for adults, cookie decorating for children, a 3-course brunch, visit with Santa and carriage rides. For more information, visit Dos Brisas’ website or call 979-277-7750.
Ant Street Inn’s New Year’s Eve Bash in Brenham
December 31
Ring in 2016 at Ant Street Inn’s New Year’s Eve Bash in historic downtown Brenham! Festivities begin Thursday, December 31, at 8 p.m. Don’t eat dinner before coming – appetizers and courses throughout the evening will be served. The Argyles, a party band from Austin, will perform. Bring your favorite adult beverages for this BYOB party where bar set-ups will be provided. A complimentary champagne toast will help you to properly welcome 2016 at midnight. The party ends at 1 a.m. For those who stay at one of Ant Street Inn’s partner lodging locations, a complimentary shuttle service will take you to and from the party. Tickets are $100 per guest for general seating or $900 for a reserved table of eight guests.
The Ant Street Inn is located in downtown Brenham at 107 West Commerce Street. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Ant Street Inn’s website or call 979-836-7393.
And anytime you are in Washington County, we invite you to join us at Gates Ranch, a 1,500-acre community of exclusive, private ranch estates. Over 87% of the farms in Phases One and Two have been acquired by Houstonians for their own family retreats. We are now opening the last section – Section Three – which offers farms ranging in size from 40 to 133 acres and larger. For more information or to schedule your personal tour of Gates Ranch, please call Cyndee Smith with Oldham Goodwin Group at 713-816-3407 or visit Gates Ranch.
