The Christmas and holiday season is in full swing around Lubbock and the South Plains.
From Carol of Lights at Texas Tech University on Saturday and Big Blue Christmas at Lubbock Christian University on Tuesday, to tours of decorated area homes and Santaland, there are many events planned to celebrate the season around the Hub City. We will introduce the festivals and events that are taking place.
See an event we missed? Email us at newmedia@lubockonline.com.
Note: The schedule for Pancho Clos’ visit to Lubbock has not yet been announced.
LCU Big Blue Christmas
Lubbock Christian University will host its 11th annual Big Blue Christmas Celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 28, to help get the Christmas season underway. The family-friendly event will be held in the central LCU campus outdoor mall area and surrounding buildings from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
This year’s event will be “Elf’s Stravaganza,” and we’re inviting the community to join us as the holiday season begins. The evening is filled with Christmas fun celebrating the birth of Christ. The outdoor mall area will have music, carols, s’mores and lots of lights, as well as games and crafts. In addition to being able to take photos with Santa, Buddy the elf will be walking around with his “elves” with guests.
If you would like to enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner with your family, meals can be purchased at the LCU Dining Hall. The venue will feature coffee and hot chocolate food trucks, as well as several vendors benefiting various his LCU organizations.
It’s sure to be a night where the whole family can make fun memories. For more information, visit LCU.edu.
carol of light
The 2023 Carol of Lights ceremony is scheduled for Dec. 2 at 7 p.m., and will be preceded by a traditional ceremony around Texas Tech’s Memorial Circle at 6:30 p.m., according to a Tech University news release. A carillon concert will be held. More than 25,000 Christmas lights illuminate the Science Quadrangle, while fireworks and drone shows light up the night sky across campus.
While the drone show will be the first of its kind to be held in Lubbock, this year’s Carol of Lights will have another first: a corporate partnership with Coca-Cola. The partnership brings the evening to an original mash-up with performances by his party band Lost Wax and Cirque Entertainment.
Lost Wax will be coming to Lubbock for the first time as the headliner for this year’s ceremony. Their big band sound with a dazzling horn section will captivate young and old alike. The group was recently featured as the house band at the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City.
For over 25 years, Cirque Entertainment’s incredible artists have entertained audiences around the world. Attendees of this year’s ceremony will be able to experience the dazzling aerial art that has made Cirque performances one of the most popular in the world.
Attendees will also see special performances by Mariachi Los Matadores and Annie Charex Boyle. The latter, an associate professor of violin at Texas Tech University and concertmaster of the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, will perform “O Holy Night,” one of the most anticipated songs of the year at Carol of Lights. Her moving performance is sure to be one of the highlights of the evening.
santa’s feet
Hodges Community Center of Lubbock will hold its annual Santa’s Paws event where families and pets can take photos with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 4011 University Ave. To do.
Photos are $5 per family. Meet local vendors who specialize in products for great boys and girls.
- Pet photo with Santa $5
- Exhibitors and prizes
- silent auction
- free microchip
All pets must be leashed or crated for this event. For more information, call the Hodges Community Center at 806-767-3706.
WT chamber singers hold free holiday concert
West Texas A&M University’s Chamber Singers will welcome the holiday season with a concert on the Canyon campus.
The Chamber Singers’ Christmas concert begins Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex Recital Hall on WT’s Canyon Campus.
Breakfast with Santa in Lubbock
On Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to noon, bring your children and grandchildren to the Maxey Community Center for the annual Breakfast with Santa. It’s the perfect event to start the Christmas season. Families will enjoy memorable holiday crafts, a delicious brunch, and photos with Santa as children share their Christmas wishes. Tickets can be purchased online at playlubbock.com or in person at the Maxey Community Center. The deadline to register and purchase tickets is Wednesday, November 29, 2023. For more information, call 806-767-3796.
Tech Terrace hosts villa tours
Continuing a tradition started in 1988, the Tech Terrace Neighborhood Association will once again host its annual vacation home tour on December 2nd.
Tech Terrace Home Tour Coming to Lubbock in December
From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., event participants will be decked out in Christmas cheer just before heading to Texas Tech University’s Carol of Lights 100th Anniversary Closing Ceremony across the street around Memorial Circle on campus. You can visit seven unique homes in the neighborhood.
The Tech Terrace Units Holiday Tour was launched in hopes of attracting new homeowners to the downtown Lubbock neighborhood, as well as serving as an opportunity to raise money for neighborhood association projects and beautification, according to the event website. Ta.
Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at evenbrite.com or the neighborhood website techterraceunit.org.
wayland light up
On Thursday, Dec. 7, Wayland Baptist University invites the Greater Plainview community to “Light Up Wayland” with students, faculty and staff, making it an event the whole family will enjoy.
“Follow Santa to the steps of historic Gates Hall,” university officials said, noting that “Lightning Up Wayland” is a post-Christmas parade party for the community. “There will be lots of fun, food and fellowship at Gates Circle.”
Free food and Christmas cookies will be provided from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The faculty choir will sing Christmas carols and prizes will be given out. Please register early. You must be present to win.
The post-parade festivities at 1900 West Seventh St. celebrate the moment when Gates Hall is lit up with Christmas decorations. This continuation of Wayland’s Christmas tradition is one people won’t want to miss.
In addition to the music and lighting ceremonies, two other traditions continue. University President Dr. Bobby Hall will read from the Bible’s Christmas story, and Santa Claus will arrive to hand out candy canes and pose for photos.
There are plenty of other holiday photo opportunities during Light Up Wayland. When the lights come on, Wayland’s historic Gates Hall serves as the perfect holiday backdrop for photos with family and friends.
ranch candlelight
The National Ranch Heritage Center will be getting all its holiday looks for the 45th Annual Candlelight on the Ranch. Join us in this tradition at the National Ranch Heritage Center in Lubbock on Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Ranching Heritage Association members can enjoy early access to VIP Experience Passes starting in November. VIP Experience Pass includes –
- Reserved parking lot for 1 car
- Early entry for you and up to 6 guests (7 total) from 6pm to 6:30pm
- holiday snacks
- Supporting ranching heritage preservation and education activities through the National Ranching Heritage Center
For more information about Candlelight, visit ranchingheritage.org.
If you have any questions regarding the VIP Experience Pass, please contact Daniel Meyers at daniel.meyers@ttu.edu or call (806) 834-1621.
Watch Ballet Lubbock’s “The Nutcracker” at Buddy Holly Hall
Ballet Lubbock will bring the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” back to the stage December 1-3 and 8-10.
Performances are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 1, Friday, Dec. 8, and Saturday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Sunday, Dec. 3, Saturday, Dec. 9, and Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. and will be held on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences.
Ballet Lubbock performs holiday classic “The Nutcracker”
Individual tickets for Ballet Lubbock productions range from $15 to $120 (including taxes and fees), depending on seating.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://balletlubbock.org/ or www.buddyhollyhall.com/.
Santaland in Lubbock
Join the City of Lubbock Parks and Recreation and Champion Energy to experience a Lubbock tradition as we kick off the 67th annual Santaland. Santaland’s festivities begin on his Saturday, December 9th and continue until Thursday, December 21st. Visitors can stop by at 600 Cesar E. Chavez Drive from 6 to 10 p.m. daily.
Stroll through this festive village with a 50-foot Christmas tree, animated exhibits, and Santa’s workshop. This event is open to the public and admission is free for all ages.
There will also be a chance for entertainment groups to perform at Santaland this year. For more information about entertainment opportunities or sponsoring his 2023 Santaland, please contact Donavon Hailey at (806) 775-2678 or dhailey@mylubbock.us.
Volunteer opportunities are available to help organize Santaland this year. This is a fun volunteer opportunity for student organizations and anyone interested in helping organize and present this great family event. For more information, contact Donavon Hailey at (806) 775-2678 or dhailey@mylubbock.us.
For more information, contact the City of Lubbock Parks and Recreation Department at 806-775-2673 or visit www.playlubbock.com.
Miracles Christmas Parade returns to 34th Street
“Glitter of Hope” will be featured in the 18th Annual Miracles Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 9th.
Starting at 6 p.m., approximately 30 parade floats can be seen parading down 34th Street between Avenue Q and Indiana Avenue.
Nonprofits, schools, families, and organizations are also welcome to participate in the parade. This year’s theme is “Glimmer of Hope,” so those who wish to participate are encouraged to light as many lights as possible on their floats.
For more information, requirements and to apply, please visit http://www.miraclesparade.com/. The application deadline is Tuesday, December 5th at 6pm.
Ransom Canyon Christmas Tour of Homes
The 36th annual Ransom Canyon Homes Christmas Tour is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 14. The event will run from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Attendees can view Christmas lights reflected in Ransom Canyon Lake and tour four Ransom Canyon homes decorated for Christmas. Enjoy live Christmas carols and musical ensembles at each home. Grab a cookie or enjoy a hot chocolate in the Paul Stapp Gospel Brass Chapel. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and make s’mores by the outdoor bonfire.
Advance tickets are $15 each or $60 for 5 tickets. Tickets will be $20 after 5:30pm on the day of the event at the Ransom Canyon Fire Station. Advance tickets are available at locations including Ransom Canyon City Hall, 24 Lee Kitchens Drive, Wentz Orthodontics, Christian Brothers Automotive, Happy State Bank in Slaton, and NextHome CORE Realty. There will be a door prize drawing to win a gift basket. For more information, please visit https://www.ransomcanyonchapel.com/.