By: Maggi Gallaspy
On the first day of Christmas, Visit Lubbock brings to you… 5 holiday events this season that you simply must do!
Welcome the holiday season the South Plains way! From tree lightings to Christmas classic performances at Buddy Holly Hall, Lubbock’s event calendar is full of events to keep you and your loved ones in the holiday spirit throughout December.
Get inspired to plan out your holiday season with these 5 can’t miss events!
December 2 – 64th Annual Carol of the Lights
Walk into a winter wonderland at Texas Tech University’s Carol of the Lights. This tradition is home to a 38-foot Christmas tree, 20-foot wreath, and over 25,000 lights surrounding Memorial Circle. Spectators can watch the lighting ceremony while enjoying hot cocoa and enjoy Christmas carols performed by Texas Tech’s Combined Choirs.
What started as an idea by Harold Hinn in 1959 has turned into a tradition that has thousands of spectators flocking to campus each December. Hinn provided the funds to cover the science quadrangle and the administration building with lights, but with students away for winter break, there weren’t many people to enjoy the sights. The next year, the Residence Hall Association created the Christmas Sing, what we now know as Carol of Lights. Today, this tradition is a favorite for Tech fans and the Lubbock community!
December 3 – Elf in Concert
Merry Movies is here! If you like your spaghetti sugary sweet, topped with maple syrup, chocolate syrup, M&Ms, marshmallows and a chocolate fudge Pop Tart, this event was made for you.
Based on one of the most popular holiday films, the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra presents Elf in Concert. Travel to New York with Buddy the Elf and experience John Debney’s first-class score as the holiday film you know and love plays on the big screen!
December 8-10 – The Nutcracker
Nothing screams Christmas like this holiday classic! A fairy tale ballet, The Nutcracker follows the dreams of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they battle the Mouse King and travel through the Lands of Snow and Sweets.This family-friendly performance has whimsical costumes, music, and an adventurous plot that’s sure to get anyone in the holiday spirit.
Presented by Ballet Lubbock, The Nutcracker performances will run at The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences from December 8-11. For 130 years, this ballet has been a holiday tradition. Don’t miss out on your chance to enjoy it this season!
If you’re looking to make an evening out of your time at Buddy Holly Hall, Market Street is hosting The Buddy Holly Buffet Saturday, December 10, before the show! Buffet pricing is $39 per person for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.
December 9-10 – Candleight at the Ranch
Experience a frontier Christmas at the National Ranching Heritage Center during the 44th Annual Candlelight at the Ranch. Guests can enjoy a tour of historic structures with live reenactments from volunteers, a visit with Santa Claus, refreshments, and live music with a Texas swing.
This free event will take you back in time to a true West Texas Christmas. Over 15 historic structures will be set up to portray holiday life on the ranch, so there will be plenty to keep you entertained. With lighted pathways that are wheelchair and stroller accessible, Candlelight at the Ranch makes for the perfect family-friendly activity.
December 19 – Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Be whisked away into a world of whimsy this holiday season with a breathtaking performance by Cirque Dreams Holidaze. This broadway-style musical blends circus arts, dance, music, scenery and storylines into the perfect holiday performance the whole family will love. Be prepared to watch in wonder as your favorite holiday storybook characters including, gingerbread, reindeer, ballerinas, penguins and more, come to life and leave a twinkle in your eye!
Since 1993, Cirque Dreams has performed for more than 50 million people worldwide from theme parks to Broadway. Grab your tickets now and enjoy a performance by this critically-aclaimed troop as they make their way to Buddy Holly Hall this holiday season.
Happy Holidays! Make sure to document your favorite events this season using #LiveLoveLubbock.
By: Visit Lubbock Interns
By: Maggi Gallaspy
By: Visit Lubbock Interns
By: Maggi Gallaspy
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