What to watch: As the holidays approach, Midland brims with festive fun for families. From cozy pajama parties to brass concerts and markets galore, here’s your guide to Christmas cheer in the Basin this week.

  • December Make & Mingle – Sunday, Dec. 14, noon–2 p.m.
    Back by popular demand, get creative at Plot Twist bookstore-boutique with a special hands-on crafting session for the Christmas season. Seating is limited, call ahead to see if space is available.

  • Auxiliary Annual Christmas Party – Sunday, Dec. 14, 2–4 p.m.
    The Midland Veterans Post hosts a heartwarming celebration with Santa visits, silent auction, cookie decorating, games, and a sock drive for veterans at Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home.

  • M&M Christmas Market – Sunday, Dec. 14, 2–7 p.m.
    Connect with West Texas vendors at this vibrant market filled with vintage finds, local vendors, and festive vibes. Perfect for unique gifts and seasonal shopping.

  • Carriage Rides at Merry Lights – Sunday, Dec. 14 and Friday, Dec. 19, starting at 6 p.m.
    Few things capture old-fashioned holiday charm quite like a horse-drawn carriage on a cool December evening. These rides come with two options—a cozy 4–6 person carriage or larger 12–14 person wagon. Cash or Venmo are accepted on-site, first-come, first-served.

  • Christmas Palooza Market at Midland Memorial Hospital – Monday, Dec. 15 and Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
    Shop custom T-shirts, sweaters, bags, and hats with your choice of prints, embroidered items, sequin patches, and more—perfect for personalized gifts without the long delivery wait.

    • Location: Midland Memorial Hospital – 400 Rosalind Redfern Grover Pkwy
    • Details: Event Facebook Page
  • Gingerbread Man Decorating Party at Marble Slab – Tuesday, Dec. 16 and Thursday, Dec. 18, 3–7 p.m.
    Create sweet memories decorating your own gingerbread man. Dress festive and decorate the best gingerbread man to win a chance at fun prizes. Enjoy free hot cocoa and meet the Santa Cookie Man. Registration is required.

  • Teacher Winter Wishes Spectacular – Tuesday, Dec. 16, 4–9 p.m.
    The Midland Education Foundation celebrates teachers with this annual event full of appreciation for our educators. The event also brings free supplies and lots of holiday spirit. Registration is required.

  • Christmas PAW-TY at Fair to Midland – Tuesday, Dec. 16, 5–8 p.m.
    Bring your pups for a 21+ night of fun with photos alongside Santa, the Grinch, and Cindy Lou Who, dog adoptions from Lone Star Sanctuary, specialty cocktails, DJ music, prizes, and more.

  • Lone Star Brass Basin Brass Christmas Bonanza – Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m.
    Lone Star Brass joins the West Texas Symphonic Brass at this Christmas Special. Join this spectacular holiday concert filled with festive favorites.

  • The Nutcracker and the Mouse King – Wednesday, Dec. 17, 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
    MCTs theater school presents the Nutcracker and the Mouse King for one night only! Enjoy this enchanting production by MCTs students with the whole family.

  • Christmas in the Park – Wednesday, Dec. 17, 6–8 p.m.
    First Methodist Church of Midland hosts a night of Christmas fun with live music, free pulled pork sandwiches, popcorn, cotton candy, hot chocolate, and photos with Santa.

  • Hayrides & Hot Cocoa – Wednesday, Dec. 17, 6–9 p.m.
    Hitch a ride with family and friends through Grasslands Estates and enjoy the beautiful lights, cozy hot cocoa, and Christmas jams. Schedule your time slot ahead with reservations open every half hour.

  • Grinch Trivia at Blue Door – Wednesday, Dec. 17, 7 p.m.
    Test your Grinchy knowledge with this night of trivia. Gather friends for a night of Whoville-themed questions, quotes, cocktails, and holiday mischief.

  • Christmas on Main Street on Basin PBS – Thursday, Dec. 18, 7–8 p.m.
    Don’t miss Basin PBS’ Christmas on Main Street broadcast — a night of music, laughter, and holiday cheer from West Texas performers. See the schedule and find the channel for your provider below.

  • 39th Annual FREE Christmas Meal & Toy Distribution – Friday, Dec. 19, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
    Midland Soup Kitchen Ministry welcomes everyone for a delicious meal and toy giveaway (children must be present) in the spirit of Christmas. Open to the community—no questions asked.

  • Modern Pop-Up Market — Downtown Holiday Market – Friday, Dec. 19, 6–10 p.m.
    The Downtown Holiday Market is back this week with more than 80 local vendors for holiday shopping and festive community fun. Booths line the area across from Centennial Park as this event encourages shoppers to shop small businesses during the season.

  • Breakfast and Brunch with Santa at Café at the Gardens – Saturday, Dec. 20, 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
    Join this magical curated feast with Santa. The brunch slot at noon is still available for reservation and includes table visits from Santa, professional photos, and a seasonal menu.

  • Santa Paws at Urban Air – Saturday, Dec. 20, noon–2 p.m.
    Join Sant and his elves at Urban Air hosts for furry friend photos. Donations support Midland Humane Coalition and give you a chance to win a gift certificate to Dominos.

  • Meet & Greet with Santa – Saturday, Dec. 20, 1 p.m.
    Mary’s Christian & Gift Store offers photos, wishes, treats, and a $100 gift card raffle with every purchase.

  • The Nutcracker – Saturday, Dec. 20, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m.
    Midland Festival Ballet’s beloved annual production returns. The show is fun for all ages with epic battles, lands made of sweets, living toys and even fairies.

  • Open Barn Christmas Pajama Party at Circle H Haven – Saturday, Dec. 20, 4–9 p.m.
    Slip into your favorite PJs and head to Circle H Haven Horse Rescue for a cozy evening of holiday cheer. Enjoy hot cocoa, meet the rescued horses and donkeys, and join in the festivities.

  • Christmas at the Horseshoe – Saturday, Dec. 20, starting at 4:30 p.m.
    Free gifts, cocoa, concert, and real Christmas cheer for kids and families at this massive community event.

  • Hot Cocoa with Mickey & Minnie – Saturday, Dec. 20, 4:30–6:45 p.m.
    Titan Factory Direct hosts family fun with appearances from Mickey & Minnie mouse. The event features live music by The Texicans, Christmas giveaways from under the tree, hot cocoa, smores, and plenty of photo ops.

  • MDFM at Night: Christmas Market – Saturday, Dec. 20, 6–9 p.m.
    The Downtown Farmers Market hosts its first-ever night market. The market, right around the corner from Merry Lights, features local vendors of all sorts, holiday shopping, and festive fun.

    • Location: Midland Downtown Farmers Market – 404 N. Colorado St.
    • Details: MDFM Facebook