What to watch: As December kicks into full swing, Midland is overflowing with markets, Santa sightings, family fun, and festive traditions. Here’s your guide to what’s happening around town to help you plan your days.

  • Midland College Holiday Evening – Thursday, Dec. 4, 4–8 p.m.

A decades-long community tradition, this evening brings families to campus for Santa photos, hayrides, concerts, cocoa, and student art displays, all completely free to attend. The night wraps with a lively performance by MC’s Chap Singers and Jazz Ensemble.

    • Location: Midland College Campus
    • Festivities: Santa 4–6:30 p.m.; Hayrides 4:30–7 p.m.; Art show 6–8 p.m.; Concert at 7 p.m.
  • Winter Wonderland Party at Beehive Market – Thursday, Dec. 4, 6–8 p.m.

Beehive Market transforms into a cozy holiday hangout featuring local vendors, raffles, and plenty of wintry fun. Bring your friends for a relaxed, festive night of local shopping.

    • Location: Beehive Market – 404 Andrews Highway
  • Mistletoe Market at Bynum School – Friday, Dec. 5, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

This one-day market showcases handcrafted goods, décor, baked treats, and artisan creations made by adults in Bynum School’s programs, plus guest pop-ups from local favorites. All proceeds directly support Bynum’s mission of empowering individuals with special needs.

Midland’s top stories. One quick email. Free, every Friday.
Get Midland Wrapped, our free weekly email for busy Midland residents. Each Friday, we break down the week’s most important local stories — what happened, why it matters, and what to watch next — so you can stay informed without the noise.
    • Location: Bynum School – 5100 Avalon Dr.
  • Holiday Open House at Midland Public Libraries – Friday, Dec. 5, 4:30–6 p.m.

Midland’s public libraries invite families for a cheerful afternoon of holiday crafts, snacks, and free photos with Santa. It’s a quick, come-and-go event perfect for after-school fun.

    • Location: Downtown Library – 301 W. Missouri Ave.
  • Modern Pop-Up Market Downtown – Friday, Dec. 5, 6–10 p.m.

Downtown Midland lights up with 80+ vendors, holiday treats, and lively shopping across three magical nights in December. It’s free, family-friendly, and a great way to support local makers.

    • Location: Downtown Midland, across from Centennial Park
    • Returns on Dec. 12 & 19
  • Holiday Market with a Twist – Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Shop local vendors while supporting a charitable mission to provide Christmas gifts for children in need, hosted by Greater Ideal Family Life Center.

    • Location: Greater Ideal Family Life Center – 301 S. Tyler St.
  • Santa at the Gardens Market – Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Alldredge Gardens brings the holiday charm with free DIY photos alongside Santa, surrounded by winter blooms and festive décor. Guests can explore local vendors at the Market at the Gardens during their visit.

    • Location: Alldredge Gardens – 3300 N. Fairgrounds Rd.
  • Cookies & Cocoa with Santa – Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

The RockHounds bring Santa back to the ballpark. Bring your toy donations for a cozy morning of cocoa, cookies, and photo ops.

    • Location: Momentum Bank Ballpark – 5514 Champions Dr.
  • Free Pictures with Santa – Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Enjoy free Santa photos at Grace & Hustle, along with crafts, snacks, and letter-writing stations, at this cheerful come-and-go event perfect for young families.

    • Location: Grace & Hustle – 2109 W. Texas Ave. Suite D
  • Roosters Backyard Christmas Market – Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Roosters hosts a cheerful outdoor market filled with local vendors, kids’ crafts, a hot cocoa bar, and free Santa photos. There will be a door prize raffle; bring any two hygiene items to donate to Rangers Outreach to enter.

    • Location: Roosters Backyard – 6221 Farm to Market 307
    • Santa: Pictures 1–3 p.m.
  • Grinchfest at Dennis the Menace Park – Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Whoville takes over Dennis the Menace Park with Grinch meet-and-greets, Grinch-themed games, music, face painting, pizza and treats, and adoptable puppies. It’s a lively family event filled with humor, heart, and holiday fun.

    • Location: Dennis the Menace Park – 2201 W. Indiana Ave.
  • Modern Christmas Market – Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Shop incredible local businesses, enjoy food trucks, and make memories with family and friends, all while getting into the holiday spirit.

  • Santa at Ivy Cottage – Saturday, Dec. 6, 12–2 p.m.

Families can stop by Ivy Cottage for free Santa photos, holiday snacks, and an afternoon of shopping with complimentary gift wrapping. Kids are invited to bring their Christmas lists for Santa.

    • Location: Ivy Cottage – 3101 N. Big Spring St.
  • Annual Ornament Workshop – Saturday, Dec. 6, 1–3 p.m.

Families can craft handmade ornaments while enjoying hot cocoa, cider, cookies, and holiday music inside the historic Bush Family Home. Supplies and festive cheer are included.

    • Location: Bush Family Home – 1412 W. Ohio Ave.
  • Cocoa, Coffee & Cookies with Blue Santa – Saturday, Dec. 6, 4–6 p.m.

Meet Blue Santa at Centennial Park and enjoy warm drinks, treats, and a festive gathering for a good cause. This event corresponds with MPD’s annual toy drive, open through Dec. 12, which provides gifts to families across Midland.

    • Location: Centennial Park
  • Jingle Bell Nighttime Run – Saturday, Dec. 6, 4:30–7:30 p.m.

A festive nighttime race filled with glowing lights and holiday spirit, this 5K and 1.5K benefits Junior Achievement and draws families and runners from across Midland. Costumes, light-up gear, and holiday cheer are highly encouraged.

    • Location: Scharbauer Elementary – 2115 Hereford Blvd.
  • Keller Williams Pictures with Santa – Saturday, Dec. 6, 5–8 p.m.

Caza Realty Group welcomes families for free Santa photos, cookies, hot chocolate, and a warm evening of holiday hospitality.

    • Location: 4920 N. Midkiff Rd.
  • Sounds of the Season – Saturday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.

The West Texas Symphony returns to the Wagner Noël to present its signature holiday concert, featuring orchestra, chamber ensembles, and choral performers in an evening of classical seasonal music.

    • Location: Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
    • Tickets: $46–$83; Students $12