What to watch: Midland is gearing up for a packed week of festive happenings, from the annual Christmas parade to seasonal performances and holiday markets. Whether you’re looking for shopping, storytelling, music, or community celebrations, there’s something on the calendar for every age.

  • Christmas with Santa at Plaza Oaks – Monday, Dec. 8, 5–7 p.m.
    Santa is coming to Sgt. Pepper’s at Plaza Oaks, and you should too. Experience all the treats, eats, and deals the shopping center has to offer. From hot cocoa with HNB Mortgage to face painting and cookie decorating at Sgt. Pepper’s. Perch, The Canopy, Carter’s, Waystone, and more have all joined in to offer you holiday deals all day.

    • Location: Plaza Oaks – 2101 W. Wadley Ave., Suite 40
    • Details: Perch Facebook
  • FBC’s Living Nativity – Tuesday, Dec. 9, Wednesday, Dec. 10, and Thursday, Dec. 11, 7–8 p.m.
    See the miracle in the flesh. A full nativity scene, complete with biblical characters and costumes. Enjoy hot cocoa, live animals, and a real-life telling of the Christmas story.

  • Jingle & Mingle Holiday Boutique Pop-up – Thursday, Dec. 11, 4–7 p.m.
    Shop local at this holiday pop-up, featuring a wide selection of holiday gifts, décor, and more by women-owned businesses. This market is open to the public, and guests are encouraged to bring donations for the Senior Life Warming Tree to support homebound seniors.

    • Location: Senior Life Midland Office – 3301 Sinclair Ave.
  • Christmas with the Cows at Chick-fil-A – Thursday, Dec. 11, 4:30–7 p.m.
    Families can meet Chick-fil-A’s Santa cow and Elf cow, grab a bite, and make a small craft. All materials are provided.

  • The Grinch at Mr Gatti’s – Thursday, Dec. 11, 5–7 p.m.
    The Grinch is coming to Mr Gatti’s. Kids can eat unlimited pizza, meet the Grinch, and spend the evening playing games, with a free $5 game card with each kids buffet purchase. All guests must purchase a buffet to enter.

  • Warming Tree Donation Drive – Friday, Dec. 12
    Help ensure homebound seniors feel the warmth of the holidays by donating new socks, blankets, jackets, pajamas, gift cards, hygiene products, slippers, or small space heaters to Senior Life Midland’s Warming Tree campaign. Drop-off at the Senior Life Midland office.

  • Christmas Lights Night Flights – Friday, Dec. 12, Saturday, Dec. 13, Sunday, Dec. 14, 6–9:30 p.m.
    Christmas Lights Night Flights returns, giving riders a bird’s-eye view of Midland’s holiday displays. Each flight lasts 30-minutes with options to reserve single seats or the full plane. Ages 5 and up are welcome, and advance reservations are required. 

  • Modern Pop-Up Market — Downtown Holiday Market – Friday, Dec. 12, 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.

  • Permian Basin Comic-Con: Holiday Edition – Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14, 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
    A holiday-themed Comic-Con brings two days of festive fandom to the Midland Horseshoe, featuring celebrity guests, artists, vendors, gaming, and cosplay with a seasonal twist. Fans can browse holiday merchandise, meet creators, and enjoy contests and panels throughout the weekend.

  • Christmas at the Brown-Dorsey Home – Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
    This event offers a free, two-day glimpse into what Christmas looked like in 1900, complete with historically inspired décor and a guided tour of Midland’s oldest home. Visitors can explore each beautifully decorated room and enjoy refreshments offered at the end.

  • Christmas Market at Keller Williams – Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
    The Ben Kenney Team at Keller Williams hosts a family-friendly day of shopping with local vendors, food trucks, bounce houses, children’s activities, Santa photos, and live music.

  • PBS Snow Globe – A Global Gala of Holiday Traditions – Saturday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
    Basin PBS Snow Globe hosts a free family program introducing children to global holiday traditions through crafts, snacks, and a PBS KIDS screening. Families can participate in hands-on activities and take home gifts and learning materials.

  • Midland Christmas Festival – Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14, 2:30–4:30 p.m.
    First Baptist Church Midland presents “Heaven’s Greatest Gift,” an original production combining choir, cast, and narration to retell the Christmas story. The performance highlights themes of hope and tradition, with additional showings offered on Sunday.

    • Location: First Baptist Church Midland – 2104 W. Louisiana Ave.
    • Details: FBC Facebook
  • Midland Christmas Parade – Saturday, Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m.
    The Midland Christmas Parade brings illuminated floats, festive music, and community celebration to downtown as the annual Merry Lighted Christmas tradition continues. Families line “A” Street each year to enjoy the displays and holiday atmosphere.

    • Location: “A” Street from Windlands Park to Midland High School – 3298 N. A St.
    • Details: City of Midland Website
  • Merry Melodies of Christmas — The Flame of Hope – Saturday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.
    A musical Christmas production is a dramatic retelling of the nativity, blending live vocals, narration, and cinematic staging. The performance invites families to experience the Christmas story through an uplifting and theatrical evening program.