Christmas kicks off in San Angelo this weekend: Here are three events not to miss

Santa Claus will make appearances at some of this weekend's top events in San Angelo.
Santa Claus will make appearances at some of this weekend's top events in San Angelo.

SAN ANGELO — The holidays have arrived in San Angelo, bringing a lot of fun events to the area. Here are three noteworthy things happening on the first weekend of December that Concho Valley residents can enjoy.

For more holiday events: Christmas in San Angelo: Here's all the events, markets, Santa meetups in the area

Christmas at Old Fort Concho

A three-day event with 40 years of spreading holiday cheer, Christmas at Old Fort Concho returns this weekend. The event began Friday and stretches into Sunday, Dec. 5 with plenty of family activities.

People who attend can shop, eat, visit Santa, watch historical re-enactments, compete in holiday decorating contests and more.

Friday's hours are 3-8 p.m. Christmas at Old Fort Concho continues Saturday from 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

More: Christmas at Old Fort Concho returns after 2020 hiatus; here's what's different in 2021

The Christmas at Old Fort Concho brings thousands of visitors to San Angelo.
The Christmas at Old Fort Concho brings thousands of visitors to San Angelo.

Concho Christmas Celebration

One of San Angelo's annual holiday traditions is the Concho Christmas Celebration, which includes a parade, tour of lights and live music. The Parade of Lights returns with Santa and "biker reindeer" Marine Corps, along with other floats, from 6-9 p.m. Saturday.

People can also check the Tour of Lights, which is a 2.5-mile path following the Concho River. Featuring over 3 million lights and several holiday scenes, hours are 6-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 6 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday. It will run through Dec. 31.

Another incentive to check out the celebration, all of these events are free, though donations are appreciated.

More: It's back! San Angelo's Concho Christmas Parade, tour returns; Here's what you should know

One of San Angelo's annual holiday traditions is the Concho Christmas Celebration, which includes a parade, tour of lights and live music.
One of San Angelo's annual holiday traditions is the Concho Christmas Celebration, which includes a parade, tour of lights and live music.

Visit a holiday market

Shoppers looking for unique Christmas gifts are in luck this weekend with three holiday markets opening Saturday, Dec. 4.

One of the largest markets will be the Greater San Angelo Crafts Holiday Market from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at First Financial Pavilion, 4400 Grape Creek Road. Members of the guild will have their works for sale. There will also be a raffle and over 50 vendors.

More: Looking for something unique? Check out these San Angelo crafters for custom gifts

Two more options are:

  • St. Mary's Christmas Bazaar begins at 9 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 11 W. Ave. N.

  • Santa's Market at Old Central Firehouse, 200 S. Magdalen St., is set for 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

For more events around the San Angelo area, check our online community calendar.

Alana Edgin is a journalist covering Crime and Courts in West Texas. Send her a news tip at aedgin@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: Top 3 events in San Angelo this weekend: Parade, Fort Concho, markets