The Christmas list : Check out these holiday events around Lubbock, South Plains
The Christmas and holiday season are in full swing around Lubbock and the South Plains.
From Texas Tech's Carol of Lights on Friday and Lubbock Christian's University's Big Blue Christmas on Tuesday to Santa Land in December, here's a look at the festivities and events lined up to celebrate the season around the Hub City.
See an event we're missing? Send it to us through email at newmedia@lubbockonline.com
Carol of Lights
Texas Tech’s Residence Halls Association in collaboration with the Office of the President, University Student Housing, Hospitality Services and the Operations Division will host the annual event. At 6:30 p.m., a carillon concert will be performed at the Administration Building’s west tower. At 7 p.m. Raider Red, the Saddle Tramps and the Masked Rider will begin the torch light processional.
The 64th Annual Carol of Lights will serve as the official kick-off for Texas Tech's Centennial Celebration. The event is attended by thousands of students, alumni and members of the Lubbock community each year and is one of Texas Tech’s largest and oldest traditions. This year, the program will be reimagined with live entertainment by Wade Bowen and The Maines Brothers Band, along with new staging, video, lighting and sound, and a fireworks display to conclude the night.
Public and ADA compliant parking will be available. Anyone planning to park on campus should be mindful of street closures and the current road construction underway on 19th Street, adjacent to campus. A printable parking map has been created through Tech's website to assist with on-campus parking.
To ensure pedestrian safety, the following street closures will be in effect from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Broadway (Avenue X to University)
Northbound lanes of University Avenue from 15th Street to Main Street
Southbound lanes of University Avenue from Glenna Goodacre to 15th Street
For more information, visit www.100.ttu.edu/caroloflights.
Santa Paws
Lubbock's Hodges Community Center will host its annual Santa Paws event, letting families and pets takes pictures with Santa, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at 4011 University Ave.
Photos will be $5 per family. Meet with local vendors specializing in goods for the best good boys and girls.
$5 Pet Photos w/Santa
Vendors and Prizes
Silent Auction
FREE Micro-Chipping
Lighting Up Wayland
Dr. Bobby Hall, president of Wayland Baptist University, invites the Greater Plainview community to join students, faculty, and staff on the steps of Gates Hall on Thursday, Dec. 1, for “Lighting Up Wayland”.
Continuing a Wayland tradition, the event includes Hall reading the Christmas Story from the Bible before the official lighting of historic Gates Hall.
“Lighting Up Wayland” is a post-Christmas parade party that takes place in Gate Circle — 1900 West Seventh St. The party starts immediately following the downtown lighted Christmas parade, and Hall also plans to welcome the university’s featured guest, Santa Claus!
From 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., the party features fun, food and fellowship as free Frito pies, s’mores, coffee, hot chocolate, and Christmas cookies are served. Keeping with the “Music of Christmas” parade theme, “Lighting Up Wayland” also includes the university’s International Choir performing holiday favorites. Children get to join in by singing along on a couple of songs, and Santa plans to hand out candy canes.
Folks won’t want to miss being a part of this Wayland Christmas tradition as the holiday season begins at the university. Those attending the event can register for three door prizes, and there will be lots of opportunities for holiday photos with Wayland’s historic Gates Hall lighted to serve as a holiday backdrop.
Carol of Lights Run
West Texas Endurance will host its annual Carol of Lights Run featuring a 5K race (3.1 miles) or a 1-mile run Sunday e evening, Dec. 4 on the Texas Tech campus.
Participants are encouraged to enjoy the spirit of the season with an evening run on the campus of Texas Tech University. This family-friendly event will have participants seeing the more than 25,000 colored lights that illuminate many buildings on campus.
The longer course (5K) will have runners enjoying a lap through Jones AT&T Stadium. Carolers will entertain the runners along the course. After crossing the finish line, participants can have a cup of hot chocolate.
Donations: Please consider bringing an item for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Southwest. Online registration continues through Saturday, with run-day registration occurring on site. More information is available through their website, westtexasendurance.com.
Candlelight at the Ranch
The National Ranching Heritage Center will be dressed in all its holiday finery for the 44th Annual Candlelight at the Ranch. Join the tradition on Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 10 from 6:30 - 9 p.m. at the National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock. The event is free (although there's a suggested donation of $5) and does not require a ticket.
Cookies with Santa in Gail
The Lights for Gail Committee is inviting the public to have cookies with Santa Wednesday, Dec. 7. The courthouse and museum will be open from 4:30 to 6 p.m. for viewing, reminiscing, fellowship and refreshments. Santa Claus will be available to visit with children. Families should bring their own camera. The Star on Gail Mountain and Courthouse was lit as of Friday, Nov. 25.
Santa Land in Lubbock
Everyone in the community is invited to join the City of Lubbock Parks and Recreation Department for a Lubbock tradition as it kicks off its 66th Annual Santa Land. The Santa Land festivities will begin Saturday, Dec. 10, and will continue through Thursday, Dec. 22. Visitors can stop by daily from 6 to 10 p.m. at 600 Cesar E. Chavez Drive. Parks and Recreation is happy to bring this annual event to the children and families of West Texas at no charge.
For more information, contact the City of Lubbock Parks and Recreation Department at 806-775-2673, or visit its website at www.playlubbock.com.
Pancho Clos in Lubbock
Join Fiestas Del Llano and Parks and Recreation on Saturday, Dec. 10, for the Annual Pancho Clos. The event will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. outside of Maggie Trejo Supercenter.
All children will receive a small bag of candy and fruit, and will also have the opportunity to tell Pancho Clos their Christmas wishes. Children 12 and under will receive a free toy from Pancho Clos. Free hotdogs will be served to all attendees, while supplies last.
For more information please visit playlubbock.com or call 806.775.2661.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Check out these Christmas, holiday events around Lubbock, South Plains
