The Holiday Stroll, an annual tradition for the Texas A&M University campus and the Brazos Valley community, offers a unique ambiance to enjoy holiday festivities among sparkling lights, jazz and the beauty of the Leach Teaching Gardens at The Gardens at Texas A&M University.

The free Holiday Stroll event will be Dec. 8 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in The Gardens at 556 John Kimbrough Blvd., College Station.

The stroll is part of the Merry & Bright, Maroon & White holiday season in The Gardens, which kicks off the day after Thanksgiving and continues through Jan. 1, said Michael Arnold, Ph.D., director of The Gardens and professor in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Horticultural Sciences.

The entrance to The Gardens at Texas A&M, at night, lit by holiday lights.
Crowd of visitors at the Pavilion at the Leach Teaching Gardens during the Holiday Stroll.
The Gardens at Texas A&M University will be aglow in holiday lights for the Holiday Stroll on Dec. 8. The event is part of the Merry & Bright, Maroon & White season that runs from the day after Thanksgiving through Jan. 1. (Laura McKenzie, Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife)

“Each season in The Gardens is different,” Arnold said. “Experiencing it with family and friends on a winter night has become one of our most popular community outreach events, attracting more than 1,000 visitors last year.”

Here are five reasons to join the merrymaking at the Holiday Stroll and create a memorable holiday tradition:

One: Leisurely family break from hectic holiday activities

Enjoy a leisurely walk through The Gardens, illuminated with sparkling lights and accompanied by holiday jazz music while enjoying cookies and hot chocolate.

“The Holiday Stroll offers families a calm, quieter option for an outing that family members can enjoy at their own pace,” said Kathryn Grier, education and outreach coordinator for The Gardens.

For the last six years, ABC Home and Commercial Services has partnered with The Gardens to install the light displays throughout the Leach Teaching Gardens. New displays this year are lights outlining the floral border along the walkway leading to The Gardens entrance and wreaths in the Bird Garden, said Grier.

Woman and man walk beneath a garland of Christmas lights at the Overlook in the Leach Teaching Gardens.
Visitors take selfies at The Gardens at Texas A&M University.
A jazz band plays during the Holiday Stroll.
Enjoy a stroll through the Leach Teaching Gardens and take photos, accompanied by holiday jazz music at the Holiday Stroll. (Laura McKenzie, Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife)

Two: Meet a special, jolly guest

Santa will be present for photos, spreading holiday cheer for visitors of all ages. Attendees can snap their own photos or take advantage of an on-site professional photographer. Free, downloadable photos will be available via a QR code after the event.

Three: Hands-on holiday craft activities

Craft projects will be available for children. Kids of all ages can create two projects to take home: a poinsettia pinwheel and ornaments made from air-dry clay and seeds.

Four: Help others in the community

During the event, near the entrance, The Gardens will collect donations of nonperishable food items for the Brazos Valley Food Bank.

Five: Learn about Texas pecans

The Department of Horticultural Sciences will have an education station about Texas pecans, said Grier. Pecans from the annual fall pecan sale, grown and harvested at Texas A&M by Aggies, will also be available for purchase.

Young girl and parents meet Santa.
Mother and child make poinsettia pinwheels during the Holiday Stroll in the Leach Teaching Gardens.
Two girls, one wearing a Santa hat, look at smartphone screen.
Family-friendly fun at the Holiday Stroll includes meeting Santa, making poinsettia pinwheels and tagging holiday photos to share with others. (Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife)

Make the most of your visit to The Gardens

Free event parking is available in Lot 100c or Lot 97. Directions and related information are available online at The Gardens transportation page.

Bring your camera or smartphone for holiday photos among the lights and share the fun by tagging #TAMUGardens.

A Sensory-Free/Quiet Zone will be available during the event for anyone who may want or need a quieter environment at any point during the event. 

For more information and seasonal inspiration, visit https://gardens.tamu.edu/merry-bright-maroon-white/ and follow The Gardens on Instagram, Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter.

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