Nov. 27, 2022

'Tis the season! Mark your calendars for holiday fun around Garland!

Visit GarlandforChristmas.com to learn more and see a full lineup of events.

Shop in Downtown Garland this holiday season! Enjoy holiday shopping sprees over tasty beverages, holiday movie classics, carolers and more. Plus, make sure to check out the festive decorated storefronts all season long, and vote for your favorite from Dec. 9-19. To learn more about holiday festivities in Downtown Garland, visit DowntownGarlandforChristmas.com. While construction continues around Downtown, plenty of parking is available.

Holiday Storefront Contest

Downtown storefronts will be dressed to the nines this holiday season! Stroll past the festive, twinkling displays throughout Downtown Garland as businesses show off their unique holiday décor.

Vote for your favorites from

Dec. 9-19 on VisitGarland’s (@visitgarlandtx) Facebook album with likes, shares and comments.

Carolers on Corners Saturday, Dec. 3

Do you hear what I hear? From 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, the Downtown district will be filled with holiday carolers!

While experiencing the live music, stop by Downtown businesses to enjoy holiday specials, dining and activities.

Downtown Garland Scavenger Hunt

Visit the Landmark Museum at Heritage Crossing, 393 N. Sixth St., between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, to get your scavenger hunt clues, lanyard and starting pin.

Head to the business you think is the correct answer. If you're right, they will give you another pin. Once you have all 10 pins, return to the museum for your prize!

Magical Candlelight Christmas-Town Friday, Dec. 2

This holiday kickoff event from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, features a home tour in Garland's historic Travis College Hill Addition and Embree, plus live entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides and photo-op booth with Santa.

Carolers and other performing groups will fill the air with Christmas music on two performing stages as you stroll outdoors.

Tickets are $20 per person or $10 for students. (Carriage rides involve a separate fee.) Tickets are available in advance on eventbrite.com and also will be available the evening of the tour.

COVID-19 Sculpture Unveiling Friday, Dec. 2

An original metalwork sculpture commemorating Garlandites who have perished from COVID-19 will be unveiled at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, on the corner of 11th Street and Avenue B. A small, informal ceremony will take place immediately before the Magical Candlelight Christmas-Town event.

The 5-foot sculpture of powder-coated aluminum features a flower, butterfly and inscription. It was designed by Garland Plan Commissioner Christopher Ott, vice president of Friends of Garland's Historic Magic 11th Street nonprofit. All work on the sculpture was done by Garland small businesses and sponsored by the Friends organization.

View free screenings of classic holiday movies at the Plaza Theatre all weekend! Presented by the City of Garland Cultural Arts Department

"A Christmas Story"

Grab a seat for a free showing of this 1983 classic comedy starring Peter Billingsley at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at the Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St. Admission is free and open to the public.

"It's a Wonderful Life"

Enjoy a free screening of this 1946 classic starring James Stewart and Donna Reed at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St. Admission is free and open to the public.

"Elf"

Catch a free viewing of this 2003 classic starring Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St. Admission is free and open to the public.

Feeling crafty? There's fun for every age!

Holiday Maker Fest at the Library Saturday, Dec. 3

Patrons ages 18 and older can make up to three holiday decorations or ornaments at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Central Library, 625 Austin St.

There will be three stations set up in the room, each focused on a different festive craft and outfitted with all the tools and resources needed. Registration required. Call 972-205-2501 or register online.

Christmas Is for the Birds Saturday, Dec. 3

Enjoy the 12th annual Christmas Is for the Birds, a special event for preschool or elementary school children, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.

Meet at 1787 Holford Road, build biodegradable bird feeders out of peanut butter and bird seed, and hang the feeders in the forest.

Snacks with Santa Tuesday, Dec. 6

Join us from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, for an evening of holiday fun at Fields Recreation Center, 1701 Dairy Road.

Enjoy making crafts at Santa's Craft Workshop, playing some reindeer games, taking pictures with Santa, watching instructor-led demonstrations, and having a snack with Santa and his helpers.

City Council Meetings

Dec. 5 and 6

The Garland City Council Work Session will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5. Regular Meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, at City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St.

Boards & Commissions Meetings

All upcoming Boards & Commissions meetings can be found on the Public Meetings calendar at GarlandTX.gov.

In-person meetings have resumed, but you can continue to watch the meetings online.

View agendas at GarlandTX.gov and be sure to click the "subscribe" button to receive notifications when meeting agendas are posted.

TxDOT Virtual Public Meeting

Through Dec. 2

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Dallas District is partnering with the North Central Texas Council of Governments to offer a virtual public hearing on the district’s transportation projects, programs and policies affecting bicycle use on the state highway system. The virtual hearing will be available through 11:59 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2. Materials can be viewed at any time during this period. To log into the virtual public hearing, go to keepitmovingdallas.com/bicycle. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the virtual hearing, contact Tim Wright at 214-319-6477 or Tim.P.Wright@TxDOT.gov.

Jynneos Vaccine for Monkeypox

Vaccination is for prevention of monkeypox only. People with confirmed cases of monkeypox or symptoms of monkeypox are not eligible to receive the vaccine. Vaccine remains in low supply and can currently only be offered to people who meet one of the criteria listed online. If you suspect you are at high risk, you may call 972-205-3370. More information on the vaccines used to protect against monkeypox virus can be found on the CDC website.

Fall Activities and Events

Check out all the upcoming activities and events in Garland at VisitGarlandTX.com. There's something fun for everyone!

Native American Heritage Month celebrates Native cultures and histories and honors their contributions, as well as brings awareness about the challenges Native people have faced. Did you know there are almost 1,500 Native American residents in Garland? We want to thank them for making our city a unique and culturally diverse place. Learn more about the people of Garland. You can also learn more about Native American Heritage Month at NativeAmericanHeritagemonth.gov.

Live: Customer Service Portal

The Customer Service Department has introduced a new customer account web portal that provides additional utility billing detail, customer account information, options to make a payment and many new features that will enhance users' online experience. Visit GarlandUtilities.org to learn more.