Breckenridge gets in the holiday spirit with variety of Christmas events
By Carla McKeown/Breckenridge Texan
The Christmas spirit was all over Breckenridge last weekend with plenty of activities for local families.
Saturday morning started with Pancakes with Santa at East Elementary and wrapped up with the annual lighted Christmas parade through downtown Breckenridge. On Sunday, several area churches came together to present “Journey to Bethlehem.”
Pancakes with Santa
At East Elementary, members of the Caddo, Wayland and Hubbard Creek volunteer fire departments made pancakes and served them to kids and their families on Saturday morning, Dec. 14. The children also had a chance to visit with Santa and shop at the East PTO’s Christmas store. Additionally, members of the Breckenridge High School FCCLA organization provided games for the kids to play.
At tables set up in the school’s hallways, attendees created Christmas crafts and signed thank you letters to the VFDs.
Click here to see more photos.
Santa visited with kids while the local volunteer fire departments served up pancakes at East Elementary School’s annual Pancakes with Santa event on Saturday morning. (Photo by Carla McKeown/Breckenridge Texan)
Christmas Parade
On Saturday evening, Dec. 14, the Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce presented the annual lighted Christmas parade through downtown Breckenridge. The 36 floats were led by parade marshals Breckenridge Police Chief Blake Johnson and City Manager Cynthia Northrop. Robert Burchett announced each float as it passed in front of the Stephens County Courthouse, which was decorated with red and green lights.
The theme of this year’s parade was “Rockin’ Around Walker Street.” The floats were judged on several criteria, including their depiction of the theme. The following floats were the winners:
- First Place — Graham Savings
- Second Place — TDCJ-Walker Sayle Unit
- Third Place — Stephens County Cowboy Church
The parade wrapped up with the traditional Breckenridge Fire Department truck with Santa Claus riding on the back. Later, Santa visited with children at the community Christmas tree set up in Foundation Park, at the corner of Breckenridge Avenue and Walker Street.
Click here to see the Breckenridge Texan’s photo gallery from the parade.
The Graham Savings float, complete with a jukebox and drum-playing Santa, won first place in the parade contest. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
The Walker Sayle Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s float placed second in the parade contest, combining the parade’s theme of “Rockin’ Around Walker Street” with “Jail House Rock.” (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
The float by the Stephens County Cowboy Church, featuring a Christmas train, placed third in the parade contest. (Photo by Tony PIlkington/Breckenridge Texan)
Journey to Bethlehem
The weekend wrapped up with the “Journey to Bethlehem,” presented by First Methodist Church, Saint Paul Methodist Church, First Christian Church and Eolian Community Church, on Sunday, Dec. 15.
Church members, dressed in costumes, were set up around the Stephens County Courthouse. Small groups were led on a journey around to the different groups to hear the story of Jesus’ birth.
Although the event was free, donations were accepted for the Salvation Army, with all proceeds staying in Stephens County.
The organizers said they hope to present “Journey to Bethlehem” next year, as well.
Click here to see more photos from “Journey to Bethlehem.”
Pastor Sam Chambers with First Methodist Church and St. Paul Methodist Church, right, leads everyone in prayer during the “Journey to Bethlehem” at the Stephens County Courthouse on Sunday, Dec. 15. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
Upcoming events
There are a few more holiday activities coming up. Check out these events:
- Thursday, Dec. 19
Visit with Santa
Santa will be on hand to visit with children at the Stephens Memorial Hospital’s business office, 207 S. Geneva Ave., from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. There will be photo ops and a chance for the kids to get those last minute wishes in. The elves from Solaris Healthcare will also be on-site with a hot cocoa bar to warm everyone up. - Friday, Dec. 20
Deadline for Museum’s Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest
The Swenson Memorial Museum will host an online Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest. To enter, visit the museum’s Facebook page and submit a picture of yourself wearing your ugliest Christmas sweater. The deadline is 3 p.m. Dec. 20. The winner of the contest will win a Christmas gift basket donated by Huntington Coaching. - Dec. 20-22
Holiday Events at KOA Campground
The Breckenridge KOA Campground will host a “Craft Weekend” on Dec 20-22 at their local location, 2833 W. Walker St.; some events will be free and others will have a charge. The event will feature face painting, bounce house, pictures with Santa, cookie decorating and a fire for s’mores. Check with the KOA office for more details, including times and costs.
Cutline, top photo: Santa waves to the crowd from atop a Breckenridge Fire Department truck in the annual Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 14. After the parade, which was hosted by the Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce, Santa met with children at the community Christmas tree in Foundation Park. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
