By Mia Romero | As the semester ends, students approach one of the most joyful times of the year. The Christmas season is one that students, and staff alike, look forward to.
For quite a few it means getting to go home for the holidays and see their loved ones and friends. For others their home is still in Brownwood and some students who do not get to travel home. There are several festivities to enjoy on campus and in town with loved ones and friends.
Some events that students can attend will be the HPU Voices of Christmas Concert on Monday, Nov. 29 at the First Baptist Church in Brownwood, starting at 6:30 p.m. The following night on Tuesday, Nov. 30 , Howard Payne will be hosting the HPU Christmas Concert at Mims Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, Dec. 5 the Christmas Recitals and Art Walk will be held at Grace Chapel on campus from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
According to Gretchen Campbell, HPU will also be hosting the annual HPU Christmas on the Plaza, HPU Pancake Supper, and the BSM Mustache Wheel of Doom events. The exact dates and times for these events have yet to be posted, so be sure to keep an eye out for them on any campus announcements.
The City of Brownwood will be putting on Christmas events for everyone in town to attend as well.
The Spirit of Christmas Lighted Parade will kick off a weekend full of holiday events in Downtown Brownwood on Thursday, Dec. 2nd at 6:30 p.m. The parade route and parade registration can be found online.
The following days the 13th Annual Christmas Under the Stars Festival will be held at the Santa Fe Depot from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3 and from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec 4. Of the many activities the festival will feature, there will be a Treats for Santa baking competition and Big Wheel races.
The Sipping Under the Stars event will be 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4th in Downtown Brownwood. There will be Christmas music, beer and wine tasting for adults, and opportunities to shop at the new local stores downtown.
Saturday night will feature the Christmas Festival and Sipping Under the Stars events occurring at the same time. This allows families plenty of activities to choose from while attending the festival and exploring downtown.
“It’s nice that I’ll be able to take my kids to enjoy some Christmas fun for them at the festival, take them home after they’ve tired out a bit, and then my wife and I can have fun exploring at the Sipping Under the Stars event,” said non-traditional HPU student, Hunter Hallum.
Howard Payne’s winter break will be Dec. 20 through Jan. 2. There are numerous Christmas festivities for the community and their families to enjoy before winter break.