Category: Holidays

Your Guide to Spring Break Week in Brenham

For many surrounding schools, Spring Break runs from March 10-14, and it is the perfect time to explore Brenham and Washington County! Whether you’re visiting for a family-friendly getaway or looking for unique local experiences, we’ve got something for everyone. Here’s our guide to the top must-visit spots for your Spring Break adventure: 

1. Antique Carousel Ride & Local Parks

child riding antique carousel ride with other children riding it in the background. Adults standing in back.
Antique Carousel, Fireman’s Park, Brenham

Take a spin on the historic Antique Carousel for just $1 in Fireman’s Park! This beautifully restored carousel is a local favorite and a must-do for families with young kids. Afterward, enjoy one of Brenham’s beautiful parks like Henderson Park or Hohlt Park, where you can have a picnic, let the kids enjoy the playground, or take a scenic walk along the trails.

2. Antique Rose Emporium

Antique Rose Emporium, Independence

Stroll through stunning gardens filled with fragrant heirloom roses. This picturesque spot is great for photos, relaxing walks, and plant shopping. Plus, admission is free!

March 8-9: Spring Celebration Weekend! Enjoy an artisan vendor market, hands-on gardening inspiration, and seasonal refreshments.

Open Daily: Monday-Saturday 9AM-5:30PM and Sunday 11AM-5:30PM

3. Aquatic Center

Looking for indoor water fun? Head over to the Blue Bell Aquatic Center, which features a heated indoor pool, a leisure pool, and fun water features.

Spring Break Bonus: Giant inflatables will be set up in the indoor pool for extra fun!

4. Blue Bell Creameries

young boy eating ice cream and smiling at Blue Bell Creameries
Blue Bell Creameries, Brenham

No trip to Brenham is complete without a stop at Blue Bell Creameries! Grab a $1 scoop of your favorite flavor and check out the observation deck to see how the famous ice cream is made.

Spring Break Hours: Open 8 AM – 5 PM Monday-Friday, with the Observation Deck closing at 2 PM but the Ice Cream Parlor, Visitor Center, and Country Store open until 5 PM!

5. Brazos Valley Brewing Company

groups of people sitting at picnic tables under shade structures, talking and enjoying live music outside of Brazos Valley Brewery
Brazos Valley Brewery, Brenham

Relax and enjoy a cold craft beer while the kids play outside at Brazos Valley Brewing Company. With a laid-back atmosphere, outdoor seating, and food trucks, it’s a great place to unwind.

Open Wednesday-Sunday: Wednesday-Thursday 3PM-9PM, Friday-Saturday 12PM-10PM, and Sunday 12PM-7PM

6. Brenham Fire Museum

Brenham Fire Museum, Downtown Brenham

Dive into the history of firefighting with antique fire trucks, historic memorabilia, and interactive exhibits perfect for all ages. No cost to enter! 

Special Spring Break Hours: March 8-16, 11 AM – 3 PM

7. Chappell Hill Lavender Farm

A couple walking through the Chappell Hill Lavender Fields. There are people in the distance taking pictures and cutting lavender.
Chappell Hill Lavender Farm, Chappell Hill

Take in the beautiful scenery and breathe in the fresh lavender at this charming farm. While lavender may not be in full bloom just yet, the gift shop offers plenty of lavender-themed goodies, and you can visit and feed the friendly goats!

Special Spring Break Hours: March 10-16, 10 AM – 2 PM

8. Downtown Brenham

Two women and three children all look at a display of the exhibit together.
Brenham Heritage Museum, Downtown Brenham

Explore colorful murals, shop at unique boutiques like The Book Nook, Jet Set Chocolates, and The Barnhill House Toys & Books, and discover historical sites like Toubin Park, the Freedom Colonies Exhibit in Belle’s Alley, and the Brenham Heritage Museum. Make a day of it by grabbing a bite at a local restaurant or stopping for a treat at a bakery!

9. Silver Wings Ballroom

Lace up your skates and hit the rink at Silver Wings Ballroom! This classic roller-skating venue is a nostalgic and fun outing for all ages.

10. Texas Cotton Gin Museum

People are lined up to enter the Burton Cotton Gin Museum
Texas Cotton Gin, Burton

Home of the 1914 Burton Farmer’s Gin, learn about Texas’ rich cotton history and see the oldest operating cotton gin in America!

Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM. Tours on the Cotton Gin run daily at 10 AM & 2 PM!

11. Washington-on-the-Brazos

A young boy playing a game with a women. They are both dressed in old timey clothing.
Washington-on-the-Brazos, Washington

Step back in time where Texas became Texas! Explore the Washington-on-the-Brazos for a hands-on history lesson.

Special Spring Break Hours:

Barrington Plantation & Independence Hall will be open Monday & Tuesday with guided tours at 10 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM.

Living History Interpreters will be on-site in period clothing, re-creating life in the 1840s at the real home of Dr. Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas.

Watch craftsmen building a replica of the Ark of the Covenant from original boards of Independence Hall!

Open daily, 8 AM – 5 PM

Special Spring Break Events

Check out these exciting events happening during Spring Break! Click on each for more details:

Spring Celebration at Antique Rose Emporium – March 8-9, 2025

Unity Theatre Presents: The Originalists – March 8-9, 2025

Kids Camp Workshop at Board & Brush Brenham – March 10-13, 2025

Texas Ranger Day at the Burton Railroad Depot – March 15, 2025

Riders in the Sky at The Barnhill Center – March 15, 2025

Historic Homes Tours in Independence – March 15 & 22, 2025

 

Bonus: Will We See Bluebonnets?

Multiple Bluebonnet flowers in a field with a children's swing set in the back.

Springtime in Texas means bluebonnet season! If the flowers are in full bloom, be sure to take a scenic drive along Highway 290 and visit our Wildflower Driving Map for breathtaking photo opportunities. Keep an eye out for updates on the best spots to see these iconic Texas wildflowers on our Wildflower Watch Page!

No matter what your Spring Break plans look like, Brenham and Washington County offer the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and small-town charm. We can’t wait to welcome you!

For more Spring Break happenings, check out out Spring Break “What’s Happening” flyer!

Holiday Happenings

The Holidays are officially here! This magical time of year is the perfect time to visit Washington County. Here are a few of the things to do throughout the holiday season in Brenham and Washington County.

Hermann Furniture presents Christmas Magic – Nov. 1-3

The inside of a furniture store. The center table is covered in colorful Christmas decorations.

The store will be fully decorated with seasonal décor from wall to wall. Guests can enjoy door prizes, pop-up shops, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. Designers will also be available to assist with floral arrangements and any interior décor needs.

11th Annual Sugar Plum Market – Nov. 23

Holiday Shopping all in a beautiful Indoor Holiday atmosphere with an array of quality items to shop, great food, holiday music and more. Shop this quaint market for yourself and for those on your holiday list! Located at Brenham Fireman’s Training Center from 9am-4pm. Free Admission and Parking.

Downtown Brenham’s Cocoa Crawl – Nov. 30

Shop small in beautiful Downtown Brenham on Friday, Nov. 30. Taste variations of hot cocoa concoctions while you shop at your favorite boutiques!

Unity Theatre “Fruitcakes”, a comedy by Julian Wiles – Dec. 5-22

Mix together a batch of fruitcakes, three dozen Christmas trees, 10,000 outdoor Christmas lights, a chicken pox epidemic, two southern spinsters, an estranged old man, a lost cat named Tutti Frutti and a Christmas hog named Buster and you’ve got the recipe for a fun-filled and touching evening of festive frenzy. Into this world comes Jamie, a runaway kid who has come as far as his money will take him. At first, he thinks this town’s inhabitants are “nuttier than fruitcakes,” but soon he comes to admire, appreciate, and adore this crazy little town. So, grab your eggnog and join us for a heaping helping of holiday warmth and Christmas cheer.

Tickets available online or by phone, 979-830-8358.

The Downtown Brenham Christmas Stroll & Lighted Parade – Dec. 6-7


Downtown Brenham looks like a holiday movie set with the holiday magic of the annual Christmas Stroll. The lighted parade on Saturday, Dec. 7 is the highlight of the festivities, but the weekend also includes the First Friday Farmer & Artisan Market, Cold Nights, Holiday Tunes (free concert!),  Breakfast with Santa at The Barnhill Center, Jingle Bell Market at Ant Street Inn, rides on the 1950 Invader Firetruck following the parade, and more. For a complete schedule of the weekend festivities, click here.

Photos with Santa

Several retailers offer portrait sessions with Santa. Appointments with Brenham Portrait Gallery are offered on several days each week at Hermann Furniture throughout November and December. Other businesses including Blue Bell, Puppy Dawgs and Cat Tails, Silver Wings Ballroom, Antique Rose Emporium and South Texas Tack also offer Santa photo ops on select dates.

Annual Teddy Bear Parade – Dec. 14

Bring your kiddos to downtown Chappell Hill for the annual Teddy Bear Parade. Lots of fun activities for the children. Sit and talk to Santa, and bring your Teddy Bear for the parade!

Live Nativities

Celebrate the reason for the season with one of the area’s live nativities. Bethlehem in Independence live nativity is December 14-15, 6-8pm, at the Independence School House. The Greatest Gift Live Nativity by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is December 6-7, 6:00-9:00 pm, at 1400 Niebuhr Street, Brenham. There will also be a live nativity scene at The Christmas Experience at Milk & Honey Ranch, Sunday, December 15, 5:30-9.

 

Chappell Hill Christmas Home Tour – Dec. 14

Saturday, December 14, is the perfect day to visit Chappell Hill. Festivities begin with the Christmas Home Tour by the Bluebonnet Garden Club from 10am-5pm!

Independence Historical Christmas Home Tours – Dec. 14

Step back in time and take a tour by Independence Historical Society docents of four historical structures dating back to the 1820’s. All of these furnished buildings are adjacent to Old Baylor Park where visitors can see the original columns of Baylor University.

Burton Christmas Market – Dec. 14

 

Burton’s Christmas Market on Saturday, December 14, 12:00-400 pm, at The Texas Cotton Gin Museum, has something for everyone in the family. Enjoy delicious food and soak up the holiday spirit with fun crafts! From 1-3pm, Santa will arrive for festive photos. Enjoy community caroling from 3-4pm!

 
 

Christmas Event at The Barnhill Center – Dec. 14

Catch The 3 Redneck Tenors Christmas on Saturday, December 14. Purchase tickets and find details here.

 

The Christmas Experience at Milk & Honey Ranch – Dec. 15

Join the fun on Sunday, December 15, 5:30-9pm at Milk & Honey Ranch with a Christmas market, hay rides, live nativity scene, bounce house, caroling and more fun for the entire family. $20 per car. Purchase tickets here.

Christmas Events at Antique Rose Emporium

The Antique Rose Emporium in Independence is hosting Christmas events throughout December.
 
 

Be sure to check our event calendar for a complete list of everything happening in Washington County!