Christmas in the Garden Brings Molly Idle-Inspired Storybook Magic to Abilene Dec. 4

ABILENE, Texas – Oct. 23, 2026 – Families are invited to step into a world of storybook wonder at Christmas in the Garden on Friday, Dec. 4, at the Adamson-Spalding and Clear Fork Bank Storybook Gardens on the south side of the Abilene Convention Center. Two sessions will be offered, 5–6 p.m. and 6–7 p.m. Tickets are $20 per family and available at www.abilenecac.org.

Both gardens will be decorated for the holidays and filled with family-friendly activities inspired by Molly Idle, featured illustrator for the 2027 Children’s Art + Literacy Festival (CALF). Guests can meet and take photos with characters from Idle’s books, including T-Rex, Flamingo, Ella the Elephant, Coral, Witch Hazel and Zombelina. The Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden will offer games, food, face painting, balloon creations, and Idle-inspired book readings and crafts. Guests might even catch a glimpse of Santa in time to share their holiday wishes.

In the Clear Fork Bank Storybook Garden, families can catch a train ride and visit community partners spreading even more holiday cheer. Cedar Street Coffee will be on had to sell warm drinks, while Sadie Grace Farms and Seven and One Books will offer unique holiday shopping opportunities.

Register soon for the best choice of session time. It’s going to be a roaring good time.

Christmas in the Garden is presented by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council. The event offers families a festive introduction to Molly Idle’s art ahead of the 15th annual Children’s Art + Literacy Festival, scheduled for June 10–12, 2027.