christmas places to visit in texas

Discover 30 Magical Places to Celebrate Christmas in Texas

Christmas in Texas is a dazzling spectacle that blends Texan values, culture, and a deep sense of pride into an unforgettable holiday experience. As the Lone Star State embraces the holiday season, it transforms into a winter wonderland of lights, music, and celebration. 

A Texan Christmas is a celebration of tradition, community, and the grandeur that the Lone Star State is known for. Texan history and cowboy heritage come alive during the holiday season: you’ll see iconic sights like the decorated figure of Davy Crockett , lit up oil derricks, and Cowboy Santa dancing to live music!

We love spending Christmas in Texas and plan a trip around the state every year to see the larger than life holiday lights. As the Christmas season approaches, Texans across the vast expanse of their beloved state showcase their unique Texan spirit, with large-scale celebrations that blend religion, spirituality, patriotism, and holiday lights that honor both the state and the U.S. flag.

We have collected these Texas Christmas trip ideas from our travels around the state in November and December. We have tried to include a diverse selection of small towns and Texas cities in this article as well as tons of photos. Use the Table of Contents below to navigate to your favorite parts of the post. 

Why Spend Christmas in Texas?

Ever think, What is there to do in Texas at Christmas time?

Those flying from out of state often wonder if there is anything worth spending Christmas in Texas. Even some locals fail to explore the Lone Star State in its festive glory. The answer is a thousand times yes! In the heart of Texas, where the sprawling plains meet the vibrant cities, there’s a Christmas spirit that’s as big as the Lone Star State itself. 

Visiting the Lone Star State during the festive season and want to know the best Christmas town in Texas? Charming small towns that dress up for Christmas, spectacular holiday events that are beloved by families, one of a kind Christmas events that keep you on your toes: there are several incredible options to enjoy Christmas in Texas!

Best Christmas Destinations in Texas

Texas = Warm + Affordable Christmas!

Many visitors plan a trip to see the best Christmas in Texas events during winter because the weather is quite warm, compared to Northern states. It rarely snows, except for some parts of the Texas Panhandle and West Texas . 

The Gulf Coast and Rio Grande Valley have lots of sunshine and are home to winter Texans. The weather in the Texas Hill Country is also perfect to sit around a firepit and roast marshmallows. These local Christmas vacations for families are also highly affordable and promise tons of fun in Texas during the holiday season.

Related Post: 13 Best Places to Visit in Texas in Winter

But – Do you know the best part about a trip to Texas in December? Texas -sized Christmas light displays, shopping for gifts in sprawling Christmas markets, classic Christmas movies screening outside, Santa train rides, and lots of cheerful events and festivities! Texas at Christmas is just magical and incredible.

15 Best Cities to Enjoy Christmas in Texas

Texas is famous for its big, sprawling cities. Houston, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, and El Paso all offer a variety of special events and Christmas cheer for visitors to the Lone Star State. You will find events starting as early as mid November for these holiday destinations. Even their suburbs go big on all kinds of holiday lights.

You will find spectacular drive through light displays, magical winter wonderlands, popular holiday train rides, extravagant markets to complete your holiday shopping, as well as a variety of traditional foods from all cuisines in these charming Texan cities.

These are the perfect Christmas Getaways in Texas for those who love all kinds of festivities.

Even the Texas Coastal Cities like South Padre Island and Galveston ring in the holidays with beach themed Christmas events in Texas.

You can spot holiday themed sandcastle displays, lighted boat parades, historic traditions, and Christmas cruises on the Gulf Water. These beach towns are ideal to combine sun, sand, and holiday cheer for a memorable Christmas vacation in Texas!

Here are some of the best places to spend Christmas in Texas, where everything is truly bigger and brighter.

Million Lights of San Antonio Riverwalk

In San Antonio, Christmas unfolds like a Texan fairy tale along the famous River Walk. As the sun sets, the riverbanks light up with a symphony of colors, brilliantly reflecting off the water’s surface. Over million Christmas lights glitter like raindrops from the trees and holiday decorations adorn historic buildings along the riverwalk. 

Join our  FREE community  below to see amazing photos of the San Antonio Riverwalk at Christmas!

But what truly sets this celebration apart are the brilliantly decorated community caroling boats. You will see people from all walks of life singing popular songs and spreading joy. Families wave at the carolers while children eagerly anticipate the arrival of the next boat. The air resonates with laughter and the Christmas spirit is palpable. 

Take a stroll along the San Antonio River Walk at Christmas and you will understand why it’s the best place to visit for Christmas across the USA. Admire the bridges decorated with beautiful wreaths and other Christmas decor. Listen to the holiday songs and enjoy a romantic meal on the riverwalk. Stay in a nearby hotel and enjoy the holiday ambiance of this Texan city. The lights stay up till early January, making San Antonio good to visit for New Year’s Eve too.

Remember the Alamo!

Had your fill of the iconic San Antonio Riverwalk? Your next stop should be to see the Alamo Lights, an event where the iconic Alamo Mission is beautifully adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. Thousands of LED lights are meticulously hung to create stunning patterns and scenes.

You will see scenes depicted from the Texas Revolution, including a lit up statue of Davy Crockett. The combination of history, culture, and holiday spirit makes the Alamo Lights Christmas Event a unique and cherished tradition.

San Antonio also has many other festive events taking place throughout the month of December including the Ford Holiday River Parade, Lightscape Christmas Event in San Antonio Botanical Garden, and holiday celebrations at the San Antonio theme parks such as SeaWorld San Diego and Six Flags. Additionally, the weather in San Antonio in December is quite warm – making it a great place to escape the snow.

Related Post: 21 Festive Things to do for Christmas in San Antonio

Austin’s Lights Extravaganza 

In the state’s capital, Austin, Christmas radiates with the city’s signature live music culture. Zilker Park transforms into a dazzling display of lights known as the Holiday Trail of Lights. Millions of colorful bulbs adorn trees, sculptures, and walkways, creating a magical winter wonderland. Live music performances featuring local artists add to the festive atmosphere, celebrating the Texan love for music and community.

Searching for more holiday music? Book a table to see the Annual Christmas Light Show at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters on Lake Austin. This show features beautiful Christmas lights synchronized to music as well as live performances.

We have been going to Mozart’s for the past several years now and the show only seems to get better every time. Sipping a hot chocolate at Mozart’s and eating their sweet treats while admiring the lights is a memorable experience.

Another must see attraction is the iconic Christmas Tree in front of the Texas State Capitol. The capitol gift shop has many Texas themed Christmas gifts. Austin features several other holiday events. The Circuit of the Americas hosts the Peppermint Parkway, while the Wildflower Center has luminaries. Christmas shopping markets are present throughout the city and holiday shows are held in the theaters. 

Related Post: 10 Festive Things to do for Christmas in Austin, Texas

Houston’s Space Spectacle

Houston, the home of space exploration, offers a unique blend of Christmas light displays and cosmic wonder during the holiday season. Galaxy Lights at the Johnson Space Center Houston transforms into a sparkling extravaganza of space-themed decorations and dazzling laser show. It’s a tribute to the country’s spirit of innovation, exploration, and the belief that the sky is not the limit. Kids love these wonderful displays and they make for great photo-ops.

Lights all over Houston

There are many other events taking place in the city throughout the holiday season. George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston is home to over 30 beautifully decorated themed Christmas trees during the holiday season. Be sure to see them and marvel at their intricate decorations. Put your skates on and enjoy the outdoor ice skating rink at Discovery Green just opposite the convention center.

You can check out paid attractions such as Holiday Lights at the Houston Zoo or Lightscape at the Houston Botanic Gardens.

Looking for Christmas lights on a budget? Drive through neighborhoods such as Pecan Grove and River Oaks, where the over the top holiday decorations will make your day.

Or brave the crowds to attend the annual Christmas tree lighting at City Hall – you will be rewarded with fireworks!

Other things to do for the holidays in Houston include shopping for gifts at the Galleria, taking the kids on the Christmas Train at Alvin, and enjoying the lazy river at Downtown Marriott at night.

Just outside the city, you will find the Magical Winter Lights lantern festival – one of the best Christmas events in Texas! The options for Christmas events in Houston are endless!

Related Posts: 20 Best Things to do for Christmas in Houston

12 Days of Christmas, Dallas

While we live in Houston, come Christmas time you will find us in Dallas. The Big D is home to a ton of our favorite holiday attractions and some of them are completely free!

Start your trip at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, a holiday destination in itself. It features scenes from the popular 12 Days of Christmas holiday songs spread throughout the park.

Don’t be surprised to take a stroll and come upon 12 drummers, 7 swans, or two turtle-doves in a rotating gilded cage! The Christmas Village at the garden is also a favorite with kids.

Dallas also hosts the “Dallas Holiday Parade,” one of the largest Christmas parades in the state. The parade is a massive affair, drawing Texans from miles around. Spectators line the streets, brandishing their state and national flags, as they watch colorful floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus himself parade by.

The Dallas metropolitan area also has a host of other Christmas attractions for families and couples. In my opinion, it is one of the best places to visit in North Texas for Christmas. See the multi-colored Christmas tree and the singing fountains at night in Klyde Warren Park.

Head over to Six Flags Over Texas theme park in Arlington for a blend of cheer + thrills! See the railway displays at NorthPark Center Mall – our kids love these!

The theaters in Dallas put on amazing Christmas productions, ballets and orchestras provide the perfect dose of culture, and pop up holiday bars come up all over the city. You will find skating rinks, chocolate tasting tours, and holiday markets in Dallas during the holiday season. 

Related Post: 18 Best Things to do for Christmas in Dallas

Cowboy Christmas in Fort Worth 

Christmas in Fort Worth is a heartwarming blend of tradition, community, and Texan charm. This vibrant city in North Texas, known for its Western heritage and modern sophistication, comes alive with festive cheer during the holiday season.

The heart of Fort Worth, Sundance Square, transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas. The square is adorned with glittering lights and colorful decorations that grace the historic buildings. The giant Community Christmas tree takes center stage – the tree features giant beach ball sized ornaments painted by local artists. Every year, we love seeing the Fort Worth Christmas tree with its colorful unique decorations.

Fort Worth’s Stockyards National Historic District is a place where Texan heritage and Christmas traditions merge seamlessly. During the holiday season, this iconic Western destination pays homage to its cowboy roots with a unique Texan flair. Visitors can enjoy a festive cattle drive featuring cowboys and longhorns decked out in holiday attire and off course, meet cowboy Santa!

The Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth is home to the Gift of Lights drive thru holiday event. It opens on Thanksgiving and is one of the largest drive thru light displays in the Lone Star State.

Santa’s Wonderland, College Station

Christmas in College Station is a hit with families in Texas for one reason: Santa’s Wonderland !

This seasonal amusement park truly feels like the North Pole with its holiday atmosphere and cheerful vibe. Looking for the best Christmas events in Texas 2023? Book your tickets to this attraction now!

The activities at Santa’s Wonderland are unrivaled by any other holiday event in Texas. From the moment you step through the entrance (and brave the traffic at the gates), you’re transported to a magical winter wonderland. The attraction features over a million lights and displays. The twinkling Christmas lights cast a warm and enchanting glow over the grounds.

Kids can take hayride tours to see Santa Claus. Other things to do at the holiday light fest include live nativity scenes, a holiday train ride, mailing letters to Santa, and horse carriage rides. The beautiful Gingerbread house has many intricate details and is beautiful to see.

If you want to keep the kids happy, then be sure to celebrate Christmas at Santa’s Winter Wonderland in College Station! Here’s a tip: Avoid visiting on the weekends as the queues just to enter can get horrifying! Also, get your tickets in advance as the ticket prices go up as the season approaches.

Victorian Christmas of Galveston

Looking for a perfect mix of beachy vibes and Christmas festivities in Texas? Visit the resort town of Galveston , located just an hour away from downtown Houston. Galveston island is our favorite place to spend the holidays while still staying close to home.

Entire Galveston Island shines with the holiday spirit and is stunningly magical throughout December. Downtown Galveston looks beautiful in wreaths and holiday decor while Strand Street looks as if it belongs to Victorian England.

Can’t get enough of the period references? Attend Dickens on the Strand in Galveston. This unique holiday festival invites visitors to dress up in period costumes and attend a weekend full of amazing festivities. 

Moody Gardens Christmas Celebration is a perfect spot for those who love a resort style holiday. The highlight here is Iceland, a festival full of unique carved ice sculptures. Moody Gardens also has several other holiday events including a Festival of Lights events and Rudolph movie screenings.

Looking for more holiday attractions in Galveston Bay? Take the kids to the Polar Express train ride at the Galveston Railroad Museum. The lit up boat parade on the bay is also spectacular for visitors.

Also Read: 10 Best Things to do for Christmas in Galveston, Texas

New Braunfels’ Cowboy Kringle

New Braunfels , half an hour north of San Antonio, is famous for many things: Oktoberfest, sausages, cleanest restrooms in America (courtesy Buc-ees), and Cowboy Kringle!

Cowboy Kringle is the ultimate Texas Christmas icon. He lives near the Historic Gruene Dance Hall, rides a horse, wears cowboy boots, dons a Christmas cowboy hat with a Texas star, hands out candy cane, calls children ‘buckaroos’, and a big belt buckle keeping his costume together. 

He endures the sunny December days in swathes of thick fur and heavy leather with a smile on his face – just like the cowboys of West Texas. You need reservations to take a photo with him and the spots sell out well in advance. Judging by the kids’ faces, the long wait is well worth it! 

Little wonder that photos with Cowboy Kringle are one of the most unique things to do in Texas for Christmas! After your photos, take the time to enjoy the Country Christmas Celebrations in Gruene Historic District . The charming downtown and its historic structures including Gruene Dance Hall twinkle with Christmas lights and holiday cheer. Shop for unique Christmas gifts and enjoy wine tastings while you’re there.

If you think New Braunfels Christmas is all Wild West and rugged Texas – you couldn’t be more wrong!

German Roots

New Braunfels has German heritage and celebrates Christmas in the traditional German way. You can visit the Weihnachtsmarkt, the German-themed holiday market, and buy Texas made gifts and artisan produce. Other activities include holiday lights, parades, and wine festivals. 

Another popular attraction is Santa’s Ranch Drive Thru Christmas Light Park. This lights display is spread out over a mile long road on a ranch and just gets better every year. There is an area to get out of the car where you can meet Santa, sip on hot chocolate, and enjoy kettle corn.

Natural Bridge Caverns is another great holiday destination in New Braunfels. Their ‘Christmas in the Caverns’ event lets you listen to Christmas carols, meet santa Claus, and see the lights – all deep underground!

South Padre Island’s Beachy Christmas 

While South Padre Island is more famous as a Texas spring break destination, this barrier island resort town is also amazing to visit during the Christmas holidays. In fact, it is the best Christmas Town in Texas for beach lovers.

You can have a tropical Christmas holiday on South Padre Island complete with building sandcastles, beachcombing for sea shells, and riding the waves. Eat the fresh seafood and go on a dolphin watching cruise on the Gulf of Mexico. See sand sculptures at South Padre Island this holiday season.

Missing the Christmas spirit and holiday cheer? South Padre Island also has a Holiday Sandcastle Festival where you can see incredibly detailed Christmas themed sand castles including Santa Claus, reindeers, and snowman. Several parades and other holiday events also take place on South Padre Island at Christmas.

South Padre Island is also a great Christmas destination to escape the cold. While the water can be too cool to enjoy a swim, the hotel rates are amazingly low and you can enjoy a perfect budget friendly warm weather holiday on the island. 

Related Posts: 10 Best Things to do on South Padre Island at Christmas

Mexican Christmas in El Paso 

Planning a trip to West Texas in the winter and looking for the best places to visit during Christmas in the Texas desert? Try El Paso!

There are many traditions that make Christmas in El Paso unique, such as the Las Posadas celebration. This nine-day event commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, and includes processions, music, and food.

Another popular tradition is the seven pointed Piñata, which is filled with candy and toys. Other holiday events in El Paso include a parade, a tree-lighting ceremony, and Santa’s workshop. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Mexican foods and traditions during this time in El Paso.

Of course, no visit to El Paso in December would be complete without seeing the luminarias. These lanterns are made of paper bags filled with sand and candles, and they are used to light up the streets on Christmas Eve.

Katy – Fort Bend Suburb Spectacular

The Katy Fort Bend area near Houston is growing at a great speed and fast becoming one of the popular Christmas destinations in the greater Houston area. 

The George Ranch Historical Park in Fort Bend is a great way to spend a historical Christmas in Texas. The park is located near Houston, Texas and is a great day trip from the city. On a  visit, you can enjoy Christmas traditions from the 19th century at this living history site. Visitors can participate in several activities including hayrides, Christmas crafts for kids, as well as songs and story sessions around the campfire.

Katy also has several holiday attractions. The Light Park – Katy is a fabulous drive through display of holiday lights that takes place on the grounds of Typhoon Texas. The Home for the Holiday Gift Market is a great place to buy gifts for your loved ones.

Grand Prairie Lights 

Grand Prairie, located near Dallas, is a great place to spend Christmas in Texas. A primary attraction here is the Prairie Lights, a dazzling drive through light display. This holiday extravaganza takes place in Lynn Creek Park on the shores of Joe Pool Lake. The event has new themes and displays every year, making it a favorite with families in North Texas.

Grand Prairie is also the perfect place to shop for gifts. You can enjoy shopping for handmade gifts at the Holiday Gift Market on Main Street or hit up Grand Prairie Premium Outlets to scour for deals on branded merchandise.

Arlington , located just 15 mins east of Grand Prairie, is home to Texas Christkindl Market, the largest outdoor Christmas market in the Southwest. This free market promises all European vibes with handmade gifts, treats, and mulled wine.

Boat Parades in Corpus Christi 

Christmas in Corpus Christi is a unique blend of coastal charm, tropical vibes, and festive spirit. My favorite holiday event in Corpus Christi is the Illuminated Boat Parade over the bay. You can see several hundred beautifully decorated boats from the marina; our kids especially love seeing them float and reflect lights on the water.

The La Posada Lighted Boat parade on the canals downtown is a nod to the city’s Hispanic Heritage. This colorful procession is a tradition deeply rooted in Mexican culture. Floats adorned with holiday lights and nativity scenes wind their way through the city, accompanied by joyful music and dancing.

In Corpus Christi during Christmas, you can dip your toes in another Texas tradition – tamales! While many Texas families host their own tamale making parties, you can partake in this culinary tradition at Huerta’s Tamales. You will find their food trucks selling steaming hot tamales at various locations in the city.

Musical Christmas in Lubbock

The heart of Lubbock’s Christmas spirit can be found at Mackenzie Park’s Santa Land. Every year, this beloved attraction transforms into a drive thru winter wonderland with millions of twinkling and sparkling lights. 

Music is an integral part of Lubbock’s Christmas celebrations, echoing the city’s rich musical heritage. Caroling in the Courtyard event is organized by the Buddy Holly Center and is free to visit. Cactus Theatre in downtown hosts Christmas performances for visitors.

Another of Lubbock’s cherished traditions is the annual Carol of Lights at Texas Tech University. This spectacular event sees the campus illuminated by thousands of lights, symbolizing the holiday spirit and the university’s pride. 

Amarillo’s Western Christmas Celebrations

Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle is your best chance for a White Christmas in the Lone Star State. The city promises Christmas with a Western flair with a chance of snowflakes draped over the holiday lights. 

Even if it doesn’t snow, the air is distinctly cooler compared to the coast or South Texas – perfect excuse to sip hot chocolate, savor peppermint coffees, and take on the 72 oz challenge at the Big Texan Steak Ranch!

Holiday events include Enchanted Acres Night of Lights display, Zoo Lights at the Amarillo Zoo, and Christmas lights in downtown. You will also find a variety of holiday shows from musicals to country music concerts taking place in the town. 

Be sure to mix up your Amarillo Christmas trip with exploring this region of the Texas Panhandle. Take a photo with Cadillac ranch, drive up Route 66 to Adrian, and go hiking in Palo Duro Canyon State Park – one of the best state parks in Texas.

15 Festive Christmas Towns in Texas

If you think that the most extravagant Christmas displays in Texas are limited to the big cities, you could not be more wrong. 

Amazing Christmas towns in Texas go all out for the holiday season. Be sure to add these to your holiday bucket list for 2023. Grapevine takes the cake for its sheer magnitude and scale of Christmas activities. In the Hill Country, you will find Fredericksburg, Johnson City, and Wimberley put on incredibly unique and fantastic holiday events.

Even East Texas is not to be left behind. Jefferson and Marshall have stunning displays of lights while Palestine has a Polar Express train ride just as in the movie! The hidden gem of Kilgore has a Texas star shining brightly on top of its oil derrick Christmas lights.

Alpine and San Angelo in West Texas have a rugged country Christmas – combine the festive cheer with some hiking in Big bend Country! With events like traditional German Christmas and photos with Cowboy Santa Claus, the small towns of Texas offer the perfect Christmas vacation for families.

Here are the best Christmas towns in Texas to visit this holiday season.

Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas

Grapevine, located less than an hour north of Dallas, is known as the Christmas Capital of Texas. It is an essential holiday tradition in the Lone Star State. Grapevine goes all out at Christmas with more than a million lights. 

The Historic Downtown District is like walking through a giant shimmering sparkling Christmas themed amusement park. The Christmas lights twinkle, dance, and even wink at you from every surface you see! Watch the trees decked up in hundreds of twinkling lights and enjoy the famed Grapevine City Hall light show. The singing Christmas tree with its moving mouth is just the cherry on the top.

As you stroll the streets, you will find plenty of holiday displays and unique photo ops for families – things like 5 feet tall holiday ornaments, Santa Claus sitting on a bench, a lit up tunnel, and large marquee letters proclaiming ‘JOY’! Taking silly, happy, and funny family photos with all of the Grapevine holiday displays is one of our favorite things to do for Christmas in Texas.

But Christmas in Grapevine is not just about what you can see – there are many Christmas activities in Grapevine where you can go hands-on and participate for fun. 

Ride the North Pole Express of the Grapevine Vintage Railroad to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Take advantage of your Grapevine Christmas Passport and visit the Christmas Village. Play in the snow at the Christmas Forest and mail letters to Santa Claus. The sheer variety of celebrations during Christmas time make Grapevine one of the best Christmas towns in Texas. 

Gaylord Texan – #1 Best Christmas Resorts in Texas!

Not easily impressed? Head over to the Gaylord Texan Hotel, a spectacular holiday destination in Texas. The resort looks marvelous at Christmastime. It has plenty of festive holiday activities for all ages including a giant Christmas tree, a surprisingly detailed gingerbread house, Santa Claus visits, and gift shops. 

The highlight however is ICE – an ice sculpture display made with several pounds of ice. Visitors covered in thick parkas can walk around these elaborate displays featuring their favorite movies. It’s an unbeatable experience! Gaylord Texan also has a snow tubing hill, beloved by kids.

Related Post: 19 Best Things to do in Grapevine for Christmas

German Heritage in Fredericksburg 

Fredericksburg , located in the Texas Hill Country, is a darling romantic town that instantly bewitches visitors. This is the place to go if you are aching for an European Christmas with all the feels. It is also amongst our favorite Christmas towns in Texas. 

Fredericksburg was settled by German pioneers in 1846 and still retains its unique German traditions and heritage. This Texas small town has beautiful architecture and an intriguing variety of cultural attractions as well as museums. It is also popular for its one of a kind Christmas Texas celebrations. 

Fredericksburg is a great place to spend a festive holiday weekend with your loved ones. The highlight of Christmas in Fredericksburg is the beautiful rotating wooden German Christmas pyramid in Marktplatz. The 26 foot high structure enthralls everyone with its moving figurines that depict stories from the bible serially on different tiers.

Take a stroll along the Main Street of this charming Hill country town and shop for locally made gifts. Admire the holiday decor on historic buildings and vintage storefronts. Marvel at the Christmas lights. 

Attend the famous Light the Night Christmas parade, a festive celebration accompanied by holiday music and glimmering lights. Ice skate on the rink downtown. Sip mulled wine – after all, Fredericksburg wineries are famous throughout Texas!

Related Post: 10 Best Things to do in Fredericksburg at Christmas .

Old Fashioned Christmas in Nacogdoches 

Nacogdoches has the honor of being the oldest and most historic city in East Texas. It celebrates Christmas in a quaint and old-fashioned way – perfect for those who would like to step back into the past.

Millard’s Crossing Historic Village in Nacogdoches is home to Old Fashioned Christmas Celebrations.

Looking for unique Christmas things to do in Texas? Attend the Nine Flags Festival! This festival honors the little known fact that 9 different flags have flown over the town of Nacogdoches. Curious about which nine flags? Read that bit of history here .

Every year at Christmas, the historic downtown area is transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday displays. The brick buildings and cobblestone streets look old-world and festive throughout the season of Christmas in Nacogdoches .

Santa Claus makes an appearance at the annual tree lighting ceremony. The city hosts several free concerts and other events leading up to Christmas Day. Locals as well as visitors can take a stroll through downtown boutiques and purchase gifts made by local Texan artists.

Christmas in Nacogdoches is a festive, historic, family-friendly event that should not be missed by anyone who loves Texas.

Pretty Town Square of Granbury 

Did you know that Granbury in North Texas is known for having the prettiest town square in America? No surprise, it’s decorated phenomenally for the holidays and looks straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie. 

Every holiday season, the Historic Granbury Square comes alive with the sounds and smells of Christmas. The vintage buildings are dressed up in festive wreaths, garlands, and bows. The storefronts and windows boats of Santa, elves, and reindeers.

The festivities start with the Night of Lights Christmas Parade, a highlight of Granbury holiday events. Floats enchant adults while Santa Claus greets the young ones. Musical notes of carolers fill the square on days leading up to Christmas. The streets are lined with booths selling handmade gifts, baked goods, and holiday decor.

Other popular Granbury Christmas events include Santa’s House in Town Square, Christmas lIghts in Shanley Park, and the Granbury Candlelight Tour, when you can tour historic mansions decorated in Victorian styles. All of these amazing reasons ensure Granbury remains amongst top Christmas places in Texas.

Historic Georgetown

Christmas in Historic Georgetown, Texas, is a magical journey back in time that blends the charm of the past with the warmth of the holiday season. The centerpiece of Georgetown’s Christmas celebration is its historic town square, which exudes Victorian-era charm throughout the holiday season. The iconic Williamson County Courthouse takes center stage, casting a warm and inviting glow over the square.

The annual Lighting of the Square marks the official start of the holiday season. Thousands of locals and visitors gather in anticipation as the sun dips below the horizon. When the downtown lights burst into radiance, the round of applause is loud and clear.

This magical moment is accompanied by carolers singing classic Christmas songs, creating a sense of togetherness and nostalgia. Families huddle together, sipping a cup of hot cocoa and delighting in the glow of the town’s Christmas tree. The Historic Palace Theatre hosts holiday shows and performances.

Another cherished aspect of Christmas in Georgetown is the opportunity to tour some of the town’s historic homes, which are beautifully decorated for the season. Georgetown’s churches also host candlelight services emphasizing faith and the true meaning of Christmas. 

Polar Express Train Ride in Palestine 

Palestine, Texas is home to our favorite Texan holiday tradition, the Polar Express ! This holiday train ride is hosted by the Texas State Railroad and imitates the story from the popular movie ‘The Polar Express’ starring Tom Hanks.

On the ride, kids get a golden ticket and climb aboard the beautifully decorated train. The staff reads out loud the famous story on the train as it makes its way to the North Pole to see Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the elves. When Santa Claus  meets the kids, he gives them a silver bell, just like in the story. 

The entire experience is accompanied by music and dance and feels magical. The depot and the train cars are beautifully decorated, lending themselves to the festive atmosphere. This is one of our favorite things to do for Christmas in Texas with kids.

Besides the holiday train, Palestine has many other exciting holiday events. Downtown is very pretty with wreaths and displays everywhere. Another popular event is the Grinch at Texas Jail House in Palestine. This event is set up like a walk-through Christmas themed house.

The city also has excellent shopping and dining. It is also one of our most budget friendly East Texas Christmas getaways. Overall, Palestine makes for a great holiday vacation in December.

Christmas in Historic Jefferson 

Do us all a favor and plan a holiday time trip to Jefferson, Texas. This historic town is amongst the best places in Texas for Christmas for history lovers and is pretty amazing in its own way.

The city of Jefferson has plenty of fun holiday attractions for all ages. Love architecture and intriguing stories of the past? Make a beeline for the beautiful and one of its kind Candlelight Tour of Homes in this Texas town.

On the Candlelight Tour, you will see majestically decorated grand historic homes and mansions in Jefferson. Popular homes on the tour include the Black Swan, The Grove House, Angell Manor, and Scarlett O’Hardy’s.

Families with kids love the Christmas Express holiday train ride. This ride takes you through the pine forests of East Texas and along the Big Cypress Bayou. Along with wildlife like alligators and deer, you will also spot nativity scenes and other Christmas displays from around the world on this train ride.

Looking for more holiday attractions? Take a walk through downtown Jefferson at Christmastime . Or explore the historic buildings on a horse drawn carriage ride. Shop for gifts in the local boutiques. Take advantage of innumerable photo ops throughout downtown. End your stroll with hot chocolate at the Jefferson General Store.

Marshall’s Wonderland of Lights

Marshall is our favorite Texas Christmas town when it comes to East Texas. It is located in the Piney Woods region and is home to one of the oldest Christmas festivals in Texas – the Wonderland of Lights Festival . This holiday event has an intriguing story, which you can read here .

The festival centers around the Old Harrison County Courthouse building located in Whetstone Square. The courthouse is beautifully decorated with glowing, glittering strings of lights and looks out of this world when lit up at night. 

Along with the courthouse, the entire downtown Marshall is transformed into an enchanting holiday village full of lights, decorations, and the holiday spirit. Walk around the courthouse to enjoy the postcard perfect views from around the town square.

Stop for gifts at The Weisman. Enjoy a horse carriage ride around the town. Other Christmas activities in Marshall, Texas include ice skating, holiday train rides, Santa’s Village, a vintage carousel, and Christmas market. All of these attractions make Marshall one of the best places to visit in Texas during Christmas.

Christmas in Longview 

Longview, Texas is one of the most underrated places to spend Christmas. This East Texas town enjoys mild temperatures in December. The city is decorated with lights and festive decorations – but that’s not your primary destination!

Located just outside of Longview, you will find one of the best, hidden Christmas attractions in Texas – Carmela’s Magical Santa Land Drive-Thru Holiday Lights. This is a gigantic, Texas-sized event that began as the efforts of a single woman for the whole community.

Even today the lights display remains private and free for all visitors. The lights grow bigger and fancier every year. Kids love seeing the enormous synchronized light show that spreads out over several acres.

Along with the drive thru area, the event also has a zone where you can park and explore on foot. This section has plenty of fun activities including photos with Santa, hot chocolate booths, kettlecorn, and a holiday market – the perfect East Texas Christmas Vacation.

Wimberley’s Twinkling Trail of Lights

Charming Wimberley is one of the best Texas Christmas towns to visit for its annual Trail of Lights holiday event. The event takes place at EmilyAnn Theater and Gardens. During the holiday season, the garden is transformed to a winter wonderland and the sparkling lights are everywhere. The best part is that this is a free event and fun to attend.

One of the highlights is the Ye Olde Yule Log which burns brightly in the center of the garden. This is great to gather around and enjoy hot chocolate and marshmallows. The 6 acres of trails also have many other attractions including Santa Claus and live entertainment.

Wimberley’s commitment to supporting local businesses is evident during the Christmas season. Visitors can find one-of-a-kind gifts crafted by local artists, from handmade ornaments to beautifully crafted pottery at Wimberley market days. Wimberley makes an excellent winter day trip from Houston or Austin area and should be on your list during the holiday season.

Starry Oil Boom of Kilgore 

Christmas Under the Stars is an annual event in Kilgore, Texas that celebrates the city’s oil heritage. The event features the city’s oil derricks decorated with lit up stars and Christmas lights, as well as a festive market and lights display.

Though the oil derricks are no longer the main source of Kilgore’s income, they remain an important part of the city’s identity. Christmas Under the Stars is a reminder of Kilgore’s rich history and heritage, and one of the unique Texas Christmas events.

Kilgore is one of the best places to go in Texas for Christmas for all proud Texans and those who like to go off the beaten path. Be sure to see the museums and explore downtown while you’re visiting Kilgore.

Johnson City’s Historic Christmas 

Johnson City, in the Texas Hill Country, celebrates Christmas in a rather presidential manner. After all, it was the hometown of Lyndon B Johnson – America’s 36th President! The city’s rich history can be observed not just in its historic buildings and sites but also in its historic Christmas celebrations.

Here you will find a variety of traditional holiday events including a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, nativity scenes, horse-drawn carriage rides in downtown, hayrides that are a hit with families, Christmas parades, gorgeous holiday lights, and even Grinchmas!

The downtown festivities are a part of Lights Spectacular – a gorgeous Lone Star sized event that drapes the Blanco County Courthouse in a curtain of twinkling lights. The lights also shine all over Main Street, storefronts, and parks downtown.

The Pedernales Electric Cooperative Headquarters also has a fascinating light display in Johnson City called the PEC Lights. During the free event, you will see hundred of year old live oak trees shining under the light or a million strings. Don’t forget to take a camera and take family photos when visiting the Johnson City Christmas lights.

Visitors can also tour the Historic LBJ Ranch at night to see it decorated in magnificent lights. This was the childhood home of President Lyndon B Johnson and has varied attractions including a living history farm and hiking trails. Hands down, Johnson City is the best place to spend Christmas in Texas Hill Country because of its rich history.

North Pole in Brownsville 

Do you want to visit the North Pole without leaving Texas? Stay warm and cozy while meeting Santa Claus? Visit the Holiday Village in the city of Brownsville , located south on the Texas Mexico border.

This Brownsville holiday event takes place in Dean Porter Park in the center of downtown. The traditional holiday village features several Christmas inspired cottages. You will find Santa’s Workshop, a bakery that bakes delicious gingerbread cookies, a general store, and even the North Pole Bank!

This walk-through attraction looks right out of the pages of a Christmas story book. But the best part? Holiday Village is completely free to visit! Kids love seeing the small colorful buildings and exploring the village.

The event also includes entertainment including Christmas caroling, live music concerts, and more fun. Brownsville’s location near the Gulf Coast, less than an hour away from South Padre Island, makes it possible to combine a beach vacation with holiday activities.

Tomball German Fest

In Tomball, Texas, Christmas is a time of festive celebration that bridges cultures and traditions. At the heart of this Texan town’s holiday celebration is the Tomball German Fest, a unique and beloved event that pays homage to the rich German history that has shaped the community. held in early December, is a beloved event that draws visitors from all over Texas.

The historic streets of Tomball are adorned with festive decorations, and the air is filled with the sounds of German carols and lively folk music. Visitors can enjoy authentic German food, including bratwurst and sauerkraut along with other fair foods like turkey legs.

One of the highlights of the Tomball German Fest is the artisan market. Local and regional craftsmen display their wares, offering unique gifts and holiday treasures. Visitors can browse handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, intricate holiday decorations, and other one-of-a-kind items.

The Tomball German Fest offers entertainment for the whole family. Children can enjoy a variety of carnival rides, games, and face painting, while adults can try beer tastings and traditional polka dancing.

Pretty Marble Falls

Looking for more destinations to spend Christmas in Texas Hill Country? Plan a trip to the charming small town of Marble Falls, otherwise known for its bluebonnets. 

The town is an exemplary example of the region’s scenic beauty. It is located on the banks of Lake Marble Falls and surrounded by the rolling hills, clear streams, and limestone topography of Central Texas. 

Come Christmas season, Marble Falls comes alive with shimmering lights and charming decorations. The air is filled with the smell of fresh pine and country notes. The highlight of the holiday season is the Walkway of Lights in Lakeside Park on the shores of Lake Marble Falls.

This event is completely free and has plenty of activities including meeting Santa Claus at Santa’s Workshop. Wear your bright holiday sweaters, grab some hot cocoa, and marvel at this beautiful lights display in Central Texas while you enjoy a light stroll with your family.

The city does a fantastic job arranging the event every year. It also hosts several other events including a Christmas Market on Main Street, an ice skating rink, as well as a light up parade.

Texas Christmas Trips = Lots of Fun

This time of year, Texas cities and towns put on a Texas-sized holiday show that easily rivals that of America’s biggest cities including New York and Chicago. You can visit Santa Claus, sing a Christmas carol or two, walk through an enchanted forest and other themed light shows, listen to live music, and enjoy the holiday magic with your entire family in these Texas destinations.

In addition to the Christmas destinations mentioned above, you will find several other spots that vie for the honor of most festive places to visit in Texas for Christmas. As the state grows, new holiday attractions keep popping up every year while the older established ones continue impressing visitors.

Texas Christmas trips are our favorite ways to make memories with our kids and enjoy the festive season while focusing on family and values. These fantastic holiday destinations in the Lone Star State help get us in the Christmas spirit and leave behind the stresses of the past year as we get ready to enter a new one.

What are your favorite best places to go for Christmas in Texas? Which of these top Christmas towns do you like the most? Let us know in the comments.

Love this post? Share it!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

20 Fabulous Towns to Celebrate Christmas in Texas

Texas is never short on things to do, and that is definitely true during the holiday season. 

Everything is bigger in the Lone Star State, so that has to include  Christmas in Texas , right?

While some places across the country celebrate a white Christmas, the holiday season means tons of light s and some good old Southern charm to try and replace the missing snow.

Honestly, Texas has so many great Christmas towns that you are sure to grab the holiday spirit! 

This post contains affiliate links.  By purchasing through these links, we get a small commission at no additional cost to you. That Texas Couple also participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Love Texas as Much as We Do?

Get your free Texas Bucket List Experiences Checklist!

See how many of these great Texas experiences you can check off!

Don’t worry, we won’t spam you. You can unsubscribe anytime

Christmas in Texas: 20 Great Christmas Towns

Christmas capital of texas, grapevine, tx.

Christmas in Grapevine, TX, is no joke. 

Grapevine isn’t called ‘ The Christmas Capital of Texas ‘ for nothing. 

This small town outside of Dallas knows how to ring in Christmas Texas style.

Hosting over 40 days of Christmas events during the holiday season, there is guaranteed to be something for everyone at the Grapevine Christmas Capital of Texas!

Kids will love the holiday events that Grapevine offers every year.

These include riding the Grapevine Vintage Railroad dubbed ‘The North Pole Express’ train this time of year. 

These train rides are awesome holiday events.

Adults will love the Christmas Wine Train rides and the great wineries and shops throughout the town, especially Main Street.

There is also a great Christmas tree to take the perfect picture with!

While here, check out the amazing ice sculptures at the Gaylord Texan Christmas celebration.

Grapevine is one of the most popular Christmas towns in Texas, for sure!

Again, it is the Christmas Capital of Texas!

Christmas in Cleburne, TX

Cleburne, TX, is one of our small Christmas towns.

You will find Cleburne, located about 40 minutes southwest of Fort Worth. 

Cleburne is turned into a Christmas wonderland every Christmas when the local park is transformed with over 3 1/2 million twinkling lights.

The opening ceremony lights up the park and hosts Santa and Mrs. Clause while carolers serenade guests.

Numerous holiday events are planned throughout the holiday season, so be sure and check out the complete schedule  here .

This is one of the best places to spend Christmas in Texas.

Christmas in College Station

College Station is one of the Christmas towns in Texas that will surprise you!

For a true TX Christmas experience, you must go to  Santa’s Wonderland  to celebrate Christmas in College Station. 

Here, you can enjoy hayrides, carriage tours, festive live music, and a visit with Santa.

They even have a mechanical bull!

This is definitely one of the most fun Christmas towns in Texas!

Wimberley Trail of Lights

Marty and I visited Wimberley’s Holiday Trail of Lights and loved it. 

This is one of the best places to spend Christmas!

There are so many things to do in Wimberley throughout the year, especially when celebrating Christmas !

During the holidays, visitors flock to Wimberley to experience the six-acre winter wonderland park known as the Holiday Trail of Lights takes place at the EmilyAnn Theatre. 

This free event includes tons of light displays, live music, a fire pit to roast marshmallows and make s’mores, carolers, and so much more.

Wimberley is a Texas town that is one of the best places to visit year-round!

Christmas in Galveston: Moody Gardens Christmas and Dickens on the Strand

Galveston is one of the unique Christmas towns in Texas on our list.

The Texas coast town of Galveston is famous for the old-fashioned Victorian holiday festival, Dickens on the Strand, which includes costumed vendors, Victorian-style food, drinks (even hot cocoa), and crafts. 

In addition to Dickens on the Strand, Galveston hosts awesome Christmas events at Moody Gardens , including an ice skating rink, their Festival of Lights, incredible ice sculptures, and an awesome Christmas market. 

Moody Gardens boasts eight-holiday winter wonderland attractions under one venue for their holiday celebration. 

This makes Galveston one of the best places to spend Christmas in Texas!

Grand Prairie Christmas

Grand Prairie Lights is a great way to celebrate Christmas. 

Each year, Grand Prairie hosts an awesome drive-through holiday light park on the banks of Joe Pool Lake, the Grand Prairie Lights.

The 2-mile winding path takes you through numerous light displays showcasing over 4 million lights !

On the way out of the park, you will be rewarded with a drive through the second-largest lighted tunnel in Texas .

Christmas in San Antonio

If you choose to spend Christmas in San Antonio, you are in for a treat!

San Antonio is a Texas town known for its festive atmosphere all year long, but I especially love it during Christmas. 

The historic streets and the famous Riverwalk shine even brighter as they come alive with holiday light displays and festive holiday music.

That is why we love grabbing hot cocoa and visiting the  San Antonio Riverwalk at Christmas .

The Riverwalk comes alive with thousands of lights, a lighted boat river parade, and more than 6,000 luminaries !

And the best part, the River Walk is one of the many free things to do in San Antonio !

You can also visit Six Flags Holiday in the Park and SeaWorld to enjoy their Christmas festivities.

Honestly, a San Antonio Christmas is just so much fun!

Fredericksburg, TX Christmas

Fredericksburg is another one of our favorite Christmas towns in Texas.

The German Christmas roots of Fredericksburg, Texas, shine brightly during their holiday festivities!

There are so many things to do in Fredericksburg that you will love this Texas Hill Country town!

Grab a hot cocoa and come and watch the Light the Night Christmas Parade and the annual Christmas tree lighting.

Afterward, go ice skating at their outdoor ice skating rink or shop on Main Street to check off your holiday shopping list!

Walkway of Lights-Marble Falls

Head about 50 miles northwest of Austin into the Texas Hill Country, and you will find one of the Highland Lakes of Texas , Marble Falls Lake, and the town of Marble Falls.

This town is one of the cool Christmas towns in Texas!

Right on the banks of Marble Falls Lake, you will find the Marble Falls Walkway of Lights. 

The Walkway of Lights features over 2 million lights and is completely free t o enjoy! 

The light displays range from running water toys to patriotic flags and eagles.

This is truly a Christmas light extravaganza!

Johnson City

Plan your visit to Johnson City the last weekend of November so that you can participate in the opening festivities of the famous Johnson City Christmas Lights.

The Friday after Thanksgiving, they kick off the season with the lighting of the Blanco County Courthouse, which is draped with more than 100,000 twinkling white lights !

Even the Christmas tree is draped in white lights!

The Johnson City Christmas Lights make Johnson City one of the festive Christmas towns in Texas and one of the great places to celebrate Christmas.

Go to East Texas to experience Marshall, Texas’ Christmas light display. 

Marshall comes alive when millions of white lights illuminate their town every holiday during their annual Wonderland of Lights Festival.

Marshall has an outdoor ice skating rink , hayrides, a restored carousel , horse-drawn carriage rides , and Santa Claus’ Village, making it a great place to spend Christmas in Texas. 

While visiting this East Texas town, you can participate in the Wassail Walk or the Jingle Bell Run to work off some of those holiday sweets or shop away your calories at the Outdoor Christmas Market.

Marshall is an old-fashioned Christmas town that will have you singing carols in no time!

Jefferson is proud to say that it celebrates Christmas on the Bayou.

Step back in time when you participate in the  Candlelight Tour of Homes  the first two weekends in December. 

Several gorgeous Victorian homes open their doors for you to see them decorated in their holiday best.

They open the season with a Christmas Parade and an Enchanted Forest Tree Lighting Ceremony.

These holiday lights are amazing and will put you in the holiday spirit.

While in the area, consider booking an East Texas Wine Tour and visiting some East Texas wineries like Enoch’s Stomp and Walkers Mill.

Austin Christmas Lights

Austin is one of the fabulous Christmas towns in Texa s and the perfect place for a day trip from Dallas !

After checking into one of the best places to stay in Austin , head out to enjoy the Austin Christmas Lights at the Austin Trail of Lights .

Even better, this light display is one of the free things to do in Austin !

All of these activities make for a great weekend in Austin !

Christmas in Houston

Christmas festivities in Houston seem never-ending, but that makes sense, given the city’s vast art and culture scene.

You can absolutely get your fill of holiday cheer in Houston.

This is one of those Christmas towns that has it all!

You can lace up your skates and skate around thei r ice rink or enjoy the magical 20-acre lantern festiva l at the Magical Winter Lights. 

Head to the Houston Zoo to see more than 15 miles of lights before attending the annual Nutcracker Ballet.

Located about 20 miles southeast of Waco, Marlin once drew visitors from far and wide to experience the healing spring waters in this area.

Today, you can come during the holiday season to participate in a small-town Christmas parade before enjoying historic tours of this small community’s church, cemetery, and homes.

Christmas Lights in Dallas

Dallas is packed with things to do during the holiday season , so I will hit on some of the highlights.

Train lovers will want to head straight for NorthPark Mall to see the elaborate model train displa y set up annually during the holidays. 

While here, check out the mall Christmas tree also!

The  Dallas Arboretum  is overflowing with holiday cheer with its themed displays of the 12 Days of Christmas .

You can also visit  The Dallas Heritage Village  during their holiday Candlelight celebration or head to Fair Park for Christmas in the Park .

Dallas is definitely one of the fun places to spend Christmas, and all the events will have you in the Christmas spirit in no time!

The lake community of Granbury loves to have festivals, and Christmas is no exception. 

Granbury hosts a Nights of Lights Parade to kick off the season, ushering in Mr. and Mrs. Clause.

You can also enjoy a candlelight tour of some privately-owned historic homes, all decked out with twinkling lights and holiday decor.

Watching the kids make s’mores with Santa Claus will surely get everyone in the Christmas spirit!

The shops in Granbury are also great for checking items off your holiday shopping list!

Like Dallas, Fort Worth is one of the Texas Christmas towns packed with activities for the holiday season, making it one of the great places to celebrate Christmas.

The festivities kick off with the Fort Worth Parade of Lights in downtown.

After the parade, the  Sundance Square Christmas  to see the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree.  

Enjoy  Christmas in the Stockyards  when Santa arrives in his magical stagecoach, ready to take pictures with the kids and browse the Christmas Market.

Fort Worth is one of the awesome Texas towns to ring in the holiday season.

Final Thoughts on Christmas Towns in Texas

As you can see, a Texas Christmas is a serious business. 

These are just a few great Texas towns to celebrate Christmas in the Lone Star State.

Get out your calendar, and start making plans to check these places off your Texas Bucket List !  

Spread the Love! Please Share On Social Media!

While You’re Here, Check Out These Other Texas Posts:

101 Experiences for Your Couple’s Bucket List

50+ Free Things To Do In Dallas-Fort Worth

30 Incredible Day Trips from Dallas

101 Ideas for Date Night in Dallas

101 Things to Do in Dallas-Fort Worth

Fun Things to Do in the Highland Lakes of Texas

Romantic Weekend in Downtown McKinney

Covered Wagon Camping: Unique Places to Stay in Texas

Fabulous Lake Buchanan Cabins, RV Park, and Camping

15 Amazing Sunflower Fields in Texas

12 Great Places to See Bluebonnets in Texas

Let’s Connect on Social Media!

• Instagram Follow
• Pinterest Follow
• TikTok follow
• Twitter follow
• YouTube follow
• Flickr follow
• facebook link

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight:

We love using CheapOAir, Kayak, and Kiwi to search for the best flight prices. We love using these search engines because they search the web for airlines worldwide to ensure you get the best deal! In addition to flights, you can also find great hotel prices on Kayak and Kiwi.

Book Your Vacation Package:

If you want to book an entire vacation package, we suggest using Expedia. We love how easy Expedia is to use, and we always find good deals on entire vacation packages on their site.

Another great site for vacation packages is BookVIP . BookVIP offers super cheap vacation packages to incredible destinations. You are sure to save money using their site!

For full guided vacations, including hotels, some meals, transportation, and guides, then we book with Trafalgar. Trafalgar is a trusted tour company that will meet all your needs while ensuring a great experience.

Trip.com allows you to book flights, hotels, train tickets, rental cars, airport transfers, tours, and more all on one site. Owned by the parent company that also owns Skyscanner, this is a trusted resource for travel booking and a great “one-stop shop.”

Book Your Accommodations:

We always begin our search by checking out honest reviews on TripAdvisor hotels. This allows us to narrow our search for specific properties once we are ready to book. Of course, you can also book directly on the TripAdvisor site!

There are several accommodation sites that we like to use. One of our favorites is Booking.com because it offers a wide variety of hotels and guesthouses at a good price.

Another “go-to” hotel booking site for us is Hotels.com . We love their loyalty program that allows you to earn free nights, and their “secret prices” for members are fabulous deals!

HotelsCombined is another cool site. They allow you to compare all the top travel sites with one search to ensure you find the best deal out there. Kayak works in this way as well.

If you want a luxurious all-inclusive vacation, consider checking out the Sandals/Beaches properties. Sandals properties are for couples only and Beaches are for families. We have visited Sandals in the past and absolutely love the attention to detail and the service they provide.

Tour Companies We Trust:

We love taking guided tours when visiting new places. Our go-to tour companies are Viator.com and Get Your Guide . Both of these companies have been in business for years and provide excellent customer service. You can trust booking tours from their sites for sure!

For a guided city tour, check out City Sightseeing and BigBus Tours . These bus tours are so much fun and easy to hop on and hop off at top attractions in cities around the world.

CityPass is a great way to save money when visiting large cities. CityPass allows you to get free admission to major attractions once you buy their pass. The savings add up quickly with this pass, often saving 50% with combined admissions.

Another great pass to save money in larger cities is the Sightseeing Pass . This pass allows you to save valuable time and money by combining admissions to major attractions. They also have a handy app that keeps everything you need at your fingertips.

Looking to Save Time and Money?

Check out our resource page for all of our favorite vendors. These companies help us to save time and money on our travels!

About the Author

Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and enthusiast of different cultures. Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through creative content creation and her informative writing style on her blogs, That Texas Couple and Totally Texas Travel and accompanying social media accounts.  She is happiest sipping wine in Italy or chilling on a beach with her husband, Marty.

Saturday 11th of December 2021

You can't miss the Christmas Capital of Texas during Christmastime! I would LOVE to visit Grapevine, and also, I'd love to see the San Antonia Riverwalk all decorated for Christmas. It's already magical during the rest of the year, so I can imagine Christmas is extra special. Thanks for sharing this helpful post!

thattexascouple

Monday 13th of December 2021

You are so right, Grapevine is a fabulous place to visit during the holiday. The Riverwalk is also. It is one of our faves!!

Elena Pappalardo

Wow, I absolutely love how festive Texas gets for the holidays! Those Austin Christmas lights are simply incredible!

I know, who would have though?! Thanks for reading, Elena!!

Monday 8th of November 2021

Texas looks pretty festive at this time of the year - there really is so much to do and see.

Tuesday 9th of November 2021

There really is! A bonus to visiting Texas during the holidays is that the weather is usually mild as well :)

Travel A-Broads

Sunday 7th of November 2021

I couldn’t have come across this blog post at a better time, considering the holidays are coming up and I live in Texas! I would especially love to do Wimberley Trail of Lights or check out some of the activities in Galveston or San Antonio. Thanks for sharing this comprehensive guide - going to pin it for later too ?. Xx Sara

Thank you so much, Sara! I really hope it helps and that you get to go and enjoy some of the great holiday activities in Texas :)

Wow! All 20 of these towns in Texas know how to celebrate Christmas. Especially love all the lighting displays…beautiful!

We do it up big in Texas. LOL! Thanks for reading and taking time to comment!

Texas Travel Talk

Let's Talk Texas Travel!

Adventure & travel are all about forging ahead, trying something new. Let’s Texas!

Holidays Texas Christmas

12 Most Charming Christmas Towns In Texas

See who made our list of the most charming Christmas towns in Texas.

There are many places to visit during Christmas in Texas, and a Christmas getaway in Texas might just be what you need. However, according to magazines, the internet,  myself, and a few more sources, these Texas towns made the list of the 12 most charming Christmas towns in Texas. Celebrations will happen all over the Lone Star State and in a big way, and we want you to know about them!

Grab the entire family and check out these Christmas towns where many will spend the holidays, and you can too if you want. Here’s hoping we see a white Christmas in Texas –not ice, but lots of snow!

The 12 Most Charming Christmas Towns In Texas

Why are these Texas Christmas towns on the list of the most charming Christmas towns in Texas? Well, let’s dig in and find out. I would love to know what your favorite Christmas towns are, too.

Put these towns on your “Where to go for Christmas in Texas” list.

These Christmassy towns in Texas are in no particular order.

1. Marshall, Texas

Starting November 22, 2023

Small town Marshall, which has been spreading holiday cheer since 1987, will shine again during the holiday season with its outdoor skating rink and lit-up downtown. If I’m not mistaken, Marshall was one of the first towns to have an outdoor ice skating rink.

Wonderland of Lights will draw millions of spectators to town. I’ve always wanted to go during the holiday but haven’t made it yet, but I did go a couple of years ago and rode horses out there.

Christmastime will be magical with a trip to the annual celebration of Marshall’s famed Wonderland of Lights. Will you be going?

2. Grapevine, Texas – the Christmas Capital of Texas

From festive holiday lights to fake snow falling on Main Street and the new ice skating rink in town, you’ll want to make plans to visit the Christmas Capital of Texas!

• The Grinch at Gaylord Texan Resort 2023

Use Coupon Code TRAVELING for 50% off on ICE! Tickets. Please book your visit for the valid days (above) at Christmas at Gaylord Texan .

• Historic Palace Theatre

See fabulous classic Christmas movies all season long!

Looking for a fabulous place to stay while in Grapevine? Consider the Hotel Vin Boutique Hotel in Grapevine .

3. College Station, Texas

Christmas in College Station, TX, is a magical time of year for the whole family. Its Christmas season is top-notch.

Santa’s Wonderland is amazing, and the holiday lights can be seen from the highway. It’s a large event, and there are many attractions within to do. If you plan to ice skate and do all the offered things, expect to stay at least six hours. It’s like a winter wonderland out there. Put a cup of hot cocoa in one hand and a drumstick in the other, and have fun!

I suggest waiting in line (and there will be a line) to ride the hayride through the light displays because so many will have you oohing and awwing the entire ride. I took so many pictures and didn’t even use them. Don’t make the mistake of trying to get lots of photos. Just enjoy the ride and watch! It is the best light show I’ve ever seen.

Santa’s Wonderland is a beautiful Christmas Village in Texas worth driving to see!

4. Johnson City, Texas

Pedernales Electric Cooperative Headquarters presents its world-famous holiday lights display, Johnson City’s Lights Spectacular. I’ve been to Johnson City, TX, several times, but not during the holiday.

Date: November 24, 2023, through January 7, 2024, from 6 p.m. to midnight.

5. Fredericksburg, Texas

It’s like a Hallmark movie in Fredricksburg this time of year. And the Texas Hill Country is packed with wine tastings at every winery around every corner. If you’re around for New Year’s Eve, Luckenbach will have a party bash, including dancing and live music. Fredericksburg was also voted “ Most Picturesque Town in America, ” along with fourteen other small towns in Texas.

6. Grand Prairie, Texas

Grand Prairie Lights is an annual event holiday light park in Texas, located at Lynn Creek Park, and will feature Holiday Village, the magical walk-thru forest, carnival rides, photos with Santa, holiday shopping, and more. A fast pass can be purchased, so you don’t have to wait in line for so long.

7. San Antonio, Texas

The San Antonio River Walk will light up for the 42nd Ford Holiday River Parade & River Lighting Ceremony , and Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will give out glitter, glee, and toys to all the little girls and boys!

Festival of Lights Outdoors – Pixabay

8. Fort Worth, Texas

The holidays in Fort Worth, Texas, are a time for families to come together and celebrate the season. There is no shortage of attractions, events, and activities to keep you busy from November through January.

Gifts of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway is an incredible drive-through experience. We’ve been attending this light spectacular since it opened years ago but missed it the past few years. It did get better and better each year, but with that came higher prices.  So, grab your family, friends, and neighbors in one vehicle and share the cost.

Once you park and leave your car, there is hot chocolate, popcorn, snacks, games, and pictures with Santa. And if they still have the train ride for the younger kids, that’s fun, too.

9. New Braunfels, Texas

More holiday lights were added this year!

Santa’s Ranch drive-thru lights display is over a mile long and includes 2.5 million lights, and the 50-foot Christmas Tree will be a sight to see.

While there, look for the German Christmas market and all the German Heritage throughout New Braunfels.

November 3 – December 31, 2023

Tickets: Single Pass $37. Season Pass $74 – plus tax & fees.

Courtesy of Visit Galveston

10. Galveston, Texas

Holidays In The Gardens  – Moody Gardens is where everyone will spend Christmas because the place has made it so special.

Holiday at Moody Gardens is where it’s at during the holidays. It’s one venue with over eight attractions.  Enjoy a huge ice land, a festival of lights, ice skating, 3D films, an Arctic slide, train rides, and more.

November 18, 2023 – January 6, 2024

Tickets: Prices vary with the different activities. See the website.

View of Georgetown’s downtown courthouse

11. Georgetown, Texas

Holding the title of  The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas , you know this town will spruce things up for the holidays. My son and I were in Georgetown a couple of years ago when the town was all lit up for the holidays, and it was gorgeous. It seemed as though all the stores were opened late, too. I remember doing quite a bit of shopping.

12. Jefferson, Texas

Jefferson was one of the first towns we would visit to stay in a bed and breakfast. That’s what it was known for many years ago. Also, breakfast served in the morning was (and still is) a big bonus at bed and breakfast establishments in town. I can’t remember visiting during the holidays, but Jefferson made the list of the most charming Christmas Towns In Texas. I’m sure it’s spectacular.

Links to more places to go in Texas for Christmas festivities on Texas Travel Talk:

Holiday Events In Central Texas

South Texas Christmas Events

Christmas Celebrations In East Texas

Christmas Holiday Events In North Texas

Holiday Events In West Texas

About Kim Croisant

Kim Croisant is a freelance writer and owner/writer at Texas Travel Talk and a native Texan living north of Fort Worth. When not writing about travel destinations (not just in Texas), restaurants, and hotels, she is most likely juggling family life, caring for her mother, and raising her grandson. She loves red wine, chips & dip, and travel magazines. Follow her on Instagram @texastraveltalk.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More From Our Authors

Family Attractions In San Angelo, TX

Free & almost free family attractions in San Angelo, TX Step out into the beauty

It's a wonderful life with all these Christmas Celebrations in East Texas. The

17 Romantic Getaways in Texas

Dazzle your partner with these romantic getaways in Texas. There's a slew of

Wine Trails In Texas To Follow

Did you know there are 14 Wine Trails In Texas that offer wine tastings?  The Texas

Eclipse Events In Texas

Grab the family and make plans for this 2024 eclipse event in Texas ...And don't

Gaylord Texan Resort Family Review

Outdoor Things To Do In Jefferson TX

Texas Festivals And Events

Top Attractions In Dallas Texas

Texas towns with special titles.

• Terms & Conditions

Kim Croisant, Owner, DFW, TX. Contact me at [email protected] .

· © COPYRIGHT 2022-CURRENT Texas Travel Talk  · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

The Best Christmas Towns In Texas To Visit This Holiday Season

Have yourself a merry little Lone Star Christmas.

Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that goes for Christmas, too. It should come as no surprise that the Lone Star State celebrates the holiday season with major merriment, with parades, festivals, twinkling lights, and appearances by cowboy Santa Clause taking over small-town Texas . Head out to the Texas Hill Country for charming town squares and gift-worthy local shopping, or venture up to North Texas for Christmas wine trains and boot-scootin’ celebrations. These small towns are the perfect spots to plan a holiday getaway this year. 

It’s time for a Texas-sized road trip—these are the best small towns to visit for a Lone Star Christmas. 

Grapevine, Texas

Robbie Caponetto

The state senate issued a proclamation more than a decade ago declaring this town the Christmas Capital of Texas , and it lives up to the name. The town's stuck-in-time historic district touts more than 1,400 holiday events throughout the season, with popular pastimes including local Christmas wine trains (to nearby tasting rooms and vineyards) and an annual Parade of Lights, as well as performances and movie nights at the Palace Arts Center.

Fredericksburg, Texas

Courtesy Visit Fredericksburg

The town of Fredericksburg is one of the most getaway-worthy small towns in Texas, which is saying something. This tiny town is dripping with old-fashioned traditions and authentic German roots, dating back to 1846 when German immigrants and settlers founded it. During Christmastime, expect head-to-toe decorations on Main Street, as well as the lively festival, Fredericksburg's Christmas Nights of Lights. Catch the German Christmas pyramid in the Marktplatz.

Johnson City, Texas

Art Meripol

Dubbed the “twinkliest town in Texas,” the annual Johnson City Lights Spectacular has been reported by NASA as visible from the International Space Center. Yep, it’s literally bright enough to see from space. Since 1989, the walkable (and easily driveable) town-wide display has centered around the historic Blanco County courthouse and includes over one million lights.

Galveston, Texas

Getty Images/benkrut

This Texas beach town is a favorite of families beyond the summer season. At Christmas, the historic coastal getaway has a packed schedule of holiday events. One of the most beloved and popular Christmas activities, the Galveston Railroad Museum offers a Polar Express-themed train ride, complete with a "journey" to the North Pole led by a cast of talented actors and a reading of the classic book, as well as hot chocolate and cookies for all.

Nacogdoches, Texas

Courtesy Visit Nacogdoches

Victorian-era mansions, centuries-old red brick streets, and old-fashioned charm await in Texas' Oldest Town. Founded in 1779, Nacogdoches in East Texas is known for its lush gardens, longstanding history, and a vibrant holiday event, the Nine Flags Christmas Festival. The name is derived from the often-repeated fact that nine different flags have flown over Nacogdoches during its storied history.

Boerne, Texas

Located only about half an hour from  San Antonio  and less than two hours  from Austin , Boerne (pronounced BUR-nee) is a Texas Hill Country gem that offers some of the best local shopping for all of your Christmas gifts. Its festive downtown district is known in Texas as the Hill Country Mile, which consists of the Main Street drag lined with dozens of antique shops and specialty store. Visit The Dienger Trading Co. for its baked goods and adorable boutique.

San Antonio, Texas

This one might not be considered a "town," but since you'll already be merrymaking your way through the Texas Hill Country, don't miss the chance to see San Antonio 's beloved River Walk dressed up for the season. You can even hop on a boat tour that floats underneath thousands of twinkling lights, caroling and Tex-Mex holiday treats included.

Related Articles

25 Christmas Towns In Texas For a Hallmark Like Winter Holiday

There are many amazing Christmas towns in Texas that will let you have a fabulous holiday in the lone star state. Like the rest of the world, Christmas in Texas is a time to celebrate, indulge, and have fun with family and friends.

As the popular saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas, which means Christmas spirits are very high throughout the state. The towns and cities are packed with holiday lights, markets, beautifully decorated Christmas trees, carols, rides, and parades.

Most Texas Christmas towns are worth visiting any time of the year, but the holiday spirit transforms into magical lands loved by the kids and adults.

Since each town has its unique way of celebrating the holidays, you can choose to spend your winter holidays in Texas.

Texas has mild winters, with temperatures hovering around the 40s to the 70s, which means it is a fantastic time for a fun Christmas vacation in Texas.

From admiring dazzling light displays to enjoying festivities or indulging in lots of good food and drinks, you have many incredible things to enjoy with your loved ones.

If you want to celebrate Christmas in Texas but don’t know where to go, here is the list of the best Christmas towns in Texas to experience a magical Christmas in the Lone Star State.

BEST CHRISTMAS TOWNS IN TEXAS

Among the top Christmas towns in Texas is Grapevine, located close to Dallas. It is the official Christmas Capital of Texas since Grapevine holds the most prominent holiday events on a grander scale than any other city in the state. 

The best months to visit Grapevine are November, December and early January when the city welcomes its maximum holiday-goers yearly.

Millions of lights and larger-than-life decorations fill Historic Grapevine during their 1400 Christmas events in 40 days. But they are not the only things that make Grapevine one of the best places to spend Christmas in Texas.

There are so many fantastic things to do in Grapevine for the holidays that you can easily spend at least a week here.

You can celebrate a classic Victorian Christmas with millions of sparkling lights everywhere in the city.

The best way to explore is to stroll around the historic downtown area, the centre for dining, shopping and wine tasting rooms, with all buildings decorated with millions of holiday lights.

Many events and unique activities are held here during this time amidst the beautiful Christmas decorations and trees.

Watch the parade of lights, one of the largest lighted Christmas parades in North Texas, and the Twinkle Light Boat Parade at Lake Grapevine, a unique parade loved by visitors.

Your winter trip to Grapevine is incomplete without spending a day at the beautiful Gaylord Texan Resort, one of the main Christmas celebration destinations. 

Watch this resort’s 100-foot Christmas tree adorned with dazzling lights and decorations. 

Although Texas may not have a white Christmas, you can visit ice sculptures and slides here at the massive maze created by many local and seasoned ice artists, including popular holiday characters and huge ice slides. 

There is an ice skating rink at the resort, apart from areas for snowshoeing, snow tubbing, and playing in the snow. 

Hop on the historic Grapevine Vintage Railroad North Pole Express train ride, loved by children and kids at heart. You will taste some milk and cookies specially delivered by and have Mrs Claus.

If you want to taste wine, take a Christmas wine train.

Enjoy classic Christmas movies and musical concerts at Historic Palace Theatre.

FREDERICKSBURG

If you want to experience the charming traditional European Christmas , Fredericksburg is one of the beautiful Christmas towns in Texas you should visit.

Fredericksburg is a pretty German town in central Texas with a rich German heritage as a group of Germans established it in the late 19th century.

There are many cool things to do in Fredericksburg over a weekend, including beautiful architecture and cultural attractions.

But it is during Christmas that this pretty town turns magical as the holiday season gears up for a traditional Christmas celebration that goes on for a month.

There are many amazing things to do in Fredericksburg at Christmas, which gets a kick-off with a traditional Christmas market. 

Visit the magical light-filled Marktplatz to witness a gorgeous hand-carved, 26-foot tall, wooden Christmas pyramid. A 30-foot tall, heavily decorated community Christmas tree will also be seen nearby.

The square is decorated with loads of Christmas lights and holiday decor, best enjoyed by walking through the streets at night in this lovely hill country town.

Strap on some skates to ring around the outdoor ice rink, Eisbahn.

Take part in the famous Light the Night Christmas parade, where you can watch the flats gp down amidst holiday music and lights on the main street.

If you love wine, you are in for a treat because Fredericksburg is a renowned wine destination.

During winter, attend the Christmas Wine Affair, an annual fest where over 50 local wineries participate in giving you amazing discounts. You can enjoy wine tasting and shop for the best local wines at Fredericksburg.

SAN ANTONIO

Nestled in south-central Texas, San Antonio is renowned for its rich Spanish history and culture. San Antonio is one of the top Christmas towns in Texas if you want to explore the outdoors in pleasant temperatures.

But there are many amazing things to do in San Antonio, and the list only gets longer during Christmas as the city decks up for the holidays.

The Christmas festivities begin the day after Thanksgiving on the Riverwalk when San Antonio becomes an enchanting winter wonderland. 

The spectacular light displays and celebrations go on from November until January, drawing many travellers annually.

Stroll the River Walk, the top attraction decorated with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights hanging from the bald cypress trees, a sight to behold.

What makes the display more beautiful are the scattered, delicate paper lanterns around the city.

Attend the Fiesta de las Luminarias and the Holiday River Parade along the River Walk, where you can watch illuminated floats with live music and pretty Christmas decorations.

Santa Claus will accompany you if you take the gondola rides.

You can shop at the beautiful German Christmas market , where you will be tempted to shop thanks to beautiful handcrafted gifts, gingerbread, pottery, and fine arts.

The market is also the best place to sip hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, or binge on pretzels.

Among the many Christmas special delicacies, one of the best cuisine not to miss are homemade tamales, which are a part of the Christmas traditions in San Antonio known as La Gran Tamalade, where you can also learn to make them.

Enjoy the musical performances, carols, and games for kids.

San Antonio’s top attractions include many theme parks, which host many events and Christmas-themed holiday activities.

If you are traveling with kids, explore the Ford Holiday River Parade, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, and Six Flags Fiesta, which hosts Texas Holiday in the Park.

If you want more fun and lights, head to the Incarnate Word University to attend the light festival with a food and shopping market and brilliant light displays.

Jefferson, founded in the early 1840s, and located in northeastern Texas, is known for its rich heritage architecture.

If you love history, you will love Jefferson, but what makes it one of the best Christmas in Texas is that you can learn about the historical architecture and its past during Christmas when the town draws many visitors for its brilliantly lit buildings.

Jefferson’s oldest Victorian-style homes are grandly decorated for the holidays, which you can tour famously as the Holiday Trail of Lights or the Candlelight Tour of Homes. It is one of the top attractions during Christmas in Jefferson that you should not miss.

Watch the gorgeous Christmas parade through the downtown main street, comprising millions of Christmas lights, music, carols and colourful floats of all shapes and sizes.

Follow the parade to next watch the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

You can enjoy Christmas shopping at antique stores or go around in the ancient horse-drawn carriages.

If you love museums, do not miss visiting the Museum of Measurement and Time and Gone With the Wind Museum. 

Stroll through the Enchanted Forest, encompassing over a hundred trees adorned with beautiful holiday lights.

Hop aboard the Christmas Express Train at the Historic Jefferson Railway, a favourite not just for kids but adults. 

It is a 3-foot narrow gauge railway that takes you through beautiful piney woods along the Big Cypress Bayou. Admire the views while listening to the Christmas stories and a cup of hot chocolate. 

One of the leading shopping destinations in the US is Wimberley in Central Texas. If you plan to visit Fredericksburg or New Braunfels for the holidays, add a stop at Wimberley, which is also one of the most beautiful Christmas towns in Texas.

Wimberley is famous for the Holiday Trail of Lights at the EmilyAnn Theatre. 

It is a stunning spectacle capturing the holiday spirits across eight acres of spectacular light displays encompassing hundreds of thousands of lights against the warmth of the Yule Log. 

The best part is it is one of the fun-free things to do in Wimberly.

On this trail of lights, you can enjoy live music and visits from Santa Claus. Check for periodic movie viewings featuring Christmas classics at the theatre.

This place is also a popular hotspot among visitors that enjoy roasting hot dogs and marshmallows.

Stroll through downtown near Wimberley square, which is filled with shops decorated with holiday lights. There are many places popular for shopping for some fantastic Christmas gifts.

Additionally, check out Wimberley Farmers Market and Wimberley Market Days for buying fresh local produce and handmade souvenirs.

There are also many holiday-themed markets where you can try delicious Christmas special bakes and wooden items ideal for seasonal décor or gifts during the Christmas season.

One of the most beautiful beach towns in Texas , Galveston is a popular destination for beach lovers that flock to the beautiful beaches for sandy shores and water sports throughout the year.

If you are looking for a warm island for the winter, one of the best Christmas towns in Texas is Galveston.

Galveston is the self-proclaimed Winter Wonder Island of Texas since the beach town hosts more than 50 days of holiday events and Texas Christmas activities from November through New Year’s.

Unlike the other towns here, Galveston allows you to watch the stunning display of holiday lights and decor along the coast, a unique Christmas Texas getaway with your loved ones away from the cold weather.

Watch the famous old-fashioned Victorian holiday festival in Galveston, Dickens on the Strand, which includes costumed vendors, Victorian-style food, drinks, and crafts. 

Head to Moody Gardens, where Christmas celebrations are top-notch. Stroll along the mile-long lights display at the annual  Festival of Lights , the largest holiday lighting festival along the Gulf, or attend the festival of ice sculptures – Iceland.

You can also enjoy outdoor skating in the gardens, shop for Christmas souvenirs, and try the local specials at the pretty Christmas market. 

If you visit Galveston for Christmas in Texas, they also have a unique 4D Rudolph experience, ice slides, and train rides at Moody gardens.

Or better, watch classic movies, including A Christmas Carol , Harry Potter, and The Polar Express, with them at the screenings.

Hop on the Polar Express ride at the Galveston Railroad Museum accompanied by Santa.

If you want a big city winter holiday in the Lone star state, one of the beautiful Christmas towns in Texas is Dallas.

Christmas in Dallas is magical, as you will feel the holiday spirits and Christmas cheer thanks to the many festivities, colourful holiday displays, and lots of activities to enjoy, with something for everyone.

Watch the vibrant Dallas Holiday Parade, one of the best Christmas parades in Texas, where you will see larger-than-life floats and other types of floats, musical performances, and beautiful light displays.

Another place to witness lighting is the Galleria Tree Lighting, where you can enjoy ice skating while watching the tallest indoor Christmas tree light up.

Visit The Dallas Heritage Village to watch the Candlelight celebration with your family.

Many events are held throughout the city, themed for families and couples. 

The  Dallas Arboretum  is one of the top Christmas attractions in Texas.

The 66-acre botanical garden features 12 Days Of Christmas display, presenting a live rendition of the traditional story you can enjoy as you stroll through the garden decked up with brilliant twinkling lights.

The Arboretum also has a magical Christmas village, where you can meet Santa. 

With a 50 ft tall musical Christmas tree heavily decorated with tens of thousands of lights at the centre, you will be transported back to a traditional Santa village, where you can also find wooden Christmas village displays.

Shops are selling the best Christmas specials, drinks and foods, which you can gorge on while enjoying the live music.

There are many skating rinks, chocolate tasting tours, and walking tours to watch the celebrations in Dallas.

Do not miss visiting the Dallas Zoo with kids, as you can enjoy over a million twinkling lights here. There are many exhibits and interactive games for kids; of course, you can meet Santa.

Head to the interactive Snowday Dallas to watch different Christmas traditions worldwide.

NEW BRAUNFELS

One of the closest places near the capital city Austin to enjoy Texas Christmas is New Braunfels, also close to San Antonio if you plan to visit more than one Texas Christmas town.

Summer is the peak season for most tourist crowds that arrive to float the river, enjoy hiking, or visit the theme parks in this south-central Texas town.

New Braunfels is one of the best Christmas towns in Texas though as the town gets all decked up, organising many colourful events and bringing in the Christmas cheer.

Since New Braunfels has a rich German heritage, you can experience a traditional German Christmas.

A drive through Santa’s Ranch is one of the top Christmas attractions in New Braunfels. You will witness the winding road decorated with more than a million twinkling lights and animated holiday light displays.

It is considered one of the most incredible Christmas light displays in Texas, which is no surprise.

You have to tail the long line of cars waiting down the axis road of I-35 to watch this dazzling spectacle on Santa’s Ranch.

No German Christmas is complete without their signature markets. So when at New Braunfels, visit the Weihnachtsmarkt, the German-themed holiday market, where you can indulge in all types of winter special delicacies and shop for handmade gifts, unique souvenirs and artisan produce.

Continue your holiday shopping next at Gruene Christmas Market Days. And when you have had your fill, head to the Hometown Holiday Christmas Parade.

There are many colourful events and celebrations that you must not miss attending when in New Braunfels.

If you love music, especially carols, attend Christmas at the Caverns, a unique Christmas carolling experience held underground at the Natural Bridge Caverns.

You can also enjoy the zipline and tour the Christmas village near the caves.

You can taste the best German ciders at the downtown cider festival, a fun festival with lots of music.

Visit Gruene, a historic district located only a 10-minute drive from New Braunfels, for Christmas displays and decorations at the famous Gruene Dance Hall. You can also take a train ride on the Pony Express here.

COLLEGE STATION

Do you expect a university city to be one of the best Christmas towns in Texas? Yes, as surprising as it may sound, College Station, known as a college town, as it’s home to Texas A&M University, is one of the best places to visit for Texas Christmas.

Located close north of Houston, it makes a perfect day trip from the city if you are short on time.

College Station is a great pick to celebrate Christmas in small-town ways, but that does not mean it would be anything less than fabulous festivities.

This youthful city transforms into a Christmas town every holiday season.

College Station is home to the spectacular  Santa’s Wonderland , a holiday village complete with everything that makes it Christmas. 

There are tons of activities lined up here for everyone. Actual snow, a hayride tour through millions of twinkling lights, live music, an old western village with unique holiday gifts, Santa Claus himself, snow machines, and an outdoor screen playing Christmas movies.

You can also enjoy ice skating, horse carriage rides, and a holiday train ride here and taste many types of food and beverages.

Also, check out a Texas-sized Gingerbread Village made from 500lbs of gingerbread dough, topped with a lot of icing and candy.

Austin, the capital of Texas in the central region, may not be your first choice if you want a unique winter holiday, but many love visiting Austin as it is one of the fantastic Christmas towns in Texas.

The city, which has mild winter weather and is known for exceptional food, and quirky culture, gets magically transformed into a winter wonderland with decorations, events, festivals, markets, and games for children and adults. 

It is one of Texas’s cities with the most display lights during Christmas. 

The most famous place to see a spectacular display of lights is at the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park, where you can watch over two million lights, 90 glistening Christmas trees, more than 70 light tunnels and 40 beautiful holiday displays spread across two miles.

You can taste delicious street food here by exploring the food trucks and enjoying live music and performances.

See a 155-foot Christmas tree made from draped streams of lights in the city centre, which is also decked up with decorations.

Visit the Circuit Of The Americas to experience Peppermint Parkway, a drive-through attraction decorated with thousands of sparkling lights and a romantic mistletoe booth. 

Enjoy the views of Austin’s skyline gleaming with decorations from a beautiful viewing tower at the Parkway.

If you want a more traditional experience, check out the Austin German Christmas Market, one of Texas’s best and the biggest German Christmas markets.

It is the perfect place to shop for handmade gifts, wooden souvenirs, Christmas decor, and savouring many traditional Christmas specialities, including cookies, pretzels, cakes, hot cocoa, and more.

Check out other Christmas shopping markets scattered throughout the city for more shopping.

Among these markets is a famous one, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, known for its distinct festive art.

One unique attraction to Austin Christmas is Mozart’s Coffee Christmas Lights Show, held by Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, a famous coffee shop.

Grab some coffee and watch the perfectly choreographed light show. 

Their patio is the best spot to watch this spectacle, which can be reserved for a small fee.

Another top attraction in Austin during the holidays is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife centre, a beautiful botanical garden illuminated by Christmas lights, including luminaries. You can also enjoy musical performances, taste local food from the food trucks, and have fun playing games.

If you want more holiday lights, there are more places in Austin! Head to Santa’s Ranch for twinkling lights and a farm tour.

Theatre is another activity loved by holiday goers, and the capital city is the best place in Texas for enjoying movies with your family.

See the screenings of classic festive movies at theatres like Alamo Drafthouse. Many pubs also deck up for Christmas, offer discounts and host many colourful events. You will love many seasonal unique brews and delicacies as well.

Fort Worth is one of the Texas Christmas towns perfect for visiting with your kids if you want to experience the small-town holiday charm away from big cities.

It is one of the few places in the state where you can experience a Texas-style Christmas, showcasing the unique culture of the state packed with activities, lots of good food, drinks, games, rides, music, and theatre.

The festivities kick off with the Fort Worth Parade of Lights downtown, where you can see floats, carols, dance, and a beautiful display of lights of all shapes and sizes.

Head to the stockyards next for some annual Cowboy Christmas experience, which is also one of the top places for shopping.

Over 250 vendors sell bespoke holiday gifts, wooden souvenirs, jewellery, furniture, home decor, and original art. Meet Santa here, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and shop to your heart’s content.

You can continue your shopping spree at Sundance Square Plaza, one of the top shopping spots in Texas, all decorated with dazzling lights, a Christmas tree, and shops offering deals and discounts.

Drive around the historic Fairmount neighbourhood to see thousands of lights, and around Texas Motor Speedway to see over 2 million LED lights.

Museums are worth visiting during this holiday time for their exquisite collections and amazing lights. If you are into arts, do not miss the Modern Art Museum.

Skate around Panther Island Ice, the only outdoor ice skating rink in Fort Worth. Music lovers should witness musical concerts featuring holiday music at the pretty Bass Performance Hall.

One of the best places to visit in winter in East Texas is Marshall, located near Caddo Lake.

From ice skating to train rides and everything in between, Christmas in Marshall start in early November and lasts all through December until New Year’s Eve, giving you plenty of time to plan your Texas Christmas town trip.

Marshall is one of the pretty Christmas towns in Texas you must check out if you are planning a winter trip for one top reason – The Wonder of Lights.

This month-long annual Christmas event, established in 1987, is one of the largest light festivals in the state, boasting more than ten million lights illuminating the city in the holiday season, visited by hundreds of thousands of travelers every year.

The historic landmark courthouse is wholly decked up with lights as a part of this festival. 

A pretty outdoor Christmas market sells all types of Christmas goodies, hand-made gifts, wooden items, and the best local holiday delicacies.

Horse-drawn carriages are pulled down the streets of downtown. Take part in the noted Wassail Walk .

Attend the lighted Marshall Christmas Parade, run the 5K Jingle Bell run, enjoy Santa’s Workshop with your kids, learn some secret recipes at Mrs Claus’s Kitchen, let your kids join the train rides and have fun with them at the outdoor ice skating rink.

You can meet Santa at Santa’s Village, hop on the old-fashioned carousel, walk down the main street amidst millions of glittering lights, or join the carolers in the holiday spirit in this small town.

Amidst enjoying all the festivities, there are many top attractions in Marshall worth exploring, including the Michelson Museum of Art, American Museum of Magic that your kids will love, Harrison County Historical Museum, and pretty State Historic Park.

GRAND PRAIRIE

If you are visiting Dallas, I recommend adding Grand Prairie to your itinerary, as it is worth checking out.

Grand Prairie is home to the largest light display in the state and is a favourite among many Texans.

Check out the top attraction of Grand Prairie, the gorgeous drive-thru  Prairie Lights  display.

Located at Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake, you will drive through a 2-miles-long tunnel twinkling with over 4 million Christmas lights and stunning holiday displays, making it the second most giant lighted tunnel in Texas.

It takes around 1 hour to get through the whole display. It is best to show up early as the line to get in can be very long. You can skip the line by reserving a spot online. 

Halfway through this drive, you will come across a fabulous Santa village, where you can savour delicious seasonal food, shop for unique souvenirs and handmade items at the gift shops, and watch an indoor laser show. 

If you are with kids, the crafts session and then meeting with Santa are a must. Enjoy musical and theatre performances here, or hop on the Polar express.

Head next for more shopping at the Holiday Gift Market.

If you have more time, I recommend visiting neighbouring Arlington, a fantastic Texas Christmas town, to enjoy and house the most prominent outdoor Christmas market in the Southwest, Texas Christkindl Market, which is worth visiting with your kids.

Grand Prairie gets cold during Christmas, so carry warm clothes on your trip.

Located about 40 minutes southwest of Fort Worth, you can enjoy small-town Christmas spirits at Cleburne, which needs to be on your Texas winter holiday bucket list. 

It is one of the best Christmas towns in Texas you should visit if lots of twinkling lights smite you during Christmas.

Each year, Cleburne is turned into a winter wonderland as Christmas celebrations begin early on the last week of November. 

The local Park Hulen Park transforms into a paradise of lights and dazzling displays with over 3 million twinkling lights spanning three acres.

The Park is the centre of bustling events, games, food, and shopping. There is also a lighted tunnel, train rides, and wagon rides, along with many holiday events throughout the season for a month.

Participate in the Lighted Christmas Parade to watch the fantastic floats amidst fun music and dance.

Attend the Cowboy Christmas on the Trail organized by Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum to experience a ride on a covered wagon through 4 different scenes & listen to the Legends of Texas re-enact life. There are food trucks, shopping to do, and meeting Cowboy Claus.

Other activities you can enjoy during Christmas in Cleburne are candlelight driving tours of homes, where you will be driven through Cleburne’s most beautiful houses decorated for the holiday season, carol performances, train rides and a meet with Santa for kids.

JOHNSON CITY

Whether it is a traditional Christmas celebration or millions of stunning lights or parades or food, no matter what you pick, one of the best Christmas towns in Texas where you can choose to celebrate the holiday spirits in more than one way is Johnson city in the Texas hill county.

You can make an early trip and plan your visit to Johnson City from the last week of November when the festivities kick off the Friday after Thanksgiving with Johnson City Christmas Lights.

Johnson City’s entire downtown square gets illuminated with all types of lights every holiday season. 

The Blanco County Courthouse is draped with more than a hundred thousand twinkling white lights next to a sparkling Christmas tree.

Drive through the Pedernales Electric Cooperative headquarters to watch over 1.3 million LED bulbs lighting up the whole campus until the end of December.

You can also enjoy traditional Christmas celebrations, including a giant Christmas tree, nativity scenes, carriage rides, and hayrides in Johnson City.

If you are a fan of the Grinch or love trains as I do, plan a winter trip to Palestine, one of the beautiful Christmas towns in Texas, for an intimate celebration.

Palestine is famous for its Polar Express train run by the Texas State Railroad. On this trip to the North Pole on this historic steam train, the classic Christmas story comes to life on the ride, and kids get to enjoy hot chocolate and Christmas cookies, sing carols and watch movies.

At the end of the train ride, you’ll be greeted by Santa and his elves, which gift you a silver sleigh bell, the first gift of Christmas.

Or take the Old Town Carriage Rides, on which you can enjoy the spectacle of lights throughout the city.

You can meet the Grinch at the Grinch’s Lair held in Texas Jail House, Anderson County Jail in Palestine. 

Get your blades for Ice skating, and shop to your heart’s content.

Plan a family breakfast with Mrs Claus for the best start to your holiday, watch classic Christmas movie screenings at the Park, take part in the walking tours of homes and downtown, and join craft workshops or wine tours. There is something for everyone when it is Christmas in Palestine.

Voted as the best for many consecutive years being home to the most beautiful town square in Texas, Georgetown is one of the cool Christmas towns in Texas loved by families and couples for a winter holiday idea.

You can easily spend a winter weekend with this town’s holiday spirits as the historic square transforms to look more magical than usual.

The town square looks sparkling with display lights, a giant Christmas tree decorated with unique items, and window lights at all shops and buildings dazzling with complete illuminations.

Georgetown is also famous for cheaper but elegant souvenirs, drawing Christmas shoppers all through the season, whether for crafts or handmade jewellery.

If you want a Christmas with a slight Mexican twist, head west to El Paso, one of the underrated Christmas towns in Texas worth adding to your Christmas travel bucket list.

Known for its Hispanic cultural traditional Christmas celebrations, seasonal events, lights and many fun-filled activities for families, it is one of the best places to visit during Christmas with your kids.

Attend  WinterFest , which starts from November till January and is one of the top Christmas things to do in El Paso. Held in the city’s heart, you can indulge in delicious food, admire the lights, shop, or do outdoor ice skating.

One of the top attractions in El Paso is the massive Christmas market, a famous shopping destination and all things Christmas. 

This market has grown and visitors everywhere, with over 200 shops housing artisans and traders selling you various items.

While tasting the best hot cocoa, you can shop for traditional Christmas toys, lights, and handmade crafts.

Theatres screen Christmas specials, including Gracias Christmas Cantata and Merry-Achi Christmas, that you can enjoy with your family.

Explore San Jacinto Plaza with over half a million lights. Or, drive down Scenic Drive in El Paso, where the buildings, homes, and famous landmarks are decorated with beautiful traditional Mexican Christmas lanterns.

If you love football, make sure to be here around New Year’s Eve for the tournament that hosts kids’ activities, including rides and fun games.

How about some adrenaline-kicking adventures for Christmas? If you want an adventurous holiday, you should head to Amarillo in the north, one of the beautiful Christmas towns in Texas that will indeed offer you a memorable experience.

Amarillo hosts many themed winter races that are ideal for all levels and perfect if you want to burn off your holiday calories.

Head to the Amarillo Botanical Gardens, which is Christmas in the Gardens, an annual holiday event where you can watch stunning Christmas light displays, visit food trucks to try local delicacies, and enjoy the carol performances.

Drive through the beautifully decorated Bishop Hills neighborhood that dazzles with buildings decked with thousands of lights.

For a more personal experience, head to Maxwell’s Pumpkin Farm, which hosts Maxwell’s Magical Christmas, when the farm is decorated with tunnels and walking trails comprising brilliant colourful lights and animated displays.

MARBLE FALLS

One of the easy day trips from Austin known for its spectacular beauty is Marble Falls. But not many know that it is one of the beautiful Christmas towns in Texas that transforms into a magical place full of holiday spirits.

Marble Falls host the annual free festival Walkway of Lights on the bank of Marble Falls Lake, where over two million twinkling lights are on display.

Enjoy the small town Christmas walking around this trail, and then head downtown to see holiday sculptures, meet Santa Clause, and shop for Christmas and holiday gifts.

OFFBEAT CHRISTMAS TOWNS IN TEXAS

Another destination in the lone star state worth visiting on your holiday for a brilliant spectacle of lights and basking in joyful events is Tyler, one of the pretty Christmas towns in Texas.

Tyles is famous for  Santa Land , a stunning Christmas drive-through park featuring millions of lights. The gorgeous Tunnel of Lights is home to over 50,000 flashing lights and animated displays, including life-size statues of soldiers.

You can stop on the way to enjoy snacks, join carols or shop for Christmas goods, or meet Santa.

Explore the stunning Azalea District transformed into a wonderland of lights with all the homes and buildings adorned with beautiful lights and Christmas decorations.

Among the small towns that celebrate Christmas with full pomp and joy is Richmond, located close to Houston, a popular day trip destination from the city throughout the year.

You will love exploring Richmond if history interests you. The town is home to the George Ranch Historical Park, which is customized for Christmas and offers a bit of history and many fun activities.

Join the hayride to learn about the history and admire the Christmas display nights, followed by enjoying carols. You can enjoy joining a campfire and take part in roasting marshmallows at the park, or better, enjoy a full-fledged Christmas dinner by the fire.

Stroll downtown for shopping and tasting local Christmas cuisines after visiting the Ranch. 

Located in the pretty Rio Grande Valley, among the underrated Christmas towns in Texas, is Hidalgo, known for its stunning Festival lights, loved by the locals and travelers.

The holiday season, running from November, is marked by this festival of lights you can enjoy driving through or on a train ride. You will pass through winding roads for about three miles packed with over 4 million Christmas lights and beautiful holiday displays.

Explore the town centre beaming with decked-up buildings, including the City Hall Plaza, which is also the venue for many Christmas activities, including carols and musical performances.

NACOGDOCHES

The oldest town in the state, this city in the east knows how to celebrate holidays. If you are looking for a quiet trip, one of the best Christmas towns in Texas to visit is Nacogdoches. 

Join the town to celebrate Nine Weeks of Nine Flags hosted by Main Street. This annual festival runs through the end of December, where you can enjoy carols, savour Christmas food, enjoy drinks, and shop for festive gifts.

For more shopping, head to the Christmas market, or participate in an Elf scavenger hunt with your kids for fun.

Known for its fabulous festival Waco Wonderland, Waco is one of the best Christmas towns if you want a low-key destination without crowds.

Waco Wonderland, which goes on for a month in December, is packed with activities for everyone, from nativity scenes to markets to parades to food and music.

Watch the colourful Christmas Parade downtown. Shop from artisans at the Christmas market and explore Mistletoe Market for delicious Christmas food and rare souvenir finds.

Meet Santa at his heritage house on the square during Christmas at the Silos event, or run the marathon with your family at the Wonderland Run.

Kids will enjoy snow tubing and the train rides; you can even ride the Ferris wheel if you want more adventure.

MAP OF CHRISTMAS TOWNS IN TEXAS

Please note:  This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you).  Learn more .

• Recent Posts

• 25 Beautiful Landmarks In Poland For Your Bucket List - March 16, 2024
• Hidden Gems: Exploring Small Town America - March 13, 2024
• Traveling With Jewelry – Keep it From Tangling, Protection from Theft, Destination Appropriate and More - February 28, 2024

Related Posts

15 Best Places For Orange Picking In Florida

15 Places To Admire The Beautiful Blue Bonnets In Texas

21 Beautiful Texas Sunflower Fields You Should Check Out

Write a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• SOLO TRAVEL
• ARUNACHAL PRADESH
• HIMACHAL PRADESH
• UTTARAKHAND
• THE PHILIPPINES
• UNITED STATES
• TRAVEL FACTS AND TRIVIA
• WORK WITH ME

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

26 of the Best Christmas Towns in Texas

Note: This post may contain affiliate links! Check our disclaimer if you need more info!

This is a list of all the best Christmas towns in Texas.

Texas is home to several great cities that offer year-round fun, but a Texas Christmas is truly unforgettable. If you’re looking for some of the best places to spend Christmas in Texas, we’ve got you covered. Here is a list of places to go for Christmas in Texas to have the best Texas Christmas ever!

Table of Contents

Best christmas towns in texas: frisco, tx, best christmas towns in texas: grapevine, tx.

• Best Christmas Towns in Texas:  Canyon Lake, TX

Best Christmas Towns in Texas: Palestine, TX

• Best Christmas Towns in Texas:  Galveston, TX
• Best Christmas Towns in Texas: San Antonio, TX

Best Christmas Towns in Texas: College Station, TX

Best christmas towns in texas: fredericksburg, tx, best christmas towns in texas: amarillo, tx, best christmas towns in texas: dallas, tx, best christmas towns in texas: fort worth, tx, best christmas towns in texas: odessa, tx, best christmas towns in texas: el paso, tx, best christmas towns in texas: granbury, tx, best christmas towns in texas: pecos, tx, best christmas towns in texas: wimberley, tx, best christmas towns in texas: new braunfels, tx, best christmas towns in texas: marshall, tx, best christmas towns in texas: grand prairie, tx, best christmas towns in texas: jefferson, tx, best christmas towns in texas: cleburne, tx, best christmas towns in texas: johnson city, tx, best christmas towns in texas: austin, tx, best christmas towns in texas: tyler, tx, best christmas towns in texas: hidalgo, tx, best christmas towns in texas.

Please note that our trip to Frisco, TX to experience all the Christmas-y goodness was sponsored by Visit Frisco but all opinions are our own!

No city does Christmas in Texas quite like Frisco, TX! From their Christmas in the Square event to the Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza, they do it up big.

Experience the largest choreographed lights and music display in North Texas at Christmas in the Square . You can also go ice skating, meet Santa himself, purchase a Christmas tree from the local boy scout troops, ride in a horse carriage, and so much more! [Be sure to catch their Merry Main Street event with even more fun like a holiday market with local vendors and food trucks!]

If you go to Frisco, and don’t see anything related to the Dallas Cowboys did you even go? Whether you love football and root for America’s team or not, the Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza isn’t to be missed! Rowdy the mascot, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, the Dallas Cowboys Flag team, and fun elves with unrivaled dad bods all celebrate at the Frisco Star in front of a larger than life Cowboys Blue Christmas tree. There are even fireworks! [Tip: Get there early for a great spot. Or better yet – stay at the Omni Frisco Hotel for a birdseye view of the entire event!]

At the Star and want to meet Santa up close? Check out Santa at the Star to visit Santa in his Cowboys Cottage! Professional photographers are on hand to capture your family’s moment with the big man himself. [Be sure to make an appointment for guaranteed availability – Santa’s very popular this time of year!]

Unlimited hot chocolate, outdoor ice tubing, and Texan snowball fights are on the agenda at Radiance! Frozen in Frisco ! Park your car and ride in style in the Holly Jolly Trolley while marveling at 3 million decorative lights set to music full of the holliday spirit [the display dedicated to veteran’s who are unable to spend the holidays with their family because they are serving and protecting our country may or may not have caused a few tears on the trolley]. There’s also a giant ferris wheel, a holiday carousel, bumper cars, and of course, Santa himself.

Loving what you see from Frisco? Check out this full list of things to do in Frisco with kids ?

Known as the Christmas Capital of Texas, Grapevine is one of the top places to go for Christmas in Texas.  The city offers plenty of fun things to enjoy during your Texas Christmas. Millions of lights decorate Historic Grapevine during their 1400 Christmas events in 40 days. But that’s not the only thing that makes them one of the best places to spend Christmas in Texas.

You can take kids on an imaginary trip to the North Pole on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s North Pole Express. Or, enjoy classic Christmas movies at Historic Palace Theatre and shop on Historic Main Street. Grapevine is also home to the Gaylord Texan hotel, where they host an annual Lone Star Christmas. Families can enjoy a number of fun family activities here including ice skating, snow tubing, and our favorite Gaylord Texan ICE! exhibit.

Best Christmas Towns in Texas: Canyon Lake, TX

North Pole Village is an annual community Christmas event in Canyon Lake, TX.  Not only is it one of the best places to go for Christmas in Texas, but attending is also for a good cause.  The event is a fundraiser for the Community Resource and Recreation Center and Food Pantry of Canyon Lake.

Children can have their photos taken with Santa or write a letter to Santa at the post office. Visit the bakery and decorate Christmas cookies, or get your face painted at the elves’ house. It is a true Texas Christmas with a petting barn and hayride.  You’ll also love singing Christmas carols at the church.

Your kids will love being a part of a familiar Christmas story come to life on Texas State Railroad’s Polar Express in Palestine, TX. Children will experience a unique adventure as they ride to the North Pole surrounded by music from The Polar Express motion picture soundtrack and enjoy delicious hot chocolate and cookies aboard the train. Once you arrive at the North Pole, you’ll be greeted by Santa and his elves, and Santa gives passengers a silver sleigh bell, the first gift of Christmas.

The city hosts other Christmas celebrations as well. From the Grinch’s Lair in Anderson County Jail to breakfast with Mrs. Claus, Palestine is one of the best cities for a Texas Christmas.

Best Christmas Towns in Texas: Galveston, TX

As the self-proclaimed “Winter Wonder Island” of Texas, Galveston hosts more than 50 days of holiday events and Texas Christmas activities.  From Dickens on the Strand to the holiday lighting ceremony at Hotel Galvez , the city really goes all out to be one of the best Christmas towns in Texas. 

Moody Gardens in Galveston, TX is a Texas Christmas destination of its own.  Their annual Festival of Lights features over 100 Christmas light displays and is the largest holiday lighting festival along the Gulf. The one-mile trail also offers a unique cultural experience with Chinese lanterns displayed in honor of the Chinese Lantern Festival. You can also enjoy the outdoor skating rink.

Best Christmas Towns in Texas: San Antonio, TX

San Antonio, TX is packed with tons of Christmas events and traditions , making it one of the best places to spend Christmas in Texas.  Their beautiful River Walk becomes a spectacular Christmas destination during the holiday season. With over 100,000 lights draping the bald cypress trees along the river, you’ll be amazed at the stunning sight of lights reflecting off the water.

San Antonio is also home to Six Flag Fiesta Texas, which puts on its annual Holiday in the Park . In addition to incredible light displays, you can enjoy the Texas Christmas traditions of roasting chestnuts and smores and visit Santa in Santa’s Workshop.

If you’re looking for one of the smaller places to go for Christmas in Texas, College Station is a great choice.  It is home to the spectacular Santa’s Wonderland . In addition to a massive Christmas light display, you’ll be able to see a giant Texas flag made of lights. Kids will love the petting zoo and pony rides and of course, meeting a unique Texas Santa, complete with black boots and a huge Texas cowboy hat. There’s also a Texas-sized Gingerbread Village made from 500lbs of gingerbread dough, 2000lbs of icing, and 400lbs of candy. New for 2020 is real outdoor ice skating with Illuminations Ice Arena. 

Fredericksburg is another one of the best Christmas towns in Texas. There’s so much to do in Fredericksburg during the Christmas season . The city is decked out in holiday lights and there are tons of shopping opportunities downtown. There is also a 26-foot tall German Christmas Pyramid and a Community Christmas Tree on the Marktplatz. 

If you’d like to go ice skating during your Texas Christmas, head to Eisbahn outdoor ice skating. Don’t forget to sample wine from the 48 participating Hill Country wineries represented at Texas Hill Country Wineries’ annual Christmas Wine Affair . Take a tour of Fredericksburg’s many historic, country, and contemporary homes beautifully decorated for the Christmas holiday, or enjoy a radio performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at the Fredericksburg Theater Company.

Amarillo is home to Bishop Hills, a beautiful neighborhood that features a spectacular Christmas light display worthy of a Texas Christmas every year. The residents of this neighborhood have been decorating their homes as a community Christmas tradition for over 50 years. Additionally, you can enjoy Christmas in the Gardens , the striking lights display of Amarillo Botanical Gardens . Amarillo also puts on annual holiday races where you can enjoy hot chocolate, food, Christmas carols, and door prizes.

The Dallas Zoo is home to the annual Dallas Zoo Lights . Complete with wild animal light sculptures and over a million colorful holiday lights, your family can enjoy walking through the park or watching one of the nightly musical performances. Kids will love making ornaments, participating in a scavenger hunt, or riding the carousel or mini-train. And the experience isn’t complete without a visit to Santa.

Fort Worth is the home of Texas Motor Speedway , which comes alive for the holiday season with over 2 million LED lights. Enjoy outdoor ice skating at Fort Worth’s Panther Island Ice skating rink. You can also enjoy a fun holiday shopping experience, complete with a photo with Santa, at Sundance Square . Or see a holiday show at Bass Performance Hall .

Starbright Village at McKinney Park is an annual Texas Christmas light tradition in Odessa and is known as the largest display of lights in the Permian Basin. You’ll be amazed by over 270,000 lights and holiday displays. Visitors can drive or walk through, and you’ll enjoy festive holiday music to complete the experience.

El Paso features many annual holiday traditions. The annual A Christmas Fair features hundreds of merchants for great holiday shopping.   Winterfest in downtown El Paso features holiday lights, food, shopping, and an outdoor ice skating rink. If you want a unique El Paso Christmas tradition, you have to try one of the locally-owned restaurants that serve tamales. Those are only a few of the many Christmas traditions you can enjoy in El Paso.

Visit Granbury – A Candlelight Tour through the Historic Granbury Square to see some of Granbury’s oldest homes beautifully decorated for the holidays. Or enjoy a unique outdoor interactive family event at Granbury Living Christmas Cards , a tour through stunning Christmas displays that remind you of the true meaning of Christmas. 

Pecos is a small town with a rich family tradition. Take part in the annual Holiday Open House Christmas Bazaar, which features a variety of local vendors selling jewelry and home decor. Kids will love “Pancakes with Santa,” which is hosted by the local Lions Club.

A yearly tradition in Wimberley is the Holiday Trail of Lights at the Emily Ann Theatre. Featuring six acres of trails, families will love walking through the glittering holiday light displays. There’s also a Ye Olde Yule Log burning nightly, weather permitting.

New Braunfels gives visitors a small-town Texas Christmas feel and features many fun holiday traditions. Christmas at the Caverns is a unique Christmas caroling experience in the awe-inspiring underground of the Natural Bridge Caverns. Wassailfest is held every year downtown and features Christmas lights, seasonal shopping, and, of course, a variety of delicious hot wassails.  If you’re looking for one of the best Christmas towns in Texas, New Braunfels is it. 

Marshall’s Wonderland of Lights is one of the largest light festivals in the country and the largest Christmas festival in Texas. The event includes many holiday traditions, such as a carousel and train rides for the kids, ice skating and horse-drawn carriages, and Santa’s Village. There’s also an annual Wassail Walk and Outdoor Christmas Market.

Visitors of Grand Prairie can take a fun holiday drive-through Prairie Lights . This annual holiday light park event features four million Christmas lights and stunning holiday displays. Families can park and enjoy the Indoor Holiday Show and a Holiday Magic Lighted Walk-Through Forest as well. 

Jefferson’s Candlelight Tour of Homes is what makes it one of the best Christmas towns in Texas.  The annual Christmas tradition boasts the warmth of an old-fashioned Christmas. See some of the most spectacular homes in historic Jefferson by the soft glow of candlelight. Complete with sparkling holiday decorations, what makes this Christmas experience unique are the tour guides dressed in old-fashioned clothing, giving guests information about the history of each home.

Cleburne turns into a Texas Christmas town with Whistle Stop Christmas every year. Featuring millions of holiday lights, this event features several holiday activities for the whole family. Cleburne’s live theater groups put on holiday plays, and there’s a Candlewalk Tour of Homes through some of Cleburne’s most beautiful houses, decorated for the holiday season.

Johnson City’s Lights Spectacular is an annual Christmas tradition, known as “the twinkliest town in the hill country.” See the Blanco County Courthouse decked out in holiday lights. There’s nightly holiday entertainment and local merchants selling food and holiday items. Visitors will also enjoy the Blanco Country Living Nativity Christmas Pageant put on by the Methodist Church.

Your Texas Christmas comes alive in Austin with a host of fun activities for the whole family. The Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park features over two million lights and 40 holiday displays. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is decorated in Christmas lights and features holiday music and aerial dance performances.

At Mozart’s Coffee Roasters , you can enjoy a tasty cup of hot chocolate and watch a stunningly choreographed lights display. If that’s not enough, you can see a holiday performance of POP! A Rockin’ Holiday Concert  at the ZACH Theatre or “The Nutcracker” with Ballet Austin at the Long Center. With plenty more to do, during the holidays, you can’t go wrong with your Texas Christmas in Austin.

Santa Land is Tyler’s Christmas drive-through park featuring millions of lights that can be seen for miles. The Tunnel of Lights is a 25,000 flashing lights display that ends with 12-foot-tall toy soldiers saluting you. Themed areas of the park feature Christmas music, a Snack Shack, and a Gift Shop for purchasing holiday hot cocoa and getting a picture with Santa.

Hidalgo’s Festival of Lights can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car or on a Holiday Train. Featuring a narrated guided tour against the backdrop of holiday music, you’ll see 3 miles of over 500 light displays with over 5 million Christmas lights. You can also enjoy a unique Christmas carnival experience at City Hall Plaza with carnival rides and food. Visit Santa’s House to get a family picture with St. Nick.

Have you visited any of these best Christmas towns in texas?  Where are your favorite places to go for Christmas in Texas?

Montoya (Monty) Hudson is the founder and primary voice behind The Spring Break Family. She has created informative travel content for families since 2018 by providing practical advice, easy to follow itineraries, and addressing the real challenges of family travel. Since the creation of her family travel blog, she's inspired thousands of families to travel the world with their kids.

Similar Posts

6 Of The Best Halloween Towns in Texas

Traveling Without Your Child: How to Ease the Anxiety For Everyone

The Best Things to Do with Kids in Frisco, TX

21 Awesome Things to Do in Philadelphia With Kids

The Inside Scoop on Gaylord Texan ICE!

Where to Stay in Barcelona With Kids: The Best Neighborhoods & Hotels in Barcelona for Families

Privacy overview.

ONE CHEL OF AN ADVENTURE

Best Christmas Towns in Texas

Looking for somewhere in Texas to visit during the Holidays? Want to know which Texas towns celebrate Christmas the best? From epic Christmas Light displays to festive holiday markets and events, these are The Best Christmas Towns in Texas to visit during the Holiday Season:

Texas Christmas Towns to Visit During the Holidays

This site contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting onechelofanadventure.com!

Best Christmas Towns in North Texas

Grapevine, texas.

What better place to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year than the Christmas Capital of Texas ? Grapevine, Texas is home to a whole host of cheery Christmas events—between November and January, enjoy a whopping 1,000+ events just for the holiday season, including:

• Gaylord Texan Hotel features 2 million twinkling lights, 15,000 ornaments, a 54-foot-tall Christmas tree, an ice skating rink, and more!
• The annual Christmas parades
• North Pole Express train ride
• Grapevine Santa House

Photo from Visit Grapevine Facebook page

Dallas, Texas

You might be surprised to know that one of the best places to spend Christmas in Texas is in Dallas ! Here are the best places to enjoy the Holidays:

• Zoo Lights at the Dallas Zoo: Enjoy over one million magical Christmas lights, including lit up animal sculptures and fun interactive exhibits—like scavenger hunts, making ornaments, and sitting on Santa’s lap.
• Dallas Arboretum : See the 25-foot-tall elaborately decorated Victorian-style gazebos that represent each of the 12 Days of Christmas,  enjoy over one million Christmas lights, visit the Christmas Village, see Santa Claus, and more!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Dallas Arboretum (@thedallasarboretum)

• The Galleria Dallas : Skate around the tallest indoor Christmas tree, check out SnowDay – an immersive holiday photo experience, or visit Santa at The North Pole Express!
• Drive through Candy Cane Lane and admire the lights
• Or visit a festive holiday pop-up bar !

Grand Prairie, Texas

Don’t want to shiver in the chilly weather that strikes Grand Prairie this time of year? You’re in luck, as one of the main highlights in this Texas Christmas town is the drive-thru Prairie Lights display (photo below from the Prairie Lights Facebook page ). 

Afterward, be sure to stop by the  Christmas Village . You can take a picture with Santa, enjoy an indoor laser show, and even walk through a magical animated Christmas forest.

Fort Worth, Texas

Stay socially distant and safe at the outdoor Panther Island ice skating rink or enjoy some world-class holiday shopping at Sundance Square in Fort Worth, Texas this holiday season.

 Looking for a light show? Then head to the Texas Motor Speedway, which is transformed every Christmas with over  2 million holiday lights (photo above from website ).

You May Also Like: Best Christmas Markets in the US

Waco, Texas

I couldn’t leave Waco off this list of best Christmas towns in Texas, and for good reason. Waco has a whole host of holiday events, including Waco Wonderland , which is mostly being celebrated online this year. 

Another popular spot to visit in Waco is Magnolia’s  Christmas at the Silos (photo above from their Facebook page ), where you can meet Santa and do some ice-skating on the lawn. And don’t miss the drive-thru nativity scene  put on by Columbus Avenue Baptist Church!

Best Christmas Towns in Central Texas

Johnson city, texas.

Johnson City is called “The Twinkliest Town in Texas” during the holiday season! The Lights Spectacular is an annual event that’s been going on for over 30 years and boasts over 1.3 million lights!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lights Spectacular JCTX (@lightsspectacularjctx)

Austin, Texas

Austin is filled with fantastic spots to check out incredible holiday light displays . One of my favorites (and one of the most famous!) is the Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park, complete with over two million lights and 40 beautiful holiday displays. 

More things to do in Austin, Texas during the Holiday Season :

• Drive through Peppermint Parkway at COTA or Santa’s Ranch for more amazing light displays
• Cuddle up with some festive hot chocolate while watching the light displays at Mozart’s  
• Or check out a fun holiday-themed bar

Need a Place to Stay? Check out the Coolest Airbnbs in Austin, Texas

San Antonio, Texas

The highlight of Christmas in San Antonio? Walking along the picturesque river walk , all lit up for the holiday season. You might even see Santa on one of the gondolas that float by! Make sure to check out the Holiday Light Fest for a parade along the river, complete with live music and charming Christmas decorations.

And if you’re in San Antonio, you’ve got to head over to The Alamo and see it all lit up for Christmas too!

You May Also Like: 21 Tips for Traveling During the Holidays

Fredericksburg, Texas

This German town is especially charming during the Christmas season and hosts an incredible Christmas market every year. And 2020 will be no different, with Fredericksburg’s tourism board dedicated to keeping the holiday magic alive even in difficult times with the following activities and events:

• 55 nights of Fredericksburg lights
• Eisbahn Outdoor Ice skating by the 26-foot German Christmas Pyramid
• Follow the wine trail and enjoy some local eats

Photo from Visit Fredericksburg TX Facebook page , credit Trish Rawls. 

For recs on where to stay in Fredericksburg, check out this post:  Where to Stay for a Weekend in Fredericksburg .

Georgetown, Texas

When it comes to places to spend Christmas in Texas, you can’t miss Georgetown. Enjoy a special breakfast with Santa at the Georgetown Community Center. 2020 marks the 20th anniversary of this special event (note: this year, there will be no breakfast but a meet-and-greet instead). Or, do some holiday shopping at the downtown Georgetown Historic Square while enjoying the Christmas lights. 

Best Christmas Towns in West Texas

El paso, texas.

El Paso is one of the best Christmas towns in West Texas for those who have some serious holiday shopping to do. Check out their massive Christmas market , which has been running for over 40 years and features over 200 merchants. Holiday goers should also attend WinterFest , which normally runs from November till January (NOTE: this year, it is mostly virtual). 

Or, drive down Scenic Drive in El Paso to soak in the  gorgeous Luminarias -traditional Mexican Christmas lanterns made with brown sacks – adorning churches, buildings, and homes.

Amarillo, Texas

If you’re looking for Texas Christmas towns that’ll get your heart rate up, Amarillo may be the choice for you. They host a variety of themed winter races where you can work off some of the holiday cookies, enjoy hot chocolate along the sidelines, and sing some Christmas carols. The Amarillo Botanical Gardens is also known for their holiday celebration called Christmas in the Gardens .

Or, head to the Bishop Hills neighborhood to see the spectacular Christmas decorations that neighbors have been decking out their homes in for over 50 years.

Best Christmas Towns in East Texas

Palestine, texas.

This is one of the best Christmas towns in Texas if you’ve got kids—just check out the Texas State Railroad’s Polar Express ride in Palestine, TX. This magical journey will take your family to the North Pole to meet Santa and the elves. Enjoy hot chocolate and Christmas cookies during the train ride. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Texas State Railroad (@texasstaterail)

Another unique pitstop in Palestine, TX? You won’t want to miss the  Grinch’s Lair  in Anderson Country Jail.

Marshall, Texas

The town of Marshall lights up at the holidays — literally! The Wonderland of Lights Festival has over 1 million Christmas lights. You can enjoy an outdoor skating rink, horse-drawn carriage rides, and of course, visit Santa in his village!

Jefferson, Texas

Calling all history buffs! Jefferson, Texas is the spot to be to soak up some historical architecture while getting in the Christmas spirit. You can tour some of Jefferson’s oldest homes , dating back to the 1800’s. They’re all decked out for the holiday season, and the tour is given by magical candlelight.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Jefferson Texas (@visitjeffersontexas)

You Might Also Like:   22 Incredible Treehouse Rentals in Texas

Tyler, Texas

If you’ve been to Tyler, Texas in spring, you’ve probably walked through the stunning Azalea District . You won’t want to miss this neighborhood come Christmas time either, as the homes there transform into a winter wonderland complete with lights and decorations. You can even vote for your favorite house online. 

Here are some other festive events in Tyler, Texas (photo above from the Visit Tyler, Texas Facebook page ):

• Mistletoe & Magic : The Junior League of Tyler’s local Christmas market  ( it’s virtual this year)
• Santa Land 
• 2020 Rotary Clubs of Tyler “Drive-Thru” Christmas Parade
• Lights in the Rose Garden

Best Christmas Towns in South Texas/Gulf Coast

Houston, texas.

There are tons of Holiday festivities in Houston, Texas ! Get some holiday shopping done at the Galleria while also enjoying the festive light displays and some ice skating (photo below from last year on their Facebook ). Make sure to get a picture with Santa while you’re there! 

Enjoy the perennial Society of the Performing Arts performance of the Christmas classic “Christmas Carol,” taking place online this year, streamed live each night . And of course, if Houston is on your list of Texas Christmas towns to visit, you’ll need to stop by the incredible light display at the  Houston Zoo Lights ! 

Above photo: Stephanie Adams/Houston Zoo

You May Also Like:  10 Best Texas Beaches

Galveston, Texas

Another favorite Christmas town on the Texas coast? Galveston! Experience the magic of Christmas at the famous Moody Gardens . While this destination is worth visiting year-round, it’s especially magical around the holidays when it’s decked out for the Festival of Lights. You can also see some incredible ice sculptures and ice skate outdoors at this Christmas destination.

Photo courtesy of Moody Gardens

Which of these Texas Christmas towns have you been to? Did I miss one of your favorites? Let me know in the comments or send me a DM on Instagram !

Related Posts:

• 5 Texas Hill Country Weekend Road Trip Ideas
• 22 Incredible Treehouse Rentals in Texas

The Best 12 Whiskey Drinks For Winter

You Might Also Like:

Best Christmas Markets in the US

21 Tips for Traveling During the Holidays

21 Unique Gift Ideas Under $50

Holiday Gift Guide: Best Fitness Gifts

Was this post helpful? Share it on Pinterest!

Share this:

One thought on “ best christmas towns in texas ”.

• Pingback: Winter Vacation Ideas in Texas - 11 Texas Trips to Take this Winter

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Discover more from ONE CHEL OF AN ADVENTURE

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

• Skip to right header navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary navigation
• Skip to primary sidebar

Discover the best that Southern USA has to offer! Hidden gems, vibrant cities and more!

10 Festive Christmas Towns in Texas You Must Visit!

June 13, 2023 //  by  Southern Trippers

Looking for an alternative way to celebrate your holidays while experiencing the best Christmas towns in Texas? We have got you covered!

Here we have compiled a list of the Christmas towns in Texas with the best Christmas cheer! Whether you’re looking for a spot to make some new Christmas traditions, or looking to explore a new town on your way to see family, Texas is a unique and fun state to consider with plenty of options!

Checking Texas activities off a bucket list will never be complete without visiting in all seasons, and when you’re looking for the hidden gems for fall and spring, or the best beaches for when the weather gets perfect, Christmas trips in Texas are always a great choice!

So turn on that Christmas music and light a festive candle to get in the holiday mood while we walk you through your options for some of the best Texas Christmas towns!

First on our list of the Christmas towns in Texas is Gravevine, also known as the Christmas capitol of Texas!

Grapevine can be best experienced with their Christmas Passport, which gives you a ton of options and activities to knock-off during your time there to best explore the city! This is a great way to see everything and get to have fun on an Elf Adventure! They will have an ice rink, Christmas events, parades and celebrations all to ring in the holiday season!

Definitely check their website to make sure you get tickets to their more popular shows and activities and have the best time in this option for TX Christmas towns!

Marshall, Texas is home to the Wonderland of Lights!

Along with the more traditional Christmas events, Marshall is home to unique and beautiful light displays to get anyone in the Christmas spirit! Their events start in the end of November and go into the days before Christmas day!

Go to Marshall if you’re looking to enjoy local food and shapes! This is a great spot to sit and experience some of Texas’s history!

San Antonio

A trip to the best Christmas towns in Texas would not be complete without a trip into San Antonio!

By definition, San Antonio is the perfect option when considering Hallmark towns in Texas! Home to some beautiful Latin American holiday celebrations, Cavern Holiday carolling and Riverwalks – San Antonio has a little bit for everyone!

Christmas on the Riverwalk is the perfect thing for people who love walking (or romantic canal cruises) under gorgeous light displays! Las Posadas is another classic Christmas celebration observed by locals, complete with door-to-door singing in costumes, delicious food and Mexican Hot Chocolate, you can’t go wrong! Lastly, Christmas at the Caverns is a unique way to ring in the holiday season! Natural Bridge Caverns is a gorgeous landscape with cool formations unique to the area, and a cool tourist activity to partake in – especially when you consider taking part in some lovely carolling and even seeing Spelunker Santa!

If you’re in San Antonio for a good time, but not a long time, here’s our list of the best restaurants in San Antonio, Texas ! Don’t miss out on some amazing food!

College Station

Another perfect destination for someone looking for a fully immersive Christmas destination! When looking for the things to do in Texas in December, what better way to spend the holidays than at Santa’s Wonderland!

Complete with dazzling lights, Texas snow and ice, beautiful Shoppes with artisan specialties and delicious food, Santa’s Wonderland is a great spot to stop! Running from November 10th until December 30th, there’s something for everyone! With a playground, live entertainment, train and bull rides and a Cowboy Santa, Santa’s Wonderland is a great spot to be!

Don’t miss out on buying tickets online and secure a time to go experience one of the best Christmas getaways in Texas!

Fredericksburg

When considering the many options for Christmas mountain towns in Texas, please consider Fredericksburg!

Proud of their German heritage, Fredericksburg brings its citizens and visitors right to Germany with their festivities! Complete with both a 30 foot Christmas tree and an authentic German Christmas pyramid, Fredericksburg always looks it’s best in it’s finest holiday decor and having festive wine and food! This is definitely a front-runner for the best Christmas towns in Texas

Fredericksburg is the definition of Hallmark towns in Texas! Celebrate the cities (and your!) German roots with this town’s German heritage festivals, holiday carolling, and their Christmas Nights of Lights!

Looking for some non-Christmas themed activities on your visit to Fredericksburg? No problem! Here’s our list of the best things to do in Fredericksburg all year round!

If you’re looking to experience the best Christmas getaways in Texas, Richmond is definitely a location that will give you a run for your money!

Perfect for those looking for some history and lovely Christmas decorations! Their Historic District gets decked out with Christmas spirit and after their Tree Lighting Ceremony, this town hosts a Christmas Walk! You get to walk around the city as it lights up with Christmas cheer and experience some holiday shopping, delicious treats and some lovely performances! This Christmas walk happens the first week of December, so if it’s on your bucket list (its on ours!) check their town website for this year’s dates! They also have a map so you don’t miss out on anything!

Don’t miss out on this option for the best Christmas towns in Texas!

When we hear Galveston, we hear the best Texas Christmas towns!

Galveston is home to some unique and beautiful displays of holiday cheer and should never be overlooked for an option for your best Christmas getaways in texas!

Moody Gardens hosts their Holiday in the Gardens with music and events in their bio-domes (aquarium, garden and overall majestic property), including a Festival of Lights! Take a stroll in the garden and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere! Dickens on the Strand is another great option for those looking for some period holiday costumes, street performers, food stands, a community parade and some artisan vendors! And, of course, Christmas shopping cannot be complete without a visit to Hendley Market! Filled with the odds and ends of non-traditional gifts, this is a great location to stroll through to find one of a kind gifts!

Don’t miss out on this awesome option for the best Christmas towns in Texas!

Jefferson is home to some great Christmas attractions that will make any Christmas trips in Texas an amazing experience!

With craft shows, wine tastings, and food festivals, Jefferson has something for every kind of visitor! You’re never short of things to do in Texas in December if you’re in Jefferson, exploring what the city has to offer!

They have a Christmas Express Train where you can enjoy a ride on an antique narrow gauge gas locomotive along the Cypress Bayou River while listening to the story of Christmas! You can also tour historic homes in Jefferson in the Candlelight Tour of Homes! Experience some period costumes, women in hoop skirts and men in tall hats, and enjoy beautiful architecture and landscapes lit by timeless candlelight!

Don’t overlook Jefferson as one of the best Christmas towns in TX!

Another fantastic option for TX Christmas towns is Wimberley!

This small town gives off fantastic Christmas vibes with their Trail of Lights at the Emily Ann Theater! This is six acres of light displays perfect for an evening with friends, family or a romantic walk with a partner, enjoying the sites and a cup of hot chocolate! Another great option is the Wimberley Market! Take advantage of their artisan selections to get your families gifts for the holidays!

They also have a Christmas parade! Don’t miss out on this lovely option for the best Christmas towns in Texas!

New Braunfels

Last, but certainly not least, on our list of the best Christmas towns in Texas is New Braunfels!

New Braunfels is another picturesque German town in Texas that is the perfect mixture between Christmas celebration and celebrating their German heritage! With traditional festivities and German staples, New Braunfels is perfect for those wishing for the best places to spend Christmas in Texas!

Hosting a Festival of Trees, Christmas Markets, and their German Heritage Showcase (complete with drinks, food and Christmas carolling), New Braunfels is a great spot to stop and spend the holidays! Make sure you catch the lighting ceremony and get a photo with Cowboy Kringle, the tour of homes, Santas Ranch and Bah Humbug (New Braunfel’s one-actor-show)!

Don’t overlook this phenomenally festive option for the best Christmas towns in Texas!

Christmas is a great opportunity to experience a well-loved town in the winter, or adventure somewhere new for some unique festivities! Whatever your motivations, enjoying TX Christmas towns will never let you down and will always leave you loving the holiday vibes! Don’t forget that there are snakes in Texas , whether it’s summer, winter, spring or fall, they’re always around, so stay safe!

Now that you’ve seen some of the options for the best places to spend Christmas in Texas, where will you adventure first?

Join our Adventure: Get all my insider tips for traveling the great state of Texas

VERY TRULY TEXAS

Christmas in Texas (most festive places in 2023)

When it comes to celebrating, the Lone Star State tends to go big and Christmas in Texas is one of the best ways to celebrate. Decked out in millions (literally!) of twinkling lights, gorgeous nativity displays, trucked in snow for a white Texas Christmas, tours of historic homes, and western fun on the ranch is just a start to all this state has to offer for the Christmas season.

We live in Central Texas near Austin and I start scoping out fun holiday events for the season as soon as summer ends. We spend many days exploring locally and all that this state has to offer for a festive Christmas in Texas!

We aren’t afraid of driving a few hours for an amazing light display or fun sledding hill with falling “snow.” Texas is filled with amazing Christmas towns and we are out exploring them to share with you! Last year, we toured the Dallas area and fell in love all over again with Fort Worth and Grapevine. We also spent the week between Christmas and New Years in the San Antonio area.

Every year brings somewhere new to research and explore…so stay tuned for our reviews of the best places for festive activities and merry decorations for the 2023 season! Plan a few day trips or a weekend getaway for a magical Christmas in Texas!

Some of the links below are affiliate links which means that we earn a small commission if you choose to purchase – at no additional cost to you. See our full Privacy Policy here.

Christmas in Texas: Best Festive Small Towns

Texas is filled with dozens of charming small towns that offer tasty places to eat, historic activities, natural beauty, and plenty of Southern hospitality. Some of these also make up our favorite Christmas towns in Texas due to their magical approach to the holiday season!

Want to book a holiday photo shoot in Texas?

With photographers near Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio…we highly recommend booking a photo shoot to capture the memories!

Photo Shoots are our absolute FAVORITE vacation souvenirs as well as our favorite gift to give others!

Use this link to get $25 off your first photo session with Flytographer!

Photo Credit: Robyn in Austin with Flytographer

Wimberley is a personal favorite due to the gorgeous natural beauty that surrounds this area year round. During the Christmas season, visitors will find many hidden, merry gems in this small Hill Country town. Main Street is decked out in its holiday finest with many heated patio restaurants for outdoor dining and charming cowboy boots artistically designed and blending beautifully with the festive décor.

The town’s highlight during the holiday season is the Wimberley Trail of Lights when the sun goes down. This twinkling path winds through acres of gardens and is a magical way to spend the evening. Plan to stay awhile by the yule log when you are through and roast marshmallows by the campfire!

Marble Falls

Marble Falls is another Hill Country town that is so charming for a Christmas in Texas getaway. Their list of available Christmas events is a mile long starting with Christmas lights in Marble Falls and ending with ice cream at Ms. Lollipop’s!

Plan a day trip or weekend getaway to Marble Falls for the magical Walkway of Lights, outdoor ice skating rink with falling snow, and delicious restaurants. Then extend your visit a bit longer to enjoy the ice sculpting events, boutique shopping, Christmas market, festive décor, Christmas parade, and some brewery hopping.

Ah…the Christmas Capital of Texas. We spent last Christmas exploring Grapevine and it was magical! Millions of twinkling lights line the street and there is so much to see and do. Everywhere you look is festive and it brings some a spark to the Christmas season.

Ice Skate at the beautiful outdoor rink outside of Harvest Hall. The ambiance with the beautiful Christmas tree is the perfect spot with kids or a date night. And while you there, grab some dinner inside – the options are so varied, it is amazing! Choose from kabobs from Zatar or a pizza from Luigi’s or sliders from Brisket Rules. We found the lines to be really long here on a weekend night, so plan to have an early dinner or you might find your favorite menu items running out before you can order!

Walk down Main Street with your camera in hand for photos in the mistletoe booth and the photo opps inside the Visitor’s Center for only $1 and then push the big red button to watch the train village in action! Walk through the ICE! exhibit at the Gaylord Texan Christmas event and don’t miss their outdoor light display.

There are many more things to do for Christmas in Grapevine , so if you have never been, this would be our top recommendation to book right away!

Johnson City

Johnson City has the sweetest nickname in all of Texas I think – “The Twinkliest Town in Texas.” They have earned this adorable title by putting on an INCREDIBLE display at Lights Spectacular ! NASA has reportedly been able to see the lights from the space.

Millions of lights wrap the trees around the Pedernales Electric Company headquarters, as well as around the town’s historic courthouse. Feel free to drive around the blocks, take a merry walk, or take advantage of the onsite horse and carriage rides.

Fredericksburg

This town is in the heart of Hill Country and can draw quite the holiday crowd. You’ll want to plan to be at the Marketplatz before 6pm on the evening of your visit to see the nightly light and music show and see the wooden, German pyramid spin like a carousel.

Christmas in Fredericksburg, Texas is most amazing if you find the opportunity to celebrate with the traditions of the towns roots – German Style! Visit the Pioneer Museum for fun children’s activities, stop by the Fredericksburg Holiday Market, and lace up your skates at Eisbahn Ice Skating Rink.

The Georgetown Christmas Stroll is this town’s most exciting event on the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas. A charming downtown parade circles the Georgetown Square and live performances take to the stage through the weekend.

>>> Read Next: Visiting the Georgetown Square

Children will love the opportunity to have breakfast with The Grinch, visit Santa is his forest village, try interactive projects in the Bethlehem Village, and munch on holiday treats. Don’t miss Christmas in Georgetown after dark; the twinkling lights and stunning Christmas tree in front of the courthouse are not to be missed!

>>> Read Next: Things to do in Georgetown

Boerne is a small town that packs a festive, merry punch when it comes to Christmas! Located just north of San Antonio, the Old West Christmas Light Fest is a jolly experience at Enchanted Springs Ranch complete with twinkling historic, western buildings, a light maze, cookie decorating, scavenger hunts, and s’mores by the campfire. We visited last weekend (Thanksgiving weekend 2023) and it was so worth the trip! SO much to do and definitely an enchanting way to kick off the Christmas season.

A Boerne Christmas offers four themed holiday weekends ranging from Dickens on Main to Weihnachts Weekend. You’ll find a lighted parade, Whoville hair styles, shopping on the Hill Country Mile, winter wonderland activities, and more!

Christmas in Texas: Best Light Displays

Exploring beautiful Christmas lights in Texas is the perfect way to unwrap the magic of the Lone Star State. Texas sure knows how to shine during the holiday season, and whether you’re looking to drive through or walk through the glowing displays, here are the best ways to enjoy Christmas in Texas – one twinkle at a time!

Walk Through Christmas Lights

If you’re up for some festive strolling, Texas has you covered. Wind through charming pathways adorned with millions of sparkling lights, a true winter wonderland with festive tunes playing. The light tunnels are the best – am I right?

Head over to the Austin Trail of Lights , a beloved tradition where you can walk hand in hand with loved ones under canopies of shimmering lights. And in San Antonio, don’t miss out on the River Walk’s transformation into a magical paradise – the perfect blend of lights, culture, and river views.

Best Christmas lights in Texas:

• Trail of Lights (Wimberley, TX)
• Walkway of Lights (Marble Falls, TX)
• Lightscape at the Gardens (Fort Worth, TX)
• Space Center (Houston, TX)
• More Christmas Light Show Details here

Drive Thru Christmas Lights

For those of you who want to stay in the comfort of your car for convenience or due to weather, Texas boasts some of the most epic drive-thru Christmas light displays .

Some of the state’s best are the iconic Gift of Lights at the Texas Motor Speedway and Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels where over a million lights come to life. Zilker Park’s Trail of Lights in Austin are a historical tradition and favorite holiday activity.

Best Lights to see by car:

• Prairie Lights (Grand Prairie, TX)
• Land of Lights Christmas Park (Athens, TX)
• Main Street (Grapevine, TX)
• Peppermint Parkway (Austin, TX)
• See Complete List of Drive Thru Lights Here

Celebrating Christmas in Texas near Austin

Zilker park.

Austin’s cherished holiday tradition, the Austin Trail of Lights, transforms iconic Zilker Park into a dazzling wonderland adorned with two million lights, 90 festive Christmas trees, and 70 enchanting displays, creating a sight that’s truly breathtaking.

Beyond the gorgeous lights, the Trail of Lights offers a festive experience with live music, tasty food trucks, carousel and train rides, joyful encounters with Santa, and the towering Ferris wheel offering stunning cityscape views.

The crowning glory is the Zilker Tree, a majestic 155-foot-tall Christmas tree covered with over 3,300 lights, serving as the event’s focal point and taking center stage during the tree lighting ceremony on opening night. This Christmas lighting in Austin is not to be missed!

Driskill Hotel

Step into a magical winter tale at The Driskill Hotel, an iconic Austin landmark that transforms into a captivating holiday spot during the Christmas season. Every corner of the hotel comes alive with elegance and cheer, as elaborate Christmas decorations make the atmosphere merry and bright.

The grand lobby welcomes you with a magnificent 16-foot Christmas tree perfectly decorated with twinkling lights and glistening ornaments, while wreaths, garlands, and seasonal accents fill the space. Beyond the decorations, you can enjoy in a range of holiday-themed activities, including a tree lighting ceremony featuring live music and cocktails. The hotel’s festive dining options, such as a special Christmas brunch and dinner, further elevate the holiday experience.

Four Seasons Ice Rodeo

You will an enchanting winter wonderland right in downtown Austin at the Four Seasons hotel. The hotel’s Ice Rodeo promises an amazing Austin Christmas experience with a stunning 30-foot Christmas tree, a life-sized gingerbread Airstream trailer (built from 350 pounds of gingerbread dough and 250 pounds of icing!), festive menu items, and a spacious outdoor ice-skating rink.

A twinkling sea of white Christmas lights welcomes visitors, along with a Texan longhorn sculpture and a 10-foot guitar crafted from natural elements. After graceful twirls on the ice, skaters can unwind at rustic wood-barrel tables. Intimate fire pits and roasted house-made s’mores are the icing on the cake. Groups of up to six can reserve private cabins near the ice rink with beautiful lodge-inspired décor and luxury amenities.

For those that wish to stay overnight in their gorgeous rooms with delicious on-site restaurants, check rates and availability here .

Texas State Capitol

The Texas Capitol Building gives free tours year round, but we think there is no better time to explore Texas history here than during the Christmas season when it is decked out in merry and bright decorations.

The tree in front of the Capitol building is 150 feet tall and will be officially lit on December 3rd. It will glow brightly at 6pm every night all season.

A Texas Christmas Near Houston

Houston is filled with amazing Christmas activities, and also prefer to kick off the season with a visit to one of the best Christmas tree farms in Houston .

Space Center Holiday Festivities

The Space Center in Houston is incredible year round, but their Galaxy Lights event is out of this world. This captivating experience is fun for the whole family, combining science and holiday cheer in a truly unique way. With interactive exhibits, stunning light shows, and an atmosphere that ignites the imagination, it’s a holiday journey unlike any other.

Day Trip to Galveston

If a Texas Christmas to you means sand between your toes, you’ll want to at least take a day trip to Galveston from Houston. The Festival of Lights in Moody Gardens is a gorgeous light display and the area also offers some great interactive exhibits.

The Grand Galvez is also a gorgeously decorated building surrounded by the island’s tell tale palm trees covered in twinking lights. If you are a fan of a Victorian style Christmas, then Dickens on the Strand is a must-do! Dress in your Victorian best and enjoy the magical entertainment and delicious food options.

Christmas Near Dallas, Texas

Drive thru lights at the texas motor speedway.

Within the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, you’ll find the Gift of Lights, a beloved drive-thru Christmas light activity. Cue your favorite tunes and set aside around 45 minutes to journey through this luminous display. Rain or shine, the event stands ready to greet you, making it a perfect choice even on drizzly nights, adding a sprinkle of magic to your holiday season.

Visit Fort Worth Stockyards

Venturing to the Stockyards is our top pick for Fort Worth’s Christmas festivities. Amidst the historic charm, there’s a world of cowboy boots to shop, captivating western shootouts to witness, and the delight of carriage rides through historic streets, not to mention an encounter with Cowboy Santa.

The official “Christmas in the Stockyards” event on December 3rd promises a parade, carolers, and stories, in addition to the everyday festive activities. The Stockyards are decorated so merry and bright on every light pole and a wreath on every hook. The tree outside the Stockyard Exchange is a showstopper for sure.

Take to the ice with holiday cheer. The stockyard maze calls to adventurous ones – who’ll prove to have the best sense of direction? Not me! As my husband and I observed our kids conquer the maze, I marveled at their skills, secretly relieved I didn’t end up wandering around inside!

Detour to Grapevine – The Christmas Capital of Texas

Grapevine, Texas, proudly holds its title as the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” and stepping into a Grapevine Christmas is to enjoy the best of Lone Star holiday festivities.

The city undergoes a magical process each November, transforming into a winter wonderland of dazzling lights, festive spirit, and a whirlwind of events totaling over 1,400 in just 40 days! The historic downtown radiates with millions of lights and décor, and vibrant bistros and wineries add plenty of places to enjoy. The famed Parade of Lights lights up the city, while the North Pole Express beckons with an imaginative train journey.

Our own Grapevine Christmas adventure last December was fantastic – twinkling lights, the scent of pine, family-friendly activities, and irresistible photo opportunities sprinkled throughout the town created the perfect Christmas in Grapevine experience. Our children were captivated by the Visitor’s Center train and the nightly town clock spectacle too!

A San Antonio Christmas in Texas

Explore river walk.

When the holiday season comes to San Antonio, don’t miss the enchanting San Antonio River Walk! This iconic river transforms into a mesmerizing wonderland, strung with over 100,000 lights draping the trees and bridges. You can take a leisurely walk along the riverbanks or opt for a serene Go Rio Cruise, gliding on the shimmering waters.

From late November to early January, these dazzling lights create the ideal family tradition, offering a captivating experience. And mark your calendar – the lights sparkle to life on November 25th, coinciding with the eagerly awaited Ford Holiday River Parade, a festive kickoff to the season.

Visit the Alamo Lights

If you’re heading to San Antonio at Christmas , make sure to stop by the historic Alamo and the nearby missions. You can enter the church for free with timed tickets, or opt for a guided tour. Step into the past at the Alamo, where holiday decorations add charm to this symbol of Texas’ history and courage. Learn about bravery and sacrifice that shaped the nation, and enjoy hands-on exhibits behind the church that kids will love.

Don’t miss the Alamo Lights at night! We did and I am still so disappointed! Entrance is allowed after dark for a small fee and the property is lit up beautifully! It is a great addition to San Antonio Christmas lights events.

Plus, don’t miss the other missions like San Jose, Concepcion, San Juan, and Espada. These sites give you a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage, offering beautiful views and interesting architecture that tell stories of the past.

Grab Tamales and Pastries in the Historic Market Square

Roam through the bustling marketplace and discover a treasure trove of unique vendors, offering an array of delightful gifts, artisan crafts, and mouthwatering treats. The whimsical Christmas tree reminded us of something from Whoville – so brightly colored and fun!

Don’t miss the chance to savor the legendary Mi Tierra Café experience! Immerse yourself in the world of authentic Mexican cuisine, and as you indulge in the mouthwatering dishes. From conchas to tamales, they have it all.

Don’t let the line deter you – a separate line for dining leaves a quick moving line through the bakery. While prices might not be listed, they’re surprisingly budget-friendly, leaving us with the delightful regret of not having filled our bags even more!

Where to Find a Christmas Tree in Texas

When gearing up for Christmas in Texas, there’s nothing quite like a visit to Texas Christmas tree farms to kickstart the festive vibes! A variety of tree types grow locally such as the classic Virginia Pine and the charming Leyland Cypress.

I’ve been part of our family’s annual Christmas tree quest since I was born, and it’s become an absolute favorite tradition. We head out to these farms, find that perfect tree, and then turn it into a whole day of fun by exploring some of Texas’ finest Christmas towns.

Whether you’re coming from North, Central, East, West, or South Texas, you’ll find plenty of options on the list below..

• Evergreen Farms (Elgin, TX))
• Mainstay Farm Park (Cleburne, TX)
• Flower Mound Christmas Trees (Flower Mound, TX)
• More Christmas Tree Farms in Texas

Christmas in Texas FAQs

Where is a good place to go for christmas in texas.

Known as the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” Grapevine transforms into a holiday wonderland that is the perfect place to go for Christmas. With a delightful Christmas parade, magnificent decorations, and a magical North Pole Express train ride, Grapevine is like stepping into a Hallmark movie with a Texan backdrop.

What is the perfect Christmas town in Texas?

The enchanting town of Georgetown, Texas is like a page out of a holiday storybook! With its historic charm, twinkling lights adorning the Square, and a charming downtown parade, Georgetown transforms into the perfect Christmas town.

What is Texan Christmas tradition?

One cherished tradition is the “Trail of Lights.” Cities across Texas light up their parks and neighborhoods with spectacular displays of twinkling lights, creating enchanting walking or driving trails for families and friends to enjoy.

Where is there a Christmas town in Texas?

Head to the charming town of Fredericksburg, Texas – a true Christmas getaway! With its German heritage and picturesque Main Street, Fredericksburg transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season. The whole town is adorned with twinkling lights, charming decorations, with a holiday market, festive cultural events, and cheerful spirit. Fredericksburg is the perfect destination for experiencing the magic of a Christmas town in Texas.

What town in Texas has the best Christmas lights?

The city of Grapevine, Texas is a true gem when it comes to Christmas lights! Known as the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” Grapevine goes all out with its dazzling light displays. From the merry Gaylord Texan’s Lone Star Christmas to the festive Main Street decorations and the magical North Pole Express train ride, Grapevine truly lives up to its title.

What do people eat on Christmas in Texas?

When it comes to a Christmas dinner menu in Texas, you’ll find a blend of classic Southern comfort and Tex-Mex flavors. Roasted turkey or ham takes center stage, often accompanied by cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, and gravy. For dessert, pecan pie is a must, celebrating the rich flavors of the region’s beloved nut.

But what’s a Texan feast without a touch of spice? Tamales, a cherished Tex-Mex tradition, often make their appearance. Texans also love their BBQ so you may just find the classic main dish swapped out for some brisket.

What is Texas Christmas capital of the world?

The honor of being known as the “Christmas Capital of Texas” belongs to none other than the charming city of Grapevine! This Texan gem goes all out during the holiday season. With its enchanting decorations, festive events, and a heartwarming atmosphere, Grapevine truly lives up to its title. From parades to light displays, holiday markets to train rides, Grapevine offers a magical experience. So, if you’re seeking the ultimate Texan holiday destination, Grapevine is the place to be.

Does Texas have a white Christmas?

Texas is known for its warm climate so a white Christmas is quite rare in most parts of the state. The southern regions, like Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, typically experience mild to warm temperatures during the holiday season. Some areas in the Texas Panhandle and the western part of the state, like Amarillo and El Paso, have a higher chance of seeing snow around Christmas , but even in these areas, a white Christmas is unlikely.

Does it snow in Texas for Christmas?

Snow on Christmas Day in Texas is quite rare, especially in the southern and coastal regions of the state. However, some areas in the northern and western parts of the state, particularly in the Texas Panhandle and higher elevation regions, have a slightly higher chance of experiencing snow during the winter months.

Do Christmas trees grow in Texas?

In Texas, you’ll find both native and non-native tree varieties used as Christmas trees. Some popular options include Virginia pine, Leyland cypress, Arizona cypress, and various types of fir and spruce trees that are well-suited to the state’s climate.

If you’re looking for a fresh Christmas tree in Texas, you can visit Christmas tree farms across the state, especially in the eastern and northern parts. Many of these farms allow families to choose and cut down their own trees – which is one of our personal favorite traditions!

Where Will You Go for Christmas in Texas?

As the holiday season arrives in the Lone Star State, there are many amazing places to experience the magic of Christmas in Texas! There are the glittering lights of Dallas’s neighborhoods to the enchanting festivities near Houston, and the charming small towns that light up like stars in Hill Country. Texas embraces the miraculous spirit of the season like no other.

Venture to the outskirts of Austin for a visit to a Christmas tree farm, where choosing your own tree becomes a cherished memory. Experience the joy of driving through the sparkling light displays that line San Antonio’s River Walk or Grapevine’s Main Street!

This season, let the Lone Star State light up your holidays with its warmth and holiday magic! Happy exploring, and may your Christmas in Texas be merry and bright!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Read More Christmas posts

Best Christmas Tree Farm in Houston in 2023

Magical Guide to a Boerne Christmas in 2023

Johnson City Christmas Lights in 2023

A Magical Guide to Christmas in Austin, Texas in 2023

Sierra Schmidt is the founder of Very Truly Texas as well as the lead writer and photographer. She is a Texas local living near Austin in the beautiful Texas Hill Country and exploring every inch of this vast state.

She provides detailed itineraries, inspiring images, and hidden gems to encourage locals and visitors to discover their own next adventure in the great state of Texas!

Similar Posts

Best 2023 Drive Thru Christmas Lights in Texas

22 Magical Christmas Towns in Texas in 2023

Visit a Christmas Tree Farm in San Antonio

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Skip to right header navigation
• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to secondary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Metroplex Social is your daily source for breaking news, trending topics, culture, entertainment, and more!

10 Magical Christmas Towns In Texas You’ll Want To Visit This Winter

November 27, 2020 //  by  Eunice Archila //   Leave a Comment

Small towns, big towns, every Texas city has their own Christmas corner and I love it! It may not always snow in Texas, but that doesn’t take away from the magic each city brings to their town square or downtown. Here are my favorite Christmas Towns in Texas to visit…

Did you know the Christmas Capital of Texas is right here in DFW? That’s right, you can actually have a White Christmas in Grapevine, TX this Winter .

With Christmas tunes in the background and twinkling lights everywhere — it’s easy to spread joy and the Christmas spirit when you visit one of these festive places in our must-visit 10 Magical Christmas Towns in Texas !

10 Magical Places to Spend Christmas in Texas This Winter

Make the holidays even more special by visiting these Christmas towns in Texas this winter.

McKinney Square – Christmas Towns in Texas

Every year McKinney Square is transformed into a winter wonderland during the holidays. If you’re going to Home for the Holidays , a free event, you can expect to have the best time! Take your kid’s on a ride in Frosty’s Train or ice skating in the square,  there’s a ton to do during this event. One of my favorite things to do is get a cup of hot cocoa at Filtered Coffee , shop for holiday gifts at Landry Kate and Christmas decor at Birds and Words .

Grapevine – Christmas Capital of Texas

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Grapevine (@visitgrapevine)

I mean, we couldn’t leave out the Christmas Capital of Texas.  Not only are there a ton of events around town during the holidays but the historic downtown is transformed into the North Pole. Seriously, I feel like I’m in Santa’s village every time I visit. You can get the cutest Christmas decor and inspiration here. There’s always something to look at or take a picture of. Read more about ALL of the wintry things to do in Grapevine here !

Southlake Square

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Southlake Town Square (@southlaketownsquare)

Personally, I think Southlake Square is the perfect spot to shop for everyone on your Christmas list and get the groceries you need for Friend mas and all the Christmas festivities around this time of year. The annual tree lighting isn’t one you’ll want to miss and your kids will also love visiting Santa’s Village in the heart of the Square.

So, go on a carriage ride, have breakfast with Santa, listen to Mrs. Claus tell the most magical stories, and go snow hill tubing! Southlake knows how to bring the Christmas spirit into everyone’s lives, so you won’t want to miss out! Learn more about their events here .

Fredericksburg – Texas Hill Country Christmas

View this post on Instagram A post shared by FredericksburgTX (@visitfredtx)

If you’re looking for a quaint-lifetime-movie style feel — Fredericksburg is where it’s at! It’s the perfect town to visit if you want a little bit of Germany and Texas all-in-one. It’s a month-long celebration.

Visit the magical light-filled Marktplatz that features a hand-carved, 26-foot tall, wooden Christmas pyramid. They host events all month long like the Tannenbaum Ball. You can also get your shopping on with over 150 stores. Each store decorated and filled with one-of-a-kind treasures. There’s even a skating rink!

Fredricksburg is a must-stop. The whole town will be decked out in holiday decor. Learn more about visiting during the holidays here .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Jefferson Texas (@visitjeffersontexas)

What will you find in Jefferson ? The warmth of an old-fashioned Christmas. You won’t want to miss the Christmas parade and tree lighting or the Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes . Visit the lavish historic homes under the soft glow of candlelights. Fresh fir trees, each decorated to the brim with tinsel, ribbon, and sparkling glass balls. Besides each home being decorated in Christmas decor, you’ll find women in hooped gowns and men in top hats and tails.

You’ll also want to board on the Christmas Express Train . So get ready to take a peek into the past when you visit Jefferson !

Grand Prairie

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aaron “The_Sanchez” Sanchez (@the_sanchez)

I experienced my first ever Christmas in Grand Prairie last year and oh my, I fell in love. Prairie Lights is a must-visit. It’s the perfect photo-op but when you’re halfway through Prairie Lights, you’ll stop in a small village where you’ll get to shop, eat and drink holiday refreshments meanwhile you walk through more lights. Then they pull out all the stops because as you exit, you’re engulfed in a light tunnel.

The kiddos will also love Snow Ho Ho and Holiday Market with Santa . At Snow Ho Ho, your kids will be busy working on crafts taking pictures with Santa. They also have holiday performances and don’t forget to ride the Polar Express ! Get all your holiday gifts at Holiday Market with Santa . Learn more about what’s going in Grand Prairie during the holidays here .

See more places in DFW to see holiday light displays here .

Fort Worth – Have a Cowboy Christmas in Texas!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fort Worth (@visitfortworth)

Did someone say a cowboy Christmas? Escape to Fort Worth with the family during the holidays! Grab a cup of hot cocoa and buy everything that’s on your gifts list around Sundance Square , stop by Texas Motor Speedway to see over 2 million LED lights, skate around Panther Island Ice , and watch a holiday performance at Bass Performance Hall.

Don’t forget to take a picture with Santa in Sundance Square Plaza . If you’re looking for Cowboy Santa , be sure to visit Stockyard Stations . Learn all about what Fort Worth has going on during the holidays here .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Austin TX (@visitaustintx)

Keep Austin Christmasy! Visit Trail of Lights , stroll around downtown to see the beautiful Christmas tree , visit Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. We hear they have a holiday reputation that’s unbeatable. Every year, the coffee shop comes alive during the holidays with over 150,000 Christmas lights set up.

Did we mention there’s a Christmas tree farm ? So ditch the artificial tree and haul a giant tree back home! They also have an annual sing-along in downtown that’s a rite of passage for all Texans! And of course, there’s nothing wackier than 37th street .

Not ready to drive to Austin for a Christmas tree? Check out these Christmas tree farms near Dallas Fort Worth .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Alico In Waco (@ispythe_alico)

Let’s start with Christmas at the Silos . It’s a two-weekend extravaganza packed with so much holiday joy. What can you expect? There’s a Christmas market featuring artisan vendors, Santa Claus, family activities, and of course, your favorite Christmas tunes.

Waco Wonderland is also a month-long celebration. Like the Mistletoe Market , Santa’s House on Heritage Square , The Wonderland Run , and family-fun you won’t soon forget! Go snow tubing , on a train or carriage ride , visit the petting zoo and ride the Ferris wheel with the whole family!

There’s so much to do in Waco, be sure to check out their calendar of events here .

San Antonio – Festive Christmas Town in Texas

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit San Antonio (@visitsanantonio)

The Christmas festivities begin the day after Thanksgiving on the Riverwalk . Who wouldn’t want to see the 100,000 twinkling lights turn on? Experience a different kind of Christmas in San Antonio like eating homemade tamales to celebrate the holidays, it’s a San Antonio tradition.

You’ll find a mixture of cultures here like the Kristinkindlmarkt — a German Christmas market. You’ll find yourself buying all the handcrafted gifts, pottery, woodworking, fine arts, German clothing and accessories, holiday sweets, and more.

What can you expect when you spend a weekend here? Caroling, shopping, tamale-making and so many fun places to take the kids! Like the Ford Holiday River Parade , SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, Six Flags Fiesta Texas Holiday in the Park , and Zoo Lights !

Are you planning your trip yet? Because we sure are! Learn more about what’s happening in San Antonio here .

Visit these magical Christmas towns in Texas

Get ready to spend Christmas in these Texas towns and be filled with holiday cheer. Even if you may not to be able to visit every city, you’ll have a bucket list for the following years! So deck the halls with boughs of holly!

Which Texas town are you visiting? Let us know in the comments below! Be sure to follow us on social media at @metroplexsocial.

Sign up. Get more. Do more.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent News

Listen to the Good Morning Metroplex! Podcast!

Featured on.

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Texas Hill Country

Voyage Magazine

Life & Lana

Mamá Contemporánea

Kids Activities Blog

Sign up. Get More. Do More.

• North Texas
• South Texas
• San Antonio
• Cities And Towns
• Eating And Drinking
• Outdoor Adventures
• Things To Do
• Weekend Getaways
• Where To Stay
• Skip to right header navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary navigation
• Skip to primary sidebar

Texas Travel 365

12 Festive Places To Spend Christmas In Texas

August 28, 2021 //  by  Texas Travel 365 //   Leave a Comment

Whether you are singing carols all year long or seasonally, these festive places to celebrate Christmas in Texas will make your days merry and bright! The saying ‘ Everything’s bigger in Texas’ proves to be true every year around the holidays. From towering light fixtures to magical rides, there is a storybook moment waiting for you and your loved ones.

With so many options and locations to choose your next holiday outing, you are sure to find one that even Scrooge would love! Don’t worry. No sleigh is required for any of these. The small elves in your group will find all play and no work at these Santa workshops!

The lights, decorations, and smells of Christmas will have you treating yourself with a cup of hot cocoa and fuzzy socks. Adults and children of all ages are sure to enjoy the wonders of Christmas in Texas! Creating memories for a lifetime is truly the center of each of these festive locations. So, check this list and check it twice to find out which will be your winter paradise!

12 Festive Places To Celebrate Christmas In Texas

Gaylord texan christmas.

Nothing but Christmas magic awaits you at the Gaylord Texan Christmas! Old Kris Kringle himself would dote upon the many activities to do. You can find this treat in Grapevine, Texas. You can even take a picture next to a snowman that you built! Snowmen aren’t the only things to be built. . There are crafts that children in the group will enjoy making. Perhaps making it the perfect gift for someone!

A leisurely ride on the Christmas Carousel will definitely need to be on your long list of to-dos. Take a stroll through the splendid Yuletide Bright outdoor lights that feature 50,000 square feet of shimmering lights. Bright moments await!

If you are wanting a bit more action then you are still in the right place! There is an ice skating rink and snow tubing from a 2 story high ice slide. Sleigh, what!? For the ones who enjoy a good puzzle or mystery, there are escape rooms appropriately themed for the holidays. Be sure to grab a picture with ol’ Saint Nick before you leave! Getting to see Christmas in Texas will awaken the inner child in everyone!

Deer to dream at Santa Land! Experience the winter wonderlands of Tyler, Texas at this festive Christmas extravaganza. With over 2 1/2 million lights displayed it is no wonder, this is one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Texas! There are handcrafted and animated displays that will bring a smile to any resting Grinch face in the group. Hop into your vehicle and pile in your family and friends to drive through the enchanting forest of lights.

The colors, lights, and sights illuminate the 24-acre park creating a simply wonderful Christmas time. Santa Land features some original lighted and animated features. Among the many are Marshmallow Monster, Merry Mermaid, Elfland Carousel, Angel Land and so many more. You will have your elf a merry little Christmas indeed! Santa will also make a guest appearance. There are souvenirs at the gift shop to commemorate your trip!

Christmas Capital Of Texas

A holly jolly time awaits you at the Christmas Capital of Texas! More storybook memories are made here in Grapevine, Texas. Experience the Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s North Pole Express that will immerse you and the children among the group in a delightful adventure.

The journey to Santa will include a train ride, a souvenir ticket, silver bell, Christmas cookies, and so much more Christmas spirit. Believe in the magic of Christmas once more on the ride to the North Pole!

There are homemade crafts to build, classes for making cookie cutters, and the North Pole Express General Store where you can make or purchase gifts! Christmas in Texas wouldn’t be complete without amazing light shows and photos with Father Christmas. Yule be sorry if you miss out on this joys of the Christmas Capital of Texas!

Holiday Lights On The Riverwalk

You can almost hear the sleigh bells ring when you visit the Holiday Lights On The Riverwalk! This festive spot is for a stroll or a meal. The iconic Riverwalk of San Antonio, Texas is a beautiful place year-round. Add a little holiday spice and you have a luminous path with over 100,000 lights every year! If the lights don’t have you taking elfies then a ride on a caroling boat might!

Sing your favorite Christmas songs with friends and family as you float along the river. Among the many decorations throughout the city, you will find over 2,000 traditional luminarias. Culture plays a big role in San Antonio and the holidays are no exception! Try some of the best restaurants in San Antonio right on the riverwalk! Eating, strolling, and shopping can all be done in one trip at the Holiday Lights On The Riverwalk. There is no better way to enjoy Christmas in Texas than enjoying it in historic San Antonio.

Holiday At The Arboretum

On the first day of Christmas, you should hope your true love takes you to Holiday At The Arboretum! If not you will want to make your way solo because there is so much to do and see. As a Dallas, Texas favorite, Holiday At The Arboretum offers visitors a gorgeous place to take in the winter air and colors of Christmas. On your stroll through the gardens, you will find Victorian-style gazebos that represent the 12 days of Christmas. This 25-foot-tall, impeccably adorned fixtures make every year a bit merrier.

If hot cocoa isn’t what you hope for in your stocking then enjoy Holiday Tea at the historic DeGolyer House. The house is decorated with utmost grace and Christmas fashion. You may also enjoy the 12 Ciders of Christmas where you can taste local ciders! Christmas in Texas couldn’t end without an ugly sweater contest! Get festive and show off your most creative sweater to try and win two Cool Thursday Concert tickets

Santa will make an appearance as well as Mrs. Clause who will read to the children. There are times for movies that show at the Outdoor Movie Party. What a good time to cuddle up in a warm blanket sipping on a warm drink of choice!

Santa’s Ranch

Why wouldn’t there be a Santa’s Ranch included in this list? Saint Nick dusts off his cowboy hat to enjoy this fabulous spot in New Braunfels, Texas. There are over 1.5 million customer lights to see at Santa’s Ranch! Your drive through the mile of colorful displays will have moments to store in your heart forever. The lovely displays are as charming as they are bright!

A ride to see Christmas lights can not be complete without hot cocoa or other festive snacks. There are concessions that will please everyone in your group. Souvenirs are also available to remember the most magical evening. Whether you are continuing family tradition or starting a new one, Santa’s Ranch is one of the best places to experience Christmas in Texas.

Christmas Ranch

There won’t be a blue Christmas when visiting the Christmas Ranch! Spirits are merry and bright as are the glowing arrangements throughout the community of San Jacinto County, Texas. The line to the entrance can take some time as the tradition for families to drive through has been around since 1995! So get there early and if there is a wait it will definitely be worth it! No one will be shout Ba Humbug here because there is too much love poured into the appearance of each home. You can feel the warmth from the comfort of your car making your heart grow three sizes!

Homes will have many handmade decorations that are fun for all ages! The community is buzzing with Christmas cheer and smiling ear to ear as families from all over come to marvel at the hard work put into Christmas Ranch. Old Man Christmas himself can be seen so make sure to have your list ready for him!

Downtown Holiday Stroll

While Austin is known for keeping it weird, your Christmas traditions can live on at the Downtown Holiday Stroll. Downtown Austin is the perfect hub for shopping and the shop owners really get into the holiday spirit! The window displays are out of this world and will captivate the hearts of every Grinch. Austinites and visitors alike gather to walk the streets to start the most wonderful time of the year.

There is a tree -mendous tree lighting that takes place in the heart of downtown. Live music is featured in the Austin city way along with caroling. The artisan market is a unique place to pick a gift! As you stroll, you can chow down on local eats. Christmas in Texas will never be the same after surrounding yourself with the artistry of Austin.

The Houston Zoo is a staple for any visitor and the Zoo Lights are a must-see! Tap into your wild side as you walk through the decorated animal exhibits. Lions, tigers, and bears will all get to see the festivities of the holidays along with you. It is an excellent place for a date or night out with the family.

Snap pictures for your Christmas cards at the ice throne or with Santa at his workshop! Animals made of lights come to life on your path. There is a tunnel of lights that is 125 feet long! The mesmerizing light shows around the Reflecting Pool are a show stopper. When you visit the Zoo Lights you will understand why Christmas in Texas is so spectacular.

Holiday In The Garden

Maybe the beach isn’t your first thought for a Christmas destination, however, Holiday In The Garden is an amazingly festive place to visit. Located on Galveston Island, Texas, there is an abundance of holiday spirit in Moody Gardens. Over two million lights will keep your path lit as you stroll and take in the scenery of Christmas along Galveston Bay. It is one of the cutest beach towns in Texas for a reason!

Star the Dancing Tree of Light is just one of the many displays that will put a smile on your face. If not the lights, then the food will! Snack on smores, hot cocoa, and more during your visit. Creating memories is made easy when an Ice Land is formed by skilled carvers. From sculptures to slides, there is only laughter and joy brought to you. Bring a jacket and gloves because it is chilly!

After the excitement of seeing the lights and ice, simmer down with a 3-D movie. A holiday film will be featured and fun will be had! For an even more leisurely event, you may find yourself on the Evening Cruise. Here you will see Christmas in Texas in a whole new light!

Santa’s Wonderland

Is it beginning to look a lot like Christmas? Well, at Santa’s Wonderland it will be abundantly clear. There is no end to the festivities that await you in College Station, Texas when you visit Santa’s Wonderland. Even if you think you may be on the naughty list, you can appreciate the immense spirit of Christmas in Texas when you visit this slice of the North Pole.

There is a hayride and carriage ride tour to lavish in the dazzling light displays. When you partake in riding in a carriage, you will get a first-class seat and hot cocoa to go with your views. It seems Santa has a home away from home! Santa’s New Cottage is a darling spot to meet Mr. Clause in his Texan get-up. Inside the cottage, there is a huge gingerbread display! Everything really is bigger in Texas. The Gingerbread Lane is all edible and remarkably made.

If you or your little companions haven’t made your list for Santa, you will have your chance before you leave Santa’s Wonderland. It is a great way to rest after a few laps on the ice rink or tries at the Haybale Maze! Try your speed on the Toboggan Chute! The tunnel of snow is made for Frostbite’s Toboggan Chute. This attraction is a crowd-pleaser, especially to local Texans who don’t see much snow!

Sugar Land Holiday Lights

Craving a sweet Christmas escape? Sugar Land Holiday Lights will be a treat for all who take a stroll through the Constellation Field in Sugar Land, Texas. Covered in more than 3 million glimmering lights, the field offers an enchanting scene at every turn! With 8 themed areas to evoke the imagination, this is one stop you will want to make! Christmas in Texas has a whole lot of heart that illuminates in each perfectly assembled display.

Concessions are available along with the occasional food trucks make Santa’s cookies seem old school! Movie nights are available throughout the season to help complete a night of Christmas joy. Ugly Sweater nights are a fun affair for the whole family to get in the holiday spirit! There are nights where dogs can join in on the tour! The pictures captured of your fur baby will be the highlight of your next Christmas Card without a doubt. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the man, the myth, the legend, Santa Clause!

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Hello! I'm Chastity.

A Cowboys Life

Finding joy in the everyday

Texas , travel ·

25 Great Places to Celebrate Christmas in Texas

It’s not likely that you will experience a white Christmas in Texas, but there are plenty of destinations throughout the state to get you in the holiday spirit.

You are sure to find one of the best Christmas towns in Texas near you where you can celebrate Christmas in style.

Of course, you can visit any of these towns year-round, but there is something magical about visiting when they are lit up with millions of twinkling lights.

BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL IN TEXAS

The Best Texas Christmas Getaways

Christmas in the state capital is always a wonderful time. Head to Zilker Park for an evening stroll under 2 million lights with 70 lighted tunnels and displays.

Or spend your day shopping at the German-Texan Christmas Market near the capitol building and then your evening at Santa’s Ranch for a country magical holiday night.

With all the holiday events, this makes it one of the most romantic getaways in Texas .

Looking for a town to burn off the calories from all the desserts?

Amarillo hosts several winter-themed races, or if exercise isn’t your thing then head to Christmas in the Gardens which is a holiday celebration at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens.

For a low-key evening, load the family up in the car and drive through the beautifully decorated Bishop Hills neighborhood.

Canyon Lake

Spending a day at North Pole Village is a must-do. This annual Christmas event is a fundraiser for the Community Resource and Recreation Center and Food Pantry of Canyon Lake.

Guests can enjoy getting photos with Santa, writing letters to Santa at the post office, decorate Christmas cookies, face painting, a petting barn, and of course hayrides.

Each year, Cleburne is turned into a winter wonderland when Hulen park transforms with over 3 million twinkling lights.

The park features lighted tunnels, visit with Santa Clause, and train rides.

Along with the festivities at the park, the town also has numerous holiday events throughout the season such as Christmas musicals, breakfast with Santa, Candlewalk tours, wagon rides, and more.

College Station

Looking for a small-town feel with a Texas flair, then this is the place to go.

Head to Santa’s Wonderland for the largest outdoor Christmas celebration in the south.

They have everything from carriage tours, hayrides, live music, and even a mechanical bull!

Christmas in Dallas is a full season packed with tree lighting ceremonies, Christmas performances, ice skating, and millions of twinkling lights.

The event features everything from the cowboy Christmas corral, petting zoo, live nativity scene, walkable trail of lights, ice skating, hayrides, carriage rides, and of course a giant Texas flag made of lights.

READ NEXT: Best Christmas Activities in Frisco, TX

Related: Best holiday events in DFW

Living in Fort Worth, I’m partial to the wonderful events in this city!

They have everything from a  cowboy Christmas in the stockyards, skate at the outdoor skating rink at Panther Island, view the over 2 million lights that decorate the Texas Motor Speedway to everything in between.

Fredericksburg

Visiting Fredericksburg is always a good idea, especially over the holidays.

The downtown is turned into a winter wonderland with a 26-foot tall German Christmas pyramid, a decorated Christmas tree on the Marktplatz, and outdoor ice skating.

Savor all that Texas Wine Country has to offer this holiday season sipping and sampling award-winning wines at 45 unique Hill Country Wineries. The Christmas Wine Affair does sell out, so be sure to purchase tickets in advance.

This winter wonder island offers more than 50 days of holiday events. From the famous Dickens on the Stand to the holiday lighting ceremony at Hotel Galvez.

Moody Gardens on Galveston Island goes the extra mile during the holidays. They offer eight-holiday attractions for the whole family all at one venue.

Their annual Festival of Lights is a one-mile trail that features over 100 Christmas light displays and an outdoor skating rink.

Home to the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas becomes even more beautiful when lit up and decorated for Christmas.

Guests can enjoy wine tastings at one of the 11 best wineries in Georgetown . 

Walk through the shops on Main Street, explore the Inner Space Cavern , or watch the parade at the annual Christmas Stroll.

It’s no wonder this is deemed the Christmas Capital of Texas.

This Texas Christmas town will take you to the North Pole on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad North Pole Express, watch holiday movies at the Historic Palace Theatre, indoor snow tubing, ice skating, and everything in between.

This town is adorable and so much fun to visit year-round but really comes to life during the Christmas season. There are events happening almost everyday during the holiday season that the entire family can enjoy.

Everything from writing letters to Santa Clause, viewing over 1,000 Nativity scenes, carriage rides, strolling through the beautifully decorated Shanley Park, Night of Lights Christmas Parade and so much more.

Grand Prairie

Prairie Lights is the premier holiday light park in Texas located at Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie, Texas. You will be dazzled with 4 million lights set along 2 miles of path.

Hundreds of ALL-NEW displays in shapes of all kinds line and arch over the roads. Halfway through your adventure, you will have the opportunity to order treats and drinks in our new concessions drive-thru!

RELATED: Best UPick Farms Near Houston

There are so many Christmas Lights in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas that will keep your family in the holiday spirit all month long!

Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston is an event that you can’t miss.

This technologically advanced light display is located at the Space Center Houston camp. Naturally, it has a space-themed light installation, outdoor wonders, and a look at interstellar history.

RELATED: Christmas Lights Displays in Houston

This East Texas town is oozing with small-town charm, especially during the winter months.

Jefferson has a Christmas parade that comes down the main street that features the best floats and characters.

Following the parade is the annual tree lighting ceremony downtown.

Johnson City

This quaint hill country town shines bright all during the holiday season.

The highlighted event is the drive-through event located at the Pedernales Electric Cooperative headquarters that features over 1.3 million LED bulbs lighting up the whole campus.

You can’t visit this college town without a visit to Texas Tech Carol of Lights. This annual event features performances from the choirs and lighting ceremony.

Then head to Holland Gardens so the kids can meet Santa and tell him what is on their Christmas wish list!

If you are looking for the perfect hotel for your time in Lubbock, I suggest booking a room at the Overton Hotel & Conference Center .

Marble Falls

This adorable town located outside of Austin hosts the annual Walkway of Lights. Marble Falls is lit up with over 2 million twinkly lights and is perfect for the entire family.

It was the small-town vibes and laid-back events where you can relax and get in the holiday spirit.

The town comes to life at the Wonderland of Lights Festival which features over 1 million Christmas lights.

Guests can enjoy the outdoor skating rink, horse-drawn carriage rides, and visiting Santa!

Nacogdoches

Celebrate Nine Weeks of Nine Flags in the Oldest Town in Texas hosted by Main Street and the CVB. Events all season long will warm your spirit and leave you filled with Christmas Cheer.

Some of the events include the Christmas market, Elf scavenger hunt, and Christmas Story Walk.

New Braunfels

Located outside of Austin, this town is oozing with Christmas charm.

They have events happening throughout the season, from family events to the perfect date night.

Visitors can enjoy Christmas at the Caverns, concerts at Gruene Hall, watch a Christmas Parade and so much more.

You won’t be getting a white Christmas in this West Texas town, but there are plenty of events to get you in the holiday spirit.

Visitors can enjoy a self-guided walking tour of decorated homes and historic buildings, shopping at the Christmas Village Market, and watching the Parade of Lights.

READ NEXT: 17 Fun things to do in Palestine, TX

The classic Christmas story comes to life when you take a ride on the Texas State Railroad’s Polar Express.

During the train ride, guests will enjoy delicious hot chocolate, cookies, and music from the movie.

Once you arrive at the North Pole, you’ll be greeted by Santa where he gives everyone the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell!

Other celebrations around Palestine include a walk through Bethlehem, carriage rides, musicals, pancakes with Mrs. Claus, a Parade of Lights, movies in the park, and so much more.

RELATED: Christmas Light Displays in San Antonio

San Antonio

San Antonio shows off its beauty with its Christmas decorations.

The River Walk turns into a Christmas wonderland when the bald cypress trees are draped with over 100,000 lights and it’s a reflection on the water.

The town has plenty of events happening throughout the holiday season that can’t be missed!

This city is home to the Sights and Sounds of Christmas, a festival displaying millions of lights along the San Marcos river, rides and games, live music, and a recreation of the Town of Bethlehem.

Children will enjoy the activities located in their Santa’s workshop where they can make their own Christmas gifts.

Another option is to drive a few minutes and find all the fun things to do in Gruene . It’s a charming town that is always fun to visit. 

Their roses aren’t the only thing Tyler is known for. They have several events throughout the holiday season that you can’t miss.

The stunning Azalea District is a holiday tradition where this gorgeous neighborhood is transformed into a winter wonderland with its lights and over-the-top decorations.

The Wimberley Holiday Trail of Lights is a must-see! It takes place at EmilyAnn Theatre and is a six-acre winter wonderland that you don’t want to miss.

The free event features light displays, carolers, fire pits, and live music.

This is one of the best Texas towns to visit year-round, but it is even more fun during the holidays.

About The Author

Chastity Velasquez is an outdoor enthusiast based in Fort Worth, TX. Chastity enjoys sharing affordable travel tips and bringing new places to life through her fun writing style. When she’s not writing or planning the next vacation, you can find her hiking, sipping on sweet tea, cheering on her son at his sporting events, or spending time with her husband.

You’ll Also Love

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Trending now.

Become an Insider

Join A Cowboy's Life mailing list for exclusive content and giveaways!

I'm Chastity, creator of A Cowboy's Life - your guide for affordable family travel destinations, amazing recipes and fun outdoor adventures.

A Cowboy’s Life

• Work With Us
• Privacy Policy

My Favorite Posts

• Best hikes in Texas
• Romantic Getaways in Texas
• Rome, Italy Travel Guide
• Best Zoos in Texas

Explore the Blog

• Outdoor Adventures

Let’s Connect

Copyright © 2024 A Cowboys Life · Theme by 17th Avenue

Lone Star Sized Christmas In Texas. 15 Places That Will Wow You!

• September 24, 2022
• No Comments

There is never a bad time to travel around the Lone Star state. But if you are a fan of Christmas festivities, Texas 100% has you covered. We love Christmas in Texas.

One of the things we love most is the diversity. Texas is a huge mix of city and country, desert and mountains, and everything in between. Beyond geography, Texas’s cultural diversity also shapes the way Christmas is celebrated. Germans, Hispanics, Czechs, Poles and others all lend their Christmas traditions.

As we referenced in a previous blog, we LOVE Christmas. We have traveled to many regions of the state to take in the best of that area’s Christmas activities. We will highlight some of our favorites in our blog below. We will break the activities into different cities or regions. 

We live about 30 miles southwest of Dallas, so these are activities we do year after year. We don’t ALWAYS have to travel out of town to have fun! Here are our top Dallas area Christmas activities:

• Dallas Arboretum – The premier Dallas Christmas event. This year it will be running from November 10th through December 30th. You are encouraged to stroll the entire grounds of the Arboretum. Christmas themes can be seen throughout. They have an authentic German Christmas pyramid with animations throughout. Their main Christmas tree is 50 feet tall and covered in tens of thousands of lights. Mr and Mrs Claus will be there nightly after Thanksgiving. It is pure magic.
• Dallas Zoo Lights – Running from November 19th through January 2nd, Dallas Zoo Lights is a drive through Christmas experience. The route is one mile in length. Along the way, you will see over 1 million lights, lit up realistic statues, and more. The route ends at a Christmas themed village. Here you are encouraged to get out and snap selfies with their 30 foot Christmas tree. They will also have hot cocoa and other treats for purchase. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
• Highland Park Carriage Rides- A personal family favorite! Whenever we host out of town guests during the holidays, we always take them here! There are several different operators and all are great. They offer carriages of different sizes and will take you on an evening tour to view the beautifully decorated homes of Highland Park, TX. Bring blankets, hot cocoa, cookies, and your Christmas spirit!
•   Texas Christkindl Market – On the grounds of Globe Life Field in Arlington, this German inspired Christmas market is the largest in Texas. This year it will be open from November 25th through December 23rd. The market is family friendly and free. This is a European style open air market with booths selling authentic German Christmas items, treats, and decorations. Live music most nights. We have gone several times and always come home with more German desserts than we should!
• Search for Dallas hotel deals HERE

College Station

• Santa’s Wonderland – They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes their Christmas celebrations! Santa’s Wonderland is massive and there is so much to do there. Some of the highlights are the hayrides, ice skating, trail of lights, West Pole Express train ride, petting barn, and giant jumping pillows, and much, much more. Probably the most popular attraction is the giant snow tubing hill made with REAL snow! Pro-tip: Buy your tickets AND your parking passes in advance. On-site parking often sells out and you will then have to park in the remote lots. 
• Search for College Station area hotels here
• Trail of Lights – One of the longest running events on this list. Returning to an in-person experience this year after two years of being drive-thru due to COVID. Trail of Lights features over 2 million lights, 90 lit Christmas trees, and dozens of other holiday displays. There are also food and beverage vendors, live music and more. 
• Peppermint Parkway – Held at the Circuit of the Americas racetrack, Peppermint Parkway is more of an over the top Christmas carnival than anything else. The entire event is one giant Instagram opportunity. Carnival rides, food and drink, dancing, displays and more. This was one of our favorite destinations. 
• Check out our full Austin area Christmas blog here
• Search for Austin hotel deals here

San Antonio

• The Riverwalk – Are you even a Texan if you haven’t walked the Riverwalk during Christmas? If you haven’t yet, get in your car and do it! The entire loop is adorned with thousands of Christmas lights. While walking the Riverwalk paths is enough, step up your San Antonio Christmas game with a ride on one of the river taxis that offer their services up and down the river. For the ultimate experience, come during the annual Riverwalk Christmas Parade!
• Old West Christmas Light Fest – Located just outside San Antonio at the Enchanted Springs Ranch in Boerne. If you have ever wondered what Christmas MIGHT have been like during the Old West times, you will want to check this place out (pretty sure they didn’t have 2 million Christmas lights back then, but we can pretend!). This experience has acres of fun including playgrounds, photo ops, light tunnels, longhorn viewing areas, laser tag, camp fires, petting zoo and more!
• Search San Antonio hotel deals here

• Yesterland Farm – They market their event as being a Christmas Carnival, and it is easy to see why. They have carnival rides for kids as small as 32”. Other attractions are a corn maze, visits with Santa, wagon train rides, and more. One of our favorites are the apple cannons. For a small fee, you get a bucket of apples that can be dropped into a cannon and launched! Plus they have real Christmas trees for purchase.
• Search Canton area hotel deals here

• Mainstay Farm – Similar to Yesterland Farm, Mainstay has dozens of activities. Tube slides, big wheel race tracks, giant swings, farm animals, mazes, jumping pillows, treehouse fort, and much much more. In addition to plenty of pre-cut trees, Mainstay actually offers “cut your own” trees to cut down and bring home. 
• Search area hotel deals here

• The main attraction in Palestine is The Polar Express train ride. The train ride is a 50 mile round trip through the Piney Woods of Texas using classic steam and diesel locomotives. Passengers can choose from several classes of cars ranging from Presidential to Coach class. All classes except for Coach include a keepsake mug, hot cocoa, and cookies. During the train ride, the book The Polar Express is read to all. You have the opportunity to purchase your own copy when booking. Wearing your PJ’s is highly encouraged!!
• Search for Palestine area hotels here
• Grapevine claims to be “ The Christmas Capital of Texas ” and it is easy to see why. Starting in November, the Historic Downtown area transforms itself to a Christmas wonderland. Lights and decorations adorn the streets and light posts along Main Street. Throughout the month, the city holds many special Christmas themed events. The historic Palace Theater hosts Christmas movies and live performances. And you can’t forget to take a ride on the North Pole Express hosted by the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. 
• Search for Grapevine area hotels here

• Dasher’s Lightshow- This is an impressive drive-thru Christmas light experience. Millions of twinkling lights and displays are choreographed to all of your favorite Christmas songs. Tune your radio to the channel on the info board to hear the songs loud and clear in your car. Show organizers state that the show should last about 15-20 minutes. 
• Magical Winter Lights – Located in nearby Baytown, this is one we have not been to yet, but have added it to our short list of attractions to see. Located on the grounds of Houston Raceway Park, Magical Winter Lights is 45 acres of fully immersive and interactive displays. The vibrant colors on the videos posted to their website are amazing. This year will feature 100 lantern displays spread throughout 8 different themed areas. In addition to the light displays, Magical Winter Lights also features carnival rides, delicious food options, live performances, and of course meet and greets with Santa himself. We honestly can’t wait to check this one out. 
• Check out Houston area hotels here

Summary of Christmas in Texas

Hopefully this guide inspires you and your family to do some road tripping this coming holiday season. There are so many amazing holiday attractions throughout the Lone Star state. One of the great secondary perks of road tripping during the holiday season is getting the opportunity to try new restaurants that you may not have close to home. Because of course you get hungry from checking out all of these amazing Christmas excursions!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Related Posts

Why Do We Love To Travel?

This article highlights how our love for travel set us on a path to instill a love of travel in our children as well.

Christmas Markets in the USA

Every November, cities across the US start gearing up to get into the Christmas spirit. What better way to do it than having a good old fashioned Christmas market. These Christmas markets often sell Christmas décor and ornaments from crafters and artisans from around the country and world!

Dallas Arcades- These are 8 of Our Favorites

The Dallas/Ft Worth Metroplex has many options for those looking for arcades. We go to arcades for lots of reasons! Rainy day fun? Go to

The Best Waterparks in Texas! Check Out These 8 Great Options!

We have some of the best waterparks in Texas. Due to the hot Texas summers, many of the outdoor waterparks remain open through September. But don’t worry if you get the itch to get wet, wild, and crazy after the calendar turns to October! Texas is home to three amazing indoor waterparks as well!

Six of the Best Texas Children’s Museums

If you are traveling with children, many of Texas’ top destinations have excellent, highly rated children’s museums. Some of these children’s museums are so highly rated, they could be the REASON to travel to these cities. 

Clicking on links and making purchases from our site may allow us to earn some money to buy a cup of coffee. Despite this, our reviews will always be fair and accurate. We want to provide you with truthful information to allow you to make the best travel choices. We will spend our time at the coffee shop planning new adventures.

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Follow us on our socials!

13 Festive Place To Enjoy Christmas In Texas

By: Author texasonly

If you are looking for fun places to celebrate Christmas in Texas, then you are in the right place! We were born and raised in Texas and still call it home today, so we have visited numerous Christmas celebrations in the Lone Star State!

Granted, you probably won’t have a white Christmas in Texas (although we have a few times), but Texans make up for the lack of snow by decorating bigger than Texas!

All over the state you will find small towns and big cities are dolled up with millions of twinkling lights, garland, and most any kind of holiday decor you can think of.

Of course, the holiday lights and decorations aren’t the other change during the holiday season.

Nope, these Texas towns also go all out with their holiday events to celebrate Christmas.

Many towns kick off the holiday season with a night Christmas parade and Christmas tree lighting ceremony to put everyone in the holiday spirit.

After that the fun generally continues with holiday events planned through the New Year in many cases.

It doesn’t matter if you are going on a Texas road trip , or just a weekend getaway , these towns are perfect for getting you in the holiday spirit, and are all great places to spend Christmas.

So start making your list and packing your bags as you set out on an awesome Texas Christmas adventure!

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.  By purchasing through these links, we get a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Follow Us on Social Media

Join the texas travel community and get a free texas bucket list checklist, why spend christmas in texas.

If you choose to spend Christmas in Texas, then you are in for a definite treat.

Of course, the first and foremost reason is the Texas weather. Temperature in Texas are generally mild during the holiday season.

Granted, it often snows in the Panhandle and some of Western Texas, but overall, the rest of Texas is warm and cozy. This makes it the perfect escape when compared to the colder regions in the northern U.S.A.

Both North Texas and the Central Texas region, including the Texas Hill Country, generally have brisk evenings and mild days.

This makes it perfect for enjoying a nice fire at night at watching classic Christmas movies and fun outside activities during the day.

But the weather is only one reason to spend Christmas in Texas. The main reason is that Texas is awesome!

Texas is fabulous anytime of year. There are so many diverse places to visit in Texas that it really does have something for everyone.

When you combine that with all of the magical winter lights, holiday decorations, Christmas events, festive holiday music, and southern hospitality, you know you are in for a fabulous holiday season!

Texas Christmas Towns

1. grapevine.

Known as the ‘Christmas Capital of Texas,’ Grapevine, Texas offers visitors so many fun and unique way to celebrate Christmas.

The 40 days of holiday events kicks off with the annual Carol of Lights in Historic Downtown Grapevine.

This annual event in the Christmas Capital of Texas includes live performances, seasonal food vendors, and fun craft events for the whole family followed by the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

The evening is capped off with fireworks to help put everyone in the holiday spirit.

One of the most popular attractions during the holiday season in Grapevine is the North Pole Express which takes place on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad.

The Christmas spirit comes to life as families are invited to hop onboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad to set out on a holiday adventure to Santa’s Workshop. Along the way, Mrs. Claus treats everyone to cookies and milk and shares a special holiday story.

Other festivities include the Gaylord Texan Christmas celebration, Snowland at the Great Wolf Lodge, an ice skating rink, holiday themed movies, and more.

Please visit the Grapevine Texas website for the most up to date information on operating hours, calendar of events, and ticket prices.

Once you see all that the Christmas Capital of Texas has to offer you will definitely want to add Grapevine to your list towns to celebrate Christmas in Texas.

Pro Tip: If you want to participate in the North Pole Express, be sure to purchase your tickets well in advance as this annual event always sells out.

Like most big cities in Texas, Dallas is loaded with fun events to help spread the holiday cheer.

Trust us, we celebrate Christmas in Dallas yearly!

A unique holiday light display occurs annually at the Dallas Arboretum , drawing visitors from all over the Lone Star State.

The display, the 12 Days of Christmas, dazzles visitors with gorgeous Victorian-inspired animated Christmas gazebo.

In addition to the 12 Days of Christmas, the Arboretum also has a Christmas Village which houses Santa Claus, and an authentic German Christmas Pyramid.

This Texas Christmas town also host numerous holiday themed performances like the annual performance of The Nutcracker .

Enjoy cocktails at one of the many Christmas themed pop-up bars, or take a fun chocolate tour during your time in Dallas. Really, the possibilities are endless.

Of course, one of the biggest holiday events in Dallas is the annual Christmas parade, the Dallas Holiday Parade . Tickets go on sale early, so don’t miss out on this one!

Of course, the suburban areas around Dallas are also bustling with holiday festivities. One of the most popular Christmas light displays is Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie.

Prairie Lights is a drive-thru light display that also includes carnival rides, a walk-thru forest, photos with Santa Claus, and more.

Pro Tip: The Christmas events at the Arboretum are known to sell out, so be sure to get your tickets in advance! This event makes for a great date night in Dallas !

3. San Antonio

For the ultimate Christmas in Texas celebration, head to San Antonio to enjoy the many festivities that they have planned during the holiday season.

The San Antonio Riverwalk sparkles and shines thanks to the thousands of Christmas lights that are strung amongst the trees and on the bridges.

One of the most popular events (and my personal favorite) is the Ford Holiday River Parade. This annual lighted Christmas parade features over 20 illuminated floats highlighting the Christmas spirit.

Crowd favorites always include Santa Claus and the infamous Mr. Grinch!

During your time in San Antonio , don’t miss the opportunity to visit Six Flags Fiesta Texas as well.

The holiday decor at Fiesta Texas combined with the rides and live music will definitely help to spread the holiday cheer.

Another of the Christmas traditions in San Antonio dates back hundred of years. The Fiesta de las Luminarias lines the San Antonio Riverwalk with thousands of Mexican Chinese lanterns. These lanterns were said to guide the holy family on their way.

Today, the Fiesta de las Luminarias is just one of the many great ways that San Antonio honors the holiday season.

Of course, these are just a few of the celebrations. There are some amazing San Antonio Christmas lights throughout the town, a festive Christmas market, and some awesome holiday performances and holiday pop up bars that you can check out!

Honestly, San Antonio is one of the Christmas towns in Texas that we find ourselves visiting again and again.

Pro Tip: While there are several places to watch the River Parade for free, for the best seats, consider purchased a reserved seat along the Riverwalk. You can find more information here .

4. Johnson City

The Texas Hill Country town of Johnson City is a fabulous place to celebrate Christmas in Texas.

Plan your visit during the last weekend of November to participate in the opening ceremonies of the Johnson City Christmas Lights.

The Friday after Thanksgiving, the Blanco County Courthouse twinkles and shines thanks to the 100,000+ holiday lights that adorn it.

These lights are only the start of the fabulous lights in this Christmas town. You will find white holiday lights throughout the town, including the town Christmas tree.

The Pedernales Electric Cooperative helps to create a winter wonderland with their 1.3 million LED holiday lights.

Johnson City also offers carriage rides, hay rides, and festive Christmas decor at the stores throughout town.

5. Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is another of the Texas Hill Country towns to celebrate Christmas in Texas.

While the German heritage of Fredericksburg is always apparent, it shines especially bright during their Christmas celebrations.

Your Christmas vacation in Fredericksburg will have you Christmas shopping, enjoying the annual tree lighting ceremony, listening to some live music, and taking in all of the beautiful Christmas decorations!

The festive season also includes an outdoor ice skating rink. Yes, you read that correctly, there is an outdoor ice skating rink in Texas!

Fredericksburg is one of the best Christmas towns for people who like to experience Christmas events and Christmas decor with a German flair.

This is especially apparent when you see the 26-foot tall German Christmas Pyramid in the center of town.

Of course, a trip to Fredericksburg wouldn’t be complete without visiting some of the best wineries in Fredericksburg and the Garrison Brothers Bourbon Distillery in nearby Hye, Texas.

Doing a holiday trail of wineries is one of the reasons Fredericksburg is one of the best Christmas towns in Texas!

6. Galveston

A visit to Galveston during the holiday season rewards visitors with a fun and unique Victorian Christmas celebration, an awesome Festival of Lights, and, of course, a great Texas beach destination.

Time your Christmas in Texas visit to Galveston at the perfect time and you can participate in the annual Dickens on the Strand Christmas celebration.

This old-fashioned Victorian-themed celebration includes costumed entertainers, specialty food vendors, crafts, a parade, and so much more!

If you can’t make it for Dickens on the Strand, then don’t worry, because Galveston is one of the Christmas towns in Texas that truly has so much to offer.

Christmas lights can be found throughout town creating a winter wonderland by the ocean. There is just something magical about the way the Christmas lights and Christmas decor look against the backdrop of the waves.

Be sure to visit the Galveston Railroad Museum for their Polar Express train ride . Hop aboard the Polar Express as you sip hot cocoa and eat cookies served by singing chefs and become immersed in the Polar Express movie.

During your time in Galveston, be sure to check out all of the holiday festivities happening at Moody Gardens . Moody Gardens Christmas kicks off the holiday season with the lighting of their Christmas tree.

Other holiday attractions at the resort include the Festival of Lights, and ice skating rink, a Christmas market, and some incredible ice sculptures.

The holiday light display showcases numerous light displays, with million of twinkling lights. It’s the perfect place to sip hot cocoa and enjoy all that the holiday season has to offer!

Moody Gardens also offers holiday themed meals and holiday movies for the whole family to enjoy, now that is an awesome Texas Christmas destination!

7. Jefferson

Head to the East Texas town of Jefferson for a fun and unique holiday celebration, Christmas on the Bayou.

Jefferson kicks off the season with a holiday lights Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony, which is really an Enchanted Forest Tree Lighting Ceremony.

This is one of those light displays that you should definitely have on your list.

One of the top holiday attractions in this East Texas town is their annual Candlelight Tour of Homes .

The Candlelight Tour of Homes occurs the first two weekends in December and allows visitors to tour the gorgeous Victorian homes found throughout the town.

You can enjoy seeing the beautiful historic homes decked out in their holiday best and you stroll through the town sipping hot cocoa.

Jefferson is definitely one of the Christmas towns in Texas that you don’t want to miss.

8. College Station

Christmas in Texas would not be complete without a visit to Santa’s Wonderland, located in College Station, TX.

This holiday village is truly a Texas winter wonderland. Decked out in Christmas lights with holiday music playing, it is easy to see why families flock to Santa’s Wonderland.

Take time to explore the holiday village and see all that it has to offer.

There are opportunities to take a hay ride, shop the holiday gift market, take horse drawn carriage rides, drink hot cocoa and make s’mores, and so so much more.

One visit and you will see why College Station is one of the top Christmas towns in Texas!

9. Wimberley

Celebrating Christmas in Texas in Wimberly, Texas guarantees that you will have a delightful small town Christmas experience.

Located about an hour north of San Antonio, Wimberley is a charming artist community that is sure to steal your heart.

Start your getaway by visiting the Wimberley Holiday Trail of Lights held at the EmilyAnn Theatre.

The Wimberley Holiday Trail of Lights draws visitors all from all over Texas. Here you can enjoy a big Christmas tree surrounded by six acres of Christmas lights.

Stroll through the light displays, listen to some live music, and roast s’mores over a campfire during your visit to this fabulous annual event.

The best part is, this event is entirely free!

10. Marble Falls

Head about 1.5 hours north of San Antonio, and about 50 miles north of Austin , and you will find the charming lakeside community of Marble Falls, Texas.

A Texas Christmas in Marble Falls means 44 days of holiday events and celebrations. Now, that is a celebration as big as Texas for sure!

The annual Walkway of Lights if a fabulous holiday light fest that takes place on the banks of Lake Marble falls in the historic downtown area.

Featuring over 2 million lights, this free to visit event, will have you feeling you have been plopped into the set of a Hallmark movie.

To add to the holiday joy, Marble Falls has a winter ice skating rink set up in downtown Marble Falls.

There are also numerous holiday events scheduled, including watching live demonstrations of ice sculptures being created!

Honestly, there are so many fun things to do in Marble Falls that we visit all of the time. It is truly one of the best Texas small towns !

11. Granbury

The lakeside community of Granbury, Texas is truly one of our favorite places to visit in Texas .

Big on things to do , and boasting with small town charm, Granbury truly has something for everyone, and that definitely holds true during the holidays.

Standing tall in the courthouse square, you will find the Granbury Christmas tree decorated to the nines and ready to welcome visitors.

The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony coincides with the Granbury Nights of Lights Parade where the whole town comes together to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Claus to town and kick off the holidays.

For a fun Texas Christmas, Granbury hosts numerous events throughout the season.

You can enjoy the candlelight tour of homes, shop at the fabulous boutique shops throughout town, visit the many wineries, distilleries, and breweries, or just take it easy at a lakeside bed and breakfast. The choice is yours.

A list of Texas Christmas towns wouldn’t be complete without including the fun and trendy town of Austin.

A great weekend getaway from Dallas , Austin boasts loads of fun and festive holiday events for you to choose from.

One of the biggest holiday events in Austin is always the Austin Trail of Lights .

Located in Zilker Park, this event boasts millions of lights, beautiful holiday trees, and awesome light displays.

Of course, there are also load of holiday bazaars and holiday markets available to ensure that you find that perfect unique Texas souvenir or Christmas gift.

You will also find numerous holiday performances and holiday themed pop-up bars around town!

One of my favorite Austin events is the Four Seasons Gingerbread Village.

Located in the Four Seasons Hotel Austin, this annual event features glorious gingerbread creations that will blow your mind!

13. Fort Worth

Last but not least on our list is my hometown of Fort Worth, Texas.

There are always so many fun things to do in Fort Worth , so it doesn’t surprise me that they also go big when celebrating Christmas.

Choosing Fort Worth as your Texas Christmas destination ensures that you will have a great holiday celebration.

The city kicks off its holiday events with the Fort Worth Parade of Lights . This annual tradition takes place in Downtown Fort Worth and is a fun way to ring in the season.

Visitors love to see the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, and Christmas is a fabulous time to do just that.

Christmas in the Stockyards includes photos with a Cowboy Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, a holiday ice rink, strolling carolers, Cowboy poetry, and more. It’s truly a unique and fun way to spend the holidays.

Pay a visit to the trendy West 7th Street area to see the glorious Christmas decorations, and to do some bar hopping.

If you’re lucky, there will be a Christmas themed pop-up bar open during your visit!

The Fort Worth Botanic Gardens hosts the famous Lightscape exhibit during this time of year as well. Lightscape is an internationally acclaimed custom light trail that is incredible to experience.

While strolling through the lighted walking trail, guests are also invited to enjoy sipping hot holiday beverages and toasting marshmallows over a camp fire!

You will also find holiday performance taking place throughout the city. There is always a rendition of the classic ballet The Nutcracker taking place in addition to musical performance also.

Just north of downtown, you can drive through the Gift of Lights at the Texas Motor Speedway. The Gift of Lights is a drive-thru light display that showcased over 2 million lights. The highlight is always the drive thru lighted tunnel.

Please Pin This Post or Share To Social Media!

You Might Also Like:

65 Awesome Texas Quotes and Texas Captions

Castroville, TX: 9 Reasons to Visit the Alsace of Texas

16 Fun Things to do in Georgetown, TX

27 Fun Things to do in New Braunfels

5 Reasons to Visit Addison Oktoberfest

7 Fun Things to do in Muenster, TX

The Ultimate New Braunfels Tubing Guide

Driving From Dallas to San Antonio: Top Tips & Stops

Tubing in Texas: Your Ultimate Guide to Floating the River in Texas

20 Best Waterfalls in Texas

Great Lavender Fields in Texas

23 Fabulous Things to do in Corpus Christi, Texas

Austin to Fredericksburg: The Perfect Weekend Road Trip

Weekend in Austin: The Perfect 2 or 3 Day Austin Itinerary

14 Great State Parks Near Dallas

41 Free Things to do in Houston

21 Fun Things to do in Denton, Texas

24 Awesome Things to do in Port Aransas, Texas

30 Charming Texas Small Towns

15 Fun Things to do in Canyon Lake, TX

About The Author

Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and enthusiast of different cultures. Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through her informative writing style on her blogs, That Texas Couple and Totally Texas Travel.  Her practical tips and suggestions help make travel dreams a reality while immersing her readers in the history, culture, and food of a region.  She is happiest sipping wine in Italy or chilling on a beach with her husband, Marty.

Love Exploring

24 Of The Best Things To See And Do In San Antonio, Texas

Posted: December 29, 2023 | Last updated: December 29, 2023

Welcome to Fiesta City

Beautiful San Antonio is a city with over 300 years of tradition and culture that embraces both its Texan and Mexican heritage with equal vigor. Its famous River Walk remains the beating heart of the city, but it is also a designated Creative City of Gastronomy and home to the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas.

Click through the gallery for the must-visit places and authentic experiences that will show you the true character of this amazing Texan city...

1. Have breakfast at Mi Tierra cafe

Mi Tierra opened as a tiny three-table cafe for early-rising farmers and workers at the local mercado (market) in 1941 and has gone on to become a San Antonio Tex-Mex institution. The food is hearty and authentic – you’ll find the city’s best huevos rancheros here. And the decor is suitably over-the-top and dazzling.

If it’s quiet, head waiter Gerry Sepulveda will take you on a tour of the premises, including the extraordinary mural celebrating Hispanic leaders in the community.

2. Walk back through time at Mission San Jose

The missions in San Antonio date back to the 1700s and are the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. They are a reminder of a time when drought forced the native people of South Texas to give up their traditional life to become Spanish, accepting a new religion and agrarian lifestyle in order to survive. 

Mission San Jose, known as the “Queen of the Missions,” is the largest too, and was restored to its original design in the 1930s. Take a ranger-guided tour for unique insights into this fascinating period of Texan history.

3. Explore the incredible San Antonio Museum of Art

The San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) takes you around the world and through 5,000 years of art in a collection of buildings that once housed the Lone Star Brewery. Visitors will particularly want to explore the museum’s extraordinary collection of Latin American art, including a number of pieces related to the city’s own colonial past.

SAMA also houses special exhibitions, most recently American Made , an exhibition spanning over 250 years of American art.

4. Step up to the world’s largest cowboy boots

Towering over a branch of Saks Fifth Avenue, right beside the busy Interstate 410, these stylish 36-foot-high boots have been marking the entrance of the North Star Mall for over 40 years. Made from tubular steel sprayed with polyurethane foam, they were designed and built by Austin-born artist Bob “Daddy O” Wade, who claims they could hold 300,000 gallons of beer.

They remain all the proof you need that everything really is bigger in Texas.

5. Taste the latest culinary delights at La Gloria

Chef Johnny Hernandez is a stalwart in the San Antonio foodie scene and a mentor to many of the city’s most exciting up-and-coming chefs. His dishes showcase the flavors of Mexico and the Southwest and La Gloria, in the hip Pearl district is the purest expression of what he does.

It focuses on ocean-fresh ceviche, tiraditos, and enchiladas with a colorful new raw bar bringing fresh excitement to dining at La Gloria. All enjoyed alfresco, overlooking a lush section of the city’s River Walk.

6. Take part in America’s most colourful Day of the Dead celebrations

San Antonio is famous for its authentic Day of the Dead celebrations, regarded by many as the grandest in the entire United States. As the end of October approaches you’ll notice ofrenda – altars – popping up all over the city – in hotels, stores, restaurants, and other places of business – remembering and celebrating the lives of loved ones who have passed.

The ofrenda are colorfully decorated with photos, candles, sugar skulls, and paper papel picado – and fresh orange marigolds essential in guiding the spirits with their vibrant shade.

7. Cheer on the Day of the Dead River Parade

The official celebration begins with the Day of the Dead San Antonio River Parade. Visitors and locals alike line either side of River Walk in downtown San Antonio to cheer 26 colorfully decorated barges as they parade down the river. Each barge represents a different figure or tradition associated with the Day of the Dead, often with an accompanying Mariachi band to supply the soundtrack.

Quite simply, it is one of the most colorful and joyous water parades you’ll ever see.

8. Dive headfirst into Muertos Fest

The focal point of San Antonio’s Day of the Dead celebrations is Muertos Fest, a huge cultural event held in Hemisfair, the city’s newly redeveloped central outdoor space. The paths are lined by authentic altars, created by local citizens, and there is live music, delicious street food, and stalls selling all kinds of colorful produce as well.

The event culminates in a spectacular procession, but most of the enjoyment comes from watching San Antonians parade through the park in their finest Day of the Dead costumes. The amount of work that goes into them is astounding.

9. Savour local flavours at Tasting Texas

On the same weekend as Muertos Fest, Tasting Texas is a four-day festival celebrating the unique culinary delights of this part of Texas. Visitors get to sample delicious menu items from the city’s best restaurants and sip on specialty drinks made right in front of you.

There are seminars presented by chefs and beverage experts so you can sharpen your own skills. And each session has a different theme like ‘Burgers, Bourbon and Beer’ and ‘Bubbles, Booze and Bites.’

Choose which one takes your fancy. Or attend them all.

10. Remember the Alamo

Arguably San Antonio’s most famous landmark, The Alamo is a honey-stoned historic Spanish mission and fortress that holds a special place in the Texan psyche.

The battle here in 1836, although lost, became a rallying point for the fight for Texan independence. The knowledgeable guides here explain the story as well as characters like Davy Crockett, who played their part in creating the legend.

Make sure you check out the Phil Collins Collection. The former Genesis drummer accumulated the biggest collection of Alamo memorabilia in the world and recently gifted it to the State of Texas.

11. Discover history and rye at the Maverick Whisky Distillery

Almost directly opposite the Alamo, in a handsome building that used to house the Lockwood National Bank, you’ll find the Maverick Whiskey Distillery. The distillery takes its name from Sam Maverick, a Texas land baron, cheater of death (he survived combat at the Alamo and being captured by the Mexican Army, among other feats), and one of the signatories of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

He is also the man from which all other mavericks are named. The distillery is run by his great (x3) grandson Kenneth Maverick, and their distillery and tasting tour is a highlight of any visit to San Antonio.

12. Feel the serenity at the San Antonio Botanical Garden

The San Antonio Botanical Garden serves as a 38-acre living museum of plants and offers a tranquil escape from the Texas heat. The focus here is on Texas natives that thrive in arid conditions, as well as endangered plants not found anywhere else.

Whether you take a guided tour or wander freely along its winding paths, each corner reveals another soothing vista. Or a terrifying mythical creature, sculpted from plants, part of the Imaginary Worlds: Once Upon a Time exhibition.

Lunch at Jardin, the park’s elegant restaurant, is highly recommended too.

13. Get your country on at The Lonesome Rose

No trip to Texas is complete without a visit to a Honky Tonk Bar. And it doesn’t get much more Honky Tonk than The Lonesome Rose out in Tobin Hill on San Antonio’s St Mary’s strip. The lights are kept suitably low and the walls are covered in neon beer signs and country and western memorabilia.

And on any given night you’ll find a red-hot band playing mournful tunes, country karaoke, or, if you’re really lucky, hosting a Dolly Parton look-alike competition. Just pull up a stool, order a beer, and take it all in.

14. Pick up a souvenir at Historic Market Square

Historic Market Square is where the culture of San Antonio comes alive. Here you can immerse yourself in the sights and flavors of old Mexico as well as pick up a truly unique souvenir from the hundreds of vendors selling authentic Mexican curios and artifacts, hand-crafted leather goods, and a diverse collection of other cultural apparel.

On the weekends there is live entertainment too, with Mariachi bands turning the whole square into a mini fiesta.

15. Expand your mind at the Witte Museum

Located on the banks of the San Antonio River, the stunning Witte Museum is where nature, science, and culture meet. Here you’ll find massive exhibits on dinosaurs, the people of the Pecos, and wild Texas in a cavernous, recently renovated space that feels like a cathedral to learning.

You’ll find recreations of traditional Texas buildings in the beautifully maintained grounds and, tucked away in the South Texas Heritage Center, a real treat: Davy Crockett’s fiddle, which he may or may not have played as the Alamo lay under siege.

16. Get a custom-fitted Stetson at Paris Hatters

Family owned and operated since 1917, Paris Hatters at 119 Broadway is the place to go if you want to buy a Stetson the proper way. Not only does the company have the largest inventory of the iconic cowboy hat in the country, it has the expertise to create and style a Stetson to fit your head perfectly and bring out your hat’s unique personality.

Satisfied customers include American presidents Bush, Eisenhower, Truman and Johnson, country music royalty Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and Dwight Yoakam, and more unlikely souls like Pope John Paul II and Luciano Pavarotti.

17. Refuel with coffee and pastries at La Panaderia

Brothers José and David Cáceres opened bakery-cafe La Panadería in 2014 to share their Mexican heritage and love for baking with the people of their adopted hometown of San Antonio. San Antonio locals promptly responded by making it the most popular breakfast spot in the city. You might have to queue on the weekends but the super-fresh Mexican pastries, hearty breakfasts, and great coffee are well worth the wait.

18. Shop and eat in the hip Pearl district

Located just north of downtown San Antonio, Pear l is a hip new mixed-use neighborhood, set in the grounds of a brewery that operated between 1883 and 2000. Now it is a bustling mix of picturesque green spaces, riverside paseos (walks), quirky boutique stores, and some of the best new cafes and restaurants in the city.

Start your visit with coffee and macarons at Bakery Lorraine and then just wander. You’re sure to find something that takes your fancy.

19. Indulge yourself at Hotel Emma

The real pearl of Pearl is the stunning Hotel Emma. Set in the main building of the old Pearl Brewing Company, it combines the extravagance of the iconic 19th century Brew House with the shirtsleeve industrial aesthetic of the brewery’s back rooms.

Stay in one of the boutique rooms, enjoy world-class cuisine at the Supper restaurant or simply pay homage to the building’s heritage by enjoying a beer (or a cocktail) at the Sternewirth bar. Perhaps in one of the old vats, refashioned into hip little hidey-holes for modern day drinkers.

20. Explore the iconic River Walk

Life in San Antonio has always revolved around the San Antonio River. Downtown, the city’s famous River Walk sits below street level, lined with lively bars and restaurants, shaded by venerable bald cypresses, and crossed over quaint stone arched bridges. It is a focal point when the city celebrates – the boat parade during the Day of the Dead, illuminations at various points of the year, boats full of carollers at Christmas.

It is best enjoyed from the river itself, on a Go Rio cruise, where entertaining guides reveal the city’s history with great knowledge and humor.

21. Sample chilli con carne at the source

In the late 1800s San Antonio’s plazas were famous for their ‘Chili Queens,’ local Mexican women doling out huge bowls of steaming chili con carne. The original inhabitants had always eaten a chili stew of sorts. But when the Spanish arrived with cattle, ‘chili’ had a ‘con carne’ (with meat) for the first time.

For real authentic chili con carne, head to the Four Brothers restaurant at the Omni La Mansion del Rio hotel. Made following a traditional recipe, it also comes with a huge serving of cornbread, baked in the shape of Texas.

22. Relive the Wild West at Briscoe Museum

Briscoe Western Art Museum is San Antonio’s newest museum, named in honor of the late Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe Jr. Set in the former San Antonio Public Library building, overlooking River Walk, it features nine galleries, each celebrating the art, history, and culture of the American West. Highlights include Pancho Villa’s saddle, a diorama of the Alamo, an authentic Chuck Wagon, and works by Frederic Remington and Taos Society of Artists.

23. Try a Reuben sandwich at Schilo’s Deli

Shilo’s has been proudly serving up Texan-German fare for over 100 years and is San Antonio’s oldest restaurant. You feel that history as soon as you walk in the door, in the patina of the serving counters and booths, and in the unashamedly old-fashioned menu items like meatloaf, wiener schnitzel, and a sausage platter, served with two sides and a choice of breads.

Its signature Rueben sandwich on a dark rye will keep you going all day. The iced coffees are divine too.

24. Be dazzled at America’s oldest cathedral

Head to San Antonio’s Main Plaza on any night other than Monday and you’ll be treated to The Saga, a breathtaking light show that depicts the discovery, settlement, and development of the city. The unique video art presentation is projected onto the majestic facade of San Fernando Cathedral – the oldest cathedral in the United States – and is the brainchild of French artist Xavier de Richemont.

The Saga debuted in 2014 and has become a must-see when visiting San Antonio. And a truly memorable introduction to the events and people that make it the city it is today.

Now discover 40 more fantastic things to do in the Lone Star state...

More for You

Ukraine Strikes Yet Another Ship in Russia's Black Sea Fleet

13 Things You Should Never Clean with Windex

Wendy’s new Frosty flavor evokes childhood nostalgia, kicks off spring

22 Clear Signs Someone is Ex-Military

People Are Turning Their IKEA Hagaan Cabinets Sideways for Clever Countertop Storage

'Momma can't protect you': Dave Ramsey delivers a blunt message to young adults still living with their parents — 3 things you need to do to get ahead (and get your own place)

Joe Rogan Shares Strong Stance on NYC's New Squatters Policy

9 False Facts About Spam We've All Believed

What Smells Do Mosquitoes Hate? 10 Scents You Need to Use This Summer

Ron Harper, actor on TV's “Land of the Lost” and “Planet of the Apes”, dies at 91

Calling Out the Trans Madness, and Letting the Chips Fall

Why Timothee Chalamet And Denis Villeneuve Didn't Speak English While Filming Dune

WWII shipwreck full of explosives could send tsunami crashing into London

11 Facts You Should Know About Hard-Boiled Eggs

Police Deploy Emergency Plan for Solar Eclipse

Alex Albon reveals Logan Sargeant response after failing to score points in his car

16 Compliments You Didn’t Realize Are Actually Pretty Insulting

House Republicans Threaten to Hold Garland in Contempt for Refusing to Turn Over Special Counsel’s Tapes of Biden

Hummingbirds Will Keep Coming Back For These Three Plants In Your Yard

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs bill that bans children under 14 from having social media accounts

7 Must-Visit Scenic Small Towns In Texas

Discover Texas' hidden gems! From Fredericksburg's German charm to Marfa's artistic allure, explore 7 picturesque small towns in the Lone Star State.

• Fredericksburg blends Texan and German cultures, perfect for wine tasting and shopping in historic buildings.
• Rockport is a coastal gem with bird watching and art galleries, offering outdoor activities and waterfront charm.
• Dripping Springs is a hub for adventure, with natural springs, rivers, and a vibrant downtown scene for all to enjoy.

Texas is the second-largest state and one of the most diverse places in America. It is aesthetically appealing in every way, thanks to historical neighborhoods, scenic towns, and stunning landscapes. There is no shortage of atmospheres that travelers can find in this state.

But, while most people will favor big cities in Texas, the real magic of the Lone Star State is found in its small towns offering big adventures . These towns are filled with natural beauty and fantastic natural wonders worth exploring. Whether one is a local and wants to learn about their state or is visiting Texas for the first time, this article lists seven of the most beautiful towns in Texas to help travelers navigate their way through this diverse state.

10 Small Towns In West Texas You'll Love Visiting

7 fredericksburg, check out the many wineries and shopping boutiques on the main street.

In the heart of Texas Hill County is this town located between San Antonio and Austin. It blends Texan and German cultures, allowing travelers to enjoy both heritages. A stroll down the main street lets travelers see the well-preserved historic buildings that house cute boutiques, art galleries, and shops.

The town is filled with many restaurants serving German cuisine and drinks. Being home to some of the best vineyards in the state , travelers can sample delicious wines or check out treasures hidden in the antique shops, or soak in the town's tranquil atmosphere.

Fredricksburg has something unique for everyone all year round. From Christmas markets and Oktoberfest to Wildflowers, travelers will always have something to do. So visit here and learn why it is one of the most charming small towns in Texas worth a visit .

The town enjoys a lively festive scene and excellent birding

One of the most adorable small towns in Texas , Rockport is the right town to visit for travelers planning a trip to the coastal area. It is located on the Texas Coast and is a place of unmatched beauty throughout the year. Its waterfront district is the town’s main charm, where guests can shop in cute boutiques, eat in world-class restaurants, or enjoy live music in any outdoor cafés.

Don't leave without visiting the Rockport/Futon area, which offers many outdoor recreation opportunities. Here, guests are welcome to kayak, swim, and watch birds. Besides the many attractions, the town has been in the spotlight for its art scene. Many art galleries are home to works by local and international artisans. Visitors can check out everything, including sculptures and chandeliers made from antlers.

5 Dripping Springs

The town is filled with rolling springs and incredible rivers and creeks.

Dripping Springs is located west of Austin. There is a natural pool preserve where guests can see a beach, canyon, grotto, and a waterfall. The town is home to many hiking trails which lead visitors to many natural wonders. On top of that, visitors are welcome to sample all kinds of beer, wine, and liquor in the tasting area.

Dripping Springs is a town where travelers discover new experiences. From climbing a limestone cliff, floating in beautiful waters, and admiring stunning architecture, there are many things to do here to keep guests from all walks of life entertained. The downtown area has unique shops, cute boutiques, and pubs.

10 Small Towns In Texas For Hill Country Lovers

4 wimberley, the town is renowned for diverse landscapes like rivers, canyons, and rolling hills.

Here is another town found between Austin and San Antonio. It is a paradise for nature lovers, offering plenty of things to do. A stunning wellness center welcomes visitors to take a dip when there is enough water. A swimming hole is also created from an artisan spring and a fantastic underground cave system.

Wimberley is a great alternative to Austin and offers various picnic spots, hiking trails, and water sports areas that allow outdoor enthusiasts to have fun. For those who love road trips, driving along the Devil's Backbone offers many scenic stops and photo ops.

Guests exploring downtown can check out the boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries and listen to live music.

3 Jefferson

The town offers piney wood scenery and beautiful bed and breakfast lodgings.

Want to travel back in time? Visit this beautiful town in Texas. It is known for stunning 19th-century buildings that are well-preserved. Guests are welcome to enjoy a stroll on the streets that are lined with bricks or a riverboat cruise on the bayou. Lovers of history can explore the town on a ghost tour. This is why Jefferson is a must-visit on Halloween. Shop for nostalgic treats in boutiques in the downtown area, or go and admire the Jefferson Railway.

The town is known for its conceptual art scene and cowboy chic vibes

Found far on the west side of Texas between the underrated Big Bend National Park and the Davis Mountains, this cute town is renowned as the location of the movie "Giant”, which stars Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean. Although a small town, it has big offerings, giving travelers reasons to explore it .

There are many things to do, from viewing stunning sculptures, taking photos of picturesque monuments, and learning about history by visiting the various museums. Numerous art galleries make the town an art paradise, while boutiques sell creations by local artisans. Thrill-seekers can glide into the sky and enjoy beautiful views of the town from the top.

The Mystery Of The Marfa Lights (10 Things You Didn't Know)

1 luckenbach, a tiny hamlet with a vibrant music scene.

Luckenbach is another beautiful town found in the Texas Hill Country. Although a small town, it has a big reputation. It came to the limelight after the song "Luckenbach Texas" by Willie Nelson. It is a popular spot for musicians and music lovers. The Luckenbach Dance Hall hosts jam sessions where travelers can sip a cold beer while enjoying the music and tranquil atmosphere.

As the common saying goes, everybody is somebody in Luckenbach. So everyone feels welcome in this small town. Enjoy the music, dance the night away, and in the morning, wake up ready to tackle the day.

9 places in Texas to visit for a taste of how holidays used to be celebrated

Expecting out-of-state guests this holiday season?

Consider sharing a dose of Texas history with them.

The Texas Historical Commission — along with local partners — stage quite a few seasonal events at its historic sites.

I rustled up a few candidates for authentic holiday festivities within reasonable driving distance of our seven USA Today Network hometowns in Texas.

Consider an adobe open house in El Paso

You won't find many well-preserved historic adobe houses in Texas. After all, mud bricks tend to melt in the rain and crumble in the sun. The Magoffin Home in El Paso, built by Joseph Magoffin in 1875, is a magnificent example of this type of West Texas residence.

The first six rooms were built around a central hall, and more were added before the adobe exterior, protected by lime plaster, was completed around 1887. Amazingly, members of the Magoffin family still lived there almost 100 years later and many of the furnishings on display belonged to them.

More: Magoffin Home's place in history will be recognized at ceremony

This season, the house makes a cozy — and free — holiday retreat for live music, cookies and cocoa, along with participatory activities such as ornament making and, aptly, fashioning gingerbread adobe houses with breakfast cereal bits for decor. Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 2. 915-533-5147, ext. 1002.

Take a candlelight tour of a 19th-century Castroville inn

Located on the Medina River, Castroville was settled by Alsatians led by Henri Castro in the 1840s. Among the genuinely historic buildings here is the Landmark Inn, now a state historic site on the west bank of the river. In 1849 Frenchman César Monod built this one-story structure for his home and a dry-good store.

More: Scout the historic Texas rivers of the southern Edwards Plateau

According to the Handbook of Texas Online, "Irish merchant John Vance purchased the property on Feb. 23, 1853, and built a one-and-a-half-story family residence between the original main structure and the Medina River. He also added a second story and first and second floor galleries to the main structure to make the Vance Hotel. A two-story bathhouse built in the courtyard during the Civil War provided the only man-made bath between San Antonio and Eagle Pass."

This time of year, the Castroville Conservation Society will conduct a candlelight tour of the Landmark Inn. 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 2 at 402 Florence St., Castroville. 830-708-5680.

See where 'Speaker Sam' lived in Bonham

From 1913 to 1961, Sam Rayburn served for 24 terms as U.S. Congressman while representing the Texas fourth congressional district. Three times, he held the post of speaker of the House, but he also is remembered as a House majority leader and two-time House minority leader. The Democrat mentored his friend, Lyndon Baines Johnson, who rose to Senate majority leader, vice president and president.

More: Get an exclusive look Inside Lyndon B. Johnson's hidden downtown Austin offices

As you might guess, the speaker's house in Bonham is historic.

During a holiday open house, you may take free tours of the first floor of the Sam Rayburn House, hung with garlands and battery-powered candles, then stop by the visitor center for hot apple cider, sweet treats and ornament making. The event is slated for 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, 890 W. Texas 56, Bonham.

Note: Because Dec. 7 is Pearl Harbor Day, you can learn more about the Japanese attack on American forces on that date in 1941 — and Rayburn's role in America's response — at the site.

Christmas where Texans declared independence

Tiny Washington-on-the-Brazos has the distinction of being the place where Texas delegates met to declare independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836. These days, you can wander around the capacious grounds where the historical town stood, peek into a replica of the barn-like hall where the delegates met, and then head over to the Barrington Plantation, a living history site associated with Dr. Anson Jones, last president of the Republic of Texas.

For two days during the holiday season, add festive music, dancing, solemn speeches, musket-fire and Christmas carols. You'll also hear how people enslaved at Barrington experienced the season. Groups of 20 guests will leave every 15 minutes from the entrance of Barrington Plantation. 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m Dec. 8, 23100 Barrington Lane.

More: Texas History: Spelling out life on an 1800s Texas plantation

One more holiday event in the historic town/historical park: "Dickens on the Brazos." From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 16, activities will expand from Independence Hall, where interpreters from Fanthorp Inn will set up a Christmas post office, to Lott's Tavern, where you'll hear readings from Charles Dickens. Contact Adam Arnold ( [email protected] ) for more information.

A trail of lights connects two historic La Grange sites

Perched dramatically high above the Colorado River Valley, Monument Hill overlooks the town of La Grange. It is home to two historic sites nestled in a park setting. With its soaring art deco memorial, Monument Hills is the last resting place for Texans who took part in multiple conflicts with Mexico during the 1840s. Nearby is the well-rehabilitated Kreische House, and the Kreische Brewery, mostly in ruins. No beer is served on site, at least not in an official capacity.

More: Texas History: Taking the long view from Monument Hill

Every day at dusk during the holiday season, the grounds are transformed into a trail of lights. Themed displays include Candy Lane, Holiday in the Dog Park and the O Tannenbaum musical display. Kreische House will be decorated in the traditional 19th century German style. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, holiday refreshments, family crafts and activities, visits with Santa, and more. 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 8-23, 414 Texas Loop 92, La Grange.

An 1850s cooking demo in Austin

The state of Texas recently renovated and upgraded the array of historical structures at the French Legation, completed in 1841 for Alphonse Dubois de Saligny, the chargé d’affaires for France in the Republic of Texas. One place that looks great there — perfect for living history — is the 19th-century kitchen, rebuilt in the 1960s on the footprint of the original detached kitchen.

More: Savoring the peace and the past at the reopening French Legation

Makes sense, then, that staff and volunteers will prepare a full 1850s holiday meal in the kitchen, which will include most of the ingredients available to Texans then: turkey, chicken, duck, beef, pork, wild game, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and imported delicacies. The demo is included in the price of admission. (Look hungry. You might get samples. That usually works for me.) 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Dec. 9, 802 San Marcos St., Austin.

Prairie Christmas sing-along at the Goodnight Ranch

Confession: During my road trips around the Panhandle, I've never visited the Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site. The famed trail captain — a model for Woodrow F. Call in "Lonesome Dove" — and his wife, among many other things, are credited with helping to save the bison from extinction.

More: ‘Mr. Texas’ befriends legendary cattleman, ‘Lonesome Dove’ inspiration

Their house on the prairie will be decked out for the holidays. For a special event, not only can you tour the home, you are invited to join an old-fashioned sing-along by the campfire, while you take in the aromas of chuckwagon cooking. (Looking hungry might work here, too.) Weather forecast: It will be crisp if not cold this time of year. 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 4989 Country Road 25, Clarendon.

Victorian Christmas fair at Fort McKavett

Located near the headwaters of the San Saba River, Fort McKavett is exactly what one imagines an isolated Texas frontier military base looked like in the mid-19th century. You learn a lot here about the Buffalo Soldiers, the African American recruits who guarded the trails west during the waning years of the Indian Wars. Be sure to stroll down to the wooded pools that give birth to the river.

More: Forts evoke a rough and isolated, but well-ordered, frontier life

Besides the excellent museum and the ghostly remains of the barracks, during a holiday event one can attend the Victorian Christmas Fair . Activities include making Christmas decor, helping to cook up treats in the officer’s kitchen, writing a Christmas card, and taking pictures with a Victorian Santa. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.. Dec. 6, Fort McKavett.

Christmas in Mexican Texas at Stephen F. Austin's capital

As recently explored in this column, San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site has been given, during the past decade, expert attention that includes a relatively new museum and a replica settlement. The treatment is appropriate for the town on the Brazos River that served as Stephen F. Austin capital in Mexican Texas from 1823 to 1836, when it was burned to the ground by settlers to deprive the approaching Mexican army of supplies.

More: Once capital of Stephen F. Austin's colony, San Felipe de Austin celebrates bicentennial

Suitably, Christmas in Mexican Texas is the theme of this year's holiday event. Historians and others will talk about religion at the time and read from “Legend of the Poinsettia." Kids can engage in poinsettia paper crafts, while food will be available at the outdoor oven in the Villa de Austin exhibit, a cluster of studiously put together replica buildings located next to the museum. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 16. 220 Second St., San Felipe.

Candlelight Christmas at Varner-Hogg

The Varner-Hogg Plantation , located directly on Varner Creek just above the Brazos River, was owned by three main families before the prominent Hoggs gave it to the state of Texas. The site includes an excellent visitors center, a small museum, excavated sites of the slave cabins and a sugar mill, a climate-controlled warehouse for antiques, and a stately plantation house.

More: Guides at Texas plantation committed to preserving truth of 'a very uncomfortable history'

For the season, the staff has chosen to take the house back to the mid-1800s with a feather tree, popular 19th-century toys, and dining room table set for a sumptuous holiday feast. Relax outside with wassail and Christmas cookies. A Victorian Santa will be on standby for photos. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 18, 1702 N. 13th St., West Columbia.

Michael Barnes writes about the people, places, culture and history of Austin and Texas. He can be reached at [email protected]. Sign up for the free weekly digital newsletter, Think, Texas, at statesman.com/newsletters, or at the newsletter page of your local USA Today Network paper.