I’m gonna be real with you, holidays in Texas are not a Hallmark movie. There’s (probably) not going to be snow and it might even be hot.
However, there’s still festive fun to be found! There’s a few towns around the hill country that go all out for Christmas, there’s also markets to get your holiday shopping done and plenty of Christmas lights to be seen.
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Where to find Festive Fun for the Holidays in Texas
Festive Towns
First up, let’s talk about festive towns. You know the ones I mean, they go all out on the decorating, host some fun events, and bring in Santa himself. Most of them even have their own website dedicated to the holiday events. There’s a few in the hill country worth mentioning.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg has become a Texas Hill Country icon. It used to be just a feed store and ranches, now it’s a thriving wine destination with cute boutique shops. Because of its German roots, it also has German Christmas decorations. And while it’s not as good as being IN Germany (I know, I’ve done it) for the holidays, it’s fun nonetheless.
Austin
Being the capitol of Texas, there’s plenty of festivities that take place in Austin. My personal favorite is the giant lit up Christmas tree you can spin under. While the trail of lights isn’t high on my list (needs updating!) the tree is worth a spin. There’s also a “German style” Christmas market downtown as well as Christmas themed bars if you’re so inclined.
Lockhart
Lockhart kicks off its holiday season with their “Christmas to Remember” Festival. It starts on Friday night and then the following weekend has family friendly Christmas fun. To top it all off, they host a parade to end the two day event.
Temple
Local business get in on the action in Temple. They create Christmas floats for a parade each year which include dancers dressed in costumes. At the end of the parade there’s Santa and a holiday lighting experience!
Seguin
In Sequin you’ll find over 8,000 nutcrackers from all over the world! They also host the Holiday Stroll which includes a festive fun run, markets, lighted parade, wine walk, and of course, Santa.
Luling
Luling is home to the Grinchmas Craft Show and Kids Holiday Market. Later in December you’ll find a tree farm where you can choose your own tree and stroll down their Yule Trail for festive lights.
San Antonio
San Antonio kicks off the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving with a lighted parade on the riverwalk. The city comes alive with lights and festivities following opening day. Additionally, the Historic Market Square is home to live music and festive shopping.
Top Tip:
Book an Enchanted Christmas Stroll to visit all the festive places around San Antonio.
Boerne
Another town with a German background, they offer a festive environment with themed shopping, lights and visits from Santa.
Markets During Holidays in Texas
Next up is markets that take place during holidays in Texas. While a lot of the towns above host markets in November and December to celebrate the season, there’s a few larger ones I personally love that are worth mentioning.
The Pearl, San Antonio
The Pearl is a great place to spend an afternoon or a whole day and during their nighttime Christmas market you can shop local gifts for everyone on your list.
Gruene Christmas Market Days, Gruene
I love the Gruene market that happens once a month, and when you top it off with some Christmas festivities and I’m all in. You can also meet Cowboy Santa in Gruene.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, Austin
The big one! The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been going on for almost 50 years. It’s a full on festive experience for holidays in Texas. It has over 200 artists to shop from and live music happening while you shop. Indulge in festive drinks and food while you shop.
Events During Holidays in Texas
While I’ve obviously been talking about events above as well, this category is for a few larger events I know of and have visited in the past.
Sea World
Sea World boasts the most lights in Texas and while I didn’t count them all, there were definitely a lot a few years back. It’s a great time to go because it’s less crowded and festive!
Zoo Lights
Zool lights is a fun, family-friendly event where you get to meet Santa, see some animals, and watch some light shows. There’s fun crafts for the kids and you can even get a photo in a snow globe!
Top Tip:
I always recommend booking these types of things head of time, you’ll save time and money.
Book Sea World
Book the Zoo
Lights During Holidays in Texas
I feel like Christmas lights are a love it or hate it situation. Personally, I’m a big fan but I know the crowds can ruin it. Now, all the towns above will have Christmas lights displays but here’s a few specific places around the hill country that go big.
Riverwalk, San Antonio
The riverwalk comes alive with Christmas lights during holidays in Texas. It’s beautiful and well worth a stroll. Visiting it is also free but the parade costs if you want seating.
Trail of Lights, Austin
The Trail of Lights is an icon of Austin and therefore holidays in Texas. It’s one of the largest light displays and personally, I’m a big fan of the giant Christmas tree. I definitely recommend parking nearby and walking over to the lights, it gets very busy!
The Walkway of Lights, Marble Falls
The Walkway of Lights boasts over 2 million lights and is free to everyone. You don’t have to drive it and it’s entirely funded by donations.
Windcrest, San Antonio
If you’re looking for a neighborhood drive, then this is for you. Head over to Windcrest for a drivable experience through festive lights.
There you have it: Holidays in Texas. While there (probably) won’t be snow, there’s plenty to keep you busy around the area this holiday season.
If you know of something I missed, tell me in the comments so I can add it for next year!
