When you think of cozy Christmas places around the world, Christmas in the Texas Hill Country doesn’t really come to mind. We don’t get the wintery wonderlands of other places and we don’t have cute Christmas markets of Europe. However, that doesn’t mean there’s not plenty of festive places to head for holiday memories.
The hill country actually has a lot of cute, festive ways to celebrate the season and I’ve completed a full round up of where to see the lights, shop small, and make memories (with or without the kids). There’s a lot of places you can go so I’ve divided this into San Antonio, Austin, and then added small towns worth visiting as well.
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Christmas in the Texas Hill Country
Where to Stroll the Christmas Lights
First up, love them or hate them, Christmas lights are a staple for the holiday season. I’m a big fan of Christmas lights done well and places you can go that are well organized. I know that some people really hate the crowds when viewing the lights and I get it, but there are ways around that.
If you want to avoid the crowds, consider going to view the lights early, like before Thanksgiving. I’ve got a couple places below where you can do this. Another tip is to not just head to free streets, these tend to be the most crowded. I know that can be hard if you want to save money, but it does help, especially if the place has assigned times.
Free Places to View the Lights
Even though I just said you should pay, there are some free places, so let’s get to that, first. There’s a couple of college campuses and neighborhoods you can wander for free.
Riverwalk, San Antonio, November 28 to January 5
— Kicked off with light parade, the Riverwalk comes alive with lights during the holidays. It’s free to wander around.
University of Incarnate Word, San Antonio, November 22
— The University has a free kick off celebration on November 22 then you can visit the campus to view the lights throughout the season for free.
Travis Park Tree Lighting, San Antonio, Throughout December
— Head to Travis Park to witness the large tree getting lit which for the season.
Windcrest Neighborhood, San Antonio, Events begin November 12 to December 31
— If you’re looking for a neighborhood that goes all out, this is for you. Events take place throughout the season as well.
Monte Vista Neighborhood, San Antonio
— This historic district goes big for the holidays and you can stroll the streets.
Museum Reach near the Pearl, San Antonio
— These are an extension of the riverwalk lights and head toward the Pearl.
Palo Alto College, San Antonio, November 30 to December 22
— This Winter Wonderland is free but, bring cash to support the student organizations selling baked goods.
La Cantera Holiday Lights, San Antonio
— An upscale holiday lights display that is free to the public.
Pearl Holiday Lights, San Antonio
— Happening throughout December, wander The Pearl for free.
Alamo Quarry Holiday Lights, San Antonio
— Get your shopping done while viewing the lights! Snow is often featured as well.
37th Street Lights, Austin
— I have fond memories of heading to 37th street in high school and college break. The Austin hippie vibe is strong here.
Zilker Park Tree, Austin
— The Trail of Lights is not free (and not my favorite) but the Zilker Park tree is the best thing. Spin and fall down under this massively lit tree. I took Adam to this tree when we first started dating.
Longhorn Lights, Austin
— I’m morally opposed to this one because I’m an Aggie, but the campus will have ugly orange lights, if that’s your thing, and it is free.
Paid Tours and Light Shows
If you don’t like crowds, then paying to see the lights might be your way to go. Also consider a weeknight and start early. Have a plan for parking too.
Trolly Tour, San Antonio
— Hop on an old timey trolly and leave the driving to someone else. Complete with holiday carols. I personally did this one on New Year’s Eve and it was a good time.
Lights Alive, San Antonio
— I’ve never done this one but it looks like it has it all. You can drive through the lights, add an ornament making kit, and even a Santa photo. The price is a little steep but it’s per car, so pack everyone in.
Classic Christmas, San Antonio
— This is one I’m adding to my bucket list as I love that they have an ice skating rink and a snow tubing area, surrounded by Christmas lights.
Santa’s Ranch, San Antonio
— Santa’s Ranch is a classic hill country event. Drive through the lights, purchase food and beverages as well.
Zoo Lights, San Antonio
— I have attended this before and I’m happy to say I plan to go again this year with my niece and nephews. If you have a zoo membership, this is a no brainer.
Sea World Christmas Celebration, San Antonio
— I have also been to Sea World at Christmas time and it’s quite the display. However, it’s also quite pricey.
Illuminate at the Botanical Gardens, San Antonio
— The Botanical Gardens puts on a beautiful display of lights which my husband and I enjoyed greatly. However, don’t expect them to be super festive in terms of Christmasy. I don’t usually recommend it to families with young kids. I think they’d get bored.
Natural Bridge Caverns, San Antonio
— Natural Bridge Caverns has a full list of activities that seem to get really great reviews. It may be something I need to add to my bucket list.
Santa’s Railroad Wonderland, San Antonio
— Do you have a kiddo that loves trains? Then you might need to head here.
Maywald Christmas Display, Austin
— This is a donation based event with donations going to the Make a Wish Foundation. Great way to do some good this holiday.
Trail of Lights, Austin
— A classic Austin tradition. Not my favorite, I’ll be honest, but I like that you can walk it.
Mozart’s Festival of Lights, Austin
— At a local coffee shop this looks like a wonderfully festive time. It’s only $3 to enter general admission too.
Peppermint Parkway, Austin
— Now here’s something that you can’t do everywhere: visit lights hosted at the F1 race track.
Small Town Options
If you’re looking for that small town vibe, then one of these may be better for you.
How to Shop Small Businesses
I’m a big fan of shopping small whenever you can. I know it might not be as easy as heading straight to Amazon, but it’s important. Why not head out to a fun market where you can shop in a festive atmosphere? Here’s just a few places where you can support local businesses and get some shopping done.
The Pearl Night Markets, San Antonio, December 3, 10, and 17
— This market is much bigger than I was expecting, and I enjoyed walking through the booths. I found a few last minute holiday gifts as well.
Holidays at the Rock at La Cantera, San Antonio, Every Friday and Saturday in December
— I haven’t attended this market but I love that it’s every weekend in December and there’s other activities as well, such as ice skating.
San Antonio Museum of Art Holiday Market, San Antonio, November 30
— This holiday market is on small business Saturday so why not?
Holiday Art Market at the Tobin Center, San Antonio, November 29
— Reindeer games, Santa photos, and holiday shopping in one place!
Holidays on Houston Street, San Antonio, December 12-14
— This one is on my list for this year. It’s downtown so you can pair it with the riverwalk lights and maybe the Esquire pop-up bar.
Holiday Market at Hemisfair, San Antonio, December 20-21
— A relatively new market, it might be a good place to start your market shopping.
Artisan Holiday Market, San Antonio, Select Weekends in December
— The Artisan Market happens throughout the year, but in December it’s festive!
Garden Center Holiday Market, San Antonio, December 3
— Garden and holiday shopping? Yes, please.
Traders Village, San Antonio, First 3 Weekends in December
— Traders Village is all year long but in December you can meet Mr. and Mrs. Clause!
Christmas Showcase, San Antonio, November 22-23
— 46 years strong, the Christmas Showcase boasts over 300 vendors.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, Austin, December 13 to 21
— This one has been going on for 50 years, so you can’t go wrong!
Austin Holiday Market, Austin, December 6 to 7
— Advertised as a “market for makers” you’re sure to find something unique at this market.
Bee Cave Holiday Market, Austin, December 5 to 20
— This is a three-weekend pop-up that has live music, face painting, ice skating, and, of course, shopping.
Oh What Fun, Holiday Market, Austin, November 20 – December 24 (Thurs. – Sun)
— With a name like “Oh What Fun” can you really go wrong? This market is one of Austin’s newest.
German-Texan Christmas Market, Austin, Open to the Public on December 6
— There are no markets that compare to the holiday markets of Germany, however, this one at least brings a little of that vibe.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar, Austin, November 14 to December 24
— I love that you can shop online for this market as well. Makes it even easier to shop small.
Holiday Reuse Market, Austin, December 6 to 7
— Create and shop in one place! This market is all about re-use and you can create things while shopping small.
The Front Market, Austin, November 22 to 23
— If you’re looking for a free market, then this is for you. It’s also family and dog- friendly.
A Christmas Affair, Austin, November 19 to 23
— Hosted by the Junior League of Austin this is the biggest market of its kind in the nation. It’s a charity event as well so you’re doing good while shopping small.
Small Town Options
Be sure you’re really shopping small by heading to one these towns instead of Austin or San Antonio.
Make Family Memories
Okay so you’re probably thinking, Jamie, I thought we were already makin’ memories. Well, I didn’t know what else to call this section but it’s slightly different. Here’s a round up of Christmas shows and activities that you can do together as a family.
Elf the Musical, San Antonio
— Love it or hate it, Elf is a holiday classic. Personally, I love Elf and if I was going to be here during the times it’s showing I would have snagged some tickets.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra, San Antonio, December 21
— Honestly, I saw this a few years back and I wanted to love it but I got bored. However, if you’re into it, go!
Vienna Light Orchestra, San Antonio, December 5
–Adam and I have tickets to this in December so I’ll let you know how it is.
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland, San Antonio, December 28
— I’m one of those people that doesn’t understand the allure of Cirque. However it’s beloved and a good show.
Irish Tenors, San Antonio, December 13
— I love the idea of this but I’m not sure it’s for kids.
Home for the Holidays, San Antonio, December 21
— If you love Christmas music then this seems like a no brainer. All kinds of Christmas music will surround you.
Mariachi Sol De Mexico, San Antonio, December 17
— This seems like the perfect San Antonio festive event.
A Drag Queen Christmas, San Antonio, December 17
— I love this idea and if we were going to be here, I’d be buying tickets.
The Nutcracker, San Antonio, December 18 to 21
— I have such fond memories of the Nutcracker and I have to see it every few years.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet, San Antonio, December 29 to 30
— What’s better than the Nutcracker? The Nutcracker with an orchestra!
ICE Featuring Frosty the Snowman Display, San Antonio, November 22 to January 4
— We attended the Grinch ICE show last year and it’s very cute. The kids loved the snow tubing the best. It’s definitely cold inside the exhibit and you don’t want to linger.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas Holiday in the Park, San Antonio, November 22 to December 23
— I’m not a Six Flags person, but if you are, then head there for the holidays for sure.
A Charlie Brown Christmas, Magik Theatre San Antonio, November 22 to December 24
— Adam and I saw this a few years ago and it was so cute. It’s not too long and we both thought it would be great for kids.
A lot of these shows and activities are also happening Austin so I’m not going to repeat them.
Small Town Options
A lot of small towns in the area also have great shows for the family. Check one of these locations:
Have a Couple’s Night Out
I love a good holiday pop up bar. They are so festive and the drinks are delicious. My husband and I try to do it each year now and it’s always a festive good time. Grab some adult friends or make it a couples night at one of these Christmas pop-up bars.
Chicken ‘n Pickle, San Antonio, San Antonio, November 21 to December 31
— This has become a little bit of a holiday tradition for us. We truly enjoyed the atmosphere and holiday movies playing.
Miracle at Esquire, San Antonio, December 1 to 31
— The Esquire is a historic bar and I’m hoping to get tickets this year for Adam and I.
Sippin’ Santa at Hugman’s Oasis, San Antonio, November 29 to December 31
— If a beach-themed Christmas is your vibe then look no further!
Blitzen at Omni La Mansión del Río, San Antonio, November 23 to January 3
— I haven’t had much desire to try this one as it’s in a hotel but it is a long-running pop-up with a lot of dates to choose.
Grinchmas Pop-Up at Elsewhere, San Antonio
— I’m not positive if this is happening again but it was there last year so here’s hoping!
Austin also has a lot of holiday pop-up bars but instead of making this list even longer, I’m just going to send you to this guide on Austin’s holiday bars.
Whew! As you can see there is no shortage of holiday festivities for Christmas in the Texas Hill Country. Hopefully you found something perfect for you and your family this year!
