While Texas may not have the snow and cold weather that brings in the holiday spirit for most of the US, there are plenty of Texas Christmas towns nearby that even the biggest Scrooge would love. These quaint communities really roll out the red carpet welcoming neighbors with tons of holiday charm.
Here are some of our favorite Texas Christmas towns that will make you feel like you’re living in a Hallmark movie!
Georgetown
Kick off the Christmas season in the historical city of Georgetown with one of their many holiday events. Walk around the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas and shop local artisans, crafts, clothing, jewelry, and more. After you’ve found a gift for everyone on your shopping list, grab a bite to eat or warm up with some hot cocoa. Whether you stay for the day or the entire weekend, Georgetown is the perfect holiday getaway.
Fredericksburg
We all love this town for having great wineries and bed and breakfasts, but did you know Fredericksburg is often compared to a Hallmark holiday movie? Voted the “Best Small Town for Christmas in the South” by Southern Living and “The Christmiest Town in Texas” by Uptown Magazine, the town comes alive with ice skating, their 30-foot tall Christmas tree, holiday shopping, and more. From late November to early January, join for their nightly lighting countdown, 55 Nights of Fredericksburg Lights!
Bastrop
Whether it’s the River of Lights, an evening of caroling, or “Christmas Chaos” at the Bastrop Opera House, there’s something for everyone in Bastrop!
Photos courtesy of @visitbastrop and @hyattlostpines via Instagram
Marble Falls
Make your holiday bucket list and check it twice when you visit Marble Falls. Holiday cheer is sprinkled all throughout the town with the Walkway of Lights, an ice skating rink, Breakfast with Santa, and more. Or, explore downtown Marble Falls shops with extended holiday hours while you sip and shop.
Gruene
Spend the holidays Texas style in the historic town of Gruene. Create a lasting Christmas memory with photos with Cowboy Kringle, Gruene’s own brand of Santa. Or simply shop local and enjoy all the sights and sounds of small town Texas decked out for the holidays.
New Braunfels
While you’re down in Greune, be sure to swing by the New Braunfels Town Square (or circle, we should say). The area is fully decked out for the season and makes for the perfect place to snap that family photo you’re been meaning to take. Of course, if you have time you should totally check out Santa’s Ranch, a drive-through holiday lights displayed over a mile of ranch road.
Speaking of photos, have you checked out all of our favorite spots for holiday photos?
Johnson City
Just a short drive west of Austin, the town of Johnson City comes alive with their Lights Spectacular display. For the last 32 years, this Hill Country town transforms itself into a bright beacon of light, welcoming visitors with a stunning light show.
Photos courtesy of @lightsspectacularjctx via Instagram
Hidalgo
Take a drive through the Festival of Lights “Season of Hope” in Hidalgo. This drive-thru experience takes place every year in December at the Payne Arena. Entrance to the event is priced per vehicle, so your entire family can join in the fun while staying warm.
College Station
The folks at Santa’s Wonderland are putting on a giant outdoor Christmas wonderland. Open everyday of the week, guests can experience hayrides, meeting Santa, a Texas-sized gingerbread village, ice skating, and more! Santa’s Wonderland is divided into five areas: Santa’s Station, Santa’s Farm, Santa’s Town, Santa’s Big Red Barn, and West Pole. Each area features different activities, food, beverages, and live music. If you’re looking to spend the entire weekend in College Station, stay at one of Santa’s certified hotels and save with their holiday packages.
Photos courtesy of Santas Wonderland via Instagram
Galveston
Christmas at the beach? We’re in! Head to Galveston, Texas for two months of holly jolly, magical fun. There’s a variety of different attractions to enjoy like A Railroad Christmas at the Galveston Railroad Museum, Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens, Christmas Boat Lane Parade on Clear Lake, and much more.
San Antonio
A little closer to home, San Antonio kicks off the Christmas season with tons of holiday themed events. Starting the Friday after Thanksgiving, experience Christmas themed dinner theaters, shopping experiences, boat caroling, and more. Not to mention the Riverwalk will be a beautiful lights display like every year.
Looking for more holiday cheer and Austin area Christmas activities? Check out this post!
Featured photo courtesy of Santas Wonderland
