The holidays are a special time of year when we all get to spend time with our loved ones and celebrate in unique ways. If you’re looking for a festive town to visit this Christmas season, look no further than the Texas Hill Country! From the rolling hills and quaint small towns to the bustling cities and warm hospitality, there’s something special around every corner. Here are seven of our favorite towns to visit for a magical holiday season:
7 Magical Christmas Towns In The Lone Star State
From small towns with charming main streets to big cities with impressive Christmas light displays, there’s something for everyone on this list. So pack your bags and get ready to experience some true Texas holiday spirit! Who knows, you may even fall in love and make a new home in one of these magical destinations.
1. Fredericksburg, Texas
There’s no better place to start our list than the city Country Living Magazine names as one of the best Christmas towns in America. Fredericksburg is home to a charming downtown area filled with German-inspired architecture and shops and is known for putting on quite a show for the holiday season. If you’re looking for a festive holiday celebration, look no further than Fredericksburg’s 55 Christmas Nights of Lights. This event lasts for 55 days, from November to December, and features a 26-foot German Christmas Pyramid, a massive community Christmas tree, Christkindlesmarkt, live music events, craft shows, and seasonal beers from local microbreweries.
2. Austin, Texas:
You can find plenty of Christmas spirit in Austin. Every year, the Texas capital celebrates with a huge holiday parade down Congress Avenue and lights up its State Capitol Building for the season. The historic Zilker Park is home to one of the largest displays in town: The Trail of Lights. This two-mile-long path is illuminated by millions of lights and features a live nativity scene, carnival rides, and more. Other Christmas activities include the German-style Christkindlmarket in downtown Austin and Santa’s Ranch out in the Hill Country.
3. Lockhart, Texas:
This small town makes big holiday dreams come true with its amazing Christmas lights display and holiday festivities. Every December, the first weekend kicks off with A Christmas To Remember in Lockhart. The celebration begins on Friday night with shopping, live music, and the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Then, on Saturday morning, Luling’s downtown area is turned into a family-friendly festival complete with food options, handmade crafts, and unique activities for everyone to enjoy. This two-day event ends with an annual Lighted Christmas Parade down its main street, including marching bands playing holiday tunes while lit-up floats dance down the street – culminating in a grand entrance by Santa Claus himself!
4. Temple, Texas:
Temple celebrates the holiday season with its Annual Christmas Parade. Every year, local businesses decorate floats with lights, and dancers dressed in costumes march along the parade route. The parade ends with an appearance from Santa Claus and an annual tree-lighting ceremony. On the first Friday of December, Temple also has a Downtown Holiday Market where people can shop for gifts and grab food from local vendors. And for a truly magical holiday experience, visit Temple’s Reuben D. Talasek Bend of the River Park for their annual Bend of the River Christmas celebration. This event offers fun activities like photos with Santa, snow slides, and barrel train rides for all ages. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!
5. Seguin, Texas
Christmas-lovers rejoice! Seguin, Texas, is the nuttiest (literally) place to be during the holidays. This town holds the world record for housing the largest pecan and also houses an extensive nutcracker museum where Yuletide is celebrated year-round. The Pape Pecan House features more than 8,000 different nutcrackers from all over the world. And in early December, the entire town becomes alive with holiday cheer during the Holiday Stroll. This annual event includes a spectacular lighted parade, wine walk, Jingle Bell Run, and a North Pole Stroll filled with family-friendly activities, local vendors, and Santa himself.
6. Luling, Texas:
This charming small town is home to the annual Luling Watermelon Thump, but it’s all about Christmas during the holiday season. To get into the holiday spirit, Luling holds its Grinchmas Arts & Crafts Show and Kids Holiday Market in November. Then, in early December, Yuling Main Street celebrates with Cookies and Carols. This event includes artisans and crafts, late-night shopping, hayrides, and a visit from Santa Claus himself. Downtown Luling is full of traditions during this time of year–you can shop local businesses and take a stroll down Yule Trail while enjoying the festive lights. For something truly unique, you can even choose your own Christmas tree at Abrameit’s Tree Farm.
7. San Antonio, Texas
No holiday season in Texas would be complete without a visit to San Antonio’s world-famous River Walk. This two-and-a-half mile stretch of the San Antonio River is transformed during the holidays with over 100,000 lights and 1,500 decorated trees. It’s also home to some of the city’s most beloved Christmas activities, like Luminaria Nights, where locals can enjoy live music and beautiful luminarias lining the river banks. For those looking to get in the holiday spirit, head over to the Historic Market Square and shop for unique gifts while listening to live mariachi music. What’s more festive than that?
Celebrate The Holidays In The Lone Star State
These are just a few magical festive towns in the Texas Hill Country. No matter which town you choose, there’s sure to be something special for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season.
With its unique blend of rural charm and big-city vibes, the Lone Star State is home to some of America’s most picturesque and festive Christmas towns. From Austin to San Antonio and beyond, Texas Hill Country offers a unique way to celebrate the holidays. Whether you’re looking for a small-town parade, an outdoor Christmas market, or a bustling city street full of holiday cheer – Texas Hill Country is sure to provide something special for everyone this Christmas season!
