We all know that Texas doesn’t do snow, so it does lights. From the cypress trees on the San Antonio River Walk to the cast-iron storefronts of Galveston’s Strand, the state has some of the country’s best holiday traditions. Here are 13 events in nine towns worth planning a weekend around, with a charming inn nearby for each.
Let’s start our holiday celebration tour at the Ford Holiday River Parade, San Antonio, Friday, November 27. The parade and river lighting ceremony start at 6 p.m. at the Tobin Center, with a live broadcast at 7:05 p.m. from the Arneson River Theatre. The 200,000 lights draped over the River Walk’s cypress trees stay on through early January, and viewing them is free. Parade seating is ticketed, and this year’s grand marshal is the Witte Museum, celebrating its 100th birthday. Book a South Texas inn, such as any of the Noble Inns, Arbor House and Santos Patronos Ranch.
Our next stop is the, Light the Night Christmas Parade, Fredericksburg Friday, December, 4. The parade rolls down Main Street at 6:30 p.m., with more than 150 illuminated floats. Food vendors and kids’ activities open on Marktplatz at 3 p.m., and Santa takes free photos after the parade. Bring a lawn chair, the whole family and a blanket.
The fun continues in Fredericksburg for their Christmas Nights of Lights November 24–January 5. Every evening at 6 p.m., Marktplatz lights its community tree and 26-foot German Christmas Pyramid after a short carol-and-history presentation. It’s free and an easy add-on to any Hill Country weekend. Book a Hill Country inn, so many great choices to choose from.
Let’s head a little bit north to the Austin Trail of Lights December 10–23. The 62nd annual Zilker Park display uses more than 2 million lights and runs December 10–23, with free admission on seven nights: December 10–11 and 13–17. The Zilker Holiday Tree lighting ceremony is Sunday, November 29. There are ticketed options for fast passes, parking, and VIP entrance times.
From Austin we will head into the Hill Country to Boerne for their event, Dickens on Main, Boerne November 27–28. Boerne’s Hill Country Mile becomes a vintage Christmas village from noon to 10 p.m., with live music, Santa, ice sculpting, and snow on Main Street. It’s free, so pack up the family and head South for this holiday adventure. They continue their holiday fun with the, Weihnachts Parade, Boerne, Saturday, December 5. This 30-plus-year tradition starts at 6 p.m. with more than 100 lit-up floats and bands on Main Street.
A Christmas classic awaits your visit in Galveston with, Dickens on The Strand, Galveston December 4–6. The 53rd annual festival turns the Strand into Victorian London. Fezziwig’s Beer Hall opens Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., and the festival runs Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sunday noon–6 p.m., rain or shine. Expect parades, four stages of entertainment, and costumed vendors. Book a Gulf Coast inn, and explore the Texas coast for the holiday.
Now we will head North and towards the Piney Woods to Jefferson for their Candlelight Tour of Homes, Jefferson December 3–5 and 10–12. The 44th annual tour opens historic homes Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 8 p.m. One ticket works on any tour date, and the free Enchanted Forest of lighted trees is part of the celebration. Book a Piney Woods inn, and soak up all the history that East Texas has to offer.
Next up is the Hallmark worthy stop of Sulphur Springs. This Northeast Texas’s Celebration District goes all out the first weekend of December, with three events packed into two nights.
Lions Club Lighted Christmas Parade, Friday, December 4. The Sulphur Springs Lions Club marks its 20th anniversary with the parade on Friday, December 4, at 7 p.m. in downtown. In past years, entries lined up at Buford Park at 4 p.m. Every float must be lit, so expect a glowing procession of business, nonprofit, and community entries. People can watch from the entire parade route, downtown will have the most spectators, so if you are looking to spread out a little, look for a spot on Houston Street.
The Downtown Business Alliance helps to create Christmas magic with an open air Christmas Market December 4–5. Vendor’s set up for two days of local gifts, treats, and music. Celebration Plaza, kicks off the Christmas season with the city Christmas tree lighting at 5:45 p.m. Pair it with the parade for a full Friday night downtown.
An event not to be missed is the Christmas in the Park, at Heritage Park, Saturdays, November 28 and December 5. Heritage Park Museum holds a two night event, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Historic buildings glow with thousands of lights, carolers sing, and visitors sip hot cocoa by lantern light. The park is located at 416 N. Jackson St., and last year’s admission was $5, with children under six free. The second night lands the same weekend as the parade and market. Book your room early to be able to enjoy all the holiday fun, The Oaks is close to the action, and of course you can always drive a little further to a, Piney Woods inn.
Let’s head back to central Texas to Salado for the Salado Christmas Stroll December 3–13. The village kicks off with a lighted Christmas parade on Thursday, December 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. The 66th annual stroll then fills Main Street with lights, shops, performances, markets, and a visit with Santa over two weekends, December 4–6 and 11–13. An outdoor live nativity runs at First Baptist Church. Book a Prairies & Lakes inn, for an unforgettable stay.
A German holiday tradition of wassail tastings happens each year in New Braunfels at the Wassailfest, New Braunfels, on Thursday, December 3. Downtown fills with free wassail tastings, lights, and school choirs from 6 to 9 p.m. Free shuttles run from City Hall, so don’t worry about parking close by, you can grab a ride.
The first weekend of December is the busiest. Galveston, Fredericksburg, Salado, Jefferson, Boerne, and Sulphur Springs all peak on December 3–5, and small inns have only a handful of rooms. Book direct and book soon. Innkeepers also know the best parade viewing spots and where to park. To book direct, visit the Great Stays of Texas reservation page.
