See who made our list of the most charming Christmas towns in Texas.
Christmas celebrations will happen all over the Lone Star State and in a big way. But according to magazines, the internet, myself, and a few more sources, these Texas towns made the 12 most charming Christmas towns in Texas list.
Grab the entire family and choose between the Christmas towns where you’ll spend the holidays. Here’s hoping we see a white Christmas in Texas –not ice, but lots of snow!
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The 12 Most Charming Christmas Towns In Texas
Why are these Texas Christmas towns on the most charming Christmas towns in Texas list? Well, let’s dig in and find out. I would love to know what your favorite Christmas towns are too.
- These Christmassy towns in Texas are in no particular order.
1. Marshall
Small town Marshall spreading holiday cheer since 1987, will shine again during the holiday season with its outdoor skating rink and lit-up downtown. If I’m not mistaken, Marshall was one of the first towns to have an outdoor ice skating rink.
Wonderland of Lights will draw millions of spectators to town. I’ve always wanted to go during the holiday but haven’t made it yet, but did go a couple of years ago and rode horses out there. Christmastime will be magical with a trip to the annual celebration of Marshall’s famed Wonderland of Lights. Will you be going?
2. Grapevine
• Christmas Capital of Texas
You can feel the holiday spirit on Main Street. Since I live so close, we go here every year, possibly two or three times. Planning a day trip with other travel writers and friends on the 3rd of December. I love Main Street this time of year. I’ve already been once so far. Planning to go at least two more times during the holidays.
• Polar Express at Gaylord Texan Resort
Excited that ICE! is back at the resort. We’ve missed those blocks of ice. Although we’ve enjoyed the Christmas Movies exhibit, we long for ICE! to return. My family will be going on Dec. 4th to see it all and the Polar Express Ice Exhibit. We always splurge for a hot chocolate afterward and enjoy snow tubing and Build-A-Bear. If you’re here and want to go, I have a coupon code for you to use. It’s TRAVELING. Please book your visit for the valid days (above) at Christmas at Gaylord Texan.
• Historic Palace Theatre
See fabulous classic Christmas movies all season long!
3. College Station
The Christmas season in College Station is top-notch. Santa’s Wonderland is amazing, and the lights can be seen from the highway. It’s a large event and there are many attractions within to do. My son and I went last year and spent at least four hours there. But if you ice skate and do all the offered things, expect to stay at least six hours. It’s like a winter wonderland out there. Put a cup of hot cocoa in one hand and a drumstick in the other and have fun!
I suggest waiting in line (and there will be a line) to ride the hayride through the light displays because so many will have you oohing and awwing the entire ride. I took so many pictures and didn’t even use them. Don’t make the mistake of trying to get lots of photos. Just enjoy the ride and watch! It is the best light show I’ve ever seen.
4. Johnson City
Pedernales Electric Cooperative Headquarters presents its world-famous holiday lights display, Johnson City’s Lights Spectacular. I’ve been to JC several times, but not during the holidays. November 25, 2022 – January 8, 2023, from 6 to midnight.
5. Fredericksburg
It’s like a Hallmark movie in Fredricksburg this time of year. And the Texas Hill Country is packed with wine tastings at every winery around every corner. If you’re around for New Year’s Eve, Luckenbach will have a party bash, including dancing and live music.
6. Grand Prairie
Prairie Lights is an annual event holiday light park in Texas, located at Lynn Creek Park and will feature Holiday Village, the magical walk-thru forest, carnival rides, photos with Santa, holiday shopping and more. A fast pass can be purchased, so you don’t have to wait in line for so long.
7. San Antonio
The River Walk will be lit up for the 41st Ford Holiday River Parade & River Lighting Ceremony, and Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will give out glitter, glee, and toys to all the little girls and boys!
Festival of lights outdoors – Pixabay
8. Fort Worth
Gifts of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway is an incredible drive-through experience. We went to this one since it opened years ago but missed it the past few years. It did get better and better each year, but with that came higher prices. All I say is grab your family, friends, and neighbors in one vehicle and share to cost. Once you get out of your car, there are hot chocolate, popcorn, snacks, games, and pictures with Santa. And if they still have the train ride for the younger kids, that’s fun too.
9. New Braunfels
Santa’s Ranch drive-thru lights display is over a mile long and includes 1.5 million lights, and the 50-foot Christmas Tree will be a sight to see.
While you’re there, look for the German Christmas market and all the German Heritage throughout town.
Courtesy of Visit Galveston
10. Galveston
Holiday at Moody Gardens is where it’s at during the holidays. It’s one venue with over 8 attractions. Have you been before? Expect to see a huge ice land, the festival of lights, ice skating, 3D films, an artic slide, train rides, and more.
View of Georgetown’s downtown courthouse
11. Georgetown
Holding the title of “The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas, you know this town is going to spruce things up for the holidays. My son and I were in Georgetown a couple of years ago when the town was all lit up for the holidays, and it was gorgeous. It seemed as though all the stores were opened late too. I remember doing quite a bit of shopping.
12. Jefferson
Jefferson was one of the first towns we would visit to stay in a bed and breakfast. That’s what it was known for. Not only that, but breakfast served in the morning was (and still is) a big bonus at bed and breakfast establishments. I can’t remember visiting during the holidays, but Jefferson made the list of the most charming Christmas Towns In Texas. I’m sure it’s spectacular.
Links to more Christmas festivities in Texas on Texas Travel Talk:
Holiday Events In Central Texas
Christmas Celebrations In East Texas
Christmas Holiday Events In North Texas
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