See who made our list of the most charming Christmas towns in Texas.
There are many places to visit during Christmas in Texas, and a Christmas getaway in Texas might just be what you need. However, according to magazines, the internet, myself, and a few more sources, these Texas towns made the list of the 12 most charming Christmas towns in Texas. Celebrations will happen all over the Lone Star State and in a big way, and we want you to know about them!
Grab the entire family and check out these Christmas towns where many will spend the holidays, and you can too if you want. Here’s hoping we see a white Christmas in Texas –not ice, but lots of snow!
The 12 Most Charming Christmas Towns In Texas
Why are these Texas Christmas towns on the list of the most charming Christmas towns in Texas? Well, let’s dig in and find out. I would love to know what your favorite Christmas towns are, too.
Put these towns on your “Where to go for Christmas in Texas” list.
These Christmassy towns in Texas are in no particular order.
1. Marshall, Texas
Starting November 22, 2023
Small town Marshall, which has been 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 I 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, Texas – the Christmas Capital of Texas
From festive holiday lights to fake snow falling on Main Street and the new ice skating rink in town, you’ll want to make plans to visit the Christmas Capital of Texas!
• The Grinch at Gaylord Texan Resort 2023
Use Coupon Code TRAVELING for 50% off on ICE! Tickets. 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!
Looking for a fabulous place to stay while in Grapevine? Consider the Hotel Vin Boutique Hotel in Grapevine.
3. College Station, Texas
Christmas in College Station, TX, is a magical time of year for the whole family. Its Christmas season is top-notch.
Santa’s Wonderland is amazing, and the holiday lights can be seen from the highway. It’s a large event, and there are many attractions within to do. If you plan to 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.
Santa’s Wonderland is a beautiful Christmas Village in Texas worth driving to see!
4. Johnson City, Texas
Pedernales Electric Cooperative Headquarters presents its world-famous holiday lights display, Johnson City’s Lights Spectacular. I’ve been to Johnson City, TX, several times, but not during the holiday.
Date: November 24, 2023, through January 7, 2024, from 6 p.m. to midnight.
5. Fredericksburg, Texas
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. Fredericksburg was also voted “Most Picturesque Town in America,” along with fourteen other small towns in Texas.
6. Grand Prairie, Texas
Grand 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, Texas
The San Antonio River Walk will light up for the 42nd 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, Texas
The holidays in Fort Worth, Texas, are a time for families to come together and celebrate the season. There is no shortage of attractions, events, and activities to keep you busy from November through January.
Gifts of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway is an incredible drive-through experience. We’ve been attending this light spectacular 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. So, grab your family, friends, and neighbors in one vehicle and share the cost.
Once you park and leave your car, there is 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, Texas
More holiday lights were added this year!
Santa’s Ranch drive-thru lights display is over a mile long and includes 2.5 million lights, and the 50-foot Christmas Tree will be a sight to see.
While there, look for the German Christmas market and all the German Heritage throughout New Braunfels.
November 3 – December 31, 2023
Tickets: Single Pass $37. Season Pass $74 – plus tax & fees.
Courtesy of Visit Galveston
10. Galveston, Texas
Holidays In The Gardens – Moody Gardens is where everyone will spend Christmas because the place has made it so special.
Holiday at Moody Gardens is where it’s at during the holidays. It’s one venue with over eight attractions. Enjoy a huge ice land, a festival of lights, ice skating, 3D films, an Arctic slide, train rides, and more.
November 18, 2023 – January 6, 2024
Tickets: Prices vary with the different activities. See the website.
View of Georgetown’s downtown courthouse
11. Georgetown, Texas
Holding the title of The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas, you know this town will 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, Texas
Jefferson was one of the first towns we would visit to stay in a bed and breakfast. That’s what it was known for many years ago. Also, breakfast served in the morning was (and still is) a big bonus at bed and breakfast establishments in town. 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 places to go in Texas for Christmas festivities on Texas Travel Talk:
Holiday Events In Central Texas
Christmas Celebrations In East Texas
Christmas Holiday Events In North Texas
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