Holiday Events In Central Texas

Bright lights will shine at these holiday events in Central Texas (2023).

Central Texas lights up with holiday events, bright, sparkling lights, and a merry vision. When I think of Central Texas, I first think of College Station (one of my favorite Christmas towns) and that area. There are so many things to do for Christmas in Texas, but this article discusses holiday events in Central Texas, including the Texas Hill Country.

2021 Santa’s Wonderland – College Station

15 Spectacular Holiday Events In Central Texas

While we celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day, let’s spread the word about all these festive places to spend the holidays in Central Texas. The Christmas spirit surrounds us, and let’s keep Christmas in Merry!

These events are listed in no particular order. I will add more as I find more.

1. Santa’s Wonderland – College Station

November 10 – December 30, 2023

With over 4 million lights and thousands of light displays, it’s easy to get all caught up in the holiday spirit. Santa’s Wonderland is genuinely A Texas Christmas Experience in College Station.

Last year was our first time experiencing Christmas in College Station.

Santa’s Wonderland Activities:

• Santa Claus at Santa’s Town
• Santa’s Village
• Trail of Lights featuring over 4 million twinkling lights
• Texas snow (fake, of course)
• Live entertainment
• Shop for holiday gifts
• Indulge in festive food
• Petting zoo
• Outdoor Ice skating
• Horse-drawn carriage rides
• The best funnel cake and hot chocolate around!

Tickets go on sale Sept 1, 2023.

2. Holidays In The Park – City Of Manor

December – TBA

A big day in the City of Manor (close to Austin) with the jolly old man in red and Mrs. Claus. See Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at Timmermann Park, and bring your lawn chair for the holiday movie at 7 p.m. Also in town is an ice skating rink, train, food vendors, and more. It starts at 10 am—City of Manor on Facebook.

3. Zilker Holiday Tree In Austin

The 57th Tree Lighting will be held at Zilker Park on November 26, 2023, from 6-7 p.m. Free parking.

Zilker Park will light up the park with its 155-foot holiday tree. Several events are happening in the park after Thanksgiving and until the 2nd. Visit Zilker Holiday Tree.

4. The Johnson City Lights Spectacular

November  24, 2023 – January 8, 2024

Johnson City will light up its small town with a million lights galore. The Johnson City Lights Spectacular will surely be the place to enjoy the holiday cheer. Look forward to horse-drawn trolley rides & carriage rides.

This is a free event; you’ll want to get there early.

See how two girls explored JC Girlfriend Getaway In Johnson City, TX.

5. Santa’s Ranch Drive-Thru Christmas Lights

November 03  – December 31, 2023

New Braunfels will have the most incredible light shows in Texas …they say. Just look for the 50′ Christmas Tree. Bring the whole family to enjoy one of the best holiday light exhibits in the Lone Star State! Pack the car! Drive through over a mile of winding country roads while taking in the beautiful lights and animated Christmas displays. Bring your own or enjoy their homemade hot cocoa, kettle corn, and snacks.

Address: 9561 I-35 North, New Braunfels, TX – 6-10 pm nightly (11 pm on Fri/Sat)

Santa’s Ranch drive-thru lights display is over a mile long and includes 1.5 million lights or more.

Tickets: Carload $35; VIP $70

6. Georgetown’s 41st Annual Christmas Stroll

November 24, 2023 – Lighting of the Town Square

December 1-2, 2023 – Annual Christmas Stroll

Georgetown isn’t named The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas for no reason; it truly is gorgeous. But when the holidays roll around, the town square lights up with bright lights, big bows, and lots of red. If you’re lucky to live in, close by, or in town for Thanksgiving, its Annual Lighting of the Town Square will be Friday, November 24, 2023, at 5:30.

When we were there at Christmas a couple of years ago, every square inch was covered in red – red was everywhere, even the trees were all lit up – it was beautiful. I would go back there again during the holidays.

42nd Annual Christmas Stroll on the Square – Dec 1-2, 2023. The parade starts at 10 am on Saturday.

Georgetown would make a wonderful evening trip from Austin to see the lights. See more of Georgetown’s Special Events.

7. Waco Holiday Events

November 3 – December 24

It looks like Waco is the place for holiday shopping and Christmas cheer.

• Christmas At The Silos
• Waco Wonderland
• Deck The Halls Holiday Market
• Wild Lights At Cameron Zoo

See it all at Waco Heart of Texas / Holidays

Credit: THC

Christmas in Texas Hill Country

8. Christmas Wine Affair

November 28 – December 23, 2023

Make it a holly ho ho ho holiday in the Texas Hill Country for the Christmas Wine Affair self-guided tour. A wine trail passport ticket includes a complimentary wine tasting at all the participating wineries. Plan your trip, and don’t forget, you can only visit four (4) wineries a day. But you have almost a whole month to use it.

9. Christmas In Fredericksburg

November through New Year’s

We all love small-town Fredericksburg, but it is extra special during the holidays. It’s the time when the town comes together to decorate with its Old World German Christmas traditions for everyone to enjoy. If you’re a Christmas collector, wine lover, or interested in German Heritage, Fredericksburg is a great place to spend the holidays.

Fredericksburg won “Best Small Town For Shopping” by USA Today.

Don’t miss the 26-foot tall German Christmas Pyramid and the 30-foot Community Christmas tree.

Holiday Happenings in Fredericksburg:

• Evening Christmas Light Show
• Eisbahn Outdoor Ice Skating
• Holiday Tours
• Year-round Christmas Store on Main Street
• Christmas Market at Bankersmith

And you may want to stay for the New Year’s Eve party in Luckenbach. I hear it’s the perfect place to ring in the New Year! Check out Christmas in Fredericksburg.

10. Starry Starry Nights Lighted Christmas Park – Llano

Day After Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve – 6-9 pm

Badu Park along the Llano River will light up at night. See it all at Starry Starry Nights.

11. Walkway Of Lights – Marble Falls

November 17 – December

Marble Falls / Highland Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce presents two million lights and over 130 sculptures at Lakeside Park. Kids can see Santa and his elves, and parents can make memories with their kids. This is a free event and is open on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Donations are appreciated.

12. Old West Christmas Light Fest – Boerne

November 24-26, December 1-3, 8-10 & 15-23, 2023

Celebrate eight years of Christmas Light Fest – a True Texas Holiday at Enchanted Springs Ranch.

Christmas Light Fest is a fully immersive walkthrough holiday festival in a 6-acre Old West town. How fun!!

Credit: Pixabay

13. Jingle Bell Run 5k

Houston Jingle Bell Run – 12/09/2023

San Antonio Jingle Bell Run – 12/09/2023

Fort Worth Jingle Bell Run – 11/25/2023

Photo Credit: Brownwood

14. Holiday Event In Brownwood

15. San Saba

• Sip N’ Stroll

December 9th, from 2-6 pm

The Annual Sip N’ Stroll Wine Tasting is back! Nine Hill Country wineries, including San Saba’s own Wedding Oak Winery, and a handful of craft breweries will be offering tastings and sales as you stroll through the beautifully decorated businesses in downtown San Saba. Receive 10 wine tastings with every ticket purchase. Tickets are $45 + online fees.

Photo Credit: San Saba

• San Saba Lighted Christmas Parade

December 9, 2023, 6 pm

Stick around after Sip N’ Stroll for one of the town’s longest-standing traditions featuring festively garnished floats that loop around the historic San Saba courthouse. A previous favorite is lawnmowers dressed as Christmas trees.

• Dancing Lights at Mill Pond Park

Thanksgiving through early January, dusk to 10 pm

The Dancing Lights at Mill Pond Park will be a true sight in the Texas Hill Country, featuring over one million shimmering lights, choreographed to Christmas classics, and covering several acres of stunning waterfront property. Walk or drive through the trail, illuminated with light tunnels, dancing trees, and a big Texas flag.

As you can see, you have several holiday events in Central Texas to choose from. I don’t think any of these are a bad choice. Choose your favorite and enjoy the memories.

For more holiday events in Texas:

Holiday Events In North Texas

Christmas Celebrations In East Texas

South Texas Christmas Celebrations

Holiday Events In West Texas

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