Bright lights and festivities will shine for Christmas in Central Texas
Central Texas comes alive with holiday events, bright, sparkling lights, and a merry atmosphere. When I think of this area of Texas, I think of College Station and Georgetown (two of my favorite Christmas towns). There are numerous activities to do for Christmas in Texas, but this article focuses on holiday events in Central Texas, particularly in the Texas Hill Country.
The Lone Star State may not have snow or even be cold, but we celebrate Christmas and the holidays in a big way. From holiday lights strung all over towns, to holiday markets, beautifully decorated Christmas trees as tall as the sky, and Christmas parades going through town, we know how to celebrate, and Central Texas has a few of the best towns to see it all!
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 where you can 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.
Santa’s Wonderland – College Station
First of November 14 through December 30
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 in September.
Holidays In The Park – City Of Manor
First of December
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 Timmerman Park, and bring your lawn chair for the holiday movie at 7 p.m. Also in town is an ice skating rink, a train, food vendors, and more. It starts at 10 am—City of Manor Holiday Events.
Trail Of Lights – Austin
Celebrate the 60th anniversary of the event at Zilker Park. Thousands come to see 2 million lights and more than 70 displays along a 1.25-mile walking trail. Ride the Ferris wheel and the carousel, grab some food at Candy Cane Lane, then head to the North Pole, where Santa’s House and Workshop are waiting for all the boys and girls.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
November 14 – December 24, 2025, 10 am to 10 pm daily except Dec. 24, closing at 6 pm.
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar (BGAB) returns for its 25th annual holiday market. Expect thousands of handmade items, from jewelry and artwork to home goods and gifts, created by over 200 regional artists.
This family-friendly event offers a festive shopping adventure that supports the local arts community.
Admission and parking are free. The event is also accessible via CapMetro bus and MetroRail. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and ADA-designated parking is available.
Address of event: 6100 Airport Boulevard, Austin, TX, 78752
Zilker Holiday Tree In Austin
November 30, 2025, Holiday Lighting Ceremony
The Tree Lighting will be held at Zilker Park in November from 6:00 to 7:00 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. Visit Zilker Holiday Tree.
Georgetown, TX Annual Christmas Stroll
The holiday season is approaching, and Georgetown is back with its beloved annual holiday traditions. The annual Lighting of the Square is free on November 28, 2025, in the “Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas.” Mayor Josh Schroeder will officially flip on hundreds of thousands of lights from the steps of the Williamson County Courthouse to brighten the season. There will be family fun, including Christmas carolers, dining, holiday shopping, and a visit from Saint Nick.
Santa Claus will be available for photos inside the courthouse in exchange for an unwrapped toy or a monetary donation benefiting the Brown Santa program. The lights around the square will remain lit through January 1, 2026.
The holiday festivities in Georgetown continue with the annual Christmas Stroll the first of December.
The days are filled with holiday cheer, including Christmas carolers, Kids Zone on Friday, the Christmas Stroll Parade on Saturday morning, and a classic car show on Sunday. The Stroll will feature 150 local craft vendors filling the streets, making it the perfect time for holiday shopping at various retailers in and around the square. Enjoy live music by local performers, and dine or snack at various restaurants and food vendors throughout the weekend. Saturday.
The Light Park – Round Rock
Also in San Antonio, Katy, Spring, Arlington, & Frisco
A drive-thru experience. Ticketed event. The Light Park.
Waco Wonderland
December 5-7, 2025
Waco Wonderland is a 3-day celebration in downtown Waco.
Historic Homes Tour – Bastrop, TX
December 13, 2025, 12-5 pm – $25/person
Christmas in Texas Hill Country
The Johnson City Lights Spectacular
End of November – Early January 2026
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 here: Girlfriend Getaway in Johnson City, TX.
Texas Hill Country Wine Passport – Christmas Wine Affair
End of November – December (Ends before Christmas)
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 complimentary wine tastings at all 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.
Santa’s Ranch Drive-Thru Christmas Lights – New Braunfels
November – December 31
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
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 Old World German Christmas traditions for everyone to enjoy. If you’re a Christmas collector, wine lover, or interested in German Heritage, Fredericksburg has wonderful things to do all over the town for the holidays.
Fredericksburg won USA Today’s “Best Small Town For Shopping” award.
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
- Historic Home Tour & Holiday Market
Annual Christmas Bazaar at Luckenbach
December
Expect photos with Santa, food, market vendors, live music, and more. 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.
Holiday Events In Llano, TX
Starry Starry Nights Lighted Christmas Park
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.
A Dickens of a Christmas
December – Historic Main Street
Marble Falls Walkway Of Lights
November 21 – January 3, 2026
Marble Falls / Highland Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce presents two million lights and over 130 sculptures at Lakeside Park for their Walkway of Lights. 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.
Old West Christmas Light Fest – Boerne
Weekends in November & December
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! A ticketed event.
Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run 5k
PIN IT!
