Holiday Events In Central Texas & THC

Kim Croisant

2 years ago

Holiday Events In Central Texas — Santa’s Village – College Station

Bright lights and festivities will shine for Christmas in Central Texas (including the Texas Hill Country)

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

Santa’s Wonderland – College Station (2021)

15 Spectacular Holiday Events In Central Texas (Including the THC)

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 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, train, food vendors, and more. It starts at 10 am—City of Manor Holiday Events.

Trail Of Lights – Austin

Celebrate the 60th anniversary 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 is waiting for all the boys and girls.

Zilker Holiday Tree In Austin

December 1, 2024, Holiday Lighting Ceremony

The Tree Lighting will be held at Zilker Park in November 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. 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 from 5:30 p.m. on November 29 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, 2025.

The holiday festivities in Georgetown continue with the annual Christmas Stroll on Friday, December 6, 4-10 p.m., Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 8, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

All three 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 host 150 local craft vendors filling the streets, 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

Open NOW. Also in San Antonio, Katy, Spring, Arlington, & Frisco

A drive-thru experience. Ticketed event. The Light Park.

Waco Holiday Events

November – December

It looks like Waco is the place for holiday shopping and Christmas cheer. From Wild Lights at Cameron Zoo, Christmas At The Silos, Waco Wonderland, and Deck The Halls Holiday Market and more, Waco in Central Texas will shine bright! See it all at Waco Heart of Texas / Holidays

Christmas in Texas Hill Country

The Johnson City Lights Spectacular

End of November – Early January 2025

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.

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 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.

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

Photo Credit: Jason Risner (Shopping in Fredericksburg)

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 “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
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 22 – January 4, 2025, from 6-10 p.m.

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.