Explore these 2025 holiday travel trends in Texas in a big way!
Are you planning holiday travel in Texas this year? Want to see dazzling lights, superior holiday decor, and enjoy some hot chocolate and treats? Step into a storybook Christmas in Grapevine, stroll San Antonio’s historic streets and festive River Walk, or catch the glow of Johnson City’s Lights Spectacular. Or perhaps you’re looking for something you’ve never heard or seen before. Texas Travel Talk has some recommendations for you and your family.
Today’s holiday trend focuses on families staying longer in one single spot. Giving them time to see the sights and not rush through any of it. “Experiences” remain the trend in holiday travel in Texas. So, plan to take tours, hire a guide, and stay longer to actually enjoy your time (no rushing) and perhaps get some rest.
Holiday Travel in Texas for 2025
One of my favorite times during the holidays was last year when we visited Lindale, TX. My mom, son, and our dogs took a road trip to see my sister in Hideaway Lake. We enjoyed a day at the Picker’s Pavilion in Blackberry Square. See more of Christmas in Lindale.
ICE! Frosty the Snowman at JW Marriott San Antonio
**New**. Step into ICE! at the JW Marriott San Antonio Resort & Spa and explore ten vibrant, whimsical scenes from the beloved TV classic Frosty the Snowman, all carved from 2 million pounds of ice. Wander through carved tunnels and arches, ride two-story ice slides, and meet intricately sculpted favorites like Karen, Frosty, and Hocus Pocus. See this new holiday trend in San Antonio, Texas, at the JW Marriott San Antonio.
Stay At Yuletide RV Park & Madisonville Christmas Store!
Have you heard about this place in Madisonville, TX, where you can enjoy Christmas lights year-round? It’s news to me! But now that I know, I’m in love. Yuletide RV Park is decorated with holiday lights year-round. Plus, there are several casitas (cabins) to rent.
Also, Madisonville Christmas Company has 30,000 sq ft of just Christmas! It’s open 7 days a week, 10 am-6 pm, until Christmas Eve. And, if that’s not enough to get you interested, they also have a restaurant. You won’t even need to leave the area unless you want to. The restaurant, Cafe Twelve 25, serves salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, pizza, and more. The Mantel serves holiday drinks, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options. So you can shop, then eat, then shop some more. See it all at Madisonville Christmas.
Texas State Railroad: The Polar Express (East Texas)
Leaving out at the Palestine Depot starting November 14, 2025, through December
Grab your tickets for The POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies for the kids and a visit from the jolly old man himself. He comes with a small gift for each child. Santa can’t wait to see your family! These tickets will sell out fast—go to TexasStateRailroad.net for ticket information.
Christmas Capital of Texas
Mom and I go to downtown Grapevine every year to see the holiday decorations, including light displays, character photo opps, a glass of wine at Messina Hof, and, of course, holiday shopping. She’s 87 and getting unstable, so I’m hoping she’ll want to go again this year.
Grapevine knows how to do Christmas right. From mid-November through early January, the town transforms into a holiday wonderland. Over 1,400 festive events unfold across 40 dazzling days, offering joy, lights, and family-friendly fun at every turn.
Stop by the beautiful Visitor’s Center to see the Ferris Wheel, ask questions, see the Christmas decor inside, and pick up a brochure or two from other Texas areas.
Gaylord Texan ICE! Featuring ELF
While you’re in Grapevine, you might want to grab tickets to see 6,700 blocks of ice featuring ELF and all his friends. Be sure to use my promo code TRAVELING for 50% off on all general admission to ICE. There are no blackout dates this year.
San Antonio Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour
November 29, 2025, to January 3, 2026
San Antonio becomes a twinkling holiday wonderland, with 100,000 dazzling Christmas lights. The Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights and Festive Nights tour is a cheerful 45-minute ride through downtown—sing along to carols as you pass historic streets glowing with seasonal charm. The tour starts and finishes at Travis Park, where an iconic Christmas tree and ice rink anchor the festivities, and complimentary holiday glasses add a playful, magical view of the lights.
As of now, it’s only $26.52 a person. Complimentary holiday glasses for a magical view of the twinkling lights.
Holiday Lights on the SA River Walk
San Antonio will once again light up this most popular area of town, starting on November 28, 2025.
Christmas in Lindale at Picker’s Pavilion
December 6-31, 2025, from 9 am to 9 pm.
The theme this year is “A Storybook Christmas” at Picker’s Pavilion at Blackberry Square—FREE for everyone. It’s the perfect photo opportunity with your family, friends, and pets. Spending time in Lindale any time of year is pretty special. They go all out for their visitors.
If it’s anything like last year, you’re in for a treat in this town – it’s so festive, and you can feel the warmth. Plus, while you’re there, visit the Miranda Lambert store and bar, the Lindale Candy Co., and all the quaint downtown shops-all within walking distance!
Santa’s Wonderland in College Station
Santa’s Wonderland is the world’s largest Christmas Park and is probably high on the wish list of places to travel to for Christmas, especially for people living in and around Houston. It is pretty special. I had the pleasure of attending the whole Christmas in College Station event about four years ago with my son. It was just us two and we had fun. I remember waiting in a long line to ride the wagon through the Christmas lights. Don’t let the long line deter you—it’s well worth our time. All you could hear was oohs and ahhs.
Holiday Lights in Johnson City, TX
Johnson City’s Lights Spectacular promises more twinkle than you’ve ever seen. It all starts on November 29, 2025, and continues through January 4, 2026, from dusk to midnight. The whole town lights up with over 2 million Christmas lights.
Merry Christmas, and enjoy holiday travel in Texas this year!
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