Gather the children for these 2024 Texas Christmas celebrations in the South.
Towns in South Texas will soon celebrate the holidays with Christmas festivals, parades, light displays, vendor markets, and, of course, the jolly ole man himself – Santa Claus! Make plans for these South Texas Christmas celebrations with your family and friends now.
Whether a small town or a large city, South Texas is celebrating in a big way. This list starts with San Antonio, where a lot is happening in just this one southern town. Grab a drink, sit for a while, and take note of these lovely holiday festivities to enjoy over November and December – and into the New Year!
South Texas Christmas Celebrations
Lots are happening in San Antonio for the holidays—so much so that the city’s events are taking up much of the page here! You may want to start planning your holiday celebrations now!
• ICE! is Heading to San Antonio
November 23 – January 5, 2025
The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is excited to share that tickets are now on sale for the remarkable ICE! attraction featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
The magical holiday experience is making its debut in South Texas. It will bring to life the whimsical world of Who-ville through life-sized sculptures and walkthrough scenery made of more than 2 million pounds of ice.
• Coca-Cola Classic Christmas – San Antonio
November 22 – December 29, 2024
Step into a world of holiday magic with an all-new holiday experience: Coca-Cola Classic Christmas. This immersive celebration promises to create unforgettable moments with dazzling, larger-than-life light displays, ice skating, a snow slide, live entertainment, dedicated theme nights, a Market Square, and more. It is a ticketed event. The location will be Toyota Field. See it all at Classic Christmas.
• 2024 Illuminate San Antonio Botanical Garden
End of November to Middle of January 2025
An outdoor illuminated 1-mile path through the SA Botanical Garden featuring favorites and larger-than-life sculptures set to holiday music. See everything you need to know here – illuminate – San Antonio Botanical Garden. They promise an unforgettable evening—admission fee – and several packages.
• The Velveteen Rabbit Musical – Magik Theatre San Antonio
Nov. 23 – Dec. 29, 2024
Remember this classic children’s story about a boy child who receives a stuffed rabbit sewn from velvet as a present on Christmas Day? The Velveteen Rabbit is a heartfelt Christmas Story you and your children will love. Recommended for 5+. Admission fee.
• Ford Holiday River Parade And Lighting Ceremony
November 29, 2024, 6-9 pm
Ford Holiday River Parade & River Lighting Ceremony will light up the San Antonio River Walk again. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will give out more glitter, glee, and toys in this beautiful tradition of the holidays! The River Walk will close to the public at 4 pm—admission fee.
• Ford Fiesta de las Luminaries – San Antonio River Walk
December 2024
Stroll along the River Walk for three weekends (Friday–Sunday) and marvel at the centuries-old tradition of Mexican Christmas lanterns. Over 2,000 luminarias will line the river, complementing the thousands of holiday lights strung overhead. Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias.
• SeaWorld Christmas Celebration – San Antonio
Middle November to Early January 2025
The largest light display in Texas! SeaWorld San Antonio is decking the halls for its Christmas celebration in Texas! A wintry wonderland featuring Christmas shows, festive foods, Santa Claus, and so much more! SeaWorld Christmas Celebration. Admission fee.
• Christmas at the Caverns – Natural Bridge Caverns
Several Days in December – see website
Listen to your favorite carols echoing through Natural Bridge Caverns, the state’s largest underground cavern system, and don’t miss the 30-foot Christmas tree. The event also features ice skating, s’mores (for an additional cost), and story time with Mrs. Claus. Christmas at the Caverns
- Trail of Lights
- Reindeer Roundup
- Storytime with Mrs. Claus
- Park Access
- Games, Campfire, and more!
When in the area with your girlfriends, you may want to see what all there is to do for a Girls’ Getaway to San Antonio Itinerary.
• The Light Park – San Antonio and Katy, TX and Spring, TX
Open NOW, also in Round Rock, Frisco, and Arlington.
A drive-thru experience. Ticketed event. The Light Park
Holiday In The Gardens – Moody Gardens, Galveston
Middle of November to Early January 2025
Nine (9) holiday attractions – one venue. It’s the Holiday at Moody Gardens in Galveston. Free parking. Open Christmas Day from 12-4 pm. Besides pictures with Santa, holiday dinners, nightly fireside s’mores, and New Year’s Palooza, there are even more surprises!
- ICE LAND Rainforest Holiday Exhibit
- Festival of Lights
- Ice Skating Rink
- Holiday 3D Films
- Rudolph 4D
- Arctic Slide
- Train Rides
- Star: the Dancing Tree of Light
- Cirque Joyeux Holiday Show
Tickets: Prices vary for different activities. See the website.
Looking for another place to stay in Galveston for the holidays? See our recent review (October 2024) of the newly renovated Grand Galvez Resort & Spa.
Santa Claus In Columbus, TX
It’s always Christmas in Columbus! Take your holiday travel to new destinations! Columbus, Texas, is where you can get a start on holiday memories like writing letters to Santa Claus, enjoying delicious restaurants, and picking up gifts at unique shops.
- Ladies Night Out – Downtown and around town
- Lighted Parade – Downtown, Dec 3rd, at 6 pm
- Santa Claus Museum – Fri/Sat in December, 1 to 5 pm
Ranch Hand Weekend In Kingsville
November 23-24, 2024
Holiday Ranch Hand Weekend in Kingsville will include live music, art, storytelling, food, 2-step dancing, family fun, sip and shop, and more.
South Texas Christmas Celebrations In Cuero, TX
Before Thanksgiving through New Year’s
Christmas In The Park Driving Tour will have over 300 lighted displays starting before Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day from 6-10 pm.
Christmas in Downtown – Expect a lot of family fun here with ice skating, a petting zoo, horse carriage rides, a Christmas market, food trucks, and more!
South Texas Christmas Celebrations In Houston
• Coca-Cola Classic Christmas (New for Houston)
November 16, 2024
Step into a world of holiday magic with Houston’s all-new holiday experience, Coca-Cola Classic Christmas. This immersive celebration promises to create unforgettable moments with dazzling, larger-than-life light displays, ice skating, a snow slide, live entertainment, dedicated theme nights, a Market Square, and more. See it all at Classic Christmas.
• Holiday Houston Zoo Lights
November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Sip and Sparkle at the zoo (without the kids). See it all at Houston Zoo Lights.
• Christmas Village at Bayou Bend
December ???? – Nothing on the website as of yet.
I read it’s a not-to-be-missed attraction.
The Museum Of Fine Arts – Houston. See Christmas at Bayou Bend.
Holiday Village in Brownsville
November 25, 2024, through January 1, 2025
Stroll through Dean Porter Park and experience the magic of 38 full-sized holiday cottages – admission is free. Holiday Village Brownsville.
Christmas With The Fishes – Lake Jackson
Sea Center Texas hosts its Christmas With The Fishes, featuring aquatic fun and holiday activities. “Sandy Claws”—a scuba-diving Santa—and his elves dip in the massive Gulf tank and put on an underwater show that includes cleaning and decorating the tank. Ms. Claws will read a holiday story, and children can write letters to Santa, play games, and explore other aquariums and marine life at the center.
For more holiday happenings in Texas:
Christmas Celebrations In East Texas
Holiday Events In Central Texas
Christmas Holiday Events In North Texas
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