Photo Credit: Julie M.
Fill up your holiday with these merry things to do in Columbus, TX.
Take your holiday travel to new destinations! Conveniently located near San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, Columbus, Texas, is where you can get a start on holiday memories. Writing letters to Santa, enjoying delicious restaurants, and picking up gifts at unique shops are more fun things to do in Columbus, TX, for the holidays.
This partnership was between two former Texas Travel Talk travel bloggers and Columbus, TX. The opinions reflected here are honest and based on their experiences. However, this article has been combined and updated for 2022.
Related: Tiny Cabin Rentals In Texas
Photo Credit: Julie M.
Things To Do In Columbus, TX, For The Holidays
From seeing a life-size Santa at the museum to eating great food and walking the historic district, the whole family will cherish their time in Columbus during the holidays. Make those memories count!!
READ NEXT: Holiday Events In Central Texas
Photo Credit: Traci S.
Santa Claus Museum Columbus, TX
The Santa Claus Museum is the only one in the state and one of two in the country. Having it here in Texas makes it an excellent holiday destination. Created by a single collection of Columbus local Mary Elizabeth Hopkins, the museum currently boasts nearly 3,000 Santas, including figurines, music boxes, dolls, dishes, ornaments, artwork, and needlework from 1927 to the late ’90s. These Santas come from all over the world and tell a story about how different cultures in different areas celebrate Santa Claus.
They range from the common to the cute to the just plain odd. For example:
- There’s one with a red eye and a green eye.
- A fellow named Pete brings coal rather than gifts.
- And many Fathers of Christmas of varying colors and cultures represent the jolly men from around the globe.
Santa Claus Museum in Columbus, Texas. Photo Credit: Julie M.
Highlights Of The Collection
A few highlights from the collection include a nearly life-sized Santa Claus previously displayed in the Priesmeyer Department Store during the 1950s. You’ll find Duncan Royal Santas from around the world, Russian nesting Santas, artwork by Norman Rockwell and Thomas Nast, Lladró ceramic Santas, and a complete collection of Haddon Sundblom Coca-Cola Santas.
The Santa Claus Museum is open Thursdays through Saturdays, December 1-17, from 11 am to 4 pm. The museum is open by appointment only on other days.
Free Admission.
Live Oak Trees In Columbus, TX
A drive slightly north along the original highway 90 takes you back to where the Living Oaks grow strong and wrap-around porches. Speaking of trees, Columbus is home to many Live Oak trees. Streets are split down the middle to accommodate these beauties, and others are fully canopied from one side to the other. As impressive as these are, there is still one more beyond comparison. Head further down Old Highway 90, and you’ll come across Columbus Oak, the 2nd largest Live Oak in Texas. It is centuries old and over 300 inches around.
Abram Alley Log Cabin
History awaits around every corner in Columbus, TX. Right around the corner from the Santa Claus Museum, you’ll find the Abram Alley Log Cabin, dating from the time of the Texas Revolution. The two-room log cabin (built in 1836) depicts the early Texas pioneer life. As you continue your walk, you will notice other historic buildings.
Inside the Columbus, TX Courthouse. Photo Credit: Julie M.
Columbus, TX Courthouse
In the center of town is the Colorado County Courthouse. This historic courthouse houses this stunning emerald-stained Tiffany-style Glass Dome—a sight to see!
The Stafford Opera House
Directly across the street from the Courthouse is the 1886 Stafford Opera House. The Stafford Opera House is the state’s largest flat-floored opera house. The historic home next door is where the Stafford family lived. It’s been said that Mr. Stafford could watch the live performances on stage from his balcony.
At various times the building has been a car dealership, a roller skating rink, and apartments. The pine floors have remained the same through all incarnations. The building has returned to its roots offering theatre and other special events.
Lodging Columbus Texas. Photo Credit: Julie M.
Where To Stay In Columbus, Texas
Mary’s Nest
In Columbus, charming Bed and Breakfasts, hotels, vacation rentals, and RV parks are all available. I chose a vacation home rental in the heart of downtown Columbus, within walking distance of the Santa Claus Museum.
Mary’s Nest downtown offers a large front porch for relaxing with family or friends. With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two living rooms, and a full kitchen, it was everything we needed and more.
Where To Eat In Columbus, TX
Columbus, Texas, offers excellent dining from German, Mexican, Austrian, and Czech and down-home cooking.
Beckey’s Cafe
Start your day at Beckey’s Cafe at 1237 Bowie Street, and you will be filled well for the day. Her breakfast platters offer a vast amount of food. The cafe is close to everything, so it is also an excellent stop for lunch.
Nancy’s Steak House
For dining, consider Nancy’s Steak House. Excellent steaks with equally great service. They offer a salad bar and a soft-serve ice cream machine for free.
Schobel’s Restaurant
Schobel’s is family dining at its best. It’s an excellent option for families with varied tastes or picky eaters.
Joe’s Italian Restaurant & Pizza
Order the seafood pasta to go and take it back to your rental so you can enjoy it at the kitchen table or opt for inside dining. Either way, Joe’s delivers excellent food choices.
Kay Klauber Candies
Take a walk to Kay Klauber Candies for brittles, peanut patties, and gourmet chocolate. They have summer hours.
Breakfast Or Any Time And Anywhere
Kolaches or Texas Czech – same thing!!
This is just a glimpse of a town that deserves more than a glance. Both families enjoyed their time spent in this small town in South Texas, and both ladies recommend whoever reads this to go and stay awhile! For more information, be sure to read all about Columbus, Texas.
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