The Best Christmas Towns In Texas To Visit This Holiday Season

Have yourself a merry little Lone Star Christmas.

Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that goes for Christmas, too. It should come as no surprise that the Lone Star State celebrates the holiday season with major merriment, with parades, festivals, twinkling lights, and appearances by cowboy Santa Clause taking over small-town Texas. Head out to the Texas Hill Country for charming town squares and gift-worthy local shopping, or venture up to North Texas for Christmas wine trains and boot-scootin’ celebrations. These small towns are the perfect spots to plan a holiday getaway this year.

It’s time for a Texas-sized road trip—these are the best small towns to visit for a Lone Star Christmas. 

Grapevine, Texas

The state senate issued a proclamation more than a decade ago declaring this town the Christmas Capital of Texas, and it lives up to the name. The town's stuck-in-time historic district touts more than 1,400 holiday events throughout the season, with popular pastimes including local Christmas wine trains (to nearby tasting rooms and vineyards) and an annual Parade of Lights, as well as performances and movie nights at the Palace Arts Center.

Fredericksburg, Texas

The town of Fredericksburg is one of the most getaway-worthy small towns in Texas, which is saying something. This tiny town is dripping with old-fashioned traditions and authentic German roots, dating back to 1846 when German immigrants and settlers founded it. During Christmastime, expect head-to-toe decorations on Main Street, as well as the lively festival, Fredericksburg's Christmas Nights of Lights. Catch the German Christmas pyramid in the Marktplatz.

Johnson City, Texas

Dubbed the “twinkliest town in Texas,” the annual Johnson City Lights Spectacular has been reported by NASA as visible from the International Space Center. Yep, it’s literally bright enough to see from space. Since 1989, the walkable (and easily driveable) town-wide display has centered around the historic Blanco County courthouse and includes over one million lights.

Galveston, Texas

This Texas beach town is a favorite of families beyond the summer season. At Christmas, the historic coastal getaway has a packed schedule of holiday events. One of the most beloved and popular Christmas activities, the Galveston Railroad Museum offers a Polar Express-themed train ride, complete with a "journey" to the North Pole led by a cast of talented actors and a reading of the classic book, as well as hot chocolate and cookies for all.

Nacogdoches, Texas

Victorian-era mansions, centuries-old red brick streets, and old-fashioned charm await in Texas' Oldest Town. Founded in 1779, Nacogdoches in East Texas is known for its lush gardens, longstanding history, and a vibrant holiday event, the Nine Flags Christmas Festival. The name is derived from the often-repeated fact that nine different flags have flown over Nacogdoches during its storied history.

Boerne, Texas

Located only about half an hour from San Antonio and less than two hours from Austin, Boerne (pronounced BUR-nee) is a Texas Hill Country gem that offers some of the best local shopping for all of your Christmas gifts. Its festive downtown district is known in Texas as the Hill Country Mile, which consists of the Main Street drag lined with dozens of antique shops and specialty store. Visit The Dienger Trading Co. for its baked goods and adorable boutique.

San Antonio, Texas

This one might not be considered a "town," but since you'll already be merrymaking your way through the Texas Hill Country, don't miss the chance to see San Antonio's beloved River Walk dressed up for the season. You can even hop on a boat tour that floats underneath thousands of twinkling lights, caroling and Tex-Mex holiday treats included.

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