With so many great cities in Central Texas, it is inevitable that amazing events are happening around the holiday season. People can enjoy the perfect combination of relaxed holiday charm and bustling excitement in Fredericksburg, to unique holiday adventures in the State Capitol, to a winter wonderland in San Antonio. Here is a list of the top holiday events in central Texas.
Austin:
Miracle on 5th Street – November 16 – December 27, 2023
Head over to The Eleanor for a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail to raise a glass in the spirit of the holidays! Prepare yourself for wall-to-wall decor, multiple bars, merry selfie opportunities, and of course…delicious drinks created by Austin’s best mixologists.
Mozart’s Light Show – November 10, 2023 – January 6, 2024
At Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, sip on a steaming cup of hot chocolate while watching the shop’s dazzling lights display choreographed to lively music nightly from November through January.
Peppermint Parkway – November 24 – December 30, 2023
Peppermint Parkway is a magical experience at Austin’s Circuit of The Americas. This year, the holiday spectacular will be transformed into a one-mile driving attraction that immerses visitors in millions of holiday lights synchronized to joyful holiday classics.
Downtown Holiday Stroll – December 2, 2023
The stroll returns this December with free, family-friendly activities to celebrate the season. Visit downtown Austin for holiday festivities like the holiday shopping passport, pop-ups, appearances by Mr. & Mrs. Claus, holiday window and light displays, and the signature 45-foot downtown tree.
Austin Trail of Lights – December 8-23, 2023
The Trail of Lights is part of the essential Austin experience, lighting up the season with a celebration of community, memories and fun. This annual event is now a drive-thru event, so get your tickets now and enjoy the experience with an early Dash Pass or cruise through the night with General Admission.
Fredericksburg:
Christmas Nights of Lights – November 21, 2023 – January 7, 2024
View Fredericksburg’s lighting of Marktplatz each evening – complete with Christmas music, a little holiday history and then the countdown to the illumination of the iconic German Christmas Pyramid and Community Tree.
2023 Light The Night Christmas Parade & Afterglow – December 1, 2023
This beautifully illuminated night parade with over 120 entries will roll down the city’s historic Main Street is the perfect way to kick off the December month!
Tannenbaum Ball – December 15, 2023
The most elegant event of the Fredericksburg holiday season and the major fundraiser for the Gillespie County Historical Society and Pioneer Museum. Dinner, Dancing, Silent & Live Auction!
Explore 30+ holiday events, markets, and more, plus the full guide to the holidays in Fredericksburg here.
San Antonio:
Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias – December 2 – 17, 2023
Experience the holiday serenity of the River Walk as you stroll along the lush banks of the San Antonio River guided by more than 2,000 Luminarias on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. This centuries-old tradition begins at dusk Friday through Sunday only. Luminarias are a traditional Mexican Christmas lantern originally consisting of a candle set in sand inside a small paper bag.
Enjoy the Holiday lights overhead, the luminarias along the banks of the river, and the Ford Holiday Boat Caroling floating by while you stroll or as you enjoy a frothy hot beverage or an exquisite meal along the River Walk.
Lightscape at San Antonio Botanical Garden – November 17, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Transport yourself to a winter wonderland with an enchanted light display set along an illuminated one-mile path winding through the Botanical Garden. Featuring a field of Texas bluebonnets, the Cathedral of Light, and more.
Zoo Lights – November 18 – December 31, 2023
Get ready to be swept away by the holiday spirit as you explore miles of dazzling lights, festive music, and whimsical displays.
Christmas at the Caverns – December 2, 3, 9, 10, 15-23, & 26-30, 2023
Hear your favorite carols echo throughout Texas’ largest underground cavern. visit with Santa “Spelunker” Claus, join Mrs. Claus for story time, and then round up his reindeer in our 5000 sq. ft. outdoor maze. As the sun sets behind the 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, take a stroll through the 1/3-mile trail of lights and enjoy some s’mores around the campfire.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra – December 9, 2023
Prepare for a musical journey this winter as Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s (TSO) annual holiday tour “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve – the Best of TSO & More” visits countdown city.
Holidays on Houston Street Market – December 15-17, 2023
Experience Christkindl style Market inspired by the beauty of Europe, featuring carefully curated artisan crafts, delectable treats, candles, and clothing by local artists. Enjoy carolers, festive photo ops and holiday lights in the sky as you explore all of the holiday magic that downtown San Antonio has to offer!
Pearland:
Okay you caught us, Pearland isn’t quite in the Texas Hill Country, but trust us when we say a weekend trip to this city sandwiched between Houston and Galveston is worth it this holiday season.
Photos with Santa at Pearland Town Center – November 24 – December 24, 2023
Capture memories and the magic of Christmas taking photos with Santa at Pearland Town Center! Plus, bring your furry friend along for Pet Pics with Santa.
Hometown Christmas Festival of Lights – December 1-2, 2023
Make this holiday season unforgettable with Pearland’s Hometown Christmas Festival of Lights event including the annual tree lighting and a parade. The free experience will bring holiday magic and fun for the whole family.
Santa Party at Vallenson’s Brewing Company – December 7, 2023
Bring your family and take free pictures with Santa. Pups are welcome on a leash. Enjoy a movie, popcorn, pizza, crafted root beer, and great craft beer.
