Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Christmas in Texas is a time to celebrate family and friends through festive events and attractions. The top Christmas towns below go all out for the holiday season. From magical light displays to festivals focused around the holiday, you’re sure to get in the festive spirit when you visit one of these Christmas towns in Texas.
Grapevine
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Christmas Capital of Texas, which is the town of Grapevine. Visit Grapevine during the months of November, December and even January to attend over a thousand different holiday events. View millions of Christmas lights and decorations that seem to adorn the entire city. Texas may not have a white Christmas, but you can still visit ice sculptures and slides at the manmade ICE! display at the Gaylord Texan Resort. Its ICE! event features an impressive two million pounds of ice. Visitors to Grapevine also indulge in other Christmas-infused fun, such as the North Pole Express train ride, a parade and even outdoor showings of Christmas film favorites. Lastly, no Christmas town would be without a Christmas tree; therefore, view the 100-foot Christmas tree at the Gaylord Texan Resort.
Fredericksburg
Christmas kicks off in this charming German town with a traditional Christmas market. However, that isn’t the only thing that makes Fredericksburg a Christmas town in the Lone Star State. Enjoy twinkling lights at the Chamber’s Light the Night Christmas Parade. Bring your chairs and blankets and watch the floats go down Main Street. Then take pictures with Santa and enjoy some holiday eats and cheer at the AfterGlow at Marktplatz.
Wimberley
Wimberley isn’t just known as a shopping destination or outdoor recreation hotspot; this Texas treasure is also a Christmas town. Find some great gifts for the holiday season while also attending the Winter’s Eve Christmas Festival. However, the one attraction you should not miss while visiting Wimberley in December should be the Trail of Lights at the EmilyAnn Theatre. This magical display features thousands of lights that span over eight acres. There is even a Yule Log at the Trail of Lights, a perfect spot to roast some marshmallows and keep warm between strolling through this incredible light display.
San Antonio
Christmas is a great time to stroll the riverwalk in San Antonio since lights line the trees and Santa can be found on the gondolas. Attend the Holiday Light Fest with a one-hour parade along the River Walk, where live music and illuminated floats are sure you get in you in the holiday spirit. In December, there’s a Fiesta de las Luminarias with more than 2,000 glowing luminarias. If you can get yourself away from the beautiful lighted lights at the Riverwalk, attend one of San Antonio’s holiday parades or events or visit one of the city’s iconic attractions.
Richmond
There are two events in Richmond, Texas that stir up the holiday spirit in this small Texas town. The events of Campfire Christmas and Christmas in the Park are both lively celebrations for the whole family that is located at George Ranch Historical Park. Take a wagon ride, enjoy carols, and indulge in an old-fashioned evening with a well-made Christmas dinner at Campfire Christmas. Christmas in the Park offers unique classes through December, ranging from gift wrapping tutorials to cooking demos on classic holiday treats.
Jefferson
History buffs will love to visit the town of Jefferson during the holiday season. Take a tour of Jefferson’s oldest homes, which are extravagantly decorated for the holidays. This tour, known as the Holiday Trail of Lights, is lead by none other than candlelight. Also don’t miss out on the Christmas Train, Christmas Parade or the Enchanted Forest where over 100 trees are twinkling with holiday lights.
College Station
College Station, known as a college town, as it’s home to Texas A&M University, transforms into a Christmas town every holiday season. Although there are holiday parades and concerts that happen in College Station, the one attraction that qualifies it as a Christmas town is known as Santa’s Wonderland. Santa’s Wonderland is basically a holiday village complete with actual snow, Santa Claus himself, an outdoor screen playing Christmas movies, hayrides, live music, and plenty of Christmas lights.
Galveston
Head to Galveston to find Christmas spirit along the Texas coast. Galveston Island holds a number of Christmas and holiday-themed events during this festive season. Moody Gardens has one of the most talked-about attractions in Galveston, no matter what time of year. However, during Christmas time, Moody Gardens is home to ice slides, an outdoor ice-skating rink and Festival of Lights.
Marshall
View over 10 million lights that illuminate the entire town of Marshall to truly get in the Christmas spirit. This light display, known as the Wonderland of Lights Extravaganza, runs through New Year’s Eve, so you can catch this winter wonderland even after Christmas is over. While in Marshall, also enjoy the Christmas parade, the Jingle Bell Run, an outdoor ice skating rink, and other holiday attractions and events hosted here.
Grand Prairie
Instead of being exposed to the chilly weather that sometimes hits Grand Prairie during the holiday season, enjoy a drive-thru light display known as Prairie Lights from the comfort of your car. At Prairie Lights, there is also a holiday village that has a gift shop, an indoor laser show, and an animated forest to walk through. Santa can even be found here too.
