Texas Holiday Event Roundup

Whether you’re looking for something for that special someone or something special for yourself, these winter markets will help you check off a few items on your list. And if you’re looking to give the gift of unforgettable experiences this holiday season, look no further than our top holiday activities in Texas.

Holiday Markets

In the market for a one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone? Or maybe you’re checking items off your own Christmas list? Either way, these holiday markets are stuffed with stuff for everyone.

Tomball German Fest Christmas Market
Tomball
There’s no market in Texas with more gemütlichkeit — that is, family-friendly holiday cheer — than the annual Tomball German Fest. Tomball’s antique shops open, and streets are lined with more than 150 vendors at this annual Christmas market, selling authentic German clothes, arts and crafts, foods, and other souvenirs. There’s plenty of polka, good food, and, of course, a winner-takes-all chicken dance contest.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Austin
Head to the Palmer Events Center in Austin for a nearly 50-year-old holiday event. Over 200 artists gather here every December to display and sell original, beautiful, and eclectic pieces — everything from paintings and ceramics to dishware and jewelry. It’s a bizarre bazaar, but there’s something for everyone.

Old Gruene Market Days
New Braunfels
Gruene is within the city limits of New Braunfels, and once a month, the little area transforms into an enormous market of 100% artisan-made wares. Street vendors sell handmade stained glass, bath scrubs, spice mixes, scented candles, wooden carvings, and more. In December, the market goes full holiday-themed with twinkling lights, wreaths, and merry music to get you in the gift-buying spirit.

The Cy-Fair FFA Country Christmas Craft Show
Cypress
More than 225 booths make up this Texas- sized, Texas-proud craft market. Even Santa shows up to shop here. (Kids can snap a photo with him after sharing their wish list.) With homespun clothing, handmade salsas, and plenty of homemade Christmas decor — plus a pet adoption event that supports local pet rescue groups — there are all kinds of goodies waiting to be found.

Shopping for “that” person who has it all? Get them a gift they’ll never forget with our ultimate guide to Texas gifts.

Santa’s Wonderland

Every year, College Station throws the largest outdoor Christmas celebration in Texas. It’s a festive palooza of real snow, 4.5 million holiday lights, and nearly two months of family-friendly games, activities, shopping, and more. Here are some of the big-ticket wonders of Santa’s Wonderland.

Hayride Tour: Kick off your evening with a tour of Santa’s Wonderland, complete with fresh hay in the truck bed to keep you warm. Tours, which are included with admission, are a great way to see all the festival offers.

Snow Tubing: Call it Santa’s magic, but there’s actual snow at this festival. Visitors can sit in tubes and race down 12 inclined lanes of snow for a rare winter wonderland experience in Texas.

Ice Skating: The outdoor, shimmering, Christmas-lit ice rink is open during the festivities. Tykes can enjoy the ice, too, when their parents slide them around on a “Bobby,” a baby seal-shaped skate aid.

Santa’s Barnyard: Meet some of Santa’s friends in his corral. Although no reindeer are on site, there are plenty of baby goats to hand-feed and even a pony ride for the kiddos.

Meet Texas Santa: Of course, the big man himself is here at his Wonderland to grant photo ops and Christmas list checks. If you don’t recognize him from his iconic white beard and jolly red suit, just look for his 10-gallon hat and black cowboy boots.

Need more holiday festivals? Learn where to find the best light displays, a Victorian Christmas celebration, and more here.

The Best Winter Shows & Sights

When the family’s home for the holidays, get out of the house with some uniquely Texan winter shows, exhibits, and experiences.

ICE! at the Gaylord Texan
Grapevine
Each year, the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas, hauls more than 2 million pounds (1,000 tons) of ice blocks into an indoor showroom for their iconic ICE! display. The frozen sculptures take up nearly 17,000 square feet in a room kept at 9°F (they provide parkas), which visitors walk through to see familiar holiday stories (like “The Polar Express” or “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”) told in a totally new way.

‘A Magical Cirque Christmas’
Grand Prairie
Ballerinas, magicians, trapeze artists, jugglers, and dancers touring for this spectacular holiday show hit major venues in Texas each year. The whole family can enjoy the dazzling performance of these cirque stars, who look like something right out of a Christmas storybook.

Austin Trail of Lights
Austin
One of the three biggest events in the entire city, the Austin Trail of Lights has been glowing strong for nearly 60 years. Each year, Zilker Park is illuminated by 2 million lights, 96 shimmering Christmas trees, and more than 70 other light displays and tunnels to explore, including a Ferris wheel adorned with lights. It’s a can’t- miss experience if you’re local to Austin and a road trip worth the drive if you’re not.

Holiday in the Gardens
Galveston
Moody Gardens in Galveston has recently become a holiday tradition for Texans heading south for winter. Experiences offered during the festivities include a Caribbean jungle carved entirely from ice, a mile-long trail of holiday lights, live acrobatic performances, and 4D showings of Christmas movie classics.

Prairie Lights
Grand Prairie
Another light show that will brighten your winter is the Prairie Lights festival, which is more than just a display. While there are two miles of 4 million lights to drive through and admire, there are also carnival games, a Christmas carousel, a photo booth with Santa Claus, and dozens of shops filled with desserts and gifts in the Holiday Village.

Like everything, holiday light displays are bigger in Texas. Find our 16 favorite spots for light-seeing here.