Texas Tree Lightings and Holiday Displays
The vibrant glow of Christmas trees marks the official start of the holiday season. All across Texas, communities big, small, and somewhere in between celebrate the season in a monumental way: old-fashioned tree lightings.
So, forget Rockefeller Center. There are several of must-see Christmas tree lightings across Texas, stretching from North Texas to Galveston.
Here’s a roundup of some of Texas’ biggest, brightest holiday celebrations that mark the start of the most wonderful time of the year.
5 Tree Lightings Across Texas
Dallas, Klyde Warren Park (Dec. 6)
Experience a tree lighting in one of the most remarkable spaces — on top of one of Dallas’ busiest freeways. While you’re there, grab a selfie with Santa and enjoy a special performance of “The Nutcracker.”
Houston, Hermann Square at City Hall (Dec. 6)
More than a century in the making, “Deck the Hall” promises to be even bigger and brighter this year. R&B singer Brian McKnight will perform at the tree lighting.
McKinney (Nov. 28)
Celebrate the season in one of the most charming town squares in Texas. The tree lighting kicks off McKinney’s beloved “Home for the Holidays” festival, where guests can explore a 14-block winter wonderland set amid the historic downtown area.
South Padre Island (Dec. 4)
Enjoy being on island time at this annual event, which brings the community together to kick off the holiday season. This is one of the only places in Texas where you can take in a tree lighting and spot a pod of dolphins all in the same day.
Stonewall, Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site (Dec. 21)
Bask in a tradition that started nearly 60 years ago by former President Lyndon B. Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird. Enjoy traditional German Christmas cookies, a live nativity, and a lamp-lit tour of the World War I-era Sauer-Beckmann Farm.
7 Other Must-See Luminaries
Once the trees are twinkling, the holiday magic continues to spread at these distinctive seasonal delights.
Austin Trail of Lights, Zilker Park (Dec. 10-23)
For more than 60 years, thousands of visitors have trekked to Texas’ capital city to see more than 2 million lights spread across 90 trees and 70 other holiday scenes. There’s much to see along the 2.5-mile trail, including food trucks, rides, and live music.
Candlelight Tour of Homes, Jefferson (Dec. 4-6, Dec. 11-13)
One of East Texas’ most enchanting holiday events offers a special look inside some of Jefferson’s most beautiful historic homes, adorned with seasonal greenery. Stroll through the town’s Enchanted Forest with 115 decorated and lighted Christmas trees.
German Christmas Pyramid, Fredericksburg (Nov. 25-Jan. 6)
Kick off the holiday season German-style with the lighting of a 26-foot Weihnachtspyramide, a carousel-like Christmas pyramid. Every year, the structure illuminates, symbolizing Fredericksburg’s German heritage.
Parade of Lights, Grapevine (Dec. 4)
The official Christmas Capital of Texas hosts North Texas’ largest lighted Christmas parade with more than 100 floats and marching bands. Arrive early to claim a prime spot along Grapevine’s historic Main Street.
Lights Spectacular, Johnson City (Nov. 29-Jan. 4)
The “twinkliest town in Texas” features more than 2 million lights draped across the town’s courthouse square and surrounding area — a display so bright that NASA has reported seeing it from space.
44th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony, San Antonio River Walk (Nov. 28)
One of San Antonio’s most celebrated events features 27 illuminated floats, five entertainment floats, and more than 100,000 holiday lights. This year, the parade celebrates movie magic, highlighting some of the season’s most cherished films.
Vitruvian Lights, Addison (Nov. 22-Jan. 1)
If one tree just isn’t enough, how about 12 acres of vibrant, colorfully wrapped trees lining a perfectly paved walkway? Take a leisurely walk along the brightly lit path.
Looking for more festive fun? Check out these Texas towns to visit this holiday season.
