In Texas, Christmas is a grand affair that blends deep-rooted traditions with festive flair. It all starts with church services—midnight mass or candlelight services are popular and fill the air with melodies and blessings.
Afterwards, families head home to the big event: decorating Christmas trees. You’ll see everything from traditional ornaments to Texas-themed baubles like miniature cowboy boots and armadillos!
Gift-giving? Oh yes! Texans love to shower loved ones with thoughtful surprises, but not before a proper holiday meal. Expect holiday feasts of smoked brisket, tamales, and Tex-Mex twists on classic dishes.
Don’t forget the Christmas cookies—baking sessions turn into competitive events to see who can make the fluffiest sugar cookies or best pecan pralines.
No Texas Christmas is complete without visiting Santa Claus at local malls or Christmas markets, like the famous Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington, bringing a slice of Germany to the Lone Star State.
Big cities like Dallas and Houston go all out with holiday parades that feature everything from giant floats to high school marching bands.
Some even fuse traditions with neighboring California vibes—maybe a surfing Santa or palm trees wrapped in lights appear. Whatever the twist, Texas knows how to make Christmas big, bold, and full of heart!
1) Light up your mood with Bryan
Bryan is bringing festive cheer and top things to do in Texas during Christmas 2024 with various holiday events perfect for all ages!
One highlight is Lights On, on November 22nd, in Historic Downtown Bryan. This free event transforms the downtown area with thousands of twinkling lights along Main Street and Bryan Avenue.
You can enjoy live music, holiday photo ops, a special appearance by Santa, and an evening atmosphere perfect for a family night out or a cozy date.
Next up, Holiday Magic on December 6th is a must-visit destination to visit on Christmas if you are in Texas at Sue Haswell Memorial Park.
It will be running from 5:30 PM to 9 PM and is also free, with exciting activities like snow hills for kids, live entertainment, and warm hot chocolate. Santa will be there for photos, which makes it a fantastic night for families with younger children.
Don’t miss Reindeer on the Run from December 1-19 for those seeking a little adventure.
This event encourages you to explore Bryan’s parks to find Santa’s missing reindeer. It’s a fun and interactive way to explore the town while competing for prizes. And the best part? It’s completely free.
These events don’t require any special passes or fees, which makes them budget-friendly.
Don’t forget to grab some hot cocoa and stroll downtown for an unforgettable Christmas vibe!
2) Enjoy Christmas with Grapevine
Grapevine is said to be the Christmas Capital of Texas because it hosts various festive events that offer holiday joy for all ages.
Start with the Grapevine Christmas Market (Nov 30-Dec 23), where local artisans offer unique crafts. It’s free to attend and open daily, perfect for picking up gifts.
For a classic experience, you can catch the 45th Annual Parade of Lights on Dec 5, which fills Historic Main Street with illuminated floats and holiday spirit.
Try Vetro Glassblowing Studio’s Ornament Creation Events (from Nov 1) for more interactive fun. Prices range from $65 to $75, which allows you to craft your holiday keepsake.
Elf Adventure (Nov 29-Dec 30) is a family-friendly option at the Settlement to City Museums, where a $10 passport grants access to various festive activities.
Catch live holiday performances at the Historic Palace Theatre, including the Texas Tenors Christmas Show (Dec 9-11, $48) or classics like Elf and It’s A Wonderful Life ($10 per ticket).
You can also enjoy The Nuttier Cracker Comedy Show on Dec 21 for laughs, with tickets priced at $35-$45.
Check out Merry & Bright Drone Shows (Dec 2 & 9) for a dazzling night sky display and a unique twist.
If you’re into mysteries, the Crime at Christmastime Murder Mystery Dinner on Dec 6 at Messina Hof Winery offers a thrilling experience for $75.
Budget-wise, there’s a mix of free and ticketed events so that you can customize your experience. Book early for popular events like the Texas Tenors and Glassblowing, as they sell out fast!
3) Plan your holidays at Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is a Texas must-visit spot on Christmas that blends German traditions with Texan flair. In 2024, you can enjoy various festive events, starting with the Fredericksburg Christmas Market on December 7.
This German-inspired market features live music, handcrafted gifts, delicious bratwurst, mulled wine, and even a special appearance from Santa and his reindeer. The market is at Grapetown Vineyard, and parking passes are required in advance.
Another must-see is the Weihnachtspyramide—a towering 26-foot Christmas pyramid in the town’s Marktplatz that symbolizes the area’s deep German roots.
The Light, the Night Christmas Parade on December 3 also brings Main Street to life with festive floats, marching bands, and a cozy holiday film afterwards.
Seating is accessible along the route, though reserved bleacher seats are available.
Budget-wise, many events, like the Christmas Parade and the iconic tree lighting at LBJ Ranch, are free to attend, making it affordable for families.
This year’s Christmas in Fredericksburg promises something for everyone, from sipping wine in decorated tasting rooms to watching glowing floats light up the night!
4) Relax with Austin
Christmas in Austin, Texas, 2024 is packed with magical events that bring out the festive spirit! One of the must-visit traditions is the Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park from December 10–23.
It’s a glowing wonderland with over 2 million lights, food trucks, and entertainment. Entry is free for a couple of days, but if you want to skip lines or enjoy VIP perks, expect passes to range from $5–$20.
It’s a family-friendly experience with carousel rides, live performances, and seasonal treats.
For those who love a cozy movie night, the Alamo Drafthouse showcases Christmas classics like It’s a Wonderful Life and Elf.
There’s nothing like a warm seat, popcorn, and holiday magic on the big screen. Check for ticket prices closer to the date.
Another favorite is Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker, running from December 6–23 at the Long Center for the Performing Arts.
This beloved tradition will mesmerize with its beautiful sets, live orchestra, and timeless storytelling. Tickets vary based on seating but plan on budgeting around $35–$150.
Don’t miss the Downtown Holiday Stroll on December 7, where Congress Avenue transforms into a winter wonderland with pop-up markets, live music, and a 45-foot Christmas tree lighting.
It’s free and filled with photo ops with Santa, which makes it a perfect Texas Christmas spot for 2024.
For shopping lovers, the Blue Genie Art Bazaar offers unique local creations from November 15–December 24. It’s free to browse and shop from Austin’s talented artists.
Finally, for a festive cocktail experience, you can visit Miracle on 5th Street, a Christmas-themed pop-up bar offering creative holiday drinks in a decked-out setting from November 15–December 29.
5) Have a holiday break at Johnson City
Johnson City will host its beloved Lights Spectacular again in 2024, earning the town its reputation as the “Twinkliest Town in Texas.”
From November 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025, the city will light up with over two million sparkling lights that will decorate the historic courthouse, Memorial Park, and the surrounding areas.
This event began in 1990 and has grown into a festive celebration of community spirit that attracts visitors from across the state and beyond.
The opening ceremony will take place on November 29th, which features a crowd countdown to the courthouse’s illumination at 6:30 p.m.
Visitors can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides through the glowing streets, live performances like the local “Clickety Cloggers,” and a holiday parade showcasing beautifully lit floats.
The Methodist Church will also host its iconic Blanco County Living Nativity Pageant on weekends, with live animals for kids to pet.
While admission to the Lights Spectacular is free, there are optional costs for food, carriage rides, and unique crafts from local vendors. Food options range from classic fair treats like funnel cakes and chili cheese fries to wine and holiday craft beer.
For families, Santa will be making appearances in Memorial Park, and the 4-H club offers picture opportunities for a small donation.
This Christmas wonderland is a free event, with donations encouraged to keep the lights twinkling.
Whether you’re marveling at the lights, enjoying the parade, or warming up with local food and drink, Johnson City is an affordable and unforgettable hot spot in Texas during Christmas.
6) Attend Christmas parties in Portland
Portland, Texas, has a charming lineup of festive events that will surely put you in the holiday spirit! The season’s highlight is the Portland Parade of Lights on December 9, 2024, starting at 6:00 p.m.
This illuminated parade brings the community together, with local groups, businesses, and even Santa Claus making a special appearance.
The parade route winds through town, which makes it a family-friendly spectacle that is free to watch and participate in.
Another event to catch is Christmas on the Coast, a holiday celebration that adds an extra coastal twist. Expect live performances, Christmas lights, and plenty of holiday cheer for locals and visitors.
The event will be held in various locations around town, and it’s a great opportunity to explore Portland’s beautiful coastal vibe while enjoying the festivities.
If you’re on a budget, you’re in luck—both the Parade of Lights and most holiday events are free to attend.
No special passes are required, so you can soak in the holiday spirit without worrying about the cost. For families, it’s a perfect opportunity to make memories without breaking the bank.
Make sure to bring your camera to capture the vibrant lights and Santa sightings! With free events, lots of community pride, and the magic of Christmas by the coast, Portland’s holiday season is both fun and affordable.
Plan ahead to ensure you don’t miss these fantastic celebrations!
7) Wave your holidays with Dallas
Dallas is buzzing with festive cheer this Christmas season and offering plenty of holiday events and places to visit in Texas on Christmas this year that’ll make your celebrations extra magical in 2024!
One of the city’s must-see highlights is Holiday at the Arboretum that features the beloved “12 Days of Christmas” display and the enchanting Christmas Village.
From November 13 to January 5, you can wander through beautifully lit gardens, enjoy live music, and see the dazzling musical tree.
General admission tickets range from $10–$20, depending on age, with discounted family passes available.
For a whimsical adventure, head to SNOW DAY at Galleria Dallas, an immersive experience taking you through fantastical rooms filled with holiday surprises and magical elf encounters.
This attraction is perfect for families or anyone wanting a playful escape into a winter wonderland. Tickets are affordable at around $22 per person.
Don’t miss the classic Dallas Zoo Lights, where the zoo transforms into a luminous holiday paradise.
With over a million twinkling lights and life-size animal lanterns, it’s a holiday wonder that appeals to all ages. Tickets start at $17 for adults.
For a grand outdoor event, the Dallas Holiday Parade is a must-see. This tradition draws thousands and turns the downtown area into a festival of floats, balloons, and performers, celebrating the season in spectacular fashion.
Whether you’re looking for light displays, immersive experiences, or festive parades, Dallas has a wide range of Christmas activities to suit your budget and add sparkle to your 2024 holiday season!
Best Hotels To Stay In Texas During Christmas
- The Driskill Hotel – Austin
- Hotel Galvez & Spa – Galveston
- The San Luis Resort – Galveston
- The Adolphus Hotel – Dallas
- Gaylord Texan Resort – Grapevine
- JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa – San Antonio
Conclusion
Texas takes Christmas to the next level that mixes classic traditions with a larger-than-life flair. From decorating trees to indulging in holiday feasts and visiting festive markets, Texans know how to celebrate in a way that’s warm, welcoming, and uniquely their own.