Hometown holiday celebrations across the state do not disappoint, with family-friendly displays, decorations and lights illuminating towns from Dallas to Houston. Before the holiday season ends, take a quick road trip to some of the best destinations in the state to see the beauty that lies deep in the heart of Texas.
Grapevine
Only 20 miles from Dallas, the small town of Grapevine spares nothing when it comes to Christmas. People from all over the state travel to Grapevine to see millions of lights, decorations and characters as a part of the 40-day celebration hosted by the City of Grapevine with support from local vendors and companies. Grapevine hosts fun for the whole family, including 1.8 million square feet of shopping facilities, the historic railway, as well as the Christmas movies at the Historic Palace Theatre.
Fredricksburg
At the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Fredricksburg hosts a Christmas celebration like no other. Weihnachtszeit, or Christmas time, includes ice skating, a 30-foot tree, downtown shopping and wine tasting. The Christmas Night of Light started Nov. 23 and will continue through Jan. 6 featuring historic presentations of the town’s German history and caroling leading up to the lighting of ‘Marktplatz,’ the downtown market square.
San Antonio
Regardless of the season, the San Antonio Riverwalk is a beautiful sight that brings almost 14 million visitors annually. During the Christmas season, the Riverwalk features miles of lights and decorations, as well as shopping, entertainment and food to celebrate the season. SeaWorld, Six Flags Fiesta Texas and the San Antonio Zoo host large Christmas celebrations ensuring a great time for the whole family.
Marshall
About 150 miles from Dallas, the small town of Marshall hosts a myriad of decorations spanning the entire downtown area. With its ‘small town charm’ families frequent the college town for its good food, entertainment and holiday celebrations. The ‘Wonderland of Lights,’ started in 1987, opened Nov. 24. Enjoy the downtown experience with Hallmark movies and holiday decorations littered throughout.
Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie is the home of Prairie Lights, located on Joe Pool Lake. The hour-long experience provides fun for friends and family, as you drive through miles of lights lining the lake. At $40 per car, the experience is affordable for large groups and allows for in-car and outside entertainment. Photo opportunities are available throughout the park.
Johnson City
About 50 miles from Austin, Johnson City provides Christmas celebrations for nearly 30 years. With carriage rides, tractor rides and hundreds of trees strung with lights, the displays and decorations in Johnson City are hard to beat. Family-friendly fun at the annual ‘Lights Spectacular’ will surely not disappoint. More than 1.3 million bulbs contribute to the beautiful display of lights around the Pedernales Electric Cooperative headquarters in downtown Johnson City.
