What better place to celebrate the holiday season? Here are just a few of our favorite local Hill Country happenings in November and December!
The Christmas Wine Affair (Multiple Locations)
Featuring over 40 participating locations, the Texas Wine Trail’s “2018 Christmas Wine Affair” is your chance to explore the Hill Country’s plethora of wineries and vineyards. Each participant will receive a “Tasting Passport” that includes a full complimentary tasting at each participating winery (usually decked with a warm fireplace and cozy holiday displays).
When: November 30 to December 16
Where: View list of participating wineries here
Wassail Fest Image Courtesy of the New Braunfels Farmers Market
Wassailfest (New Braunfels)
Does anything scream “holiday spirit” quite like cupping chilly fingers around a steaming mug of wassail? We don’t think so. Head to New Braunfels' classic Wassail fest celebration to enjoy traditional holiday beverages like spiked eggnog, mulled wine, and (of course) wassail. Food, live music, shopping, and twinkling holiday lights will set the stage for this New Braunfels event on December 6th.
When: December 6, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Where: Downtown New Braunfels, 110 Main Plaza
Christmas Home Tour and Market (Fredericksburg)
Hosted by the Pioneer Museum, Fredericksburg’s ever-popular home tour is your chance to peek inside fabulously decorated holiday homes. This self-guided tour kicks off on December 1st and invites you to peruse the accompanying market after you’re finished. The market will feature 20+ boutique vendors selling one-of-a-kind artisan merchandise (along with a coffee bar!).
When: December 1, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: GCHS Sanctuary & Social Hall, 312 W San Antonio St
Image Courtesy of Walkway of Lights’ Official Facebook Page
Walkway of Lights (Marble Falls)
A spectacle on the banks of the Colorado River, Marble Falls’ Walkway of Lights begins on November 16th and runs all the way through December, 26th. Featuring over two million twinkling lights, Lakeside Park is the perfect spot to snap a family photo, soak in the holiday cheer, and spend time with family and friends. Admission is free, and concessions and photos with Santa are available for purchase (benefitting local nonprofit organizations).
When: November 17 - January 1, 6:00 - 10:00 PM
Where: Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Dr
Light the Night Christmas Parade (Fredericksburg)
Fredericksburg’s charm is certainly no Hill Country secret, but this city seems extra-magical during the holiday season. Experience the full Christmas glory during the Light the Night Christmas Parade on December 1st, set against Fredericksburg’s historic Main Street. Additional events surrounding the parade include holiday shopping, food vendors, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
When: Friday, December 7, 6:30 PM
Where: Main Street (free seating between Washington and Edison Streets)
Image Courtesy of the Dickens on Main Facebook Page
Dickens on Main (Boerne)
An iconic Boerne holiday event, Dickens on Main is a full-on Hill Country celebration of all things “Texas Winter,” including twinkling lights, ice sculptures, a snow slide, carriage rides, holiday shopping, costumed shopkeepers, traditional wassail, caroling, horse-drawn carriage rides, live music, and more.
When: November 27-28, 1:00-11:00 PM (Click here for a detailed schedule)
Where: Downtown Boerne
Image Courtesy of Johnson City
Lights Spectacular (Johnson City)
For nearly 30 years, Hill Country locals and tourists have marveled at Johnson City’s brilliant display of over one million LED lights spread throughout the city’s small-town landmarks. Known simply as “Lights Spectacular” (a fitting name for the dazzling spectacle), this annual event is a Hill Country must-see. On weekends, enjoy extras like a chuck wagon food court, live nativity performance, tractor rides, and carriage rides.
When: Nov. 23, 2018 (opening ceremony at 6:00 PM) - Jan. 6, 2019
Where: Johnson City Texas Chamber of Commerce, 100 E Main St
Holiday Trail of Lights (Wimberley)
Though this display is on the smaller side of the holiday light spectrum, what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm. Visit Wimberley's Holiday Trail of Lights at the EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens from November 25 through December 28 to admire the sparkling light displays spread out over eight acres. While you stroll, sip hot cocoa and much on s’mores. This event is free, but donations are greatly appreciated!
When: November 24 - December 28, 6:00-9:00 PM (Sunday-Thursday) & 6:00-10:00 PM (Friday & Saturday)
Where: EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens, 1101 FM 2325.
Image Courtesy of Sights and Sounds
Cowboy Capital Christmas & Shopper’s Jubilee (Bandera)
The self-proclaimed “Cowboy Capital of the World,” Bandera, TX will host a Texas-themed Christmas extravaganza on December 1st! The Cowboy Capital Christmas & Shopper's Jubilee will include a Christmas tree lighting, performances by youth choirs, a live nativity, shopping on Main Street, costumed carolers, and an appearance by Santa Claus himself.
When: December 7, 5:00 - 9:00 PM,
Where: Bandera County Courthouse Lawn, 511 Main St
Turkey Trot (Gruene)
Looking for a little pre-turkey workout? Gruene’s annual Turkey Trot is the perfect spot to “get your sweat on” while hanging out with the rest of the New Braunfels community. This 5K run/walk (and quarter-mile “kid’s' turkey chase” kicks off at 8:00 AM on Thanksgiving Day (November 22nd) and benefits Comal Cops for Kids.
When: November 22, 8:00 AM
Where: In front of Gruene Hall (1281 Gruene Rd)
Image Courtesy of Eisbahn Facebook Page
Eisbahn (Fredericksburg)
Warm Texas temps don’t mean sacrificing traditional cold-weather fun. Fredericksburg’s favorite outdoor ice rink (Eisbahn) will open for the season on Friday, November 23. Entrance and skate rental fees are $15 a day, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Lifeline Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of Fredericksburg.
When: Opens for the season on Friday, November 23 (view hours here)
Where: Marktplatz, 122 W Main St
Image Courtesy of Sights and Sounds
Sights and Sounds (San Marcos)
By far the most anticipated holiday event in San Marcos, Sights and Sounds is a celebration of all-things-festive, including ice skating, live performances, photos with Santa Claus, a 5K run, carnival-style rides and games, a nativity scene, and plenty of tasty treats and beverages.
When: November 28 - December 1 (view schedule here)
Where: 401 E Hopkins St, San Marcos
North Pole Village (Canyon Lake)
The North Pole...in Texas? It’s true, folks. Canyon Lake’s annual community event “North Pole Village” brings the wonders of the wintry North to the rolling hills of Central Texas, featuring a bakery, post office, toy land, ice fishing elven house, hay rides, pictures with Santa, and a live nativity!
When: December 7-9 & 14-16, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Where: CRRC, 125 Mabel Jones Dr
If the Hill Country’s holiday cheer has charmed you into homebuying curiosity, we’d love to guide you through the process! To discover where you fit, from farm and ranch to luxury, contact one of our licensed agents, Plus, download our exclusive Buyer’s Guide to discover tips written specifically for the Hill Country buyer.