TAC Blog

Each holiday season, Texans flock to county festivals to bask in the twinkling glow. In addition to creating festive cheer, these events boost county revenue and support local nonprofits. These are 12 of the best holiday festivals in Texas for 2025.

Santa’s Wonderland – College Station, Brazos County

Dates: Nov. 14-Jan. 4

Location: 18898 Hwy. 6, College Station

Pricing: Varies. See official website for details.

Santa’s Wonderland is the largest Christmas light display in Texas, attracting visitors from far and wide. In addition to the mesmerizing lights, the event features community booths that support various nonprofits. Some of the organizations involved include Scotty’s House, which provides services to children in need, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which builds and delivers beds to young kids. This event is not only a visual feast but also a testament to the generosity of Brazos County.

Fredericksburg Christmas Nights of Lights -- Gillespie County

Dates: Nov. 25-Jan. 6
nightly at 6 p.m.

Location: Marktplatz, Fredericksburg

Pricing: Free

Experience the magic of German Christmas traditions combined with warm Texan hospitality at the Fredericksburg Christmas Nights of Lights. Each evening features holiday music and a 10-minute audio presentation about the town’s German heritage. This charming event runs nightly through Jan. 6 and offers a delightful festive experience for the whole family.

This is just the beginning of what Fredericksburg offers during the holiday season. Visit the events calendar to learn more about the parade, Santa visits, and toy drives.

Holiday Carriage Rides – Odessa, Ector County

Dates: Dec. 4-5, 7-9 and 11-12

Location: Emerald Forest Estates

Pricing: Varies by carriage size

Enjoy a classic holiday tradition with a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride through the beautifully decorated Emerald Forest Estates neighborhood. Guests can take in festive lights and seasonal displays while relaxing under provided blankets. Local vendors will offer hot chocolate, coffee and treats to make the evening even more special. The event is hosted by the Junior League of Odessa, and all proceeds support its Community Assistance Fund, which helps nonprofits addressing critical needs in Ector County.

Festival of Trees – Killeen, Bell County

Date: Dec. 5
6:30 p.m.

Location: Killeen Civic & Conference Center
3601 S. W.S. Young Dr.

Pricing: Free

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Festival of Trees, a festive evening benefiting Wreaths for Vets and the Noble Giving Scholarship Program. This milestone event features exciting new changes, making it a perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit.

Montgomery County Mistletoe Market – Conroe, Montgomery County

Date: Dec. 6
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Location: Lone Star Convention Center
9055 Airport Rd.

Pricing: $5

Free entry for teachers, military members, first responders and children under 16.

The Montgomery County Mistletoe Market is a holiday shopping extravaganza featuring over 200 local artisans and vendors. This market is a perfect opportunity to find unique holiday gifts while supporting community causes.

Austin Trail of Lights -- Travis County

Dates: Dec. 10-23

Location: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd., Austin

Pricing: Varies. See official website for details.

The Austin Trail of Lights is a beloved tradition that has been lighting up the capital city since 1965. This event features over 2 million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees and more than 70 holiday displays. After you revel in the twinkling displays, you can shop for gifts and enjoy treats from local businesses. The Trail of Lights Foundation, an independent nonprofit, raises funds to ensure the event’s long-term sustainability. With its rich history and community involvement, the Austin Trail of Lights continues to be one of the most significant holiday events in Texas.

Holiday Wreaths Across America -- San Antonio, Bexar County

Date: Dec. 13
9 a.m.

Location: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio

Pricing: Free

Honor the memory of fallen veterans by participating in Wreaths Across America at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Volunteers will place wreaths on veterans’ graves, with the goal of covering all 182,000 graves at the cemetery. This national program has strong local participation and serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by service members.

Cow Country Christmas – Throckmorton County

Date: Dec. 13
3:30-7 p.m.

Location: Courthouse Square, Throckmorton

Cow Country Christmas is a festive, small-town holiday celebration full of live music, children’s activities, local vendor booths, and prize drawings (including locally raised beef boxes). The event embraces rural Texas heritage and community togetherness,. making it a warm, down-to-earth way to celebrate the season in Throckmorton.

Hometown Christmas – Hico, Hamilton County

Dates: Dec. 5-6

Location: Downtown Hico

Pricing: Free

Hico’s Hometown Christmas offers a festive small-town holiday experience, with downtown decorations, holiday shopping and community gatherings. It’s a great chance for locals and visitors to come together, enjoy the season’s spirit, and support local businesses.

Walkway of Lights – Marble Falls, Burnet County

Dates: Nov. 21-Jan. 3
6-10 p.m.

Location: Lakeside Park
305 Buena Vista Dr.

Pricing: $2 per person

The Walkway of Lights in Marble Falls offers a magical lakeside stroll under million twinkling lights and dozens of illuminated holiday sculptures along Lake Marble Falls. The event is part of a larger seasonal celebration featuring ice skating, holiday parades, tree lighting and more.

Hometown Holidays – Wimberley, Hays County

Date: Nov. 29-Dec. 31

Location: Downtown Wimberley

Pricing: Free

Wimberley’s Hometown Holidays brings cozy, small-town charm with a lighted parade, community tree lighting, holiday music, festive shopping, and the EmilyAnn Trail of Lights — a seasonal fixture offering twinkling decorations and Hill Country holiday magic. It’s a wonderful community gathering and joyous opportunity for residents and visitors alike.

Christmas on the Coast – Portland, San Patricio County

Dates: Dec. 8 (Parade of Lights); additional holiday activities Dec. 9 & 11

Location: Parade route: Fifth & Elm

Kaiah Dog Park for additional events

Pricing: Donation-based (unwrapped toys for toy drive)

Portland’s Christmas on the Coast features a Parade of Lights, a community toy drive benefiting local children, and family-friendly events like “Merry Movies on the Lawn” and a pet-friendly “Pooch-A-Palooza & Santa.” It’s a holiday celebration that pairs festive fun with charitable giving and community support.

Boerne Bright – Boerne, Kendall County

Dates: Dec. 5-21
Fridays-Sundays, 6-9 p.m

Special additional dates Dec 26-28 for lights only

Location: First Baptist Church Boerne
631 South School St.

Pricing: Free

Boerne Bright offers a free, festive experience with over 500,000 synchronized holiday lights, a Bethlehem-themed train ride, and photo opportunities with a life-size snow globe. It’s a welcoming community event hosted by First Baptist Church.