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Get into the festive spirit with the best holiday events happening across Texas this season! From dazzling light displays and cheerful parades to charming markets and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the Lone Star State.
Austin
Zach Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol”
“A Christmas Carol” brings Victorian charm to life with a joyous spirit that has everyone dancing in the aisles. Follow Scrooge, the Cratchits, and three spirited ghosts on an unforgettable adventure of redemption and love.
Back by popular demand, Austin’s ultimate holiday tradition celebrates ten years of joy with special extras including commemorative tickets, experiences, and plenty of other surprises! Join the 10th anniversary of “A Christmas Carol” — a unique musical journey through Dickens’ timeless tale, re-imagined with fresh songs and festive enchantment! Performances run through Dec. 29, 2024, at The Topfer at ZACH Theatre. Purchase tickets online.
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been a cornerstone of Austin’s holiday season for nearly five decades. Featuring nearly 200 artists, live music on an intimate stage from 30 bands, and festive vibes, this 10 day celebration offers a unique shopping experience. With fine art to handmade gifts, live performances, and a welcoming atmosphere, the Armadillo is an iconic Austin tradition that honors community and creativity. This year’s musical lineup includes Ray Benson, frontman of the GRAMMY-winning Asleep at the Wheel, Austin Music Awards Band of the Year winner Shinyribs, the legendary Marcia Ball, and GRAMMY-winning country artist Rick Trevino. The lineup also includes local powerhouse talents like Kelsey Wilson of Wild Child, Latin GRAMMY nominee Gina Chavez and guitar virtuoso Jackie Venson. One-day tickets are $12 and can be purchased online.
Elvis, Christmas, and Friday the 13th: A Party Like No Other at The Liberty Bar
The Liberty Bar (1618 E 6th St, Austin TX, 78702) is combining the magic of Christmas and the thrill of Friday the 13th for a one-of-a-kind party. Guests are in for a lively evening featuring “Central Texas’s Top-Rated Elvis Tribute Artist.” The performer will deliver two musical sets between 7 and 10 p.m. – a traditional Elvis set and a special tribute to his iconic Christmas album. The night will include the opportunity to receive an Elvis-themed flash tattoo, courtesy of Electric 13 Tattoo, at a discounted rate thanks to Jim Beam’s sponsorship. The first 100 attendees will receive a free, limited-edition shirt that celebrates both holidays.
In the spirit of giving, admission is entirely free with encouragement that patrons bring canned goods to support a food drive benefiting the Central Texas Food Bank.
Texas Hill Country Wineries Christmas Wine Affair
Tickets are now on sale for Texas Hill Country Wineries Christmas Wine Affair passport event. Tickets include a complimentary wine tasting and a 15% discount on 3+ bottle purchases at each of the 50+ participating wineries in the beautiful Hill Country. The event runs through Dec. 20; visit up to four wineries per day. Tickets are $65 individually, or two for $100 and can be purchased online. You can find a map and list of participating wineries here.
Dallas/Fort Worth
Running through Jan. 5, 2025, this immersive month-long event offers a holistic sensory experience with hundreds of photo ops across multiple holiday-themed rooms. From a dazzling light and sound show with snowfall to a quirky peppermint soda shop, make life-long memories with AI-powered features that transform your photos into surreal holiday snapshots. Lose yourself in the holiday spirit with SNOWDAY’s signature Christmas light maze. Or ride shotgun on Santa’s sleigh and witness how Ol’ Saint Nick navigates through space and time to deliver presents to each and every child on Christmas. And with SANTALAND, visitors board a magical train from Dallas to the North Pole to meet Santa himself and snap a photo before walking through a medley of Christmas towns.
Drop by any time of the week. Each day offers an inclusive experience, including pet-friendly Wednesdays and Spanish-speaking Santas on select Thursdays. Combo tickets offer discounts, starting at $9.99 for SANTALAND and $19.99 for SNOWDAY. Make this interactive photo wonderland your new festive tradition.
Hotel Vin in Grapevine elevates the holiday spirit with its luxurious offerings and central location in the “Christmas Capital of Texas.” Here, guests can enjoy the cozy elegance of Winter Wonderland Bubbles, where private heated igloos offer the perfect dining or relaxing experience under twinkling lights. Indulge in the comfort of a chef-designed menu that features exquisite fondue with a medley of bites for dipping, empanadas, and Beef Wellington appetizers. Pair it with a wine from a carefully curated list or a holiday craft cocktail like the devilishly delicious El Diablo. Inside the hotel’s gathering space, soul-warming winter vibes fill the living room air as Bacchus Kitchen + Bar and Harvest Hall thrive with seasonal menus and live music.
Meanwhile, the historic town of Grapevine comes alive with over 1,400 holiday events, including the North Pole Express train ride, sparkling light displays, and the historic downtown adorned with decorations and activities. Together, Hotel Vin and the charming city of Grapevine create a magical holiday destination. Book your small-town Christmas experience here.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concerts
Deck the halls with holiday spirit and let them echo with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Holidays Concert Series, running throughout December at the iconic Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. The December holiday lineup includes a little holiday magic for everyone. Christmas Pops (Dec. 6–15) showcases festive classics performed by powerhouse vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw, accompanied by the DSO and Children’s Chorus. Families can enjoy a shorter version, Family Christmas Pops (Dec. 7 & 14), which features pre-show crafts, an instrument petting zoo, and Santa photo ops. On Dec. 11, KINGS ReJOYCE! brings Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato and the vocal group Kings Return together to blend sacred and secular holiday music. Finally, celebrate the 20th anniversary of Elf with Elf™ in Concert (Dec. 20–22), where a live orchestra performs the movie’s score as the beloved film plays on a big screen. Tickets start at just $35. Perfect for holiday fun or as a gift for the music lovers in your life. Plan your visit and secure tickets online.
The Worthington Renaissance Hotel Rooftop Movies
Afterwards, or before the show, be sure to visit the Fort Worth Community Christmas Tree located just across the street in Sundance Square. This piney behemoth is the tallest live Christmas tree in Texas, even besting its counterparts at Rockefeller Center and the National Christmas Tree adorning the White House Lawn.
Discover the Art of Dr. Seuss at Patrick Jones Gallery
This holiday season, Patrick Jones Gallery in Dallas presents an enchanting exhibition celebrating the iconic art of Dr. Seuss. Running from December 5 to January 30, the exhibit features a curated collection of Dr. Seuss’s beloved works, including rare illustrations, sculptures and “The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss” from his personal archives.
Visitors can enjoy familiar favorites like The Cat in the Hat and The Grinch while also discovering lesser-known pieces that showcase the artist’s depth, versatility and surrealist creativity. Perfect for families and art enthusiasts alike, this exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the whimsical genius that has inspired generations.
Don’t miss this unforgettable cultural experience!
In this timeless musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a profound experience of redemption over the course of a Christmas Eve night, after being visited by the ghost of his former partner Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.
North Texas Performing Arts in Plano is proud to announce its 14th Annual production of “Scrooge – The Musical” on Dec. 11-22, 2024. The runtime is 2.5 hours and the show is rated G for all ages. Tickets range from $12-25 and can be purchased online. The show runs for two weekends at the Courtyard Theater (Dec. 12-15) and the Rodenbaugh Theatre, Willow Bend Center of the Arts (Dec. 18-22).
Evening performances begin at 7:15p.m. and matinees at 2:15 p.m. The two Wednesday shows will be Gift to the Community performances. In addition, a special ASL performance will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2:15 p.m.
Experience Christmas Town in Glen Rose, Texas
Many small Texas towns boast historic charm, but Glen Rose is pre-historic. Located just minutes from the famed Dinosaur Valley State Park, Glen Rose transforms into Christmas Town, a holiday wonderland with activities for all ages. Enjoy Santa in the Gazebo every Friday and Saturday evening (5-7 PM) through December 21st, perfect for capturing family photos. On December 14th, the Pop-Up Christmas Market fills the square with vendors, food, and music from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Don’t miss the serene Nativity Scene and lighted displays around the Courthouse Square, including a Santa sleigh for memorable pictures. Unique events like the Ladies Night on the Square (Dec. 19, 4-8 p.m.) offer sips, shopping specials, and festive fun. On Dec. 20 and 21, the Giant Snow Globe and Christmas Kiddie Train rides delight visitors from 4-8 p.m.
Shop late on weekends and enjoy performances of The Promise Christmas Shows for a heartwarming holiday experience. Visit Glen Rose’s website to stay up-to-date for all the scheduled festive cheer!
San Antonio
Magik Theatre’s “The Velveteen Rabbit”
Magik Theatre is delighted to reprise “The Velveteen Rabbit,” a timeless classic that captures the joy and warmth of the holidays. Recommended for audiences ages 5 and up, Magik’s adaptation of Margery Williams’s beloved children’s story follows the journey of a shy velveteen toy rabbit who longs to become real. Through his adventures with the Child, the Velveteen Rabbit learns about the transformative power of love and friendship. Running through Dec. 29, this heartwarming production is the perfect way to enjoy an enchanting holiday season. Purchase tickets online.
Magik’s Annual Holiday Hop begins at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, show at 2:00 p.m. In addition to “The Velveteen Rabbit” performance, engage in fun for the whole family with festive activities such as writing a letter to Santa, fun crafts, photo opportunities, carolers, and more!
ICE! At JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country
For a unique holiday experience in Texas, head to JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, where the iconic ICE! attraction debuts this year through Jan. 5, 2025. This frosty wonderland, kept at a brisk 9°F, features over 2 million pounds of ice transformed into stunning sculptures and walk-through scenes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Plunge into the life-size ice village of Who-ville, crafted by artisans from Harbin, China, where towering carvings of the mischievous Grinch follow you at every turn. The frigid storytelling experience also features a two-story ice slide and a Nativity scene. Afterward, warm yourself with seasonal cocktails and cozy treats from a nearby holiday pop-up bar. This Christmas village continues with fun activities like Snow Flow Mountain, snowball games, gingerbread decorating, and a Build-A-Bear Workshop®. Make it a weekend stay with the family as the entire property transforms into an immersive holiday experience with picturesque Christmas décor adorning the halls and luxurious amenities alive beaming with holiday spirit, all charmed with a Texas Hill country rolling backdrop. Don’t miss the magic of Hill Country Christmas with festive events, Santa visits, and snowy fun for all ages.
Kimpton Santo Hotel, San Antonio
The Kimpton Santo Hotel invites guests to embrace the holiday spirit with its Winter Chalet and festive pop-ups, open now through Feb. 28, 2025. This unique activation transforms the hotel’s interior courtyard into a serene winter lodge featuring evergreens, cozy seating, and ambient lighting, offering the perfect backdrop for holiday photos. Hotel guests can enjoy the chalet during morning coffee service and an evening social hour.
For an extra-special experience, Dean’s Steak & Seafood offers private dining inside snow globe-inspired domes set in the courtyard. Available for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, these domes provide an enchanting winter escape. Reservations are open now with food and beverage minimums starting at $100 per hour. For more details or to book a reservation, visit their website.
Christmas Day Brunch at Tributary, Marriott Rivercenter’s restaurant
Enjoy a festive Christmas Day Brunch with world-class dining, live entertainment and vibrant holiday cheer in the heart of San Antonio. Indulge in a luxurious buffet featuring classics like breakfast potatoes and smoked salmon, unique dishes such as pear prosciutto flatbread and cranberry apple French toast casserole, a made-to-order omelet station, and a premium carving station. End the meal with desserts crafted by an award-winning pastry chef. Cost is $70/adults and $35/children (includes gratuity). Brunch will served at Tributary at San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on Christmas Day from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Purchase tickets online.
Blitzen’s Holiday Popup Bar at Omni La Mansion del Rio
Holiday Blitzen Bar at El Colegio, offers fun seasonal cocktails crafted by celebrity mixologist, Julie Reiner of Netflix’s “Drink Masters.” This holiday season, they have decked the halls with thousands of twinkle lights and plastered the walls in tinsel. At Blitzen’s, restraint is passé and maximalism is always in good taste. Enjoy some extravagant tipples, some nightcaps on ice, and cocktails that sleigh. Open daily from 3 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Bryan / College Station
The Downtown Bryan Holiday Stroll & Lighted Parade
Continuing a tradition that dates back to 1889, the Downtown Bryan Holiday Stroll & Lighted Parade, sponsored by WRI Tractors, will illuminate the streets with a vibrant display of lights and festivities. The parade will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12 and showcase beautifully decorated floats, performers, and a special appearance by Santa Claus, featuring participation from local schools, organizations, and businesses. Visitors are encouraged to arrive at 5:00 p.m. for the Holiday Stroll, when downtown businesses will extend their hours for holiday shopping, festive treats, and seasonal crafts.
Historic Downtown Bryan welcomes visitors to this adults-only shopping event on Thursday, Dec. 19 from 6-8:30 p.m. Nine participating stores will serve wine, wassail, or hot cocoa while guests shop. Each visitor will receive a wristband, wine glass, and swag bag at Burr’s Unfinished Furniture, along with a map of participating locations. Admission is $25, and participants must be 21 or older.
In College Station, the World’s Largest Christmas Park welcomes visitors with millions of twinkling lights, real Texas snow and ice, and acres of holiday attractions. Guests can explore festive shops and enjoy seasonal treats at this magical winter destination. Get tickets online. Open through Dec. 30.
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Cover photo courtesy JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
