joyfullydwell

Towns big and small all over Texas really know how to do the holidays. We’ve traveled around to explore how different areas celebrate and we have yet to be disappointed. Here are some of the great festivities we’ve ventured to so far and have more to still check off the list!

Starting in the Fall, winding along Waller Creek in downtown Austin, Waterloo Greenway hosts an event called the Creek Show featuring lit installations by various artists. The experience typically runs for about a week and is a bit before Thanksgiving. It’s s free to get in, but plan for a somewhat long wait in line. You can also purchase a “fast-pass” but in our experience of going multiple years, the lines seem to go about the same pace.

While downtown, it’s also fun to stop at the Capitol to see their large tree lit up and decorated.

Also in Austin, Mozart’s Coffee holds an annual light show on their outdoor patio.

The Light Show goes on rain or shine starting in the Fall, every night but Thanksgiving (Nov 23) and Christmas (Dec 25). You can reserve a table and order your drinks and treats ahead of time online.

Zilker Park is host to the annual Austin Trail of Lights. This is the longest running holiday tradition of its kind in Texas’ capital city. There are so many fun activities along with the lovely display of lights. At the end of the experience, the kids also get to pick out a book to take home with them generously donated by H-E-B.

If you want to experience a Christmas immersed in German tradition, all while feeling you’re in a Hallmark movie, head to Fredericksburg. In the town square you’ll find their 30-foot Christmas tree and authentic German Christmas pyramid along with family festivities including ice skating and Christmas treats to enjoy.

Eat some delicious German cuisine at one of the many restaurants downtown. Get some Christmas shopping done along Main Street decked out in its holiday finest. Also be sure to stop in the town’s very own year-round Christmas store to grab a special ornament to mark the occasion.

Marble Falls hosts it’s free annual Christmas celebration, Walkway of Lights in Lakeside Park.

There are many other activities Marble Falls offers including ice skating, bumper cars on ice, holiday shopping and more! Check out all the offerings here.

Follow The Star is a spectacular live outdoor walk-through (or drive-through if you prefer) production featuring the true meaning of Christmas. It includes ten live scenes of the life of Jesus: Annunciation, Nativity, Triumphal Entry, Last Supper, Betrayal, Pontius Pilate, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Ascension, and ends with a Christmas Present scene with a modern day family reading the Nativity story found in the Gospel of Luke. At the end of the walk, enjoy hot cocoa and sweet treats generously provided by volunteers.

This one of a kind event is put on for the community for free by Good Shepherd Church in Cedar Park. Follow The Star benefits Hill Country Community Ministries, a local food pantry here in Central Texas. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or make monetary donations to HCCM while at Follow The Star.

For another Biblical immersive experience, head out to Burnet for Main Street Bethlehem. There, you walk through the “town” and experience what life was like during the time of the birth of Jesus.

San Antonio’s River Walk lights up during the holidays with the most colorful display of lights that reflect ever so wonderfully on the water. The Alamo also gets fun and festive with their decor.

The San Antonio Zoo also keeps their gates open late during the holidays so guests can enjoy their fun display of lights and extra activities throughout the zoo.

These are just some of the Texas destinations we’ve enjoyed, and as I’ve said, there are still many more to experience! Everything really is bigger in Texas, including the way the holidays are celebrated. Hopefully you can add some of these to your list of family adventures to enjoy as well.