San Antonio River Walk at Christmas (Credit: Mr. Nixter via Flickr CC)
There’s nothing quite like the Christmas season in Texas Hill Country. Our neighbors really know how to celebrate! Below are a few of our favorite holiday events in the San Marcos area.
Sights and Sounds of Christmas
San Marcos, Texas
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San Marcos locals look forward to Sights and Sounds of Christmas as part of their annual holiday tradition. The event takes place over two weekends. For 2018, the dates are Nov. 28-Dec. 1 and Dec. 5-8.
Expect food vendors, live performances, ice skating, carnival rides, a petting zoo, thousands of beautiful Christmas lights, and photos with Santa. If you couldn’t tell, this is a huge event that will keep your family happily occupied for the whole evening.
Santa’s Ranch
New Braunfels, Texas
Credit: Santa’s Ranch
If Christmas lights are what you want, then pack everyone in your vehicle and drive 11 miles from our campground to Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels.
This drive-through light display will blow you away. You’ll wind through a mile of country road while taking in the lights and animated displays. Homemade hot chocolate, kettle corn, and snacks are available for purchase.
Dates for 2018 are Nov. 2 through Dec. 30, 2018–rain or shine.
Holiday Lights on the River Walk
San Antonio, Texas
The lights will be on from Nov. 23, 2018 through Jan. 4, 2019. Nov. 23 is the Ford Holiday River Parade, a ticketed event to ring in the holidays. Floats feature costumed riders and music.
Trail of Lights
Austin, Texas
Don’t forget to cross the street, where you can hold hands with your loved ones and spin around underneath the Zilker Tree. It’s tradition!
Trail of Lights dates for 2018 are Dec. 10-23. We highly recommend you take the shuttle Republic Square in downtown Austin or Toney Burger Event Center in south Austin. The roads around Trail of Lights are always congested.
Lights Spectacular
Johnson City, Texas
Johnson City courthouse is illuminated for the Christmas season (Credit: Glenn Miller)
The hour-long drive to Johnson City is well worth it! This charming Hill Country town goes all out for an unforgettable Christmas season, year after year.
Highlights include the lighting of the courthouse and dazzling lights at Pedernales Electric Co-op, but there’s so much more! Visit the official website for all the details.
Dates for this year are Nov. 23, 2018 through Jan. 6, 2019.
For more Christmas light events and shows in our area, read “8 Must-see Texas Hill Country Holiday Light Trails” from our friends at The Austinot blog.