WORTH THE DRIVE
by Ann Marie Kennon
A Holly Jolly Road Trip
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GET IN THE SPIRIT AND VISIT SOME OF TEXAS’ GREATEST CHRISTMAS TOWNS
s if we needed another reason to appreciate living in Central Texas, there are so many Christmas towns within a two-hour drive to help you get into the spirit. Each stop on this Yuletide experience will amaze young and old with millions upon millions of lights, snowy experiences and activities, and favorite holiday characters. Oh, and there’s shopping! Plus, unlike Santa, you don’t have to visit them all in one night — you have until the end of December to enjoy the festivities so pack the sleigh and the family and head out on some magical holiday adventures.
1. SANTA’S WONDERLAND
18898 HWY 6 • COLLEGE STATION Santa’s Wonderland is the biggest Christmas attraction in the state. Their goal is to provide a happy space that perpetuates the spirit of the season, Texas style. It is open nightly, through December 30—rain or shine. Activities include holiday foods, Christmas shops, train rides, petting zoo, live music, and wintry stations with ice skating and real snow. Best of all, their can’t-miss Trail of Lights includes more than three million lights illuminating various Christmas scenes you can enjoy from a horse-drawn carriage.
2. GEORGETOWN SQUARE 710 S. MAIN ST. If you haven’t experienced Georgetown during the Christmas season, take this as your cue to make plans. Having been named the “Most Beautiful Town Square In Texas,” Georgetown’s historic downtown becomes even more breathtaking
with the arrival of the holiday festivities. The many local shops and eateries, along with the trees adorning the streets, are all aglow with more than one million sparkling lights. Additionally, Georgetown offers a variety of festive events, including Breakfast with Santa, a Christmas-themed stroll in early December, a reindeer run, and other holiday activities.
3. JOHNSON CITY
101 E PECAN DR Johnson City, though a small community with less than 2,000 residents, particularly among the pseudo-metropolises of the Texas Hill Country, is renowned for its grand Christmas celebrations. Each year, the town hosts the Lights Spectacular, a complimentary event that transforms the town square into a dazzling display with more than two million lights. This event also features local food, beer, wine, and an abundance of holiday spirit. Their light display is so extensive it is visible even from space. PHOTO BY BERT RICHARDSON
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