WORTH THE DRIVE A Holly Jolly Road Trip

GET IN THE SPIRIT AND VISIT SOME OF TEXAS’ GREATEST CHRISTMAS TOWNS

As 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.

4. RIVER WALK • SAN ANTONIO

Every year, following Thanksgiving, the renowned San Antonio River Walk transforms into a festive wonderland. Trees along the river are adorned with dazzling, multicolored lights, creating a stunning and graceful display. Tourists in San Antonio during this season enjoy a variety of merry activities, including the SeaWorld San Antonio Christmas Celebration, the enchanting Lightscape at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, and the delightful lights at the San Antonio Zoo.

The Christmas lights at the San Antonio River Walk stand out for their sheer vibrancy and captivating charm. This magical holiday spectacle leaves a lasting impression on everyone, from young children to the elderly. It’s a memorable experience worth exploring.

San Antonio shines as the top destination for Christmas lights. A simple evening walk along the River Walk, with more than 100,000 shimmering lights mirrored on the water below, is enough to appreciate its unparalleled beauty.

5. FREDERICKSBURG EAST MAIN STREET

Fredericksburg, a charming and well-loved small town in Texas, transforms into a wonderland during the holiday season. It is even called, from time to time, the Hallmark movie of Texas Christmas towns. The festivities begin in mid-November with the “55 Nights of Fredericksburg Lights” event. This celebration includes a variety of activities like an outdoor ice skating rink, festive shopping opportunities, wine tasting sessions, and more. The town’s German roots are celebrated with a stunning 26-foot tall German Christmas Pyramid. Additionally, the Singing Christmas Tree, featuring choir members positioned on each tier, is a beautiful and unique attraction.