The One Thing to Do in Texas Before the End of the Year

How do Texans celebrate the holiday season? With larger-than-life celebrations, of course! After all, everything is, in fact, bigger in Texas. You’ll find parades with massive floats and marching bands, Main Streets draped in millions of dazzling lights, festive markets, family-friendly workshops, and more. Obviously, Santa and Mrs. Claus are always waiting to greet the smiling girls and boys.

Sure, you can visit large cities in Texas like San Antonio for spectacular holiday extravaganzas, but it's the smaller towns where the magic truly happens — well, at least, in my humble opinion. And I’ve discovered the perfect destination. Before the end of the year, plan a trip to Bastrop to experience one of the best celebrations in Texas. If there is one thing you should do to close out the year, this is it!

Get to Know Bastrop

Bastrop is one of those small Texan cities that fly under the radar, perhaps because it’s so close to Austin. With less than 14,000 residents, expect a close-knit community with friendly people. The historic town has the cutest Main Street, lined with colorful, restored storefronts and 19th-century buildings. Surrounded by scenic waterways, state parks, and lush forests, and with lots of opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and fishing, this town is a wonderful destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. 

You’ll feel a true sense of community here. Throughout the year, the folk gather for events like Bastrop Homecoming and Rodeo, a 75+ year-running celebration honoring WWII veterans. Other events like Springfest, the Big Bang Celebration, Sherwood Forest Faire, car shows, and more, feature music, live entertainment, food, games, and everything in between. And while these events are worthy of a visit, the year-end festivities will leave you with heartwarming holiday joy. What folks may not know is that the town has arguably one of the best end-of-year celebrations in Texas. 

Discover Year-End Magic in Small Town, Texas 

This year, kick off a new holiday and end-of-year tradition with a visit to Bastrop, Texas. The Lost Pine Christmas events promise to “make this time of year shine brighter than ever!” The town will host lots of activities for the entire family to get everyone in a holly jolly spirit. And even beyond the holiday, the celebrations will go on. This means you’ll have plenty of time to visit this charming town in Texas. So, what should you expect in Bastrop?

Historic Main Street, lined with cute boutiques, local restaurants, and mom-and-pop shops, will sparkle with twinkling lights. At the Merry on Main event on December 13, kids can write letters to Santa, and the stores and shops will be ready to greet the entire family. 

Later that day, be prepared for one of the most spectacular parades. Thousands of folks will line Main Street to watch the Lost Pines Lighted Christmas Parade. Featuring over 150 twinkling floats, fire trucks, unicycles, vintage cars, and marching bands, this Texas-style parade will leave you with fond memories. Of course, jolly St. Nick will make an appearance as well. 

Other events include River of Lights (through January 5), where the June Hill Pape Riverwalk along the scenic Colorado River comes alive with pretty holiday lights. Sing the night away at Bastrop’s Rockin’ Holiday Revue or tour historic homes decked out with “festive holiday splendor.” 

The magic continues at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa. From now until December 25, this riverside hotel will transform into an enchanting wonderland. On select dates, the little ones can decorate cookies and eat breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Plus, expect dazzling lights, holiday markets, wagon rides, family-friendly workshops, and special seasonal delights.   

Between the parade, the pretty riverwalk, and the celebrations at the Hyatt, Bastrop could arguably have one of the best holiday and end-of-year celebrations in Texas. So, what are you waiting for? Grab the entire family and begin a new Texas-style tradition in the charming town of Bastrop. 

What is your favorite way to close out the year in Texas? Share it with us on our nomination page. Be sure to visit the Discover Bastrop website to learn more about the Lost Pine Christmas celebration. And when you’re feeling inspired, use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to personalize your own adventure in Texas. You never know what hidden gems you’ll discover with just a few clicks of the mouse.