11 Winter Festivals In Texas That Are Simply Unforgettable
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Simply put, winter is a time of celebration. No matter what your culture, religion, or nationality, there’s some form of holiday this time of year. From tamales to parades to various lighting ceremonies and dazzling displays, there’s a festival for everyone in Texas. Make the most of your holiday season with these 11 winter festivals in Texas.
1. Dickens on the Strand - Galveston
Dickens On The Strand, 2002 The Strand, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
In December, you can travel back in time to 19th-century England and experience life through the eyes of a character in a Dickens novel. Stroll around Dickens on the Strand and take in all the sights: Christmas carolers decked out in Victorian attire, horse-and-carriages, bagpipers, and more.
Check out one of the most unique winter traditions in Texas - Dickens on the Strand, in this video from Ryson Vacation Rentals:
Check out one of the most unique winter traditions in Texas - Dickens on the Strand, in this video from Ryson Vacation Rentals:
2. Lights Spectacular Hill Country Style - Johnson City
Johnson City, TX 78636, USA
Johnson City during the holiday season is a perfect example of how "everything's bigger in Texas." Every Friday night in December, the courthouse goes ablaze with over 100,000 Christmas lights. There are also photo ops with Santa, carriage rides, and plenty of vendors selling holiday wares.
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3. The 12 Days of Christmas at the Arboretum - Dallas
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218, USA
The Dallas Arboretum is truly a sight to see at Christmastime. Twelve 25-foot Victorian gazebos are scattered throughout the gardens, each filled with a different subject from the famous "12 Days of Christmas" song. The characters come to life with movement and music, and you're provided with holiday treats to eat and hot chocolate to sip on while you wander around and admire the scenes.
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4. Texas Christkindl Market - Arlington
Texas Christkindl Market, 1650 E Randol Mill Rd, Arlington, TX 76011, USA
This traditional German Market is one of the largest outdoor holiday markets in the U.S. Between the authentic German gifts, decorations, cuisine, live entertainment, and kid-friendly activities, it's a unique experience for the whole family.
5. Christmas on Main - Grapevine
Grapevine, TX, USA
Of course, the "Christmas Capitol of Texas" had to make the list. The parade featuring over 100 lighted floats rolls through town in early December, but there are plenty of spectacular events taking place throughout the season if you can't make it.
Learn more about the "Christmas Capital of Texas" in this video about Grapevine, TX from Britt & Chris Travel:
Learn more about the "Christmas Capital of Texas" in this video about Grapevine, TX from Britt & Chris Travel:
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6. Christmas on the Square - Burnet
Burnet, TX 78611, USA
In early December, Burnet's town square comes alive with festive arts and crafts, a parade, and live entertainment (including this singing Santa Claus!). There's also a live nativity scene at the church down the street. While you are in the holiday mood, stay at Bunet's Falkenstein Castle for a magical weekend getaway.
7. Tamales! - San Antonio
San Antonio, TX, USA
Although not a Christmas celebration, Tamales! is still festive - after all, they're the winter food of choice here in Texas. Immerse yourself in the Mexican culture with music, decorations, and over 40 tamale vendors. Tamales! is held in early December in San Antonio, TX.
8. Festival of Lights - Galveston
Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554, USA
We know we mention this one quite a bit, but we just can't get over how dazzling the display is. Between over a million lights, an outdoor ice rink, an Arctic slide, and hot chocolate, the Festival of Lights is an ideal holiday destination for the whole family. You can join in on the fun from December until the first week of January.
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9. Children's Health Holiday Parade - Dallas
Dallas Holiday Parade, Dallas, TX, USA
A very Macy's-esque parade, this celebration in Dallas not only helps ring in the upcoming holiday but benefits sick children as well. There are ginormous balloons, over-the-top floats, marching bands, and epic Christmas lights displays. The Dallas Holiday Parade typically takes place on the first Saturday in December.
10. Charro Days - Brownsville
Charro Days, E Elizabeth St, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
Charro Days is an age-old celebration of the intermingling of Mexican and American cultures. It runs from the end of February to early March, it recently celebrated its 85th anniversary! Among other things, the events include street dancing, a carnival, a parade, and a costume ball.
Charro Days in Brownsville, TX is another winter festival with a long history. Learn more about it in this video from BISD-KBSD ITV:
Charro Days in Brownsville, TX is another winter festival with a long history. Learn more about it in this video from BISD-KBSD ITV:
11. Mardi Gras - Galveston
Galveston, TX, USA
It may not be as big as it is in New Orleans, but Galveston's Mardi Gras is the largest in Texas and the third largest in the U.S. Enjoy drinks, food, parades, and the general sense of excitement that comes with the end of Lent. The celebration is held for nearly two weeks in February.
Have you been to any of these winter festivals in Texas? If some of your favorite winter festivals near you didn’t make the list, what and where are they?
If this article puts you in the Christmas spirit, check out the Christmas lights road trip through Texas that’s nothing short of magical.
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More to Explore
More Texas Winter Festivals
What are some fun winter events in Texas?
From warm-weather events to (not really snowy) Christmastime celebrations, there are plenty of fun events in Texas to look forward to each year. Here are a few fun winter events in Texas to put on your bucket list:
- Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: When it comes to popular events in Texas, there is nothing more looked forward to than a good rodeo. Millions of cowboys and cowgirls head to this epic event that comes to Houston toward the end of February through mid-March. Not only will you enjoy some of the finest roping, riding, and bucking broncos, but you'll also find carnival rides, delicious food, and crowd-pleasing concerts.
- Fiesta, San Antonio, TX: Everything is bigger in Texas and this epic festival in San Antonio dating back to 1891 certainly fits the bill. Imagine 11 days of barbecue, oyster bakes, carnivals, parades, and music bringing over three hundred thousand people together to celebrate. It all started as a flower parade to honor returning heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, today the Battle of the Flowers Parade is one of the biggest in the country.
- Winter Wonderland at the Circuit, Austin, TX: If you are looking for a festive event in winter in Texas, head to Austin's Circuit of the Americas - a drag strip that revs up pretty hot in the summer. Come Christmas time COTA gets a fun festive makeover to become a stunning drive-thru and walk-thru Christmas lights event with dozens of lighted displays, an ice-skating rink, and fun activities for the whole family.
If you are looking for fun day trips you can take during a Texas winter, check out our guide to several Texas attractions and destinations that become even more fun in the wintertime. Hop in an RV from RVShare and bring the whole family on a winter adventure in Texas.