With so many great cities in Central Texas, it is inevitable that amazing events are happening around the holiday season. People can enjoy the perfect combination of relaxed holiday charm and bustling excitement in Fredericksburg, to unique holiday adventures in the State Capitol, to a winter wonderland in San Antonio. Here is a list of the top holiday events in central Texas.
Austin:
57th Annual Trail of Lights – November 27, 2021 – December 31, 2021
The Trail of Lights is part of the essential Austin experience, lighting up the season with a celebration of community, memories and fun. This annual event is now a drive-thru event, so get your tickets now and enjoy the experience with an early Dash Pass or cruise through the night with General Admission.
Miracle on 5th Street – November 19, 2021 – December 28, 2021
Head over to The Eleanor for a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail to raise a glass in the spirit of the holidays! Prepare yourself for wall-to-wall decor, multiple bars, merry selfie opportunities, and of course…delicious drinks created by Austin’s best mixologists.
Fredericksburg:
55 Nights of Fredericksburg Lights – November 23, 2021 – January 6, 2022
View Fredericksburg’s lighting of Marktplatz each evening – complete with Christmas music, a little holiday history and then the countdown to the illumination of the iconic German Christmas Pyramid and Community Tree.
Christmas Wine Affair – November 29, 2021 – December 24, 2021
There’s a chill in the air and a wine glass in our hands! Enjoy the best of Texas wine with 40+ participating wineries. Grab your tickets fast before they sell out.
San Antonio:
Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias – December 3, 2021 – December 19, 2021
Experience the holiday serenity of the River Walk as you stroll along the lush banks of the San Antonio River guided by more than 2,000 Luminarias on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. This centuries-old tradition begins at dusk Friday through Sunday only. Luminarias are a traditional Mexican Christmas lantern originally consisting of a candle set in sand inside a small paper bag. These RiverWalk Luminarias are a little different in that the flame doesn’t go out. Enjoy the Holiday lights overhead, the luminarias along the banks of the river, and the Ford Holiday Boat Caroling floating by while you stroll or as you enjoy a frothy hot beverage or an exquisite meal along the River Walk.
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration – November 11, 2021 – January 2, 2022
SeaWorld San Antonio is decking out the halls for its annual Christmas Celebration. Considered a wintery, watery wonderland, the event features Christmas shows, holiday lights, festive foods, visits with Santa Claus and more! The park is covered with 9 million lights, the largest Christmas light display in Texas, and guests can meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends. ‘Tis the season to create family memories only found at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration.
Lightscape at San Antonio Botanical Garden – November 19, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Transport yourself to a winter wonderland with an enchanted light display set along an illuminated one-mile path winding through the Botanical Garden. Featuring a field of Texas bluebonnets, the Cathedral of Light, and more.
Holiday Night Markets at Pearl – December 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2021
Cross off your holiday shopping list and shop local each Wednesday in December leading up to Christmas. You’ll find unique gifts from vendors ranging from pottery and fine art to artisanal treats and more. Plus, performances by local bands and musicians.