Our Favorite Festive Towns in Texas to Visit this Holiday Season
Skating at the Peace Plaza Ice Rink in Grapevine is one of many festive activities to do in small-town Texas.
Image: Courtesy Grapevine CVB
Holiday travel doesn’t have to be a stressful affair. This year, trade the traditional visit to the in-laws for a memorable getaway to one of Texas’s most festive small towns. These five destinations offer twinkling lights, plenty of shopping, and unique experiences. From endless festivities in the Christmas Capital of Texas to a winter wonderland in one of the state’s most fun college towns, each spot offers a blend of holiday spirit and relaxation.
Alpine
Bundle up and bring your gift list for some major shopping in Historic Alpine’s snowy haven. Even after the Annual Christmas Stroll (December 2 in 2023) has passed, you should still consider taking a walkabout to explore all the original art, handcrafted jewelry, books, and clothing around downtown. Be sure to make a stop at Lucy’s Christmas Cottage, a year-round holiday store with themed decorations and gifts. For even more one-of-a-kind items, explore the Emergo Arts Boutique, Vintage Antiques and Snazzy Things, and the Dimestore Cowgirl.
Revel in the snowy views of Alpine, Texas.
Image: Courtesy Kelley Mundy
Alpine has a range of restaurants that get into the festive spirit, including Penny’s Diner, La Casita, and the newly renovated Ritchey Wine Saloon and Beer Garden. The Museum of the Big Bend and Whitlock Studio of Fine Art offer an artistic perspective of the region’s rich heritage and history. To complete your holiday experience, consider staying at the historic Holland Hotel, built in 1928. Its on-site restaurant, the Century Bar and Grill, serves bistro cuisine, beer, wine, and cocktails. Another option is the Antelope Lodge, a charming accommodation (with a great gift shop) that embraces Alpine’s festive spirit during this special time of year.
Shop for your holiday gifts at Texas Rose Boutique in Bryan.
Image: Courtesy Destination Bryan
Bryan–College Station
Every year, visitors flock to Santa’s Wonderland, a massive Christmas attraction in College Station that transforms the town into the North Pole, complete with a trail of lights, carriage rides, an ice-skating rink, a visit from Santa, a snow playground, and so much more. Other events include Holidays in the Rotunda at the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, which will have dance performances, ornament making, and cookies to commemorate the season, and Christmas in the Park (running through January 1, 2024, from 6 to 11 p.m. nightly), when Stephen C. Beachy Central Park comes alive with light.
Stroll along downtown Bryan and participate in “Reindeer on the Run!”
Image: Courtesy Destination Bryan
Downtown Bryan flips the switch on its holiday lights before Thanksgiving, and families can embark on a monthlong reindeer scavenger hunt to uncover some of the city’s hidden treasures. For snowy adventures, sledding at Sue Haswell Park is the way to go. To refuel, Messina Hof Winery and Resort, the Village cafe, the Chocolate Gallery, and Fargo’s Pit BBQ are all solid choices. Try Old Bryan Marketplace, Sparrow Lane, Texas Rose Boutique, and, if you’re in town December 8, the Holiday Night Bazaar to shop for everyone on your list.
Shop along the decorated historic Main Street in Grapevine.
Image: Dorti/Shutterstock.com
Grapevine
This charming small town just outside of Dallas proudly holds the title of “Christmas Capital of Texas.” With an impressive 1,400 events spread over 40 days, there’s no shortage of entertainment options. Take your holiday shopping list to Grapevine Mills, a sprawling complex with a wide array of stores, or go for a stroll along the heavily decorated historic Main Street to support local businesses.
The North Pole Express in Grapevine is a popular Christmastime activity.
Image: Courtesy Grapevine CVB
The most popular family-friendly activity tends to sell out early: the North Pole Express, on 1920s-era passenger train with each railcar decorated in a different theme. The ride includes a trip to the North Pole Neighborhood, an appearance by Santa Claus and other characters, a mug of Santa’s Frosty Chocolate Snow Milk, a special “We Believe” bell that only Santa Claus can hear, and a photo opportunity with Santa himself. If you’re going with a group of friends, take the adults-only evening Christmas Wine Train. The Peace Plaza Ice Rink in front of Grapevine Main Station and the Holly Jolly Bar pop-up, located in Harvest Hall, add to the town’s spirit.
Wine and cocktail aficionados should check out Nice N Easy in Johnson City.
Image: Courtesy Nice N Easy
Johnson City
Dubbed the “Twinkliest Town in Texas,” Johnson City is a great place for visitors to revel in holiday cheer. The highlight of the season is the Lights Spectacular show, which happens every evening through January 7, 2024. The town’s historic square glows from dusk until midnight with over two million lights (which NASA has reported are visible from space).
Grab a warm cup of joe or hot cocoa before taking a stroll—the town is very serious about its cafes, with one on nearly every block, including Black Spur Coffee Shop, Lady Bird Lane Cafe, Johnson City Coffee Co., Home Town Donuts, and the Jittery Biscuit, to name a few. For gifts, Vintage 205, Old Annex Market, and Black Spur Emporium offer a treasure trove of quirky and eclectic finds. Families and gearheads can explore the Science Mill Museum and the Texas Vintage Motorcycle Museum, while wine and cocktail aficionados can check out the newish, hip Nice N Easy. And don’t forget to stop by Pecan Street Brewing, which comes alive with festive decorations during the holiday season.
Go horseback riding for a quieter coastal experience in South Padre Island.
South Padre Island
A coastal destination may not be your first thought when it comes to the holidays, but South Padre Island has plenty of winter charm, too. While the rest of Texas may experience a chill in the air, South Padre has more moderate weather, making it an ideal destination if you don’t want to be too cold this season.
Sandcastle Island is a year-round attraction that transforms into a magical display of holiday-themed sandcastles in the winter. The season also brings an ice-skating rink and special light display to the Entertainment District.
For a quieter coastal experience, eco-tours offer the chance to spot dolphins with fewer crowds. Winter is prime time to collect seashells, as there’s less foot traffic, and other simple pleasures like horseback riding and bird-watching along the pristine (and practically empty) coastline make for a peaceful and low-key vacation.
