A note regarding COVID-19
Fort Worth
Night Market
Nov. 14
The Shack at Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey St.
From Mumbai to Mexico City, the world’s hottest culinary hubs receive the star treatment at this street market experience. Savor global culinary flavors and traditions with every bite, and indulge in mixed drinks as mixologists craft cocktails, each featuring a different spirit.
South Padre Island
Craft Beer and Wing Festival
Nov. 15-16
SPI Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd
Indulge your taste buds at this festival offering flavorful bites, refreshing brews, and live music and entertainment in a vibrant atmosphere.
Austin
Great Features Gala for Boys and Girls Clubs of the Austin Area
Nov. 15-16
JW Marriott, 110 E. Second St.
In recognition of building promising futures for thousands of Austin-area youth, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Austin Area (BGCAA) hosts the Great Futures Gala. This special event pays tribute to the profound impact of BGCAA programs through the support and generosity of donors, volunteers, and community advocates. The evening features the colorful stories of the Boys and Girls Clubs and a live auction featuring one-of-a-kind packages. The After-Hours Party includes music, dancing, and small bites. Individual tickets and group sponsorships are available for purchase online.
Palestine
Christmas on Main Street
Nov. 15-Jan. 2
Downtown , Main Street
See the Parade of Lights and a heartwarming Christmas movie in the park. Eat at the Christmas Brunch at Queen Street Grill. Then enjoy the magical Santa’s Workshop, pictures with Santa, and other festive fun.
College Station
Santa’s Wonderland
Nov. 15-Dec. 30
Enjoy millions of holiday lights, real snow and ice, family hayrides, horse and carriage tours, nightly entertainment, shopping, and photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Spanning over 150 acres, the wonderland comprises Santa’s Town, the West Pole, Santa’s Station, Santa’s Farm with a petting zoo, and the Trail of Lights. Food options include the Texas-shaped funnel cake or s’mores over the roasting pit.
Austin
Texas Craft Brewers Festival
Nov. 16
Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St.
The Texas Craft Brewers Festival brings together small and independent breweries from around the state of Texas. More than 70 breweries are on site, plus a variety of local food vendors.
The Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Show
Nov. 16
DoubleTree Austin, 1617 I-35 North
Solve a hilarious mystery while you feast on a fantastic dinner. Just beware! The culprit is hiding in plain sight somewhere in the room, and you may find yourself as a prime suspect before you know it.
Leander
Sazon Latin Food Festival
Nov. 17
The Fieldhouse at the Crossover, 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Suite 160
Enjoy Latin food, live music, and a great time for the whole family. The event features Latin food vendors representing all the best flavors from the Caribbean and Central and South America, live music, and drinks. Come hungry because there’s also dessert. Space is limited, so arrive early.
Plano
Lights at Legacy
Nov. 17
The Shops at Legacy East, 5741 Legacy Drive
Kick off the holidays at this festive event that attracts over 15,000 people. Enjoy complimentary train rides, balloon artists, toy soldier stilt walkers, little drummer boys, and complimentary food and drink samples from retailers and restaurants. Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus are also available.
Palestine
Walk of Lights
Nov. 21-Dec. 30
Walk of Lights, 2161 FM 315
Enjoy a stroll through a self-guided magical lit-up wonderland. A concession stand with hot chocolate and other goodies is available.
Plano
Sip and Shop
Nov. 21, Dec. 19
Downtown Plano Arts District, 1021 E. 15th St.
At this monthly shopping event, visitors start at any participating location and pick up a map of the stops. At each stop, enjoy wine samples and local art from Plano Art Association. Each month has a theme: Thankful for You (November) and Ugly Holiday Sweater (December).
Boerne
Fall Handmade Market
Nov. 22-23
1910 Church, 130 Sisterdale Road
The largest market of its kind in South Texas features 75-plus handmade-only vendors who sell jewelry, apparel, leather goods, toys, home décor, art, and handmade candles. There’s also food and drinks and a VIP night.
Plano
Holiday Market
Nov. 23-24
Carpenter Park Recreation Center, 6701 Coit Road
The market showcases handcrafted holiday gifts, jewelry, handmade wood items, candles, and soaps. Find tamales, brownies, cupcakes, jams, nuts, and dips. In addition, Collin County seniors stock the Hip Hip for Gray booth with crafts including quilts, baby items, and ornaments.
Hughes Springs
Holiday on First Street
Nov. 25
Wineries, vendors, businesses, and food trucks line the main strip of town for the evening. There are drawings for wine bottles and gift cards for participants.
Plano
Turkey Trot
Nov. 28
Oak Point Park Special Events Field, 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway
Join the fall holiday tradition, a 5K run/walk on Thanksgiving morning. Everyone gets a donut at the finish line.
Clute
Elizabethan Madrigal Feast
Nov. 29-Dec.1, 6-7, 12-15
Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.
This holiday feast offers majesty and pageantry befitting the court of Queen Elizabeth I. Join the Earl of Warwick and his royal guests in the main hall of his castle for an exquisite meal with entertainment provided by the court’s troupe of players, dancers, and singers.
Dallas
Christmas Lights, Chocolate, and Sips Tours
Nov. 29-Dec. 29
Various locations, 4925 Greenville Ave.
Board a heated motor coach and taste scrumptious treats from premier local dessert venues, then glide past some of Dallas’ most spectacular holiday displays in the Park Cities neighborhood or in Frisco. All the while, sip hot chocolate onboard. Exact meeting place information is given to ticket holders, since a number of tours may take place at once.
Bandera
Pancakes with Santa
Nov. 30-Dec. 21
Al’s Hideaway Cabin and RV Rentals, 299 Willow Springs
Bring the family to Al’s Hideaway Cabin and RV Rentals for pancakes and pictures with Santa. This event is held every Saturday morning after Thanksgiving and up to Christmas.
Bastrop
Lost Pines Wassail Fest
Nov. 30
Downtown
Holiday shoppers and visitors are invited to downtown Bastrop for the seventh annual Wassail Fest. Homemade hot mulled cider is served throughout downtown, and visitors can vote for their favorite recipe. Past events have included live polka music and shopping specials.
visitbastrop.com/event/lost-pines-wassail-fest-%26-small-business-saturday/997/
Driftwood
Vino Vinyasa
Dec. 1
Fall Creek Vineyards, 18059 FM 1826
Vino Vinyasa classes bring together vinyasa-based yoga and fun wine facts through creative yoga poses. Each all-level educational yoga class ends with a comparative wine tasting of two wines from Fall Creek, inviting you to mindfully taste what’s in your glass while applying what you learned through the poses.
Kerrville
Schreiner Mansion Holiday Tours
Dec. 3-19
Schreiner Mansion, 226 Earl Garrett St.
The historic Schreiner Mansion is beautifully decorated for the holidays and guests can enjoy guided tours featuring complimentary wassail, holiday cookies, and festive Christmas carolers dressed in vintage period clothing on site. Tours of this historic home in downtown Kerrville are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Wild West Wine Wednesday
Dec. 4
Museum of Western Art, 1550 Bandera Highway
This event gives visitors an opportunity to learn about a local brewery, winery, or distillery, sample their various offerings, and enjoy the museum’s latest exhibits.
Paris
Texas Barbecue Blowout
Dec. 5-7
Love Civic Center, 2025 S. Collegiate Drive
The Texas Barbecue Blowout features more than 50 competitive teams facing off for the $10,000 payout. Categories include brisket, ribs, pork, turkey, and chicken. A concert by Dustin Perkins and Red Stone Revival takes place on Dec. 5.
Temple
First Friday: Downtown Temple for the Holidays
Dec. 6
Downtown, Main Street
On the first Friday of every month, historic downtown Temple transforms into a giant party. Enjoy street music and live performances, drinks, food, and an after-hours shopping.
Austin
Community First! Village of Lights
Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14
Community First! Village, 9301 Hog Eye Road
This free family event features thousands of lights, all choreographed to holiday music and the Holiday Market with unique, handcrafted gifts made by artists who live in Community First! Village. Food and drinks are available for purchase, classic Christmas movies are featured in the Community Cinema, and Santa makes an early visit to the Village.
Waco
Legends of Texas Whiskey Festival
Dec. 7
Texas Sports Hall of Fame, 1108 S. University Parks Drive
Sample fine whiskeys from Texas distillers and master blenders. Learn how Texas whiskey is made and how experts taste and judge these legendary spirits. Enjoy the company of those who appreciate and celebrate those who master their sport and their craft.
Brownwood
Sipping Under the Stars
Dec. 7
Downtown, Center Avenue
This annual tradition invites visitors to unwind under a starry sky, sampling a delightful selection of Texas wines and craft beers from local breweries.
Austin
German-Texan Heritage Society Christmas Market
Dec. 7
German Free School of Austin, 507 E. 10th St.
The German-Texan Heritage Society’s annual market offers shoppers handmade and imported crafts, decorations, and ornaments. Browse the market, listen to traditional German Christmas music, and take home Christmas stollen made by the New World Bakery and German cookies from Silke’s German Gourmet Cookies.
Del Rio
Wild Game Dinner and Gun Raffle
Dec. 7
The Del Rio Civic Center, 1915 Veterans Blvd.
This annual fundraiser is one of the biggest events hosted by the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce, attracting a large crowd of locals and visitors. There’s wild game dishes, a winter fair, entertainment, and a gun raffle.
Elgin
Hot Cocoa Stroll and Candy Christmas Bazaar
Dec. 7
Downtown
Follow a map through historic downtown to taste hot cocoa at various stops, then vote for your favorite cocoa. At the Candy Christmas Bazaar, you can shop from items from over 30 vendors. The Elgin Gospel Choir and the Elgin High School Choir provide holiday music, and kids can get a picture with Santa.
Kerrville
Christmas on the Hill Market
Dec. 7
Kerrville Hills Winery, 2100 E. Main St.
Enjoy shopping for holiday gifts from local vendors in the setting of a Hill Country winery.
Uvalde
Breakfast with Santa
Dec. 7
Ssgt. Willie de Leon Civic Center, 340 E. Main St.
Families are invited to breakfast and crafts with Santa.
San Antonio
Christmas at the Caverns
Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 22-23
Natural Bridge Caverns, 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road,
Kick your Christmas up a notch starting with Caroling in the Caverns, the take a beautiful stroll through the Trail of Lights, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, indulge on s’mores and hot chocolate, and walk through the Reindeer Roundup Maze.
Bandera
Second Sunday Cowboy Camp Play Day
Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 15
Major Hope Corral, 749 Old Medina Highway
Meet the rescue horses at the ranch and experience horseback games, campfire cooking, cowboy music, and a whole lot of fun.
Cameron
S’more Holidays
Dec. 12
Downtown, Between First and Main Streets
Make your own s’mores over fire pits, see an Elf Cart Parade, and watch an outdoor movie on the square. Bring your lawn chair or blankets. Stroll around the square and shop with local businesses or enjoy some food and drinks.
Elgin
Sip, Shop, and Stroll
Dec. 12, Jan. 9, Feb. 13
Downtown, 109 Depot St.
Sip a little wine and shop as you stroll through the stores in historic downtown. Find a diverse range of merchandise, eclectic décor, artwork by local artists, live music, the Elgin Farmers Market, delicious food, and friendly people.
Boerne
A Toast to Olde Town Weekend
Dec. 13-15
Hill Country Mile, 100 N. Main St.
Celebrate Boerne’s old town heritage with live music, wassail tastings, strolling carolers, ice carving, Father Christmas, and holiday shopping.
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Uvalde
Main Street Cookie Crawl
Dec. 14
Main Street, Getty and Main Streets
Taste a variety of cookies while shopping in the business district.
Cleburne
Cleburne State Park Donuts with Santa
Dec. 14
Cleburne State Park, 5800 Park Road 21
Come have donuts with Santa in the morning at Cedar Lodge. This event is free with park admission of $6 per person 13 and older. It is a good idea to make reservations online ahead of time due to capacity limits.
College Station
Howdy Holly-Days Market
Dec. 14
Northgate District, 401 University Drive
Visit College Station transforms the legendary entertainment district into an artisan’s market with a micro ice-skating rink, live entertainment, and food trucks.
Rockport
Austin Street Art Walk
Dec. 14, Jan. 11, Feb. 8
Rockport Center for the Arts, 204 S. Austin St.
Rockport Center for the Arts presents this art walk that offers an ever-changing mix of participants representing various art mediums such as painting, pottery, jewelry, photography, and textiles, as well as live music, artist demonstrations, and food.
Corsicana
Mimosas at the Market
Dec. 14, Jan. 11, Feb. 8
Downtown , Beaton Street
Sip, shop, and savor the day with a delightful blend of shopping and sipping, where every mimosa is a toast to good finds and great company.
Bandera
Cowboy Evening Shoppers Stroll
Dec. 14
Main Street
Bandera’s Main Street and neighboring shops on 11th and surrounding streets stay open late. Before shopping, enjoy the holiday lights at the courthouse. Local singers may also perform at the courthouse.
Austin
The Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Show
Dec. 14
DoubleTree Austin – University Area, 1617 I-35 North
Solve a hilarious mystery while you feast on a fantastic dinner. Just beware! The culprit is hiding in plain sight somewhere in the room, and you may find yourself as a prime suspect before you know it.
Rockport-fulton
Market Days
Dec. 20-22, Jan. 17-19, Feb. 14-16
Rockport Festival Grounds at Rockport Harbor, 100 Seabreeze Drive
At this pet-friendly market, enjoy live music throughout the weekend, over 100 vendors, over a dozen food trucks and food vendors, and seating under the shade.
West Columbia
Yuletide Cheer: The History of Wassail
Dec. 21
Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Site, 1702 N. 13th. St.
Staff members at the Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site explain the history of wassail, a drink traditionally made from cider and spices and served during the Christmas season. You can even try a sample during your visit.
Port Arthur
First Day Hike
Jan. 1
Sea Rim State Park , 19335 S. Gulfway Drive
Join park staff and the Sabine-Neches chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists for a hike on the beach to get the year started. For the truly brave, come prepared to get wet and join park rangers and Master Naturalists in a polar plunge, Southeast Texas-style. After the hike, enjoy a small snack of traditional cabbage, cornbread, and black-eyed peas for some good luck.
West Columbia
Roots of Healing: Peppermint Tea
Jan. 11, 25; Feb. 8, 22
Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Site, 1702 N. 13th.
Learn about Judah Smith, an enslaved woman who was the plantation cook and a medicinal herb expert who used herbs and teas to treat other enslaved people. During the event, you can try the different types of herbal teas and remedies used by the enslaved people.
Plano
Hotcake Hustle
Jan.11
Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, 5901 Los Rios Blvd.
Start your 2025 racing season with a family-friendly event that offers a distance for everyone, including a 10K, 5K, run run, and virtual run, all winding through the trails in the Plano Oak Point Nature Preserve. After the run, enjoy hotcakes, coffee, hot chocolate, food, and ice-cold beer at the after-party.
Port Aransas
Restaurant Week
Jan. 17-Feb. 2
Various locations
Port Aransas has been Texas’ premier beach destination for generations. Now you’re invited to take a break from the sand and surf to dive into the island’s unique local culture with Restaurant Week. There’s no ticket purchase necessary, simply select the prix-fixe menus that catch your eye and enjoy all the delicious dishes this island has to offer.
Brenham
Uptown Swirl
Jan. 18
Downtown
Shop from downtown stores while sipping and sampling wines from around the world.
Galveston
Yaga’s Chili Quest and Beer Fest
Jan. 18
Historic Strand District, 2302 Strand St.
At this celebration of all things chili and beer, attendees can stroll the historic Strand District and sample chili from participating cook teams; choose from over 100 beers to sample at the Indoor Beer Fest; participate in the Beerfoot Beer Run 5k or cornhole tournament; and enjoy live music and the Strand Merchant Walkabout.
Corsicana
Ladies Night
Jan. 23, Feb. 27
Downtown , Beaton Street
Ladies, treat yourselves to complimentary drinks as you explore downtown. Sip on your favorite beverages and indulge in a shopping spree at our local businesses.
Brenham
The Simon Theatre 100th Birthday Celebration
Jan. 25
The Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre, 111 W. Main St.
To kick-off the 100th anniversary year, this grand event includes “A Century of Simon” history exhibit, a Model A car display by Brazos Valley Model A Club, and a showing of “The Merry Widow,” the first movie ever shown at the Simon. All activities are free of charge.
Grand Prairie
Lunar New Year
Jan. 26-8; Feb. 2-4, 10-11
Asia Times Square, 2625 W. Pioneer Parkway
Asia Times Square hosts its 17th annual Lunar New Year celebration for the Year of the Dragon. Enjoy food and merch vendors, live entertainment, daily lion dances, and a firecracker event on the final weekend.
Jefferson
Queen Mab Ball
Feb. 8
Jefferson Convention and Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin St.
Welcome Mardi Gras season with an evening of fun, food and drinks, live entertainment, dancing, costumes, and the crowning of the 2025 Mardi Gras King and Queen.
Port Aransas
Chocolate Crawl and Shop Around
Feb. 13
Various locations
Spend an evening shopping for last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts at local boutiques while enjoying chocolate treats at all participating places. The Shop Around continues through the weekend with fun deals and specials throughout town.
Rockport
LaMardi Gras
Feb. 14-15
Lamar Volunteer Fire Department, 302 Bois D’Arc Lamar Peninsula
At this annual festival, visitors can enjoy food, live entertainment, a parade, and other festivities on the Lamar Peninsula. The event benefits the Lamar Volunteer Fire Department.
Bandera
11th Street Mardi Gras and Parade
Feb. 20-22
11th Street Cowboy Bar, 307 11th St
Join the fun at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar for three days of a Mardi Gras celebration that include Cajun food and live zydeco music. And enjoy all the colorful floats and parade entries as they travel down Bandera’s Main Street.
Luling
American Legion Chili and Barbecue Cook-off
Feb. 21-22
Watermelon Thump Pavilion, 319 E. Davis St.
Join the Luling American Legion Post #177 for this Tolbert sanctioned-chili and bean cook-off and barbecue cook-off. Celebrate two days of food, fun, and festivities. Bring your best recipes and compete in chili, beans, ribs, brisket, an open meat category, margaritas, and bloody marys.
Brownsville
Charro Days Celebration
Feb. 27-March 1
Various locations
First conceived in 1937 by local business leaders, the event commemorates the Mexican heritage of the area on both sides of the Rio Grande and is named in honor of the dashing Mexican gentleman cowboy. Festivities include parades, a carnival, a costume ball, and the the Sombrero Festival.
Jefferson
Mardi Gras
Feb. 28-March 2
Downtown
The 36th annual event, themed Rock ‘n’ Roll on the River, offers all-day festivities including children’s activities, a carnival, food trucks, arts and craft vendors, a parade, and plenty of costumes, free beads, T-shirts, king cake, and crayfish.
Houston
Sunday Polo
April 6-June 8
Houston Polo Club, 8552 Memorial Drive
Experience a world-class polo match, player parade, live music, expert announcing, traditional champagne divot stomp at halftime, and special trophy presentation. The onsite concession is serving a delicious Argentine/Brazilian-inspired menu and a premium bar menu.