Downtown Garland Square, 520 W. State St.

On the first Friday of every month, experience a vibrant musical journey with live performances by dynamic artists. Bring the family for delicious bites from local restaurants, and let the kids engage in friendly challenges in the activity area. Most concerts are free. Visit the website to view shows with ticket prices.

visitgarlandtx.com

The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St.

This exhibition highlights the history of the Texas and Pacific Railway in Abilene through several artifacts from the museum’s permanent collection. See the impact of the railroad on the growth of the city and the people who built the tracks and buildings, worked for the railway, and utilized the train’s services. 

thegracemuseum.org

Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

“Native America: In Translation,” curated by artist Wendy Red Star, assembles the wide-ranging work of nine Indigenous artists who pose challenging questions about identity and heritage, land rights, and histories of colonialism.

blantonmuseum.org/exhibition/native-america

Downtown, South Texas Boulevard

The city of Weslaco hosts Alfresco Weslaco in historic downtown Weslaco every third Thursday of the month starting in August and ending in February. Experience music and art on the street with 80 to 90 vendors, businesses staying open late, and visitors being able to savor the experience of sipping favorite drinks right on the street.

weslacoedc.com

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

Encounter the 46-foot-tall T. rex and new life-sized animatronic dinosaurs along the nature trails at the annual exhibit. The exhibit always gives families and friends a fun, educational activity to enjoy together. See the dinosaurs move and hear them roar. An outdoor fossil dig is available for kids. The dinosaur trail is great for jogging strollers, but not suitable for strollers with small wheels or wheelchairs.

heardmuseum.org/dinosaurs-live

Isla Tours, 33256 State Park Road 100

All aboard the Murphy’s Law for a 1.5-hour dolphin watch and eco tour. Cruise along the lower Laguna Madre on the 67-foot, double-decker boat, which is specially designed to allow guests to have an optimum viewing experience while on the water.

islatours.com

El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza

Tom Lea was one of the most prolific Southwestern artists of the 20th century. This exhibit features landscapes, portraits, and mural studies that highlight the correspondence between artists to tell the story of a tightly knit creative community, which made El Paso a central point for rich cultural exchange. Along with Lea, artists include Manuel Acosta, Lois Denton, Freemont Ellis, Leola Freeman, Carl Hertzog, Peter Hurd, Ada Miller, Audley Dean Nicols, Urbici Soler, and Henriette Wyeth. A gallery tour with Adair Margo, founder of the Tom Lea Institute, takes place on Oct. 10.

tomlea.com

LHUCA, 511 Ave. K

The self-guided art tour is held in the Lubbock Cultural District in partnership with a variety of art centers, museums, galleries, and businesses. Come out for live music, food trucks, and art from local, national, and international artists.

ffat.org

Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd

The international Surrealist movement emphasized dreams, chance, and the unconscious. A hundred years after Surrealism’s inception, explore its revolutionary contributions to art across mediums, geography, and time. The exhibition includes famed Surrealists such as Hans Bellmer, Leonora Carrington, Max Ernst, Wifredo Lam, and Man Ray, alongside artists inspired by its innovations. “Long Live Surrealism!” expands our understanding of one of the twentieth century’s most enduring ideas—and its continued relevance today.

blantonmuseum.org/rotation/long-live-surrealism/

Beeville Art Museum, 401 E. Fannin

The exhibition features Tiffany Heng-Hui Lee’s mixed-media paper collages and sculptures inspired by the Chinese philosophy of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Lee’s abstract work aims to raise environmental awareness by reflecting the interconnectedness of our ecosystem through the five elements.

bamtexas.org

LHUCA, 511 Ave. K

This monthly program occurs the first Thursday after First Friday Art Trail. The event allows attendees to learn about the current work on display at a slower pace and gives them access to exclusive insight from the LHUCA curator and staff.

lhuca.org

Legacy West, 7600 Windrose Ave.

On the second Thursday of the month, visitors are invited to sip, savor, and shop their way through this luxury mixed-use development in the heart of Plano. Sample drinks and culinary treats while browsing shops and seeing live entertainment.

visitplano.com

Menil Drawing Institute, 1412 W. Main St.

Curated by Kelly Montana, assistant curator at the Menil Drawing Institute, this is the sixth installment in the Menil Collection’s Wall Drawing Series, which began in 2018 as part of the institute’s commitment to seeking new approaches to the form and language of drawing.

menil.org

Houston Botanic Garden, 1 Botanic Lane

To mark its fourth birthday, the Houston Botanic Garden presents “Habitat.” The exhibit—which incorporates installations created by local artists—explores the central idea of “protecting habitats protects life,” through the lens of the Gulf Coast environment. With thematic sections on topics such as fungi, dead wood, nests, and insects, “Habitat” explores the critical role that many organisms play in creating and sustaining habitats.

hbg.org

The AgriCultural Museum and Arts Center, 102 City Park Road

Every second and fourth Saturday of the month, musicians and music lovers are invited to bring their instruments and play along—or just come to listen to the jam.

theagricultural.org

Arlington Museum of Art, 1200 Ballpark Way

Through original items including ball gowns, sorcerers’ capes, a pirate’s jacket, and iconic glass slippers, “Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume” celebrates the artistry of some of Hollywood’s preeminent designers. “All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives” dazzles with prized pieces of jewelry and accessories that give visitors the rare opportunity to see these iconic jewels up-close while gaining an understanding of how integral they are to completing the ensemble and informing the character.

arlingtonmuseum.org

Meadows Museum, 5900 Bishop Blvd.

This exhibition looks at the groundbreaking 18th-century archeological excavations sponsored by King Charles III of Spain (aka the Bourbon King). Comprising nearly 50 objects, the exhibition displays Roman archeological material mingled with 18th-century paintings, porcelain, and prints, providing visitors with an introduction to the archeological treasures of this period and their formative influence on contemporary artistic production.

meadowsmuseumdallas.org

Downtown Plano Arts District, 1021 E. 15th St.

Spend an evening in downtown Plano sipping and shopping every third Thursday for the month (the event runs March through December).

visitplano.com

Menil Drawing Institute, 1413 W. Main St.

This selection of works from the Menil’s permanent collection explores the ways in which the past imbues the present. In their drawings, the featured artists take up commonplace embodiments of personal and collective memory, such as scrapbooks, snapshots, notes, relics, and odes, to reimagine how we might access fraught memories and contested histories.

menil.org

Menil Drawing Institute, 1413 W. Main St.

This show examines drawing as a meditative process that invites the gradual appearance of indeterminate images. Selected from the Menil’s permanent collection, the 29 drawings date from the late 1930s to the present and are united by a visual concept of forms still in the process of becoming.

menil.org

Puzzling Adventures Start & Finish Location, 1800 Congress Ave.

https://puzzlingadventures.com/buynow.php?code=EVENTPASS

Isla Tours, 33256 State Park Road 100

Take a 4-hour narrated tour along the Brownsville Ship Channel. See local and migratory birds, dolphins in the bay, the SpaceX launch site and Starbase city, the USS Kitty Hawk, and oil rigs from all over the world. On the way back, the tour cruises through the Port Isabel Shrimp Basin. Fresh-caught Gulf shrimp tastings are also available.

islatours.com

Isla Tours, 33256 State Park Road 100

An hour and a half in duration, this excursion aboard the Murphy’s Law offers a brief tour of the Laguna Madre and provides a glimpse of the bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. At the end of the tour, enjoy a breathtaking south Texas sunset.

islatours.com

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St.

This is the 14th and latest chapter in Freeman and Lowe’s series of expansive architectural installations. The exhibition continues the artists’ deep dive into their fictional San San Universe, a domain partially based on a mid-20th-century futurist theory put forth in Herman Kahn’s 1967 book “The Year 2000.”

themodern.org

The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St.

The first major museum survey in the United States of work by the British European visual artist Tacita Dean, the exhibition spotlights her career-defining approach to creating art through unmediated and chance-based drawing processes across a variety of mediums, from film to printmaking.

menil.org

Art House Café and Gallery, 14349 SH 16 North

Grab a drink and a sandwich in the café and kick back for a kid-friendly talk about nature.

busy-birding.com/2nd-saturday-nature-talks

Arlington Music Hall, 224 N. Center St.

Symphony Arlington celebrates its silver jubilee with a season of concerts featuring Spanish pianist Daniel del Pino, Argentinian bass-baritone Federico De Michelis, American violinist Luke Hsu, and Canadian pianist Marika Bournaki. Other shows include Dallas pianist Eldred Marshall premiering “Llano Estacado” by Dallas composer Michael Capps.

symphonyarlington.org

San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Love St.

San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts presents this show celebrating the tradition of en plein air painting, the French term for painting in the outdoors.

samfa.org

The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St.

This rare solo exhibition highlights the career of William Lester, spanning Regionalism (1930s and ‘40s) through modernist abstractions of the 1980s. The show includes drawings, paintings, and prints from private and public collections to examine the artist’s unique and visionary interpretation of his relationship with his environment, often described as more sensory than geographic.

thegracemuseum.org

The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St.

This group exhibition showcases artwork by Texas Regionalists from The Grace Museum Art Collection and on loan from private and public collections. The selected artist include those associated with The Dallas Nine.

thegracemuseum.org

The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St.

See fine art prints by Coreen Mary Spellman, an important female Regionalist, from the collection of the Tyler Museum of Art. Spellman’s printmaking skills in lithography, etching, aquatint, and mezzotint are highlighted in this display of 45 of her prints.

thegracemuseum.org

The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St.

Reflecting on Texas in the 1930s and ‘40s, these photographs of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, sponsored by the Farm Securities Commission, document the hardships of individuals in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, and Colorado. The show includes iconic photographs by Arthur Rothstein, Dorothea Lange, Marion Post Wolcott, and Russell Lee.

thegracemuseum.org

South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St.

Bring the kids to what has become a holiday staple at the gardens. Decorated for Halloween and changing to a Christmas holiday theme at Thanksgiving, the maze is one hay bale high so parents can watch children negotiate their way through the maze.

stxbot.org

Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett St.

This show is an annual statewide competition of the finest custom furniture makers in Texas. An artists reception is on the evening of Nov. 11.

kacckerrville.com

Horace Caldwell Pier, 230 N. On the Beach Drive

Join Master Naturalist Julie Findley on the first Friday of the month to see what wonderful treasures wash up on the beach. Family beach walks take place on the first Friday of the month through Jan. 3.

porta.recdesk.com/community/program

Rockport Center for the Arts, 204 S. Austin St.

This exhibition features works by three Merit Artists, a group picked from last year’s Big Wave All Member’s Exhibition to have their own show.

rockportartcenter.com

Harry Ransom Center, 300 W. 21st St.

The Harry Ransom Center presents an exhibition exploring the history of PEN, the renowned international association dedicated to protecting free expression. The exhibition draws upon the Center’s PEN Records collection in order to trace the history of the organization from its founding as a dinner club in 1921, through the darkest days of war and repression, to supporting contemporary writers and readers today. The exhibition allows visitors to engage with key moments from the story of PEN, showing how writers need freedom of expression in order to produce inspiring work, and how, in turn, readers need to be free to choose what they read.

hrc.utexas.edu

Archway Gallery, 2305 Dunlavy St.

“Homeland: Random Musings of a Native Son,” features new paintings and mixed media works by Harold Joiner. Joiner explores the landscapes, memories, and cultural heritage of the Southwest, offering a personal and evocative journey into his past and the continuity of life.

archwaygallery.com

Artspace 111, 111 Hampton St.

Artspace111 presents its latest exhibition, “Sublime Desert Synthesis,” featuring paintings by Winter Rusiloski and sculptures by Angel Fernandez. This work explores color interplays through abstract paintings and sculptures created from repurposed synthetic materials.

artspace111.com/exhibitions/173-sublime-desert-synthesis-works-by-winter-rusiloski-angel-fernandez

Houston Botanic Garden, 1 Botanic Lane

The Chinese lantern festival, with larger-than-life installations that showcase the beauty of nature and celebrate the promise of the Lunar New Year, returns with all-new displays and interactive elements.

hbg.org/series/radiant-nature

Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, 1000 Krenek Tap Road

The park displays began in 1984 when a local family funded a couple of light panels. Since then, the collection has grown to more than 1 million lights and has become a holiday mainstay and local favorite.

visitcollegestation.com

Texas Trust CU Theatre Outdoor Grounds, 1001 Texas Trust Way

Follow a young Peruvian boy’s adventure to the Magical Forest. Walk through the wonderland to see Koda’s dreams through the luminous art installations. Try out foods and beverages at the Food Court, enjoy live cultural music and dance performances, and complete your visit looking for handcrafted treasures at the marketplace.

tianyuculture.us/dallas

Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Place

All aboard the train to the North Pole. Families are encouraged to dress in pajamas as actors bring the classic book to life.

galvestonrrmuseum.org

The Gaff, 323 Beach St.

Belt sander racing is a longstanding tradition in Port Aransas. Head on over the The Gaff, the “Birthplace of Texas Belt Sander Racing,” to watch competitors race their power tools down the wooden rack.

facebook.com/groups/390438614867403

Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Tavares Strachan’s artworks intentionally defy categorization. Spanning sculpture, performance, painting, ceramics, and immersive installations, Strachan’s work explores themes of cultural displacement, migration, and human aspiration by uplifting often hidden histories. “Between You and Me” includes a waist-high ‘meadow’ of dried rice grass and sculptures, each representing the concept of impermanence and community loss.

cli.re/84216-tavares-strachan-between-you-and-me

Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum, 315 W. Avenue B

In the past decade, acclaimed artist Judy Gelles interviewed and photographed more than 300 fourth grade students from a wide range of economic and cultural backgrounds in China, England, India, Israel, Italy, Nicaragua, St. Lucia, South Africa, Dubai, South Korea, and multiple areas of the United States. She asked all the students the same three questions: Who do you live with? What do you wish for? What do you worry about? Their varied stories touch on the human condition and urgent social issues.

templeparks.com

Arts Council of Brazos Valley, 4180 SH 6 South

Shop for last-minute gifts created by local artists and artisans, create ornaments to adorn the Christmas tree, and help make holiday cards for seniors. Take a look at a display of wreaths made by local arts organizations and try your hand at some holiday crafts and games. Before you leave, treat yourself to a cup of hot chocolate and snap a selfie at the photo station.

acbv.org

The Eleanor, 307 W. Fifth St.

Featuring wall-to-wall Christmas décor, multiple bars, cheery social experiences, and a lot of Christmas spirit, Miracle on Fifth Street is a holidays-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves drinks in the most festive and nostalgic setting in the city.

miracleon5thst.com

Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Road

Find gifts and other seasonal items at this holiday shopping showcase of handmade crafts by area artists.

hcaf.com

Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd.

This fixture of the Austin holiday season offers in-person and virtual shopping alternatives. Shoppers can browse thousands of original works ranging from serious art to fun and kitschy items and enjoy a hassle-free holiday gift market while supporting local artists.

bluegenieartbazaar.com

Texas State Railroad, 789 Park Road 70

Read along with the story as the historic steam train makes its magical round-trip from the Palestine Depot to the North Pole. Meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot cocoa, and a treat and special gift for each child. Departure times vary by date. Please pre-purchase tickets, as most trains sell out.

texasstaterailroad.net/the-polar-express/

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.

visitpalestine.com/christmas

Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St.

Every winter, Discovery Green’s Kinder Lake transforms into Houston’s only outdoor ice-skating rink. Adults and children of all ages can glide beneath the glittering lights of downtown and enjoy a series of programming throughout the season—from themed music nights to discounted skate nights. The ice rink is open every day.

discoverygreen.com/ice

Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St.

By internationally recognized artist Jen Lewin, this interactive public art installation features a collection of 24 handcrafted and hand-painted ethereal glowing moths on a monumental scale. The creatures hang suspended from the trees of the Brown Promenade at Discovery Green and react to sound and movement of visitors. Each moth represents a unique endangered North American moth species.

discoverygreen.com/atlas

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.

santas-wonderland.com

Museum of Western Art, 1550 Bandera Highway

The exhibition features Western-themed art by landscape painter Noe Perez and sculptor Jason Scull.

museumofwesternart.com

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

Occurring on the third Saturday of each month through December, these walks are inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Connect with nature in a wildlife sanctuary and enjoy guided activities while walking, standing, and/or sitting along the trails. The trails and guided activities change each month, making each walk a fresh experience.

heardmuseum.org/other-programs/#nature

The Ice Rink, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive

Enjoy ice skating this holiday season at the indoor ice skating rink located in the heart of The Woodlands town center. The Woodlands Ice Rink is open seasonally from mid-November through mid-January.

visitthewoodlands.com/events/holiday/woodlands-ice-rink/

International Museum of Art and Science, 1900 W. Nolana Ave.

In this exhibition, visitors discover how dinosaurs’ extraordinary story continues today—not as the giant “terrible lizards” of the past, but as the feathered, winged birds both on land and in the sky we know today.

theimasonline.org/dinosaurs-among-us

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St.

“Diaries of Home” features works by 12 women and nonbinary artists, who explore the multilayered concepts of family, community, and home.

themodern.org/exhibition/diaries-home

Frisco Square, 8874 Coleman Blvd.

See the largest choreographed lights and music display in North Texas. The event draws over 75,000 visitors annually and returns for its 19th anniversary with 10 songs, ice skating, visits with Santa, a light tunnel, and horse carriage rides.

friscosquare.com/cits

Zach Theatre, 202 S. Lamar Blvd.

Experience a musical journey through Dickens’ timeless tale, reimagined with fresh songs and festive enchantment. Join Scrooge, the Cratchits, and three spirited ghosts on an unforgettable adventure of redemption and joy.

zachtheatre.org

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.

visitpalestine.com/christmas

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).

events.visitplano.com/event/sip-shop-in-downtown-plano

Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd.

The international sellout sensation, “Lightscape,” returns to the 120-acre Fort Worth Botanic Garden for its third consecutive year to dazzle audiences with more than 1 million holiday lights and never-before-seen artistic installations from around the world throughout a 1.2-mile walking trail. In total, over 80 percent of “Lightscape” is new and reimagined for 2024.

fwbg.org/lightscape

Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 W. 15th St.

Experience a historic farmstead transformed into a twinkling wonderland that features close to 2 million holiday lights and animated displays. Stroll the quarter-mile trail, see holiday light creations, including the 20-foot-tall Christmas tree, and enjoy popcorn, mini-donuts, hot cocoa, and make-your-own s’mores. The little ones have a chance to meet Santa Claus.

visitplano.com

Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Road

See the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. After their visits, Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man.

hcaf.com

Texas Jailhouse, 704 Ave. A

He’s mean. He’s green. He’s in Palestine. Be greeted by a Who’s Who of Whoville before being sent down into the lair, where Mr. Grinch gives you a tour through his Texas Jail House home.

txjailhouse.com/products/grinchs-lair-1

Plaza Theatre Company at Dudley Hall, 305 S. Anglin Road

Plaza Theatre Company presents the timeless Charles Dickens’ classic about Scrooge and the three ghosts who visit him.

plaza-theatre.com/

Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Drive

This annual holiday tradition celebrates its 34th year. Take an evening stroll through the Christmas sculptures on Marble Falls Lake and see Santa, who is taking Christmas wishes every Friday through Sunday until Christmas.

marblefalls.org

Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Drive

The winter ice skating rink offers a delightful experience for all ages, with smooth ice for gliding and festive music adding to the seasonal charm. In addition to skating, visitors can enjoy ice bumper cars, providing a unique twist to traditional winter fun.

visitmarblefalls.org/christmas

Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Road

See a production of Charles Dickens’ classic that recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. After their visits, Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man.

hcaf.com

Kinderhalle Pavilion, 100 W. Main St.

A holiday tradition for 18 years, skate on real ice in the Hill Country. Concessions such as hot chocolate, pizza, and candy are available near the rink.

visitfredericksburgtx.com/event/19th-annual-eisbahn-outdoor-ice-skating/62218

Art Museum of South Texas, 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd.

The 15th annual forest showcases 30 trees decorated by school groups and local organizations to represent a selection of award-winning classic children’s books. Visitors to the museum or website can cast their votes digitally for their favorite tree.

artmuseumofsouthtexas.org

Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd.

Moody Gardens hosts a winter wonderland with a Festival of Lights trail, Ice Land, an ice skating rink, holiday films, and other festivities.

moodygardens.com

Rockport Center for the Arts, 204 S. Austin St.

The annual all-member exhibition highlights Rockport Center for the Arts artists and provides a chance to stand out as a Merit Artist the following year. 

rockportartcenter.com

Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St.

Back by popular demand this holiday season is the delightful and heartwarming retelling of the classic children’s story, “The Velveteen Rabbit.” A young child awakens Christmas morning to discover a velveteen rabbit among their gifts. Soon becoming the child’s favorite toy, the rabbit’s appearance becomes worn and shabby from play, and a wonderful change begins to happen. Through his adventures with the child, the velveteen rabbit learns about love and friendship, and the true meaning of being real. This much-loved and inspiring story is set in a cozy and magical world, full of inspiring moments that leave audiences feeling uplifted.

magiktheatre.org/the-velveteen-rabbit

Maxwell’s Pumpkin Farm, 12908 S. Bell St.

This enchanting holiday event features a festive array of more than 20 activities and attractions for families. Visitors can immerse themselves in a winter wonderland filled with lights, visits with Santa Claus, decorations, and various fun-filled festivities.

maxwellspumpkinfarm.com/christmas

Cuero Municipal Park, 201 Leonard Roy Harmon Drive at US 87 South

Drive through a Christmas wonderland with 300 lighted scenes. This event has been voted as one of South Texas Best Holiday Events for over 10 years.

cuero.org

Hulen Park, 301 W. Westhill Drive

Come experience Christmas in Cleburne with lights in and around downtown, Hulen park, and other parts of the city. View millions of lights every evening, weather permitted.

whistlestopchristmas.com

Downtown, 100 block of West Main Street

Experience a mix of German Christmas traditions and warm Texan hospitality this Weihnachtszeit, or Christmas season, with the nightly lighting of the community Christmas tree and German Christmas pyramid.

visitfredericksburgtx.com/event/fredericksburgs-christmas-nights-of-lights/63791/

Lynn Creek Park, 5610 Lake Ridge Parkway

Kicking off on Thanksgiving, this premier holiday light show features more than 2 miles of lights. Past year’s have featured a holiday village, magical walk-thru forest, carnival rides, photos with Santa, and holiday shopping.

prairielights.org

Downtown Corpus Christi, Chaparral Street

From coastal Santas to holiday markets and larger-than-life decorations, the Gulf Coast Capital offers unique holiday experiences all season long to put a jingle in your step.

visitcorpuschristi.com/merrydays

El Mercado, 604 E. Broadway St.

Participate in a hunting tournament with animals qualifying from all Trans-Pecos regions.

Enjoy holiday light displays in City Park and on the courthouse and lawn.

banderacowboycapital.com

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.

brazosportcenter.org

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.

dallasbychocolate.com

Red Barn , 3187 SH 35

See a collection of 700-plus nativities that come from around the world and are made of all kinds of materials. Organizers scour antique shops, flea markets, thrift stores, and estate sales across Texas to add to the displays.

Circuit of The Americas, 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd

Experience this holiday spectacular, a 1-mile driving attraction that immerses visitors in millions of holiday lights synchronized to joyful holiday classics.

peppermintparkway.com

South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St.

See a 20-foot fresh-cut lighted fir tree and 18-foot recycled eco-friendly Christmas tree made of green plastic bottles, plus four smaller ones, created by environmental artist Shelia Rogers. Enjoy holiday light displays, decorated trees, visits with Santa, hayrides, a petting zoo, s’mores and hot cocoa, and photo ops.

stxbot.org

Art League of Baytown, 110 W. Texas Ave.

The gallery is filled with handmade art and gift items made by local artists and crafters.

art-league-of-baytown.org

Historic square off Main Street, Memorial Park, and PEC headquarters

Experience twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday spirit at this beloved Johnson City tradition that consistently brings joy and wonder to all ages.

lightsspectacular.com

Wagon Rides of Bandera give evening carriage rides with Santa around the Bandera County Courthouse on Main Street.

facebook.com/wagonridesofbandera

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.

alshideaway.com

Roberts Point Park, 301 JC Barr Blvd.

Take your family holiday photo at the Sand Santa display. This giant sand sculpture is created by world-class sand sculptors and is on display for the holiday season.

portaransas.org/event/sand-santa-%40-roberts-point-park/4279

Various locations

Enjoy a driving tour featuring various decorated homes throughout Cleburne. The list of homes, map, and ballot are available on online or at the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce or Layland Museum.

visitcleburne.com

Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Road

At this holiday shopping showcase, find handmade crafts by area artists.

hcaf.com

Downtown, 400 Spring St.

Downtown Columbus sparkles this holiday season with a lighted parade, tree lighting, festive caroling, and pictures with Santa.

columbustexas.org

Downtown , 100 W. Main St.

The lighted Christmas parade ends with the community tree lighting on the courthouse lawn. Various activities for families to enjoy downtown include the Jingle Jam Pre-Parade Party at Railyard Park, plus photos with Santa at Courthouse Park.

visitwaxahachie.com

Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History, 3232 Briarcrest Drive

Visitors can purchase beautifully crafted holiday items from local artists and authors. Local artisans are available to answer questions about the works on sale. ​Enjoy live music, wine, and hors d’oeuvres while browsing the museum gift shop and gallery. Shoppers can also view the museum’s new special exhibit, “Steam, Smoke & Steel: Riding the Rails through Time.”

brazosvalleymuseum.org/holiday-showcase

Farmers Market, 402 E. Blanco Road

Come out and explore the bounty of locally grown products, prepared foods, and artisan specialty goods from area farmers and growers, homesteaders, ranchers, and artisans.

boernefm.com

Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.

This show features a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector that reproduces the night sky, along with a variety of other high-tech equipment to give visitors a close-up feel of comets, exploding stars, and black holes.

brazosportcenter.com

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.

caillouxfoundation.org

Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St.

This event offers anyone interested in farming and ranching a chance to explore the latest equipment and innovations. With over 500 exhibitors and engaging demonstrations, it’s a way to connect with the agricultural community.

ideaggroup.com/amarillo

Silver Sage, 803 Buck Creek

On the first Tuesday of the month, come see Grand Ole Opry-style entertainment at the Silver Sage senior center, with refreshments and door prizes given out at the event.

silversage.org

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.

museumofwesternart.com

Amarillo Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 SE 10th Ave.

See young exhibitors showcase their livestock and agricultural skills.

facebook.com/p/amarillo-classic-junior-stock-show-61554670982089

Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive

Writer, producer, and legendary comedian Larry David is bringing “A Conversation with Larry David” live and on stage to Bass Concert Hall. Joined by a moderator, the event includes an informal discussion about his time on “Seinfeld,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and everything in between.

texasperformingarts.org

Bishop Arts Theatre, 215 S. Tyler St.

Inspired by Langston Hughes’s 1960 Broadway production, “Black Nativity” returns with hand-clapping, toe-tapping, and finger-snapping theatrical wonderment for the organization’s 20th anniversary. This holiday favorite is the heartwarming retelling of the Nativity story including Gospel music, dramatic dance, and biblical narrative.

bishopartstheatre.org

Lila Cockrell Theatre , 900 E. Market St.

The 30th annual Mariachi Extravaganza features the largest national mariachi group and vocal competitions, showcasing top-tier talent from school-based mariachi programs across the U.S. A grand finale concert features competition winners and the renowned Mexico City-based Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán.

mariachimusic.com

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.

texasbbqblowout.com

Downtown, 203-360 S. Commercial St.

See floats, vehicles, ATV’s, bicycles, and walking groups lit up in this beach parade. Christmas activities include pictures with Santa, and a bike giveaway happens after the parade.

aransaspass.org

Downtown, Center Avenue

Families and friends gather to kick off the holiday season while enjoying delightful performances and wondrous holiday displays, plus dazzling floats and festive music.

brownwoodchamber.org

Downtown, 520 W. State St.

The city of Garland continues its traditional Christmas celebration at the downtown Garland square. Holiday activities include the tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment, photos with Santa and live reindeer, crafts, and musical performances.

visitgarlandtx.com/christmas-on-the-square

Downtown, 425 Spring St.

Held on the first Thursday of December, Ladies Night Out is an evening of shopping, wine, food, fun, and music in historic Columbus. Businesses offer in-store specials, door prizes, snacks, wine sampling, and live music.

columbustexas.org

South Padre Island Visitor Center, 321 Padre Blvd.

A musical performance adds extra holiday spirit to the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

sopadre.com/events

McAllen Municipal Park, 1921 N. Bicentennial Blvd.

Christmas in the Park sees 30 food vendors and a marketplace with over 20 craft vendors featuring Mexican artisan goods. There’s a main stage and a community stage with entertainment.

mcallenholidayparade.com

Promenade Park Amphitheater, 201 W. McIntyre St.

Mark the start of the holiday season in Edinburg with the tree lighting ceremony. The following day is the Night of Lights Parade, beginning at Richard R. Flores Stadium.

edinburgarts.com/tree

Downtown

Savor food and drinks as you explore the vendor booths and enjoy seasonal music. The parade, featuring a procession of around 80 ornately decorated floats, start at dusk and winds its way around the town square. Fireworks illuminate the Texas sky following the parade.

cameron-tx.com

The 04 Center , 2701 S. Lamar Blvd.

Emerging singer-songwriter Anna Larson is fusing her diverse musical roots with piano-driven originality. Growing up on gospel, and through years spent as a classical pianist, Larson has followed her own path. She plays a show with instrumentalist Peter Wagner.

04center.com

Downtown , 309 Main St.

Enjoy a variety of events this weekend including the Holiday Vendor Blender with local vendors and shops; the annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree featuring a visit from Santa and performances by local children; the Jingle Bell Fun Run; Kids Fantasy at Levine Park, with inflatables, crafts, and rides for children; and the Fantasy of Lights Parade, a celebration of community spirit, creativity, and festive cheer.

sealychamber.com/events/discover/fantasy/

Port Aransas Community Theater, 2327 SH 361

The Wonderettes of the hit jukebox musical comedy return in this seasonal celebration that finds the girls entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. The show features ’60s versions of holiday classics such as “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” and “Winter Wonderland.”

portaransascommunitytheatre.com/wonderettes

Various locations

Tour historic homes not usually open to the public. Each home is lavishly decorated for the season. Docents in period costumes greet guests and chronicle each home’s origins and finery.

jeffersoncandlelight.com

Cailloux Theater, 910 Main St.

The symphony presents “Glory Hallelujah,” a show featuring the Grand Symphony Chorus. Professional musicians and advanced music students perform a diverse musical program featuring top soloists.

symphonyofthehills.org

Warehouse Living Arts Center, 119 W. Sixth Ave.

Spend a heartwarming evening seeing the timeless tale brought to life with music and magic in a show perfect for the holiday season.

thewlac.com

Farmers Market, 201 N. Chestnut St.

The 90th annual Lighted Christmas Parade rolls through downtown Gainesville on the first Thursday of December. Following the parade, attendees can find Santa at the Farmers Market, where he sits for pictures and hands out candy canes.

gainesvillecofc.com

Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, 4310 SH 36 South

Shop with 130 merchants to find lots of new, unique, and one-of-a-kind gifts all in one place.

homefortheholidaysgiftmarket.com

Lillie Russell Memorial Library, 200 E. Hubbard St.

On Friday night, the lighting of the Memorial Tree commemorates loved ones who have passed on. Saturday is Santa’s Bake Shop, where you can shop for homemade cookies. Kids can get a photo with Santa or play games outside while adults enjoy hot cocoa, a silent auction, and entertainment.

lillierusselllibrary.org/events/santas-bake-shop

American Airlines Center, 2500 Victory Ave.

Justin Timberlake is set to bring his dynamic stage presence and genre-defying music to Dallas. Known for his smooth vocals and impeccable dance moves, Timberlake has captivated audiences around the world with hits like “Cry Me a River,” “SexyBack,” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”

americanairlinescenter.com/events/detail/justin-timberlake-2

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

Holiday lights and décor accentuate a half-mile nature trail, creating an enchanting nighttime hike through the woods. Get a glimpse of the “Dinosaurs Live!” exhibit along the trail and enjoy live, festive music under the stars in the Heard outdoor amphitheater.

heardmuseum.org/holidays-at-the-heard/

Downtown, North Getty Street

The annual Christmas Parade includes Santa entering on a fire truck. There are vendors, food, and a snow slide.

Various locations, Main Street

Experience the magic of Christmas with two weekends of festivities on Main Street. There’s an outdoor live nativity at First Baptist Church, live performances of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at the Tablerock Amphitheatre, and live music at various venues. A Christmas market is hosted on the 7th and 14th at Barrow Brewing.

business.salado.com

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.

Stroll through Fort Concho’s 29 historic buildings and 40 acres for holiday shopping, entertainment, food, special exhibits, and living history.

fortconcho.com

Houston Square, 1109 Houston St.

The largest arts and crafts show in Medina County includes vendors with everything from Christmas crafts, woodworks, handmade jewelry, candles, crocheted items, and food. Visit Santa, enjoy entertainment and shopping, and let your children’s imaginations run wild in the Kids’ Area.

castroville.com/old-fashion-christmas

Wayne Ferguson Plaza, 150 W. Church St.

The first Friday in December is full of fun with First Friday vendors, the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, a winter carnival, photos with Santa, and hayrides through Old Town’s historic home district. The Lewisville Lights tree-lighting ceremony is at dusk, and there’s a movie in the Plaza. Bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the movie with family and friends.

visitlewisville.com

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

A powerful story of redemption, this production has enchanted audiences worldwide with its message of traditional holiday joy. Ebenezer Scrooge-the most unrepentant and miserly of fellows-is made to see the light as he is visited by the ghosts of his own life: Jacob Marley and the Christmas Spirits of Past, Present, and Future.

thegrand.com

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.

downtowntemple.com

Wayne Ferguson Plaza, 150 W. Church St.

Ring in the holiday season at this family-friendly event. Highlights include the Motorcycle Toy Run, Huffines Christmas Parade, Elf Scavenger Hunt, and Winter Carnival. Also, enjoy the tree lighting ceremony and a movie in the Plaza. Bring a blanket, bring a chair, and bring the family.

visitlewisville.com

Railroad Park , 400 Block of Front Street

Grab your friends and family and head to Yoakum’s annual Christmas on Grand celebration for family-friendly festivities including bounce houses, face painting, family games, a carousel, mini train rides, a real snow slide, and a visit from Santa Claus. There is also a lighted Christmas parade.

Downtown, 100 E. Tyler St.

On Friday, Light Up Athens makes downtown sparkle with twinkling lights and festive cheer along with carolers and Santa’s arrival. On Saturday, the Holiday Market is a great place to find gifts, and the Sounds of Christmas Parade in the evening brings music and 100 floats.

visitathenstexas.com

First Assembly of God Church, 1050 N. Orange St.

Enjoy the classic tale of “A Christmas Carol” with holiday ghosts and Scrooge. It’s a timeless story of the true meaning of the season and how it can change hearts.

giddingstx.com/sys/website

Downtown, 303 Main St.

Bring the family to downtown Buda for three days of holiday cheer with kids activities and a carnival at Buda City Park, a craft and art market, and a dazzling night parade and fireworks show along Main Street.

budafest.org

Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive

From the sets and costumes to the colorful characters, Ballet Austin’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” is Austin’s favorite holiday tradition. Hundreds of dancers perform Stephen Mills’ choreography to Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s magical score with live accompaniment from Austin Symphony Orchestra.

balletaustin.org

Granbury Square, 201 E. Pearl St.

For Granbury’s Candlelight Tour of Homes, a select group of residents open their private, historic homes to the public. Between volunteer docents and the owner’s themselves, a story unfolds about each home’s rich and unique story.

granburycandlelighttour.com

Padre Boulevard

Kick off the holiday season with the city of South Padre Island’s annual Christmas Parade. Watch as festive groups and beautifully decorated floats pass by on Padre Boulevard.

sopadre.com/events

Bastrop Opera House, 711 Spring St.

Local performers deliver a selection of beloved holiday classics—all with a rockin’ twist and a juke-box vibe. Everyone is encouraged to don their coolest holiday attire.

bastropoperahouse.org

Downtown, South Main Street

Beautifully lit Christmas floats, Santa Claus, elves, and music ring in the Christmas season in Del Rio. The mayor turns on the switch that lights up the Christmas tree and all the beautiful lights in the park. There are arts and crafts vendors on site.

cityofdelrio.com

Main Street

See Fredericksburg’s historic Main Street awash in the glow of an illuminated holiday night parade. The parade runs from Washington Street to Edison Street.

visitfredericksburgtx.com/event/light-the-night-christmas-parade/31820

Downtown, 127 N. Courthouse Square

The downtown square is full of handmade Christmas gifts for shopping, and there’s the lighted parade around the square on Friday night. On Saturday, Santa rides into town. There is live entertainment all day Saturday, including the Best Dressed Pet Show and dancers throughout the day.

facebook.com/christmasingoliad

Central Presbyterian Church, 402 N. College St.

Step back in time, over 2,000 years ago, and walk the streets of ancient Bethlehem as Mary and Joseph did on the night of Christ’s birth. On your journey to the site of the Nativity, meet innkeepers, merchants, craftsmen, tradesmen, clergy, and many other citizens as they portray daily life in Bethlehem, complete with sheep, camels, and donkeys.

visitwaxahachie.com

Waxahachie Civic Center, 2000 Civic Center Lane

Over 100 vendors (mostly local) feature a wide variety of gifts including holiday décor, clothing and accessories, home accents, and children’s clothing and toys.

waxahachiejsl.org

Cleburne Conference Center , 105 W. Henderson St.

Cleburne Carnegie Players presents the Christmas classic every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with matinees on Saturdays.

greatercleburnecarnegieplayers.com/

Hulen Park, 301 W. Westhill Drive

The parade in downtown Cleburne features over 100 lighted floats. After the parade, stop by Hulen Park for holiday festivities including vendors, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a living Nativity scene

whistlestopchristmas.com

Ward County Event Center, 1525 E. Monahans Parkway

This celebration offers a variety of activities for everyone in the family, including an ice skating rink, live stage performances, craft and food vendors, and a chance to meet Santa Claus. Children’s festivities include cookie decorating, ornament making, face painting, party jumpers, and a surprise appearance by the Grinch.

tinyurl.com/rwanktd9

Texas A&M Rudder Theatre, 401 Joe Routt Blvd.

Travel to the Land of Sweets at this Brazos Valley tradition presented by Ballet Brazos. The production features preeminent ballet dancers from the New York City Ballet as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. The cast includes dancers from professional ballet companies, guest artists from Texas, and pre-professional performers from across the Brazos Valley.

balletbrazos.org

Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, 1000 Krenek Tap Road

Enjoy holiday festivities that include old-fashioned hayrides, cookies, hot cocoa, performances by local acts, and photos with Santa. Registration is required for the Jingle Bell Fun Run.

visitcollegestation.com

Georgetown Downtown Square , 103 W. Seventh St.

Home of the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas, Georgetown announces its 43rd annual Christmas Stroll in the historic downtown square. A variety of activities take place every day, including Christmas carolers and a kids zone on Friday, the Christmas Stroll Parade on Saturday morning, and a classic car show on Sunday. More than 150 local craft vendors fill the streets as well.

thegeorgetownsquare.com/christmas-stroll---guests.html

Hill Country Mile, 100 N. Main St.

With a pre-purchased $35 ticket, you get a tote bag and a ticket showing the more than 20 participating stores. Collect special gifts from each store as you stroll along the historic Hill Country Mile. Your admission goes to sponsor Dickens on Main, the Hill Country’s premier holiday event.

ci.boerne.tx.us/2491/stocking-stroll

Main Street , 215 Main St.

At this holiday tradition, the streets come alive with decorated floats, twinkling lights, and joyful music as local organizations, schools, and businesses showcase their holiday spirit. Spectators of all ages line the parade route, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere filled with laughter and holiday magic.

visitmarblefalls.org/event/light-up-christmas-parade/96/

Uptown Theater, 120 E. Main St.

The hit Broadway musical is based on the 1992 film. Inspired by the true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, “Newsies” features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.

uptowntheatergp.com

Downtown , 300 W. Main St

Experience the magic of the holidays at the ice skating rink, where you can glide under twinkling lights and enjoy festive fun with family and friends.

gptx.org

The Strand and surrounding areas, 25th to 20th streets

Downtown Galveston is transformed into Victorian England with roaming characters, parades, live music, and costumed vendors peddling their wares from street stalls and rolling carts. New additions include Tiny Tim’s Play Land and Shopkeeper Skills Village.

galvestonhistory.org

Prestonwood Baptist Church, 6801 W. Park Blvd.

This Prestonwood tradition has become a highlight of the Christmas season, with thousands of guests attending every year. The multimedia event brings the story of Christmas to life through special effects, a nearly 1,000-member cast and choir, and a live orchestra. The living Nativity scene includes camels, kings, flying angels, the manger, shepherds, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.

events.visitplano.com/event/the-gift-of-christmas-2024

Playhouse 2000 VK Garage Theater, 305 Washington St.

This brand-new mash-up of Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle sets a true Holmesian mystery in the latter days of Ebenezer Scrooge’s lifetime.

caillouxperformingarts.com

Downtown , Beaton Street

Festivities kick off on Friday with teams and fans gathering downtown for a community pep rally. Enthusiastic communities and supporters came together to energize the crowd in anticipation of the football game on Saturday.

visitcorsicana.com

Pecan Grove West Park, 3200 Canyon Creek Drive

See Pecan Grove West Park lit up with over 10 miles of Christmas lights. The event is nightly through the month of December, with special events planned on Dec. 6.

shermanparks.com

The Finley Theater, 500 N. Elm St.

Sherman Community Players present this timeless musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

scptheater.org

Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive

In this special Christmas edition of their world tour, the Latin Grammy-nominated ensemble delivers a holiday concert that honors both the magic of Christmas and the cultural vibrancy of Mexico with beloved holiday classics mixed with mariachi traditions.

texasperformingarts.org

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.

mlf.org/village-of-lights

Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, 105-B Sabine St.

Brighten up your winter with Cistern Illuminated, an immersive light and sound installation in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. This annual tradition transforms the underground, decommissioned drinking water reservoir into a breathtaking spectacle, showcasing the Cistern’s repeating columns and their uncanny reflections on the surface of the water below. A unique and original soundscape follows the moving lights around the cavernous Cistern. On select dates, the Cistern Illuminated installation is accompanied by live choral performances.

buffalobayou.org/cistern-illuminated

Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, 226 N. St. Mary’s St.

All aboard the most magical journey of the season. Step into a world of wonder and imagination with the world premiere of “The Polar Express: The Musical.” Sure to be an unforgettable adventure, the classic holiday story comes to life with timeless songs from the beloved original, dazzling choreography, and heartwarming moments that captivate audiences of all ages. With stunning visuals, interactive elements, and a tale that inspires belief in the extraordinary, this musical is a holiday event you won’t want to miss.

majesticempire.com/events/cbsa-polar-express

Towle Park Armory, 3000 Towle Park Road

The Deep Creek Expo is a large vendor market that occurs five times per year. Each of the five Deep Creek Expo events hosts over 40 vendors from all across Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Find clothing, décor, jewelry, mugs, spices, candles, candy, and children’s items.

linktr.ee/deepcreeksnyder

Downtown, 200 E. Main St.

Nacogdoches rings in the season with their Christmas Parade. Lighted entries come from local businesses, schools, churches, and individuals, and include decorated floats, vehicles, and walking groups.

visitnacogdoches.org/p/things-to-do/events/annual-events

Downtown, Washington Street

A nighttime parade and games bring in the holiday season.

Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, 2701 Harwood Road

Jung-An Chou performs a solo recital, accompanied by pianist Tak Yan Yeung during Concerts on Harwood, a classical music concert series. Admission is free.

emmanuelpc.org/concerts-on-harwood

Hughes Springs Chamber of Commerce, 603 E. First St.

A Christmas parade rings in the holiday season, accompanied by a tree lighting that makes the town twinkle with Christmas cheer.

hschamber.org

Downtown, 100 E. Main St.

Main Street is filled with holiday floats and festivities. Enjoy the lighting of the Christmas tree in the Best Little Plaza in Texas. Make sure to bring your own camera for photos with Santa.

explorepf.com

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

Experience the ecology, geology, flora, and fauna of the Heard Sanctuary. Led by trained guides, your group spends 45-60 minutes hiking the unique landscape.

heardmuseum.org/other-programs/#trail

Freestone County Courthouse , 118 E. Commerce St.

Kick off the holiday season with a hometown Christmas parade, fun children’s activities, food trucks, vendors, pictures with Santa, the Christmas tree lighting, and live nativity drama with a petting zoo.

fairfieldtexaschamber.com

Chestnut Square Heritage Village, 315 S. Chestnut St.

Tour a collection of private homes in the famed historic district of McKinney, all dressed up for the holidays and open to the public. Proceeds from the event often benefit local charities.

chestnutsquare.org/51st-annual-holiday-tour-of-homes

McFaddin-Ward House, 1906 Calder Ave.

Guests begin at the Visitor Center with festive refreshments, music, and children’s crafts. Next is a walk-through tour of the magnificent holiday decorations throughout the first floor of the historic house. Carolers, live music, and a visit from Santa under the twinkle of holiday lights ensure a merry time for all. Admission is free.

mcfaddin-ward.org/events

Downtown, 104 E. Kleberg Ave.

Ring in the holiday season with a festive Parade of Lights. Music, themed floats, and Christmas cheer bring a smile to everyone’s faces.

facebook.com/kingsvilletxlaposada

Downtown, 104 E. Kleberg Ave.

Experience a wine tasting throughout downtown Kingsville while shopping small. Christmas lights line the street to create holiday spirit while visitors browse and buy gifts.

facebook.com/events/1503398183610026

Landmark Inn State Historic Site, 402 Florence St.

Castroville was settled in 1844 by Alsatians from France who built unique homes along the Medina River in Castroville and surrounding areas. The Castroville Conservation Society organizes a tour of these homes each December as it’s major fundraiser. Enjoy the ambience of the holidays before electricity in these pioneer homes.

castrovilleconservationsociety.org

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.

legendsoftexaswhiskey.com

Sweetwater Municipal Auditorium , 400 Locust St.

The holidays come to Sweetwater in the form of a student art show and a Christmas concert.

sweetwaterauditorium.org

National WASP WWII Museum , 210 Avenger Field Road

Santa Claus comes to Avenger Field. Look to the skies for Santa arriving in a vintage World War II aircraft.

Downtown, 218 Commercial St.

Ring in the holiday season with family fun. Kids love Breakfast with Santa, while adults love late-night shopping. There’s a lighted parade at night, and don’t miss hot chocolate with Santa.

colemancountytexas.com

Ballroom, 206 Main St.

An indoor winter market includes a variety of handmade goods including arts, crafts, fresh-baked breads, desserts, and other cottage industry foods.

quanahmarket.org

The 04 Center, 2701 S. Lamar Blvd.

Del Castillo is a cross-cultural power uniting music lovers of all ages, creeds, and colors. Their original music blends rock, Latin, blues, and world music into a cinematic celebration of sound that lifts your soul.

04center.com

Downtown, 1801 W. Broadway St.

Van Horn rings in the season with the annual Christmas tree lighting and parade, plus the Christmas Bazaar and fun for the whole family.

Wayne Ferguson Plaza, 150 W. Church St.

Rev up your engines and join the Lewisville Parks and Recreation team for Motorcycle Toy Run. Admission to ride is one new, unwrapped toy, valued at $10, per rider. The ride begins in Old Town Lewisville and ends at Maverick Harley Davidson.

visitlewisville.com

Downtown, 115 N. Avenue D

In the 1850s, Norwegian immigrants wandered into Central Texas. They settled in an area near Clifton that became known as Norse. Since that time, settlers have celebrated their heritage in many ways. Tour historical homes, learn about the area’s history, and see unique pieces of art. There’s also a lighted Christmas parade, a Norwegian luncheon, and free carriage rides.

cliftontexas.org

Downtown, 1 Courthouse Square

Downtown Weatherford rings in the Christmas season with the annual Christmas on the Square and Light the Night Parade. Shop from local businesses and vendors selling festive foods and gifts, and then see the square come to life as parade floats twinkle.

weatherford-chamber.com/chamber-events/christmas-on-the-square.html

Railroad and Heritage Museum, 315 W. Avenue B

Don’t miss Santa and his helpers at the museum. Enjoy the Winter Market, crafts, and of course, a photo with Santa. This event is for all ages and is free and open to the public.

templeparks.com

Downtown, Center Avenue

Experience the magic of the season as you stroll through a winter wonderland adorned with twinkling lights. Kids can meet Santa Claus and enjoy activities.

brownwoodchamber.org

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.

brownwoodchamber.org

Heritage Village, 157 PR 6000

Tour the Heritage Village by oil lamps and lanterns. Enjoy natural greenery, cookies, and hot apple cider. There’s music on the Village Green stage followed by a Christmas service in the old Cherokee Church.

heritage-village.org

Real Ale Brewing Company, 2250 US 281

A holiday run through Blanco ends with beer and barbecue. There are awards for best times and best costumes.

runintexas.com/real

Perryman Park, 4930 S. Colony Blvd.

Gather the family and savor some holiday cheer with activities, delicious food, and festive presentations. When the sun goes down, enjoy the choreographed displays of the Christmas Spectacular light show at Central Fire Station.

thecolonytx.gov/832/holiday-in-the-park

The Colony Central Fire Station, 4900 Blair Oaks Drive

It’s time to bring back the holiday cheer with the Parade of Lights. Bring a chair and watch the colorful floats make their way through the heart of town.

thecolonytx.gov/832/holiday-in-the-park

The Colony Central Fire Station, 4900 Blair Oaks Drive

Enjoy the jolliest hits of the season at The Colony Christmas Spectacular. Tune to 99.9 FM and listen to holiday ballads set to a beautiful light show display, all without leaving the warmth of your car.

thecolonytx.gov/834/christmas-spectacular

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.

germantexans.org/christmas-market

Various locations

Uniquely decorated homes showcase individual styles that feature both newer and traditional Christmas décor. Stop by each house on the tour to see a festive variety of holiday expression.

ansonchamberofcommerce.com

Congress Avenue

The stroll returns this December with free, family-friendly activities to celebrate the season. Visit downtown Austin for holiday festivities like the holiday shopping passport, pop-ups, appearances by Mr. & Mrs. Claus, holiday window and light displays, and the signature 45-foot downtown tree.

downtownaustin.com/holiday-stroll

Badu Park, 300 Legion Drive

The lighted park, which opens the first Friday after Thanksgiving, lets visitors stroll along the Llano River and enjoy displays that light up Badu Park.

llanochamber.org

Roberts Point Park, 301 JC Barr Blvd.

Enjoy a golf cart parade, see Santa, play games, and delight in the holiday spirit.

portaransas.org/event/city-holiday-in-the-park/4280/

The Bugle Boy , 1051 N. Jefferson St.

Beat Root Revival is a high-energy duo (one from England and one from Ireland) who has opened for Brian Wilson, Jeff Bridges, and The Brian Setzer Orchestra.

thebugleboy.org

The Outlet Shoppes at El Paso, 7051 S. Desert Blvd.

La Frontera Print Fest unites 10 artists from El Paso to create an unforgettable panoramic print of Sister Cities. The artists create a panoramic print with ten panels using relief linocut printing, featuring the beauty of the borderland region, recreating important areas, icons, and landscapes. During the live printmaking performance, there’s an art vendor market.

visitelpaso.com/events/la-frontera-print-fest-2024-panoramic-print-day

Heritage Square Park, 400 N. Main St.

Shopping, music, and entertainment all day bring the Christmas season to Taylor. At night, there’s the parade and tree lighting.

taylortx.gov

Downtown , Main Street

At Palestine’s only nighttime parade, the Main Street district comes alive with colorful lights, beautiful floats, and smiles all around.

visitpalestine.com/christmas

Watch as boats of all sizes cruise by, all decorated in their holiday best. Designated viewing areas throughout the route offer free public viewing, and the bay sparkles with the light of these beautifully decorated boats. The route begins at Sea Ranch Marina and ends at Jim’s Pier.

sopadre.com/events

Enjoy the magic of the holidays with Santa, vendors, rides, and music.

sopadre.com/events

Various locations

‘Tis the season for Christmas games, train rides, visits with Santa and the Grinch, the Christmas tree lighting, an arts and crafts show, face painting, s’mores, and Reindeer Races in Canadian.

canadiantx.com

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.

facebook.com/drccwildgamedinner

McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2001 N. Bicentennial Blvd.

McAllen does the holiday season big with the largest helium balloon parade in the state, celebrity hosts and guest appearances, and marching bands and dance teams.

mcallenholidayparade.com

Downtown, 2100 Avenue G

The Hometown Holiday Festival is sure to ring in the magic of the holiday season. The event is free and open to the public. Enjoy a variety of activities, free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, performances, vendor booths, a live ice carving show, a scavenger hunt, the tree lighting ceremony, vendor booths, and shopping.

rosenbergtx.gov/398/downtown-events

Lumber Yard Event Center, 313 W. Main St.

The Eastland Chamber of Commerce hosts the 8th annual Lighted Christmas Parade. This year’s theme is “A Christmas Movie.” After the parade, One Starry Night, a free event, includes cocoa and cookies, musical entertainment, and photos with Santa. There’s a vendor show with crafts, boutiques, and retail items, and food trucks are on site.

eastlandchamber.com

National Museum of the Pacific War, 311 E. Austin St.

Honor and remember those who were killed and injured during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. There is a special presentation from Dr. Custer-Bojakowski and a book signing from Stephen L. Moore, author of “Strike of the Sailfish.” Both presentations are given two times so that all those interested are able to attend before the program concludes at noon.

pacificwarmuseum.org

Pioneer Museum, 325 W. Main St.

Children ages 10 and under are invited to bring a stocking to hang on the fireplace. Then, the kids head into the Historic Sanctuary to enjoy a Christmas story, fun and interactive songs, light refreshments, and a special Christmas craft. While the children aren’t looking, Santa and his elves work to fill the stockings according to German tradition.

pioneermuseum.org/event-details/kinderfest

Unity Theatre, 300 Church St.

Mix together a batch of fruitcakes, three dozen Christmas trees, 10,000 outdoor Christmas lights, a chicken pox epidemic, two southern spinsters, an estranged old man, a lost cat named Tutti Frutti, and a Christmas hog named Buster and you’ve got the recipe for a fun-filled and touching evening of festive frenzy.

unitybrenham.org

Morriss Hall, The Barnhill Center, 111 W. Main St.

“Crossroads: Change in Rural America” offers small towns a chance to look at their own paths to highlight the changes that affected their fortunes over the past century. The exhibition prompts discussions about what happened when America’s rural population became a minority of the country’s population and the ripple effects that occurred.

visitbrenhamtexas.com

Museum of the Gulf Coast, 700 Procter St.

Join Santa, the Grinch, and a whole sleigh full of activities for the family including fun crafts and games for the kids, free entertainment, and plenty of holiday photo opportunities. But watch out for the Grinch.

museumofthegulfcoast.org

Downtown, Main Street

This Christmas celebration in downtown Post has unique vendors and shops, Santa visits, and a lighted Christmas parade.

postcitytexas.com

Historic Downtown Cleburne, 201 Caddo St.

Enjoy a tour of historic homes decorated for the holiday season. Local businesses are also open to ticket holders with special activities, exhibits, and other festivities. Tickets are sold at Cleburne Chamber of Commerce or Layland Museum.

visitcleburne.com

Songbird Live, 210 E. Henderson St.

Enjoy a holiday show featuring a vocal ensemble, flute quartet, brass quartet, and pianist Candy Bawcombe.

songbirdlive.com

Trail of Lights, 2100 Barton Springs Road

Experience a holiday Fun Run as you run, jog, or stroll through an untimed, 2-mile course, commencing at the renowned Zilker holiday tree and weaving through the Austin Trail of Lights.

austintrailoflights.org

This festive celebration brings the community together to start the holiday season in style. Be dazzled by beautifully decorated floats, cheerful music, and the spirit of Christmas in Aggieland.

visitcollegestation.com

Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road

Shop 100+ makers, get crafty at DIY stations, take photos at photo walls, enjoy delicious snacks and drinks, and fill your free tote with goods from small businesses. Plus, kids get in free, so bring the whole family for this weekend adventure.

palmereventscenter.com

Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road

At this open-air farmers market on the historic Herff Farm, you can hike the trails, get gardening inspiration, take classes on growing your food, help the Cibolo Center for Conservation maintain the land through volunteer service projects, or get new recipe ideas.

cibolo.org/locations/farmersmarket

Kendall County Fairgrounds, 1307 River Road

This market features three buildings filled with handcrafted merchandise produced and showcased by approximately 100 vendors from across Texas. At Santa Land, children can visit with Santa, enjoy lunch, pose for free photos with St. Nick, and partipate in activities that include a coloring contest.

kcfa.org/events/2024/omas-christmas-fair

Hill Country Mile, 100 N. Main St

This beloved Christmas tradition dates back more than 30 years. Always on the first Saturday of December, the parade is held at night along historic Main Street.

ci.boerne.tx.us/564/weihnachts-parade

Cave Without a Name Throne Room, 325 Kreutzberg Road

Texas Cellos perform a candlelit traditional Nordic cello choir representing the Scandinavian tradition of St Lucia’s Day, which coincides with the winter solstice of the old Julian calendar.

cavewithoutaname.com/event-calendar

Downtown

Bring chairs and grab a spot on Elgin’s historic Main Street, then sit back and enjoy an evening parade featuring beautifully lit floats created by businesses and organizations in the community and surrounding areas. 

elgintxchamber.com/holiday-by-the-tracks

Various locations

Sing along to Christmas carols, spin the dreidel for Hanukkah, learn about the Scandinavian St. Lucia Day celebration, make Kwanzaa crafts, get pictures with Santa, and play games. Festivities take place at the Elgin Public Library and the new expansion of Veterans Memorial Park on Depot Street. Remember to drop off your letters to Santa at the official mailbox at the gazebo in the park.

elgintxchamber.com/holiday-by-the-tracks

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.

elgintxchamber.com/holiday-by-the-tracks

Abner Jackson Plantation Site, Farm-to-Market Road 2004 near State Highway 332

Visit the historic archeological site once owned by Maj. Abner Jackson, the namesake of the city of Lake Jackson. Formerly a prosperous sugar plantation, the site was destroyed by the same hurricane that devastated Galveston in 1900. Discover the sugar-making process of the 1840s and how convict labor replaced slave labor during the 1870s.

ljhistory.org

Clute Municipal Park, 100 Parkview Drive

Come out and celebrate the holiday season with fun Christmas activities that include a lighted Christmas trail and seasonal photo opportunities.

clutetexas.gov

Lakeside Pavilion, 307 Buena Vista Drive

Santa Claus returns for a magical morning the whole family can enjoy. Along with a festive breakfast menu, little ones can visit and take photos with Santa, who has fun activities planned. 

marblefallstx.gov/829/breakfast-with-santa

Rockport Harbor , 100 Seabreeze Drive

Head to the Downtown Heritage District and the Rockport Harbor area and enjoy birding seminars, an arts and crafts sale, live entertainment, a pet costume contest, a Christmas tree-decorating contest, a children’s ornament workshop, a giant kite display, pictures with “Tropical” Santa, an illuminated land parade, and a fireworks show.

rockporttx.gov/217/tropical-christmas-festival

Downtown Plano Arts District, 1021 E. 15th St.

Attend the tree lighting festival with vendors, a snow slide, and activities for the whole family.

events.visitplano.com/event/dickens-in-downtown-plano

Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 SH 27

Market Days features artists and crafters bringing their own original handcrafted items. Hill Country Swap Meet is a community garage sale/flea market.

kerrmarketdays.org

The Wilson Ranch, 512 Rogers Trail

Visit several vendors selling crafts and handmade gifts, jewelry, Pampered Chef, Norwex, art, candles, jams, jellies, salsas, wooden items, and home and holiday décor. Door prizes are announced every 30 minutes.

kerrvilletexascvb.com/events/2024/5th-annual-christmas-market

Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive

Join the Kerrville Parks and Recreation Department for the annual holiday 5K. Get the family together and dress up as Santa, Elves, Whoville residents, or other Christmas characters for an enjoyable way to celebrate the holidays.

kerrvilletx.gov

Hill Country Veterans Center, 411 Meadowview

Vendors sell new and used guns, knives, coins, cutting boards, ammunition, and other items. All proceeds go to local area veterans.

gunshowtrader.com

Kerrville Hills Winery, 2100 E. Main St.

Enjoy shopping for holiday gifts from local vendors in the setting of a Hill Country winery.

kerrvillehillswinery.com

Downtown , Beaton Street

Get ready for festive floats, holiday cheer, and a magical evening as Corsicana celebrates the season.

visitcorsicana.com

100 West, 100 W. Third Ave.

See what the winter residents of 100 West have been working on at this open studio event. Along with sculpture by Kelli Rae Adams and photography by Daniel Melo Morales, enjoy a reading by poet Jannine Horsford in the afternoon.

corsicanaresidency.org

Ssgt. Willie de Leon Civic Center, 340 E. Main St.

Families are invited to breakfast and crafts with Santa.

Grayson County Courthouse Square, 100 W. Houston St.

Gather around the square this afternoon to kick off the holiday season in Sherman. Enjoy vendors, food trucks, live music, and free photos with Santa under the giant Christmas Tree.

facebook.com/shermantx

Watch the annual Christmas Parade as it winds through beautiful, historic downtown Sherman.

facebook.com/shermantx

Sid Richardson Center at Austin College, 1150 E. Brockett St.

The Sherman Symphony Orchestra presents its annual Christmas Pops concert. The entire hall is decorated with trees and lights, and audiences sing along to the music. Santa is in attendance, so bring the kids to meet him–all ages are welcome.

shermansymphony.com

Downtown , 1000 S. Polk Street

The annual holiday parade lights up Polk Street from 11th to Fourth avenues with dazzling displays and festive floats.

centercity.org/lightparade

On the first Saturday of the month, arts and crafts vendors set up their pop-up shops along Main Street. Artists and craftspeople present original works while farmers sell produce, canned goods, and baked items.

banderabusiness.com

Enjoy free cowboy fun in downtown Bandera. Activities can include chuckwagon storytelling, taking a horse-drawn wagon tour of Bandera, and listening to live Western music.

banderabusiness.com

Rattlesnake Ridge, 126 SH 16 South

On Saturdays, see the Bandera Cattle Company Gunfighters reenact 1800s gunfights twice a day at Rattlesnake Ridge, located behind the Bandera Visitors Center.

facebook.com/banderagunfighters

Town Square, 213 W. Texas Ave.

A 27-year-old tradition, several blocks around Texas Avenue celebrate the season with a car show, vendors selling handmade gifts, music, food, the Sculpture Trail, raffles, Santa’s Playground, and Santa and Mrs. Claus visits.

acedistrictbaytown.org

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.

naturalbridgecaverns.com/christmas-2/

Klyde Warren Park , 2012 Woodall Rodgers Frwy.

Klyde Warren Park ignites the spirit of the holidays with the Tree Lighting Celebration. Free and open to the public, the annual yuletide event in the center of downtown Dallas welcomes all to come together for an afternoon of family-friendly activities, an array of food trucks serving holiday-inspired treats, and the lighting of the tree.

klydewarrenpark.org

The Topfer at Zach, 202 S. Lamar Blvd.

Back by overwhelming demand, the beloved, original “Holiday Heroes” is back, with even more festive fun and interactive surprises. Incorporating elements and traditions of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, this uproariously entertaining sing-along is guaranteed to get everyone into the spirit of the season.

zachtheatre.org

Brazoria County Historical Museum, 100 E. Cedar St.

This exhibit celebrates the 25th anniversary of the collaboration of Lucasfilm and Lego. Throughout 2024, the company has encouraged brick clubs around the globe to host events dedicated to this 25th anniversary. To commemorate this global celebration, the Brazos Brick Club and the Museum host an exhibit dedicated to the “Star Wars” franchise with a festive twist. Visitors can explore the sci-fi galaxy in all its wonder as it celebrates Christmas. Lego displays include ships featured in the original films to new innovative takes on what the galaxy can hold. The museum kicks off this exciting new exhibit with a fun-filled holiday celebration on Dec. 7. Guests can visit with the club members, including master builders from the hit TV show “Lego Masters,: take part in lightsaber training, create their own Christmas cards and other crafts, and have their Christmas picture taken with a “Star Wars” figure. The museum also hosts a family-build competition in the morning, where families have an hour and a half to create their own Lego design. Entries are judged by guests and the winner announced at the end of the event. The winners ill receive a family four pack of tickets to visit Brick Fest Live in Houston.

facebook.com/brazoomuseum

Honda of Houston, 10039 Huffmeister Road

The North West Houston chapter of the San Jacinto High Rollers invites everyone to celebrate the 45th anniversary of giving back to the community. A police-escorted motorcycle toy run benefits the Boys and Girls Country of Hockley. There is a free meal with registration, plus a silent auction, raffles, and entertainment.

nwsjhr.com

Palestine High School Auditorium, 1600 Loop 256

The Anderson County Community Chorus presents “The Sounds of Christmas,” an annual concert featuring traditional holiday songs and multiple instrumentalists.

visitpalestine.com/christmas

South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd.

Celebrate the magical spirit of the holiday season with a visit from Santa while enjoying breakfast, activities, and photos.

sopadre.com/events

Boerne Middle School North, 240 Johns Road

Celebrate the holidays with the Boerne Concert Band at their annual Christmas concert. The band plays nostalgic holiday tunes.

boerneconcertband.com

The Clarion at Brazosport College, 500 College Drive

The symphony orchestra presents “A Very Broadway Christmas,” a show featuring Higgins’ “Christmas on Broadway,” Berlin’s “White Christmas,” Krogstad’s “Christmas at the Movies,” Anderson’s “Christmas Festival,” and songs from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

brazosportcenter.com

Rockport Beach, 100 Seabreeze Drive

The annual light display is a celebration of the season. Local organizations create displays for visitors of Aransas County to enjoy from the comfort of their own vehicles. The public is invited to stop by the Welcome Station at the Salt Water Pavilion.

rockport-fulton.org

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.

banderacowboycapital.com

AFS Cinema, 6259 Middle Fiskville Road

Michael Okeke is one of the many Nigerians living in New Delhi, part of a larger African diaspora which is often looked down upon by the locals and accused of being criminals and cannibals. Michael is studying for his MBA and dreams of joining the booming corporate sector in India, but is hopelessly stuck. He works as a small-time drug delivery guy to make ends meet, and it is this job and his African identity which keeps his life coming back full circle. His search for gainful employment lands him in the fringes of society, where the only person who takes him in is a sketchy woman by the name of Maansi—someone who does not judge him by his race or color. But while she does not discriminate between black and white, she also seems to find no difference between right and wrong—a sentiment being echoed in every aspect of the city’s DNA. As Michael navigates this tricky landscape and tries to please the God that is Delhi, we are taken on a journey into Indian society’s tricky relationship with race, color, and identity.

cli.re/87667-indie-meme-presents-dilli-dark

Chez Zee Gallery, 5406 Balcones Drive

Celebrate the season in style with the Women in Jazz Association. The afternoon includes soulful jazz, holiday classics, and smooth ballads. Featuring vocalists Pamela Hart, Silvie Rider Young, and Shawnda Birch, along with the renowned Ryan Howard Quartet, this event promises a musical journey that leaves you in the holiday spirit.

Zilker Metropolitan Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road

Every holiday season, Austin’s iconic Zilker Park is transformed into the Trail of Lights with over two million lights, more than 65 displays, 30 food trucks, two entertainment stages, 50 private holiday parties, and interactive experiences throughout the park.

austintrailoflights.org

Brockman Music and Performing Arts Center, Rice University, 6100 Main St.

As part of a special U.S. tour, the revered Pavel Haas Quartet is sure to flawlessly perform a program of Mozart, Martinů, and Janáček.

chambermusichouston.org/concerts/2024-12-10-pavel-haas

Plano ISD Robinson Fine Arts Center, 1800 Alma Drive

Plano Civic Chorus presents its annual holiday concert, a family-focused, afternoon show with classic holiday favorites, an audience sing-along, and a special visitor from the North Pole.

events.visitplano.com

Mansfield Park Arena, 2886 SH 16 North

Witness exciting barrel racing presented by Riding on Faith. Watch as the talented youth show the adults how it’s done. This event is also a third annual toy drive at Mansfield Park.

ridingonfaithrodeo.com

McCullough Theatre, 2375 Robert Dedman Drive

Miami’s sassiest seniors are on stage for one more hurrah. Relive the heartfelt hilarity of the four ladies who never stopped being best friends.

texasperformingarts.org

Stagecoach Park, 880 Main St.

Take a walk through Stagecoach Park to view twinkling lights and illuminated displays. Guests are shuttled from Cabela’s to see the array of festive scenes at their leisure. Food, fun, and holiday splendor await visitors, along with a visit from Santa.

Fulton Convention Center, 402 N. Fulton Beach Road

Create cherished memories by celebrating the holidays with live music, a meet-and-greet with Santa, giveaways, and other festivities.

fultonconventioncenter.com

Studio A at Austin PBS, 6101 Highland Campus Drive, Bldg. 3000

Founded by veteran pianist Oscar Hernández and dedicated to the New York City salsa dura sound, the three-time, Grammy-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra sets the standard for excellence in New York-style salsa. With an unwavering respect for the music’s history, the ensemble’s 13 musicians and vocalists come together for a salsa-fied holiday show.

texasperformingarts.org

Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth St.

Emma Ruth Rundle is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and visual artist. Formerly of the Nocturnes and Marriages, she has released five solo albums and is a member of Red Sparowes. She does a show with Storefront Church.

emmaruthrundle.com

Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St.

“The Watchmaker’s Song” is a jazzy and interactive re-imagination of the classic story of the “The Nutcracker.” This is a “Nutcracker” for everyone, as “The Watchmaker’s Song” is an immersive dance-theater production based on the beloved ballet, performed by Ventana Ballet.

ventanaballet.com/performances

Pioneer Hall, 2301 Avenue G

Delight in the traditions of the Old West as Anson holds its annual Texas Cowboys’ Christmas Ball. The original ball was held in 1885, and the traditions and grandeur of days long past are honored and brought to life every year.

texasccb.com

Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Road

Featuring six original short plays, this festival provides emerging artists a platform to showcase their creativity and engage with the broader arts community. The event combines dynamic performances with networking opportunities, fostering collaboration and contributing to the growth of Texas’ vibrant arts scene.

starbandits.org

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.

cameron-tx.com

Boerne Performing Arts, 215 W. Bandera Road, Suite 114-182

Under the music direction of Ryan Shirar, the quartet (Brent Barrett, John Cudia, Franc D’Ambrosio, and Ciarán Sheehan) performs a special holiday show that features the iconic music of Broadway, including “Phantom of the Opera” favorites, as well as glorious renditions of holiday favorites.

boerneperformingarts.com/artist-info

Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie, 1001 Texas Trust Way

Enjoy an evening of heartfelt songs and timeless hits from one of country’s most beloved voices.

texastrustcutheatre.com

Fulton Mansion State Historic Site, 317 Fulton Beach Road

Explore a Victorian Christmas with tours inside a seasonally decorated Fulton Mansion. This night of fun also includes crafts, hot chocolate, pictures with Santa, and a special reading of “The Night Before Christmas.”

thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/fulton-mansion

Cailloux Theater, 910 Main St.

Ballet Frontier presents this production of the classic ballet. Witness the magic and wonder as Clara and her incredible Christmas present are transported to the Land of Snow and are welcomed by the Sugar Plum Fairy.

caillouxperformingarts.com

The Palace, 112 W. Sixth Ave.

Experience the magic of the holidays with the Dallas String Quartet. Celebrate the season with an unforgettable night of reimagined Christmas classics.

corsicanapalace.com

Rockport Center for the Arts, 204 S. Austin St.

The Rockport Center for the Arts offers this workshop with American painter Tim Saternow, who is best known for his watercolors that capture the grittiness of New York City.

rockportartcenter.com

Bastrop Museum and Visitor Center, 904 Main St.

The Lost Pines Historic Homes Symposium is a must-attend event for historical architecture enthusiasts, offering a deep dive into preservation efforts, diverse building histories, and exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences. This year, the focus is on architecture relevant to minority communities, which includes the Kerr Community Center—a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places renowned for hosting everyone from Chitlin Circuit performers to royalty. Attendees experience guided VIP tours of five sites, expert panels and guest speakers, scavenger hunts with prizes, and catered lunches from local restaurants.

bastropcountyhistoricalsociety.com/lostpineshomessymposium

At this Cuero holiday tradition, visitors can enjoy taking pictures of a lighted Rudolph right beside a 30-foot Christmas tree topped with a gold star, ice skating downtown, an old-fashioned carousel, food trucks, horse carriage rides, and live entertainment.

cueromainstreet.com

Comanche Historic Square, 101 W. Grand Ave.

Christmas festivities in Comanche begin with the annual community Christmas tree decorating event on Friday. The local John Deere dealer brings a John Deere tractor to the square, offering children the opportunity to capture memorable photos with the Grinch. On Saturday, there’s the Christmas Parade with around 40 entries, and on Sunday, the Comanche Tour of Homes.

comanchechamber.org

Penfold Theatre, 2120 N. Mays St. #290

Join Clarence the Angel in getting to know George Bailey, a small-town dreamer from Bedford Falls. After a lifetime of sacrificing personal ambition for the good of his neighbors, a devious plot by the miserly Mr. Potter pushes George to the brink of despair. Now it’s up to Clarence to remind George what it means to have a “wonderful life”–before he throws it all away.

penfoldtheatre.org/event/its-a-wonderful-life/2024-12-28

National Ranching Heritage Center, 3121 Fourth St.

Experience a frontier Christmas at the National Ranching Heritage Center during the 46th annual Candlelight at the Ranch. Guests can enjoy a tour of historic structures with live reenactments from volunteers, a visit with Santa Claus, refreshments, and live music with a Texas swing.

ranchingheritage.org/nrhc-events/candlelight-at-the-ranch/#upcoming

Downtown, 200 W. Moore Ave.

Two days of festive Christmas fun kick off on Friday evening with holiday shopping, visits with Santa, carolers, and plenty of crafts and activities for kids. The annual Christmas tree lighting wraps up the evening. On Saturday morning, the annual Christmas Parade ushers in the warmth of a traditional small-town Christmas.

discoverterrell.com

Downtown, 303 Main St.

Sip N Stroll is a biannual event held in downtown Buda. Ticket holders receive a commemorative glass, tote for purchases, one-of-a-kind gift, and entertainment. Stroll through downtown shops and restaurants to taste a variety of spirits and featured menu bites.

downtownbudatx.com/sip-n-stroll

The Texas Theater, 213 W. Crawford St.

Join along for a unique twist on Charles Dickens’ classic tale, reimagined in the playful and rhyming style of Dr. Seuss. This live, interactive production promises to bring joy and laughter to audiences of all ages. In addition to the main performance, enjoy a variety show featuring local talent, adding even more festive fun to the evening.

thetexastheater.com

Meals on Wheels Senior Activity Center, 200 N. Church St.

This holiday shopping event offers a collection of specialty boutiques and merchants showcasing handmade, vintage-inspired gifts, artwork, gourmet foods, jewelry, seasonal decorations, housewares, adult and children’s clothing.

visitpalestine.com/christmas

Montalba Baptist Church, SH 19 and FM 321

Free guided tours through the streets of “Bethlehem” begin with a hay ride to the gates. Take a walk through the streets, complete with live animals and a show with local vendors.

visitpalestine.com/christmas

University Church, 221 Solon Road

With the help of her quirky brother George, Claire tries to keep everything together as things continue to unravel in this sidesplitting British farce reminiscent of “Arsenic and Old Lace.” Once the mayhem dies down, the true Christmas spirit shines brightly in a surprise ending that involves transformation, forgiveness, and a new beginning.

waxahachiecommunitytheatre.com

Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites, 414 State Loop 92

Join Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites this holiday season for the annual Trail of Lights. Explore themed German-Texan holiday displays, enjoy Victorian-era Christmas décor in the Kreische House, and visit on festival nights for live entertainment, crafts, and visits with Santa.

friendsofkbmh.org/trailoflights

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.

boerne-retail-restaurant-association-109974.square.site/a-toast-to-olde-town

The Clarion at Brazosport College, 500 College Drive

One of country radio’s most-played female artists over the last two decades, Sara Evans has carved a successful career anchored by her insightful songwriting and warm, evocative voice.

brazosport.edu/clarion

Freeport Municipal Park, 421 N. Brazosport Blvd.

Enjoy holiday festivities on the banks of the Old Brazos River, with a special appearance from Santa Claus and a lighted boat parade that fills you with Christmas spirit.

freeport.tx.us

Various locations

Shop local this holiday season. Gifts galore are waiting for you at Port Aransas shops and boutiques...and at great prices. Find many fun and whimsical treasures and the perfect gifts for your family and friends.

portaransas.org/events/shop-around/holiday-shop-around/

Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St.

Lonestar Ballet presents an enchanting performance of “The Nutcracker,” bringing the magic of the season to the beloved holiday tradition by filling it with dazzling choreography and festive music.

lonestarballet.org

Abilene Zoo, 2070 Zoo Lane

Meet Santa and his reindeer, visit the Arctic Lights, make a toy at Santa’s Toy Workshop, journey to Beltway’s Walk to Bethlehem, decorate a cookie at Mrs. Claus’s Texas Bakery, and be immersed in over 500,000 light. When the night gets chilly, make s’mores around the fire or warm your mittens with hot cocoa or a hot toddy.

abilenezoo.org

Dallas City Hall, 1500 Marilla St.

The annual BMW Dallas Marathon is in its 53rd year with numerous marathon, relay, and walking events.

Lila Cockrell Theatre, 200 E. Market St.

“The Children’s Nutcracker” is a truly enchanting, family-friendly adaptation of the classic Christmastime ballet. Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” has been captivating the hearts and minds of audiences for over a hundred years. Award-winning dancers and a talented array of young performers share the stage for this production filled with dazzling costumes, multimedia-integrated scenery, and even an interactive surprise or two for audience members. Each performance is an event that includes shopping, sweets, and Santa. And with a condensed 1.5-hour run time, it keeps even the youngest theatergoers engaged. Before the show, shop the Holiday Market filled with an extensive selection of dress-up items, including tutus and Sugarplum Fairy wands, Mouse King swords, as well as home décor including ornaments and, of course, nutcrackers.

sahbgcc.com/facilities/lila-cockrell-theatre

The Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre, 111 W. Main St.

The 3 Redneck Tenors are a new breed in the tenor genre. Their music is interspersed with comedy, making the experience somewhat like improv goes to Carnegie Hall.

thebarnhillcenter.com/events

Various locations , 200 E. Main St.

Tour some of the beautiful homes and structures of Nacogdoches during the holiday season. Tickets become available in November at the Visitors Center (200 E. Main St.) or during the event at any of the homes.

visitnacogdoches.org/p/things-to-do/events/annual-events

Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum, 101 Chisholm Trail

Ride in a covered wagon and experience live shows by reenactors demonstrating life in the 1800s on the Chisholm Trail during Christmastime. There is shopping, pictures with cowboy Santa Claus, hot chocolate, cider stations, and campfires to keep warm.

thechisholmtrailoutdoormuseum.com

Frankston Garden Club, 559 N. Frankston Hwy. 155

Celebrate the holidays with a self-guided tour of beautifully decorated homes in Frankston. This event is in correlation with Christmas in the Park.

frankstongardenclubtx.com

Downtown, 111 N. Tennessee St.

School bands, students, and local organizations march through historic downtown McKinney, decorated with lights and Christmas cheer. This favorite local holiday event, now in its 24th year, brings thousands to the square to celebrate the holidays.

mckinneyrotary.org/page/parade-of-lights

Main Street, Getty and Main Streets

Taste a variety of cookies while shopping in the business district.

Millard’s Crossing Historic Village, 6020 North St.

Guests experience live Christmas caroling, a photo op with Santa, a petting zoo, hayrides, a special Christmas tree lighting, face painting, a hot cocoa bar, food, lots of holiday demos, and crafts. Also, Lamp-Lite Theatre presents three showings of its “A Christmas Carol” production.

visitnacogdoches.org/events/2024/an-old-fashioned-christmas

Downtown, Main Street

Don’t miss more than 130 entries—from fanciful floats to fire trucks, unicycles to vintage cars, dancing Honey Bears to dignitaries, and Santa’s helpers to the big man himself—as they light up Main Street for this annual night parade. The parade begins at dusk and travels south down Main Street.

visitbastrop.com/lost-pines-christmas

Downtown, East Pacific Street

Excitement fills the air as patrons enjoy the annual Gladewater Christmas Parade. Participants show their creativity in decorating festive floats.

gladewaterchamber.org

Downtown

A day filled with crafts and food vendors at the Christmas Market ends with the lighted Christmas Parade.

Heritage Village, 157 PR 6000

Tour the Heritage Village Museum and get a photo with Santa then watch “The Polar Express” while enjoying some hot chocolate and snacks.

heritage-village.org

Real Ale Brewing Company, 2250 US 281

Shop for unique gifts at the vendor market, take a photo with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy beers and cocktails in the outdoor beer garden with live music.

realalebrewing.com/brewery-events

Downtown, 500 S. Texas Blvd.

See hundreds of runners dressed as Santa in Weslaco. This festive fun run is perfect for all ages. The route takes you through downtown Weslaco, kicking off the Weslaco Parade.

weslaco.com/parade

Downtown, 500 S. Texas Blvd.

Celebrate the holidays in Weslaco at the annual Lighted Christmas Parade, with over 100 units illuminating the streets of downtown Weslaco. This year’s theme is Santa’s Toyland.

weslaco.com/parade

Anson’s Main Street, Commercial Avenue

The entire community is engulfed in the Christmas spirit as the streets line with spectators who come from all over to enjoy the beauty and spectacle of the Parade of Lights. Watch as the dazzling floats, marching band, and holiday characters light up the streets.

ansonchamberofcommerce.com

The Bugle Boy , 1051 N. Jefferson St.

Sue Foley is the recipient of multiple blues awards and was the Guitarist of the Year winner in 2023 at the Austin Music Awards. She closes out The Bugle Boy’s 20th year.

thebugleboy.org

Palestine High School Auditorium, 1600 Loop 256

The Dogwood Jamboree is a Branson-style country music show filled with family fun, laughter, and classic country music.

visitpalestine.com/christmas

Downtown, Moore Avenue

A cherished community tradition that has brought holiday spirit to town for over 75 years, the Christmas Parade is themed “A Dickens Christmas,” this year. Marvel at decorated floats, see the antics of the Shriners clowns, and tap your feet to the tunes of local school bands and musicians. The parade also features performances by dance teams, cheer squads, and student groups, all showcasing the talent within the community.

discoverterrell.com

Cadence Bank Center, 301 W. Loop 121

A Central Texas shopping tradition since 1975, this family-friendly event features many small businesses all under one roof. Shop for home goods, art, jewelry, candles, bath and body products, boutique clothing and accessories, florals, garden décor, fabric crafts, leatherwork, pottery, and unique gifts.

bio.site/samishow

The 04 Center, 2701 S. Lamar Blvd.

Sunny Sweeney, a genre-bending, songwriting spitfire who has spent equal time in the rich musical traditions of Texas and Tennessee, puts on a show in Austin.

04center.com

Various locations

Beautifully decorated homes in Chappell Hill are open for tours.

chappellhillgardenclub.com

Montgomery Community Building, 14220 Liberty St.

Montgomery County’s oldest Christmas celebration offers a full day of events in downtown Montgomery. The event includes strolling carolers, the Holiday Marketplace offering homemade gifts and décor, old-fashioned decorations in the historic buildings on the evening historic home tour, and the famous Cookie Walk with tables laden with decorative cookies and candies to purchase by the pound. The city of Montgomery sponsors an old-fashioned parade in the morning.

mhs-tx.org

Various locations

Immerse yourself in the historic holiday tradition of the year and celebrate the spirit of the season, as seen through the lens of architectural marvels. Decorated with unique holiday styles for each home, tour a variety of different architectural styles and learn about what it’s like to live, work, and play in these historic homes.

historicwaxahachie.com

Railyard Park, 455 S. College St.

Every registrant receives a five-piece Santa suit to don during the run, adding to the festive atmosphere. And for those feeling a bit more mischievous, don’t miss out on the chance to be a Grinch and run in the opposite direction of the Santas.

ymcadallas.org/locations/waxahachie/SantaRun

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.

visitcleburne.com

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.

visitcollegestation.com

Main Plaza, 100 N. Main St.

On the second weekend of the month, hundreds of festive booths have on display everything from collectibles and remembrances of the past to modern innovations that bring a smile of wonder to visitors.

eventsoffmain.com/market-days

Kuhlmann-King Museum, 402 E. Blanco Road

Twice a month, the Kuhlmann-King house gives the public the opportunity to step back in time to see what a historic Boerne home looked like “way back when.” Monthly events and themes vary.

bahpsboerne.org

Sea Center Texas, 302 Medical Drive

“Sandy Claws” dives with the Sea Center Texas fishes to find out their Christmas wishes and to make sure the aquarium gets a good cleaning in preparation for Santa’s Christmas visit. Children can drop off their letters to Santa, and Sandy Claws makes sure they get delivered to the North Pole.

tpwd.state.tx.us/seacenter

Stahlman Park, 2211 Bluewater Highway

All ages can enjoy watching the Surfside Flyers Kite Club light up the sky with their enormous LED kites.

surfsidetx.org

Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Site, 1702 N. 13th St.

Tour the plantation house to discover Christmas in the 1800s. Relax outside and sip the beverage of the season, wassail, and Christmas cookies. Enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities, and a special visit from Santa. Visitors can also shop for gifts at Santa’s Market.

visitvarnerhoggplantation.com

Downtown

Get in the holiday spirit in the Cajun Capital of Texas with a downtown lighted parade that showcases the diverse cultures of the city. The parade route goes along Procter Street and ends at Houston Avenue.

visitportarthurtx.com

Sea Rim State Park , 19335 Gulfway Drive

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at Sea Rim State Park by airboat. Join them for cocoa, crafts, and photo opportunites.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/sea-rim

Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf, 900 Tarpon St.

Watch City Marina and the night sky come to life with a parade featuring holiday-decorated boats followed by the second annual Holiday Drone Show. The Dunebillies, who play eclectic rock from the 1960s to the ‘90s, provide holiday entertainment.

portaransas.org/event/lighted-boat-parade-%26-holiday-drone-show/3706/

Downtown , 105 S. Austin St.

Held every second Saturday of the month, the market offers vendor exhibits featuring locally grown produce, jams, jellies, pickled items, fresh baked bread, local honey, hen fruit, and freshly made goat soap.

facebook.com/rockportdowntownfarmersmarket

Downtown , 302 S Austin St.

Find handmade items from local artists and fun, one-of-a kind home décor at the local outdoor market held the second Saturday of every month.

rockport-fulton.org

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.

rockportartcenter.com/austin-street-art-walk

Downtown , South Austin Street

The Rockport District hosts Second Saturday every month with live music and special themes to enjoy along with the Artwalk, Farmers Market, and Makers Market.

rockportculturalartsdistrict.com/event/second-saturday-art-walk

Rockport Harbor , 100 Seabreeze Drive

The Rockport Yacht Club organizes this annual lighted Christmas Boat Parade that starts at sundown at the entrance to Rockport Harbor.

rockportyachtclub.org/boat-parades

Cailloux Theater, 910 Main St.

“A Cowboy Christmas” is a vibrant holiday celebration featuring Murphey’s renowned Rio Grande Band, captivating master-artist photographs, breathtaking videos, and delightful cowboy poetry.

caillouxperformingarts.com

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.

visitcorsicana.com

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.

banderabusiness.com

Main Street

Line up on Main Street to see Santa and Mrs. Claus and other holiday revelers. Enjoy the fun and activities in town. The Cowboy Capital Parade heads north on Main Street.

banderabusiness.com

Mansfield Park Arena, 2886 SH 16 North

At the sixth annual Jingle Bulls, visitors can enjoy steer riding, ranch bronc, junior bull riding, and open bull riding. This event is also a toy drive, so bring a toy for a tot.

ridingonfaithrodeo.com

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.

eventvesta.com/events/84700/t/tickets

Margarite B. Parker Chapel, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX 78212, One Trinity Place

This non-denominational German Christmas celebration is open to everyone. It includes the telling of the Christmas story in German, using traditional scripture, Christmas poems, carols, and seasonal music. Sing “Stille Nacht,” and “O Tannenbaum,” in German, with words and music provided. The Beethoven Maennerchor and the San Antonio Liederkranz choirs perform. Arrive early to hear Dr. David Heller’s prelude on the magnificent chapel organ. The annual celebration is free, family-friendly, and open to the public.

saweihnachtsfeier.org

Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road

For 45-plus seasons, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been a fine art shopping destination featuring national and local award-winning artists alongside live music in a festive, lively atmosphere. Experience a selection of curated artists with works to excite every art lover, collector, or first-time visitor; plus, live local music.

armadillobazaar.com

Lyndon Baines Johnson State Park, 199 Park Road 52

Enjoy this special tradition started 55 years ago by President and First Lady Johnson. Enjoy carolers, a live nativity, Santa Claus, refreshments, and of course, the tree lighting. Journey back in time at the Sauer-Beckmann Farm at dusk. The ambiance created by the lantern-lit path, the real Christmas tree in the parlor, and the live music transports you back to what an authentic Texas-German Christmas was like at the turn of the century.

tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/lyndon-b-johnson/55th-annual-tree-lighting

Martha Luigi Auditorium, 1803 Omohundro St.

Experience holiday magic as the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra collaborates with the Rockort-Fulton High School Pirate Chorale for an afternoon filled with music and merriment.

rfeducationfoundation.org

Enjoy caroling with wagon and buggy rides and horseback rides.

banderabusiness.com

Winedale Historic Site, Winedale Historical Complex, 3738 FM 2714

Spend the afternoon in 19th-century Winedale. Enjoy crafts and folklife demonstrations, musical performances, a quilt exhibit, hay rides, food and beverages, and other festivities from a bygone era.

Toyota Stadium, 9200 World Cup Way

The Frisco Bowl is an annual college bowl game played at Toyota Stadium. The bowl game is owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN. Participating teams are announced at a later date.

thefriscobowl.com

Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St.

Enjoy your favorite holiday music at “Happy Holiday Pops,” a celebration with carols, classics, and a sing-along—an Amarillo holiday tradition.

amarillosymphony.org

Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum, 101 Chisholm Trail

Over a million Christmas lights and decorations cover the historical grounds of the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum. With a donation at the front gate, visitors get access to giveaways, hot chocolate and cider stations, s’mores kits, and campfires.

thechisholmtrailoutdoormuseum.com

The Cowboy Church of Lee County, 2645 CR 117

This holiday season, step into a spectacular world of wonder without leaving the comfort of your car. Drive through a nativity experience that brings the timeless story of Christmas to life. See all your favorite Christmas scenes, majestic angels, and adorable animals.

leecountycowboychurch.org

Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie, 1001 Texas Trust Way

Celebrate the season with a festive evening of holiday classics and cowboy poetry from this legendary country artist.

texastrustcutheatre.com

Downtown , Beaton Street

Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s bringing the festive spirit. Participate in the Christmas Hat Decorating Contest and stand a chance to win prizes. Don your most creative holiday hat and bring the warmth of the season to downtown.

visitcorsicana.com

Penfold Theatre, 2120 N. Mays St. #290

Penfold’s fictional 1940s radiocasters invite you to an after-dark version of “Die Hard,” reimagined as the irreverent, Prairie Home Companion Christmas special that never should have existed. Back by popular demand and for one night only, you’re invited to a night of irreverent holiday fun. Because some nights Christmas just isn’t Christmas until Bruce Willis drops Alan Rickman off a California skyscraper.

penfoldtheatre.org

Kemp Center for the Arts, 1300 Lamar St.

Celebrating the artistry and history of the American traditional tattoo, the Sacred Art exhibit features 100 paintings by tattoo artists from across the United States. Each artist creates their unique interpretation of one of the most iconic symbols found in tattooing: the sacred heart.

artscouncilwf.org/exhibits/sacredart2024

Hill Country Mile, 100 N. Main St.

Bring the kids for a weekend full of Christmas fun. Enjoy a cookie crawl, Santa scavenger hunt, visits with Father Christmas, and the Cowboy Christmas Market. Everyone is encouraged to show off their ugly Christmas s