10 Best Christmas Events in Texas for 2025

When it comes to celebrating Christmas, Texas doesn’t hold back. The Lone Star State is home to massive light displays, one-of-a-kind markets, and festivals that mix local traditions with plenty of Texas grit. The holiday season here is as bold and diverse as the state itself.

We know digging through endless event listings can be overwhelming, so we’ve done the work for you. Here are the top 10 Christmas events in Texas for 2025, all in one place, so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying the season.

These events are not ranked in any particular order. Each one is included because it's  popular or worth knowing about. 

1. Santa’s Wonderland - College Station

Santa’s Wonderland is exactly what it sounds like: a Texas-sized holiday playground. Millions of lights stretch across this festive park, but it’s the extras that make it unforgettable: hayrides, live music, Santa visits, snow tubing, and a Texas Christmas Village filled with shopping and food. 

• Dates: November 14 – December 30, 2025
  
• Address: 18898 Hwy 6, College Station, TX 77845
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: No
  
• Free: No
  
• Website: santas-wonderland.com

2. Austin Trail of Lights

Austin’s holiday spirit shines brightest at the Trail of Lights, where Zilker Park transforms into a mile-long walk-through of themed displays, tunnels of light, and food trucks serving local favorites. Live entertainment adds to the experience, making it a tradition for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re bringing kids, gathering friends, or going for date night, it’s one of the most photogenic holiday events in Texas.

• Dates: December 2025 (exact dates TBA)
  
• Address: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: No
  
• Free: Some nights
  
• Website: austintrailoflights.org

3. The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail – Austin

This event is a rare twist on holiday celebrations. Set in the gardens of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the trail immerses visitors in Tim Burton’s cult-classic world with art installations, live scenes, and music. It’s part light show, part theater, and a must for fans who want something different from the traditional holiday cheer.

• Dates: September 25 – November 30, 2025
  
• Address: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Not specified
  
• Free: No
  
• Website: texasperformingarts.org

4. Holiday Lights on the San Antonio River Walk

Few holiday backdrops are as iconic as San Antonio’s River Walk, lined with twinkling lights. More than 100,000 lights drape the cypress trees, reflecting in the water as boats, carolers, and visitors float by. The season kicks off with the Ford Holiday River Parade, but the lights stay up for weeks, making it one of the best free events in the state for families and visitors alike.

• Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 13, 2026 (Parade: Nov 28)
  
• Address: San Antonio River Walk, 849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Website: thesanantonioriverwalk.com

5. Armadillo Christmas Bazaar – Austin

For nearly five decades, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been Austin’s answer to holiday shopping with a creative twist. Dozens of artists and craftspeople showcase their work, while live music performances keep the atmosphere lively. It’s a marketplace, a concert, and a holiday gathering rolled into one, perfect for finding unique, locally made gifts.

• Dates: December 13 – 21, 2025
  
• Address: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: No
  
• Free: No
  
• Website: armadillobazaar.com

6. Peppermint Parkway – Austin

Held at the Circuit of The Americas, Peppermint Parkway is one of Texas’s most unique drive-through light experiences. Visitors cruise through tunnels of lights, themed zones, and holiday characters, all set against the backdrop of a world-class racing venue. With rides, food, and photo ops along the way, it’s a holiday celebration with a distinctly Austin twist.

• Dates: November 22 – December 29, 2025
  
• Address: Circuit of The Americas, 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd, Austin, TX 78617
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: No
  
• Free: No
  
• Website: peppermintparkway.com

7. Tomball German Christmas Market

This annual market brings the flavors and traditions of Germany to Texas. Dozens of vendors, three music stages, festive contests, and authentic German food and drink create a lively and family-friendly atmosphere. With free admission and an open-air setting, it’s one of the most accessible and community-focused holiday events in the state.

• Dates: December 12 – 14, 2025
  
• Address: 201 S Elm St, Tomball, TX 77375
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (leashed)
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: tomballgermanfest.org

8. Marble Falls Walkway of Lights

Marble Falls offers one of the state’s most charming small-town Christmas experiences. Over two million lights shine across the lakeshore, while visitors enjoy live music, family activities, and photos with Santa. The highlight is the annual lakeside parade, a can’t-miss tradition for anyone nearby.

• Dates: November 22 – December 31, 2025 (Parade: Dec 5)
  
• Address: Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Dr, Marble Falls, TX 78654
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (leashed)
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: visitmarblefalls.org

9. Home for the Holidays Market – Waco

For serious shoppers, the Home for the Holidays Market brings together more than 130 vendors and artisans. From rare gifts to handmade decor and local food, it’s a treasure trove for holiday finds. Held over three days, it’s a great stop for anyone looking to support small businesses and pick up one-of-a-kind items.

• Dates: September 19 – 21, 2025
  
• Address: Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Free: No ($6–$10)
  
• Website: texastimetravel.com

10. Texas Live Entertainment Christmas Market – Arlington

Located in the entertainment district near the sports stadiums, this outdoor market blends holiday shopping with live music and Texas-style food. Vendors and artisans showcase gifts and crafts, while the festive atmosphere makes it a destination for both locals and visitors. The market stretches across multiple weekends, giving you plenty of chances to check it out.

• Dates: November 21 – 23, & November 28 – December 23, 2025
  
• Address: 1650 E Randol Mill Rd, Arlington, TX 76011
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: txchristkindlmarket.com

Celebrate Christmas Texas-Style

From world-class light shows to cozy markets and parades, Texas delivers holiday experiences as big and bold as the state itself. Are you planning a road trip or just looking for a local event to enjoy? These celebrations bring plenty of seasonal spirit in 2025.

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Have an event to add or see an update we should make? Email us at info@thechristmas.com.