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Is there anything cozier than a town in the Hill Country on the holidays? Wrapped up for the winter weather (or, in the case of Texas, wearing light layers to make up for the somewhat buoyant temperatures), strolling through quaint town squares and basking in the glow of millions of tiny twinkling lights – it’s the best way to get the holiday started Season.
San Antonians don’t have to travel far to get to a brand-worthy holiday celebration. In addition to the many events taking place around the city of Alamo, it seems like almost every Hill Country village has a special event at this time of year.
So, saddle up the reindeer and head out for a fun time in the Hill Country.
Johnson City – Lights spectacular!
So big is Johnson City’s impressive light display that organizers brag about being seen from space. Pedernales Electric Cooperative (the most fitting Christmas light spectacle sponsor ever) is transforming their headquarters into a brilliant display of more than 1 million LED lights.
The city itself joins the cheers, illuminating buildings and trees and offering festive entertainment such as carriage rides and lamplight tours of Lyndon B. Johnson’s youth home. And mark your calendar for November 29th when the Lights Spectacular Lighted Hooves & Wheels Parade marches through this sparkling city.
November 26 – January 2, 2022
Dickens on Main slides back to Boerne.
Dickens on the Main
Börne – Dickens on the Main
Travel back in time to Victorian England (without leaving the Tube area). Boerne’s famous Dickens on Main kicks off the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 26th, with weekly specials through Christmas. Watch Boerne’s “Hill Country Mile” transform into a winter wonderland, with ice carvings, street artists and vendors, Dickens figurines, photos with Santa and a handmade market to collect all your Christmas gifts.
Make a note of the dates for December 3rd and 4th when the 34th annual Christmas Parade of more than 100 floats takes over historic Main Street. Other special events include outdoor movies, special nights of shopping, and a stocking walk. Grab the kids for the Kids Nights December 17-19 with a downtown cookie tour, a visit to Santa Claus, a scavenger hunt, and real reindeer.
November 26th – December 25th
A mother, father, and child form a snow family on the Wimberley Trail of Lights at the Emily Ann Theater and Gardens Hear High School.Terry Scott Bertling, staff member / San Antonio Express-News
Wimberley Christmas Path of Lights and Tree Lights in Wimberley
For the past 14 years, this holiday celebration has grown to take up the entire Hill Country town of Wimberley. Stroll a six-acre hiking trail on the grounds of the EmilyAnn Theater for fun demonstrations and magical moments. Most of the small shops and restaurants in the town center participate in the celebration, and every December it transforms from a picturesque hill country destination to a holiday village.
Trail of Lights: 4-5, 8-12, 15-23, 26 December (lights turn on on Christmas Eve and Christmas, but there is no service.)
Walkway of Lights in Marble Falls.
Courtesy Walkway of Lights
Marble falls – Path of lights
There are holiday celebrations and then there is the Marble Falls holiday celebration which features 2 million twinkling lights to create a truly magical memory. Dubbed “one of the biggest holiday celebrations in the Highland Lakes,” the Walkway of Lights takes over the city’s Lakeside Park each year. Visitors can admire more than 130 lighted sculptures winding along the sidewalk, providing an Insta-worthy way to usher in the holiday season.
Other special events this year include weekend get-togethers with Santa and his elves, ice skating and a Christmas parade. Or, get in your car and head out to see the best Christmas light shows in the Highland Lakes. (Note: Johnson City is only 20 minutes away if you want to turn it into a real party.)
19 November-1. January 2022
Austin – Peppermint Parkway
Austin’s Trail of Lights draws all the attention when it hits the city’s Zilker Park with millions of twinkling lights, but the Peppermint Parkway is a truly unique experience. The event is hosted on the Circuit of The Americas and features a mile-long trail of lights with funny characters, festival songs, and even dancing elves. After driving down Peppermint Parkway, skip the car and enjoy rides and snacks in the amusement park, a visit to Santa Claus, and go-kart racing.
Insider tip: Consider getting the Track Lap add-on, which allows you to take your car with you on the actual Formula 1 racetrack. There’s nothing quite (or funnier) than watching a parade of minivans and sedans on a professional speedway. Bonus points for shutting down your windows and playing racing sounds through your car speakers.
November 26th-26th December
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