‘Tis the season to do all of the holiday things. Hit the holiday markets, buy a nutcracker, or better yet, go see the Nutcracker. Watch all of the parades, and go to a tree lighting, or two! The Lone Star State is full of festive fun; you just gotta find it. So, dust off your Santa hat, grab your coat, heat up some cocoa, and let’s map out your holiday plans, Texas-style.
Go see The Nutcracker
Every year, The Nutcracker pirouettes across Texas. Think twinkling costumes, grand choreography, and enchanting sets that transport you straight into Clara’s world or an actual snow globe (only with more dancing).
- Texas Ballet Theater
Fort Worth: Dec 13–29 at Bass Performance Hall
Dallas: Nov 29–Dec 8 at Winspear Opera House - Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker
A classic Christmas Tree lighting, but make it Texas
There’s no better way to start the holiday season than with a big ‘ol tree lighting. And we mean Texas big: What’s that saying? The higher the tree, the closer to the North Pole? And yes, there will be carolers. There will be a blinding amount of twinkling lights. And very likely some over-the-top Christmas cheer energy that is absolutely unavoidable. You’re welcome! But the real star of the show? The tallest live Christmas tree in the state: an 82-foot Norway Spruce that even outshines Rockefeller’s by eight feet, how ‘bout them apples, New York?
Skip the malls, hop to the holiday markets
Holiday markets are where the gifting magic happens: warm lights, artisan treasures, handmade treats, local craftsmen, and overall, all the coziest vibes. In Houston, more than 270 vendors gather for one of the city’s biggest festive shopping markets. Arlington goes full German Christmas with its 14th annual Christkindl Market, overflowing with glowing displays and old-world goodies. And in Austin, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar takes over the Palmer Events Center with nearly 200 artists and 30 live music performances because… Austin’s gonna Austin.
- Texas Christkindl Market – Arlington
- Armadillo Christmas Bazaar – Austin
- Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market – Houston
Pull up a seat for your local holiday parade
Texas does parades right, bright lights, lively bands, and plenty of holiday cheer. This year, Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas, celebrates its 45th year with 100+ illuminated floats. But San Antonio? San Antonio takes to the water, with 27 sparkling river floats that are literally floating on by.
- Dallas Holiday Parade
- Grapevine Parade of Lights (we actually wrote a whole dang article about the holiday magic that is Grapevine!)
- Ford Holiday River Parade – San Antonio
Take a hike through the Austin Trail of Lights
- One of Austin’s most iconic holiday events, the Austin Trail of Lights (Dec 8–23) transforms Zilker Park into a glowing wonderland with more than two million twinkling LEDs, whimsical displays, and festive activities for all ages.
Gift wrapping it all up
So there you have it, your ultimate Texas holiday playbook. Whether you're twirling at the ballet, hunting for the perfect handmade gift, or watching floats drift on down the San Antonio, there's no shortage of ways to make this season merry and bright. Pro tip? Don't try to do it all in one weekend (though we admire the ambition). Pick your favorites, rally your crew, and get out there and make some memories. Happy holidays, y'all!
Love discovering Texas Crafted gems?
Follow us at @txcrafted for more handpicked local finds, hidden hotspots, and Lone Star favorites—straight to your feed.
‘Tis the season to do all of the holiday things. Hit the holiday markets, buy a nutcracker, or better yet, go see the Nutcracker. Watch all of the parades, and go to a tree lighting, or two! The Lone Star State is full of festive fun; you just gotta find it. So, dust off your Santa hat, grab your coat, heat up some cocoa, and let’s map out your holiday plans, Texas-style.
Go see The Nutcracker
Every year, The Nutcracker pirouettes across Texas. Think twinkling costumes, grand choreography, and enchanting sets that transport you straight into Clara’s world or an actual snow globe (only with more dancing).
- Texas Ballet Theater
Fort Worth: Dec 13–29 at Bass Performance Hall
Dallas: Nov 29–Dec 8 at Winspear Opera House - Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker
A classic Christmas Tree lighting, but make it Texas
There’s no better way to start the holiday season than with a big ‘ol tree lighting. And we mean Texas big: What’s that saying? The higher the tree, the closer to the North Pole? And yes, there will be carolers. There will be a blinding amount of twinkling lights. And very likely some over-the-top Christmas cheer energy that is absolutely unavoidable. You’re welcome! But the real star of the show? The tallest live Christmas tree in the state: an 82-foot Norway Spruce that even outshines Rockefeller’s by eight feet, how ‘bout them apples, New York?
Skip the malls, hop to the holiday markets
Holiday markets are where the gifting magic happens: warm lights, artisan treasures, handmade treats, local craftsmen, and overall, all the coziest vibes. In Houston, more than 270 vendors gather for one of the city’s biggest festive shopping markets. Arlington goes full German Christmas with its 14th annual Christkindl Market, overflowing with glowing displays and old-world goodies. And in Austin, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar takes over the Palmer Events Center with nearly 200 artists and 30 live music performances because… Austin’s gonna Austin.
- Texas Christkindl Market – Arlington
- Armadillo Christmas Bazaar – Austin
- Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market – Houston
Pull up a seat for your local holiday parade
Texas does parades right, bright lights, lively bands, and plenty of holiday cheer. This year, Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas, celebrates its 45th year with 100+ illuminated floats. But San Antonio? San Antonio takes to the water, with 27 sparkling river floats that are literally floating on by.
- Dallas Holiday Parade
- Grapevine Parade of Lights (we actually wrote a whole dang article about the holiday magic that is Grapevine!)
- Ford Holiday River Parade – San Antonio
Take a hike through the Austin Trail of Lights
- One of Austin’s most iconic holiday events, the Austin Trail of Lights (Dec 8–23) transforms Zilker Park into a glowing wonderland with more than two million twinkling LEDs, whimsical displays, and festive activities for all ages.
Gift wrapping it all up
So there you have it, your ultimate Texas holiday playbook. Whether you're twirling at the ballet, hunting for the perfect handmade gift, or watching floats drift on down the San Antonio, there's no shortage of ways to make this season merry and bright. Pro tip? Don't try to do it all in one weekend (though we admire the ambition). Pick your favorites, rally your crew, and get out there and make some memories. Happy holidays, y'all!
Love discovering Texas Crafted gems?
Follow us at @txcrafted for more handpicked local finds, hidden hotspots, and Lone Star favorites—straight to your feed.
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