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Simply put, winter is a time of celebration. No matter what your culture, religion, or nationality, there's some form of holiday this time of year. From tamales to parades to various lighting ceremonies and dazzling displays, there's a festival for everyone in Texas. Make the most of your holiday season with these 10 winter festivals in Texas.
1. Dickens on the Strand - Galveston
In December, you can travel back in time to 19th-century England and experience life through the eyes of a character in a Dickens novel. Stroll around Dickens on the Strand and take in all the sights: Christmas carolers decked out in Victorian attire, horse-and-carriages, bagpipers, and more.
This Texas holiday festival takes place December 6-8, 2024. Visit the Dickens on the Strand website for a schedule of events, tickets, and more.
Check out one of the most unique winter traditions in Texas - Dickens on the Strand, in this video from Ryson Vacation Rentals.
2. Lights Spectacular Hill Country Style - Johnson City
Johnson City during the holiday season is a perfect example of how "everything's bigger in Texas." Every Friday night in December, the courthouse goes ablaze with over 100,000 Christmas lights. There are also photo ops with Santa, carriage rides, and plenty of vendors selling holiday wares.
The Twinkliest Town in Texas kicks off on November 29, 2024, and runs through January 5, 2025. Visit the Lights Spectacular website to learn more.
3. The 12 Days of Christmas at the Arboretum - Dallas
The Dallas Arboretum is truly a sight to see at Christmastime. Twelve 25-foot Victorian gazebos are scattered throughout the gardens, each filled with a different subject from the famous "12 Days of Christmas" song. The characters come to life with movement and music, and you're provided with holiday treats to eat and hot chocolate to sip on while you wander around and admire the scenes.
Holiday at the Arboretum takes place from November 13, 2024, until January 5, 2025. Visit the Holiday at the Arboretum website for tickets.
4. Texas Christkindl Market - Arlington
This traditional German Market is one of the largest outdoor holiday markets in the U.S. Between the authentic German gifts, decorations, cuisine, live entertainment, and kid-friendly activities, it's a unique experience for the whole family.
The Texas Christkindl Market 2024 dates are November 22-24, 2024, and November 29-December 23, 2024. Visit the Texas Christkindl Market website to learn more.
5. Christmas on Main - Grapevine
Of course, the "Christmas Capital of Texas" had to make the list. The parade featuring over 100 lighted floats rolls through town in early December, but there are plenty of spectacular events taking place throughout the season if you can't make it.
The Christmas capital of Texas has a lengthy list of holiday events you’ll want to check out. Visit the Grapevine website to see what’s on the horizon.
Learn more about the "Christmas Capital of Texas" in this video about Grapevine, TX from Britt & Chris Travel.
6. Tamales! - San Antonio
Although not a Christmas celebration, Tamales! is still festive - after all, they're the winter food of choice here in Texas. Immerse yourself in the Mexican culture with music, decorations, and over 40 tamale vendors. Tamales! is held in early December in San Antonio, TX. Follow the tamale festival's Facebook page to stay up to date.
7. Festival of Lights - Galveston
We know we mention this one quite a bit, but we just can't get over how dazzling the display is. Between over a million lights, an outdoor ice rink, an Arctic slide, and hot chocolate, the Festival of Lights is an ideal holiday destination for the whole family. You can join in on the fun from December until the first week of January.
8. Children's Health Holiday Parade - Dallas
A very Macy's-esque parade, this celebration in Dallas not only helps ring in the upcoming holiday but benefits sick children as well. There are ginormous balloons, over-the-top floats, marching bands, and epic Christmas lights displays. The Dallas Holiday Parade typically takes place on the first Saturday in December. This year, you'll want to mark your calendars for Saturday, December 7, 2024. Visit the Dallas Holiday Parade website for tickets.
9. Charro Days - Brownsville
Charro Days is an age-old celebration of the intermingling of Mexican and American cultures. It runs from the end of February to early March, it recently celebrated its 85th anniversary! Among other things, the events include street dancing, a carnival, a parade, and a costume ball.
Charro Days takes place February 27-March 1, 2025. Visit the Charro Days website to follow along as the date gets closer.
Charro Days in Brownsville, TX is another winter festival with a long history. Learn more about it in this video from BISD-KBSD ITV.
10. Mardi Gras - Galveston
It may not be as big as it is in New Orleans, but Galveston's Mardi Gras is the largest in Texas and the third largest in the U.S. Enjoy drinks, food, parades, and the general sense of excitement that comes with the end of Lent. The celebration is held for nearly two weeks in February.
Mardi Gras 2025 is March 4, but the festivities in Galveston take place for a few weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday. Go ahead and block off your schedule from February 21 until March 4. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Have you been to any of these winter festivals in Texas? If some of your favorite winter festivals near you didn’t make the list, what and where are they?
If this article puts you in the Christmas spirit, check out the Christmas lights road trip through Texas that's nothing short of magical. Checking out the holiday displays is one of the best things to do in Texas in winter!
