Texas celebrates the holiday season with major merriment and should be on your holiday family travel list. The state is filled with a sense of wonder, tradition and hospitality complete with a myriad of parades, festivals and twinkling lights. Here are some festive activities family travelers can find across the state:
© Courtesy of Visit College Station
College Station
Magic awaits at Santa’s Wonderland, the largest outdoor Christmas celebration in Texas. The seasonal amusement park spans more than 130 acres, offering hayrides through millions of dazzling lights and a snow playground where children of all ages can perfect their snow angels and ice skating.
© Courtesy of Visit New Braunfels
New Braunfels
Quaint New Braunfels shines with Santa’s Ranch, a drive-through experience featuring 1.5 million twinkling lights, open Nov. 3–Dec. 31. Take a photo with holiday legend Cowboy Kringle in Gruene; sing carols in the caves at Natural Bridge Caverns’ Christmas market; and shop at Weihnachtsmarkt, a traditional open-air Christmas market, or Gruene Christmas Market Days.
© Courtesy of Visit Grapevine
Grapevine
The Christmas Capital of Texas, Grapevine packs 1,400 holiday-themed events into 40 days. The historical town glows with millions of lights, decorations, animated characters, parades and fun-filled journeys on the North Pole Express. The season kicks off with Carol of Lights Nov. 20, featuring photos with live reindeer, holiday bounce houses, seasonal crafts and delicious food.
© Courtesy of Visit Georgetown TX
Georgetown
Ring in the holidays at Georgetown’s renowned town square with the 42nd annual Christmas Stroll. Organized by the Downtown Georgetown Association, highlights include a holiday parade, music, Whoville Hair Salon, Bethlehem village, photos with Santa and more than 150 vendors.
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