Texas’ holiday season is like no other, from glistening ice sculptures to natural caverns filled with carols. While some of these events are best experienced at night, others offer full-day activities, so planning ahead is key. Make a list, check it twice, and get ready for an unforgettable holiday adventure that’s worth the drive.
1 Christmas at the Caverns • Natural Bridge Caverns
Just north of San Antonio, the Natural Bridge Caverns transform into a subterranean holiday wonderland. Christmas at the Caverns offers caroling echoing through limestone formations, and 1/3-mile light displays along the natural rock pathways. Take a guided tour and see the lights bounce off ancient formations, then catch a live nativity scene.
Above ground, Santa “Spelunker” Claus will be waiting to say hello, and families can also enjoy a Christmas campfire, carol singing, and s’mores. It’s a Texas-sized Christmas tradition with a sprig of underground mystery.
1:30 drive from Georgetown • 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, San Antonio • ADMISSION $19-48 • every weekend in December
2 Holidays at the Heard • McKinney
Imagine a nighttime hike where dinosaurs greet you along the path — Holidays at the Heard is where holiday magic meets a prehistoric adventure.
Located at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, their annual fundraiser, December 6-7, features a glowing array of lights, seasonal tunes, and life-size dinosaur models illuminated for the occasion. Families can walk a 1/2-mile trail and admire these ancient giants brought to life with lights, offering a unique twist on holiday decor. It’s a fantastic outing that combines the awe of nature and the wonder of the holiday season.
3:15 drive from Georgetown • 1 Nature Place, McKinney • ADMISSION $17 AND UNDER
DECEMBER 6-7 • 6-9pm
3 Ice Land: pole-to-pole • MOODY GARDENS • Galveston
Make your way to Galveston for a cool experience you won’t find anywhere else this side of China. Moody Gardens’ Holiday in the Gardens will feature Ice Land: Pole-to-Pole, a display of two million pounds of ice that has been in the hands of Asian carvers since October. Walk through a frozen menagerie of polar bears, penguins, humpback whales, snowy owls, walruses, and of course, reindeer all expertly crafted out of frozen artistry. Pack your parka, as the temperature inside stays around nine degrees!
Visitors can enjoy a Festival of Lights trail set to holiday music, featuring two million lights, outdoor ice skating, an Arctic Slide, train rides, and holiday-themed 3D films, including the Rudolph 4D Experience. Dining options are equally festive, with choices from casual treats like funnel cakes to lavish holiday buffets, plus special meals like Breakfast with Santa and Christmas dinners.
3:45 drive from Georgetown • 1 Hope Boulevard, Galveston • ADMISSION $21 AND UP
THRU JAN 1 • 4-9pm (10pm peak)
4 ICE! at Gaylord Texan • Grapevine
Over in Grapevine, Texas’ self-proclaimed “Christmas Capital,” the Gaylord Texan Resort pulls out all the stops with ICE!, a holiday attraction that reflects 12,000 hours of sculpting in 2 million pounds of ice. Stroll through ice renditions of beloved Christmas stories or whimsical winter scenes. Wander through this frozen fantasyland and snap photos with colorful ice sculptures, try an ice slide, and marvel at the craftsmanship of the artists who bring these sculptures to life. The Gaylord also hosts a variety of other holiday events, including a gingerbread decorating station and a classic holiday village to shop for Texas-style Christmas goodies.
3:00 drive from Georgetown • 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine • ADMISSION $20 – $43
THRU JANUARY 5 • 9AM-10pm
5 THE LIGHT PARK • Dell Diamond • Round Rock
Right now, Dell Diamond is a glittering wonderland as host to The Light Park — an immersive and vibrant drive-thru filled with dazzling holiday lights and festive music. Pack your car with family, friends, and even pets, to cruise through a mile-long array of sparkling lights synchronized to holiday tunes. Matt Johnson, co-creator of The Light Park, says, “Grab your snacks, roll down the windows, and enjoy one of the most spectacular ways to celebrate the season.” With Instagram-worthy scenes, food and drink, and the thrill of driving through a tunnel of lights, The Light Park is sure to be a holiday highlight.
:20 drive from Georgetown
3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock • $29 per vehicle • THRU JAN 5 • 5:30-10pm (11pm weekends)
6 Christmas Stroll & lighting Georgetown
Right here in Georgetown, the Christmas Stroll and Lighting of the Square are hallmarks of holiday tradition. Kicking off with the annual lighting of the town square, Georgetown’s historic district transforms into a Hallmark movie scene with twinkling lights, decorations, and holiday music filling the air. The Christmas Stroll takes place the first weekend in December and features everything from a hometown parade to an artisan market where you can find unique gifts from local makers. Children can enjoy Santa’s village, and everyone can warm up with hot cocoa or treats from local vendors. The iconic Williamson County Courthouse serves as a picturesque centerpiece, beautifully illuminated for the season.
AUSTIN AVENUE & MAIN ST.DECEMBER 6-8
Friday • 4-10pm • Saturday • 10AM – 9:30pm • Sunday • 10am-4pm
Other Holiday Gems to Consider
From the Fredericksburg German Christmas Market, where you’ll find mulled wine and authentic Bavarian crafts, to the Dripping Springs Christmas on Mercer Street, each destination brings its own Texas twist to the festivities.
For those willing to go the extra mile, the Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park and San Antonio River Walk’s Holiday Lights are iconic events that immerse you in holiday cheer amid city skylines and river views.