Fredericksburg is a one-stop shop for all kinds of holiday fun. This Texas Hill Country town is brimming with live music, seasonal celebrations, and turkey-themed events. Aside from feasting on delicious food with loved ones, here are some of the exciting Thanksgiving festivities to take part in around town.

Live Music at Luckenbach

Thanksgiving Ball in Luckenbach

What better way to kick off the holiday season in Texas than dancing the night away to live country tunes? At the Thanksgiving Ball in Luckenbach Texas, legend Dale Watson will entertain the crowd at the town’s historic dancehall. An award-winning country musician, Watson has been inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame and performed on late-night TV and PBS’s Austin City Limits. The 2024 Thanksgiving Ball is November 27, and attendees must buy a ticket in advance. For more information on this year’s event, see here.   

Turkey Trot

The Turkey Trot is an annual family favorite. This Thanksgiving event welcomes everyone, including babies in strollers and (leashed) pups, to move at your own pace. Participants can pick from a 1-mile Fun Run/Walk, a 5K Run/Walk, and a 10K Run/Walk through Fredericksburg’s main neighborhoods. It’s a chance to enjoy fresh air, connect with the community, and take on a physical challenge. Not to mention, the proceeds benefit Heart of the Hills - MOM Center. This year’s Turkey Trot takes place on November 30, 2024, beginning at Fredericksburg Elementary School. 

2019 Trade Days Holiday Encore

Fredericksburg Trade Days November

This season, shop ‘til you drop while supporting local businesses at Fredericksburg Trade Days. Held every third weekend of the month across from Wildseed Farms, this beloved shopping experience combines the vibes of an open-air bazaar, an art show, and live music. Over 350 vendors sell their wares across several acres and multiple barns. Highlighting the area’s finest artists, makers, and small businesses, Fredericksburg Trade Days is a great place to find unique, locally sourced gifts, including antiques, artwork, clothing, furniture, jewelry, and more. There’s also a Biergarten, local live bands, and a variety of festival foods to enjoy. This November’s Trade Days will take place from November 15 through the 17, and visitors can check the full schedule here. Later in the month, there is the Holiday Encore Trade Days with an abundance of festive gifts and fun items to get for those on your list. 

2019 Christmas Pyramid

Christmas Nights of Lights

Beginning the week of Thanksgiving, Marktplatz transforms into a magical wonderland with Fredericksburg's Christmas Nights of Lights. This cherished tradition occurs every evening starting November 26 and running through January 6. The city’s German roots are on full display at this nightly event, which features a 10-minute audio presentation detailing the story of Fredericksburg’s heritage, holiday carols, and a countdown to the lighting of the German Christmas Pyramid (handcrafted in Germany in 2009).   

Enchanted Rock Hiking-crop

Holiday Hiking

Take advantage of the natural beauty of Fredericksburg over the holidays. Fall in the Hill Country means crisp, pleasant temperatures and brilliantly colored foliage—in other words, it’s the ideal time to explore the area’s scenic landscapes. From the popular Summit Trail at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area to the walking trail along Live Oak Creek at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, Fredericksburg, and the surrounding area are replete with fall color and vibrant plant and animal life.     

Fredericksburg is a gem of a town in any season, but there’s truly something special about visiting over the holidays. Dance up a storm at a historic dancehall and participate in the annual Turkey Trot. Support local makers at a shopping fair and experience the cultural tradition of the Christmas Nights of Lights. Soak up the colors of fall on a Hill Country hike. Thanksgiving in Fredericksburg is full of lively events and seasonal fun.

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