There’s plenty to be thankful for in Fredericksburg, so grab the family and head to the Texas Hill Country for a fun Thanksgiving getaway!

holiday shopping

The Gillespie County Historical Society's annual Holiday Market returns Nov. 17-18, featuring boutique vendors selling unique gifts, food and holiday items. Enjoy the Holiday Market Preview Party on Nov. 17 from 6-8 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres, wine and entertainment. The full-day market is Nov. 18 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Shop until you drop at The Peddler Show from Nov. 24-26. Here you'll find three buildings of talented designers, artisans and craftsmen from all over the country. Day passes are $5, and a weekend pass is $8.

Check off your holiday shopping list at Fredericksburg Trade Days Nov. 17-19. A holiday encore weekend will be Nov. 24-26. Shoppers can browse seven barns with over 350 vendors for the perfect gift for anyone on your list. 

And don't forget the great shopping in the Warehouse District and on Fredericksburg's historic Main Street with more than 150 shops, boutiques, and art galleries. Find gifts for everyone on your list while enjoying the holiday charm.

things to do

The Gillespie County Historical Society will host its 64th Historic Home Tour on Nov. 18, a self-guided tour of seven historic Fredericksburg homes that have decked the halls in their holiday finest. Tickets and the tour map are available online. 

Beginning Nov. 18 and continuing through Jan. 3, 2024, Fredericksburg's outdoor ice skating rink Eisbahn returns for the holiday season. Grab the whole family and skate amid the glow of the Marktplatz lights. Come-and-go passes are $15 including skate rental, and passes are $10 on Tuesdays. Note: the rink is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and closes early on New Year’s Eve.

Get in the holiday spirit with Elf Jr. - The Musical, a junior version of the Broadway musical based on the beloved holiday film. Ticket sales begin Nov. 6 with shows on Nov. 18 and 19.

Walk through a winter wonderland as Marktplatz transforms with Fredericksburg's Christmas Nights of Lights. From Nov. 21 through Jan. 7, enjoy a 10-minute audio program featuring history, carols and a lighting countdown each evening at 6 p.m. Holiday music begins at 5 p.m. and concludes at 6:30 p.m.

Try your hand at holiday crafts and activities from the early 1900s at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm on Saturday, Nov. 25. This “Deck the Halls” event at Lyndon B. Johnson State Park will feature edible ornaments, cookie-decorating, wreath-making, candle-making, and more. This family-friendly event is free, too!

the great outdoors

Grown-ups can burn off that Thanksgiving feast by running in the Fredericksburg Turkey Trot 5k and 10k Run/Walks on Saturday, Nov. 25, and the kids can burn off some energy in the 1-mile fun run. 

Hike the outdoors in Fredericksburg. Because Enchanted Rock is the most popular outdoor adventure in town, it can book up fast during the holiday week. Pro tip: Even when Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is not at capacity, reservations are recommended. Make a reservation up to 30 days in advance here.

Fredericksburg's beautiful autumn scenery and cooler temperatures make for an enjoyable adventure. Don’t forget your camera! Share your holiday adventures with us on Instagram and Twitter with the tag @visitfredtx or #fbgtx!

Weihnachtszeit, or the Christmas season, is just beginning in Fredericksburg. Discover more ideas for holiday fun in Fredericksburg.