Fredericksburg is widely-known as one of the best places to celebrate the holidays in Texas. During the holiday season, the town boasts many postcard-worthy sights and charms. The smell of homemade German food fills the air, the streets are bustling with holiday shoppers, and colorful lights twinkle in every window. Here are some fun things to do in December in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. 

Annual & Seasonal Events

Fredericksburg’s Christmas Night of Lights is one of the season's main events. Every night beginning November 26 and running through January 6, the town’s Marktplatz comes alive with activity. Sing carols, listen to a presentation on Fredericksburg’s cultural heritage, and marvel at the lighting of the 30-foot Christmas tree and authentic German Christmas Pyramid.  

During the Light the Night Christmas Parade, Main Street is aglow with a stunning array of colorful lights from more than 100 floats. Locals of all ages come out to watch the parade from folding chairs, hot cocoa in hand. 

It’s no surprise that in Texas Wine Country there’s a popular holiday event revolving around local wine: the Christmas Wine Affair. Participants receive a signature passport ticket that includes complimentary wine tastings and a 15% discount on purchases. Savor a glass by a cozy fireplace or while overlooking the lush, rolling terrain of the Hill Country.

Get in the (old-timey Christmas) spirit at Deck the Halls at Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm at Lyndon B. Johnson State Historic Park. At this living history farmstead, you’ll learn how early Texans got ready for the holidays by making holiday decor from natural materials. Craft wreaths out of local cedar branches, string popcorn to hang on the tree, and dip candles. 

Outdoor Things to Do

One of the best ways to ring in the holiday season is by ice skating at Eisbahn, an outdoor skating rink (only open seasonally) in the center of Marktplatz. This bonafide Texas Hill Country tradition is complete with local concessions and plenty of seating for those who'd prefer to watch rather than skate.  

Indoor Things to Do

Get your holiday shopping done at Trade Days, Redbud Artisan Market, or along historic Main Street. These shopping destinations offer handmade art, furniture, clothing, and gifts from celebrated Texas artisans. 

See a play at the Fredericksburg Theater Company. This holiday season, the Gifts of the Magi (O. Henry’s classic Christmas story) comes to life for a festive musical treat.

Food & Drink

Fredericksburg boasts a fantastic culinary scene anchored by local food suppliers and winemakers. Over the holiday season, indulge in hearty German fare, BBQ barbecue, and Southern comfort food. Stop for a schnitzel at Otto’s German Bistro and enjoy Central Texas barbecue with a Korean flair at Eaker Barbecue. Try Fredericksburg’s famed peaches (in pie form) at Fredericksburg Pie Company and linger over lunch at Woerner Warehouse Cafe. Finally, sample gourmet Hill Country flavors and an exclusively Texan wine list at Cabernet Grill.

It’s impossible not to be in the holiday spirit visiting Fredericksburg during December. Go ice-skating at an outdoor rink, sip wine by the fire, bask in beautiful light displays, and shop along Main Street. You’ll fall in love with this charming Christmas town.

Can't visit this holiday season? No worries! Fredericksburg offers plenty of year round activities. Start planning your next visit.