Top 10 Christmas Markets in Texas for 2025: Best Festive Events and Shopping Spots

Christmas in Texas means glowing lights, creative gifts, and plenty of cheerful gatherings. If you’re looking to soak up the season’s spirit, you can’t go wrong with a visit to one of the Christmas markets. These events bring together handmade treasures, tasty seasonal foods, and lively holiday scenes, perfect for sharing with friends or family.

Here, you’ll find the ten best Christmas markets to check out in Texas for 2025. You’ll get the scoop on where and when each market pops up, what makes them special, and a few tips for making your visit even better.

Find the Best Accommodations

You can pick from highly rated hotels, apartments, and guesthouses close to the Christmas markets. Here’s a quick look at some options to compare:

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Nearby Stay (Booking.com)	Website
Dec 5–21, 2025	4–9 PM	123 Market St, Dallas, TX	$10 entry	Holiday Inn Dallas Downtown	Dallas Christmas Market
Nov 29–Dec 24, 2025	12–8 PM	789 Festive Ave, Houston, TX	Free	Marriott Marquis Houston	Houston Christmas Fair
Dec 1–24, 2025	10–6 PM	456 Main Rd, Austin, TX	$5 entry	The Driskill	Austin Christmas Bazaar

Most lodgings have positive guest reviews, skip extra booking fees, and put you right near the festivities.

1) San Antonio River Walk

Important Details

During Christmas, the San Antonio River Walk bursts into color with hundreds of lights strung above the water. You can stroll along the paths, admire the decorations, and watch light displays dancing on the river.

On weekends, local artists set up booths, so you get a chance to shop for handmade gifts at the Holiday Artisan Show. Want a different angle? Hop on a boat ride and check out the lights from the water.

Vendors nearby serve up warm drinks like hot cocoa. The event runs every evening, so you can squeeze it in, even on a busy schedule.

The River Walk draws both locals and tourists and has earned a spot among the top holiday markets in Texas.

Dates	Address	Times	Price	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 23 – Jan 6	849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205	6:00 PM – 10:00 PM	Free	View hotels	Christmas markets in San Antonio 2025

2) Discovering the German Christmas Market in Tomball

The German Christmas Market in Tomball brings Old World traditions right into the heart of Texas. You’ll find it near the Historical Train Depot Plaza, where three live music stages, roving carolers, and street performers keep the atmosphere lively.

As you wander, over 200 vendors tempt you with crafts, German-inspired gifts, and regional foods. It feels festive and fun but never too crowded.

You don’t have to pay for entry, parking, or shuttle rides, so the festival stays affordable for everyone. Organizers focus on German heritage and local culture, and the market’s reputation as one of the best in the country pulls in big crowds each December.

Entertainment, food, and crafts fill the day with plenty to see and do.

If you’re planning a trip, these details should help:

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 12-14, 2025	201 S. Elm St, Tomball, TX	10 AM – 10 PM	Free admission	Hotels near Tomball Christmas Market	Tomball German Fest Christmas Market 2025

You’ll get a blend of community celebration and German traditions at this busy event.

3) Fredericksburg Christmas Market

Important Information for Visitors

Fredericksburg’s Christmas market draws on the town’s German roots. You can stroll decorated stalls, listen to live holiday music, and see the whole town glow with lights.

The Fredericksburg Trade Days Holiday Encore at Sunday Farms packs in over 350 vendors. You’ll shop for gifts, taste local food, and find unique holiday items you won’t spot anywhere else in the Hill Country.

If you’re in town at night, don’t miss the Christmas Nights of Lights in Marktplatz. Every night, a short audio show shares the town’s German traditions, then carols play and there’s a lighting countdown.

The Eisbahn Ice Skating Rink lets you skate under twinkling lights in the center of town, although it closes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Here’s a quick guide for your trip:

Event Name	Date(s)	Address	Time	Admission	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Fredericksburg Christmas Market	December 13, 2025	Market Square	All Day	Free Entry	Check hotels nearby	Event Information
Holiday Encore	December weekend, 2025	Sunday Farms	Weekend Event	Varies	See local stays	Read about Trade Days Holiday Encore
Christmas Nights of Lights	Daily in December 2025	Marktplatz	6:00 PM	Free	Hotels close by	Holiday events guide
Eisbahn Ice Skating Rink	December 2025	Marktplatz	Various Times	Entry Fee	Book nearby lodging	Ice Skating and more

4) Georgetown Holiday Walk

Every December, Georgetown’s Holiday Walk lights up the downtown square. This free community event features festive lights, cheerful decorations, and a welcoming vibe.

Local vendors bring out crafts, treats, and holiday gifts. Kids get their own fun in Whoo-Village and Bethlehem Village, where they can meet Santa and join activities.

Throughout the weekend, live music and performances keep the energy up. Families especially love the colorful parade, which always feels like the highlight.

If you’re thinking of going, here’s what you need to know:

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to stay nearby	Website
December 5-7, 2025	Fri: 5 pm–9 pm Sat: 10 am–8 pm	Downtown Square, Georgetown, TX	Free admission	Hotels in Georgetown	Georgetown Christmas Stroll

It’s a favorite for families and visitors looking for that classic American holiday feeling.

5) Experience Christmas Traditions at McKinney’s Holiday Event

Each year, McKinney’s Home for the Holidays turns the historic downtown into a bustling Christmas wonderland. You’ll wander through 14 blocks covered in lights, while musicians and carolers fill the air with holiday tunes.

The small-town charm mixes with big celebrations, so it’s easy to enjoy with friends or family. Food vendors serve everything from hot cocoa to roasted chestnuts, and local cooks offer up seasonal snacks.

If you’re in the mood to shop, the holiday market has sellers with handmade goods—think toys, home decorations, and gifts crafted from wood, fabric, and ceramics.

Family-friendly attractions run all weekend. Kids and adults can jump into games, crafts, and activities.

This event has stuck around for over 40 years, keeping traditions alive while adding something new each season. Planning’s a breeze: admission is free and the whole area is walkable.

Here are the basics for your visit:

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Nov. 25-27	Historic Downtown McKinney, TX	Times vary by day/activity	Free admission	McKinney hotels on Booking.com	McKinney Home for the Holidays official page

You can catch more details, including the entertainment schedule and activities, on the official holiday festival information page.

6) Wimberley’s Winter Wonderland

Wimberley’s Winter Wonderland pulls together lights, music, and a bit of local tradition right in the heart of town. You’ll want to start at Wimberley Square, where holiday decorations glow on the old storefronts.

Throughout December, live performers keep the energy up. Shops stay open, so if you’re hunting for a unique holiday gift or a little souvenir, you’re in luck.

The EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens runs the famous Trail of Lights each night. You walk along winding paths, spot creative displays, and catch community performances.

It’s not a rushed scene—honestly, it feels just right for a relaxed evening with family or a couple of friends. Down the street, Scudder Primary School hosts its own Winter Wonderland event on select days, with crafts and photos with Santa for the kids.

Market stalls pop up around the square and in community spaces. You’ll see ornaments, handmade presents, and plenty of local snacks. The whole thing is easy to get to and works well for families, couples, or anyone who just wants a taste of winter in the Texas Hill Country.

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 2025	Evenings	Wimberley Square, TX 78676	Free, some paid events	Wimberley hotels	Wimberley Christmas Events

7) Victorian Holiday Street Festival in Galveston

Dickens on the Strand brings a Victorian-themed Christmas to life in Galveston’s historic Strand district. You’ll spot locals and visitors dressed up in 19th-century outfits.

Carolers, musicians, and entertainers fill the streets with music and laughter. This festival has been going strong for over fifty years.

People love the family-friendly activities, themed parades, and markets full of crafts and treats. Kids can meet Father Christmas, which is always a hit.

The Strand’s old buildings really set the mood for this historical celebration. Market stalls line the streets with unique gifts, and you’ll find plenty of places to grab something warm and sweet.

If you’re thinking of going, block off the first weekend in December. The event runs during the day and into the evening, and the whole thing feels pretty immersive.

You can always check the Dickens on the Strand site for updates and event details.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Dec 5-7, 2025	Strand District, Galveston, TX	Friday-Sunday: 10am-8pm	Adults: $15, Kids: $8, Under 6: Free	Nearby hotels	Event information

8) Arlington’s German-Style Holiday Market

Step into the Arlington Christkindl Market and you’ll get a taste of German-inspired holiday traditions right in Texas. The North Plaza at Globe Life Field hosts the festivities, and it’s easy to find.

Parking’s on-site, so families and groups have a pretty smooth time getting in and out. The market bursts with holiday gifts and decorations.

Booths spill over with ornaments, crafts, and all sorts of unique holiday finds. People come here searching for presents you just won’t see anywhere else.

Live entertainment keeps things lively. Local musicians and performers set a festive mood, and kids get to enjoy crafts, games, and other holiday treats.

Admission won’t cost you anything. Vendors serve up German favorites like pretzels, bratwurst, and schnitzel, and honestly, you’ll probably want to sample a few.

The event runs for nearly a month, so you’ve got plenty of chances to visit.

Dates	Address	Times	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com)	Website
Nov. 24 – Dec. 23, 2025	1650 E Randol Mill Road, Arlington, TX	11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.	Free	Hotels near Globe Life Field	Texas Christkindl Market 2025

You’ll find a calm, family-friendly vibe focused on holiday traditions. This one’s a solid pick if you want a German Christmas market in Texas or just need something festive to do in Arlington in December.

9) Dallas Holiday Market

At the Dallas Holiday Market, you can wander through stalls filled with handmade decorations, original crafts, and all sorts of holiday-themed gifts. Local makers bring everything from cozy winter gear to creative ornaments.

The Lake Highlands neighborhood gives the event a friendly, small-town feel. It’s honestly one of those local celebrations that just feels right.

Families come for the bounce houses, face painting, and Santa photos. Santa swings by for pictures and quick chats with the kids.

People love the vendor booths for their local artwork and homemade baked goods. Shopping here means you’ll find gifts you can’t get at big chain stores, and you’ll support Dallas artisans at the same time.

If you’re after an authentic, local holiday event, this one’s a good bet.

Date	Address	Time	Price	Nearby Hotel (booking.com)	Website
December 16, 2025	400 block of Parkhurst, Dallas, TX	3:30 PM – 6:30 PM	Free	The Beeman Hotel	Dallas Holiday Market Info

10) Austin Trail of Lights

If you’re in Austin in December, you really shouldn’t miss the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park. The event features more than two million LED lights and nearly 100 decorated trees and displays.

You’ll spot the Zilker Tree towering above it all as you walk the 1.25-mile route. Food vendors, live music, and a few rides keep things interesting.

Groups and families flock here every year, soaking in the festive setup and sharing the experience. Locals and visitors from all over show up for the lights.

Photo ops are everywhere, so you’ll probably end up with more pictures than you planned. Admission depends on the night—sometimes $5, sometimes up to $30 per person.

If you need a place to stay, booking.com usually has plenty of options near Zilker Park. For the latest schedule or ticket info, check the Austin Trail of Lights website.

Dates	Address	Times	Prices	Hotels Nearby (booking.com)	Website Address
Dec 8 – Dec 23	Zilker Park, Austin, TX	7 PM – 10 PM	$5 – $30	Search Zilker Park Hotels	https://www.austintexas.org/austin-insider-blog/post/holiday-lights/