10 Ideas for Christmas Fun in Texas!
Looking for festive fun in Texas this Christmas? In this guide, you’ll find 10 joyful ways to make memories this season. Whether you want to hit the road for a Texas adventure or enjoy simple, budget-friendly traditions at home.
And don’t miss the bonus printable checklist at the end to help you plan your holiday fun with ease!
1. Christmas Events and Festivals
Celebrate the season at a Texas Christmas festival filled with lights, music, treats, and hometown holiday cheer.
Texas Christmas Festival Suggestions:
- Bethlehem Revisited (Waxahachie)
- Dickens on the Strand (Galveston)
- Old West Christmas Lights Fest (Boerne)
Alternative Activity:
- Go on a lighted downtown stroll through a Christmasy town. Many Texas State Parks offer holiday events as well. Find listings here.
2. Christmas Theme Parks
Christmas theme parks create immersive destinations that bring the season to life with fun attractions and cheerful experiences for the whole family.
Texas Christmas Theme Park Suggestions:
Many year-round theme parks offer holiday experiences as well.
Texas Theme Parks with Holiday Events Suggestions:
Look for more special Christmas exhibitions at places like zoos, gardens, and resort hotels.
Alternative Activity Suggestions:
3. Christmas Tea
Slow down and savor the season with a festive holiday tea. Whether you visit a charming tearoom or host your own cozy gathering at home, Christmas tea offers a sweet and elegant way to enjoy treats, warm drinks, and time together.
Texas Christmas Teahouse Suggestions:
Alternative Activity:
- Host a Christmas tea or cocoa party at home.
4. Drive-Thru Light Parks
Turn up the Christmas music, sip some hot cocoa, and enjoy millions of twinkling lights from the comfort of your car.
Texas Drive-Thru Light Park Suggestions:
Alternative Activity:
- Take a family drive to enjoy neighborhood light displays.
5. Christmas Train Rides
All aboard for a nostalgic holiday ride! Christmas trains throughout Texas whisk you along the tracks with whimsical decorations, hot cocoa, and stories and music that fill the cars with holiday cheer.
Texas Christmas Train Suggestions:
Alternative Activity:
- View a model train display such as the Trains at Northpark (Dallas),or set up a train around your Christmas Tree.
6. Historic Homes and Museum Tours
Step back in time and experience the charm of Christmases past. Historic homes and museums across Texas celebrate the season with candlelit tours, period decorations, and festive traditions that bring history to life.
Texas Candlelight Christmas Suggestions:
Alternative Activity:
- Try a historical holiday recipe and dine by candlelight for old-fashioned charm.
7. Christmas Markets and Craft Fairs
Browse handmade gifts, local treats, and cheerful seasonal finds at holiday markets and craft fairs across Texas. It’s a fun and easy way to shop small and enjoy the spirit of the season.
Texas Christmas Market Suggestions:
Alternative Activity:
- Make your own gifts or host a crafting night with hot cocoa and Christmas music.
8. Tree Lightings & Christmas Parades
Celebrate the season with sparkle. From ticketed big-city parades to charming small-town processions and even neighborhood wagon parades, these events bring communities together with lights, music, and plenty of holiday cheer.
Texas Christmas Parade Suggestions:
Alternative Activity:
- Go on a photo quest to find festive backdrops for family pictures, or create your own at-home Christmas parade by making mini floats from shoe boxes, wrapping paper, and craft supplies—then award prizes for the most creative or silliest designs.
9. Ice Skating and Winter Activities
Glide into the season with ice skating and winter fun across Texas. From outdoor rinks to snowy play areas, these chilly activities bring a playful dose of holiday atmosphere to all ages.
Texas Ice Rink Suggestions:
Alternative Activity:
- Gather around a cozy fire and roast marshmallows.
10. Holiday Music, Movies, and Performances
Keep the celebration going with Christmas concerts, classic movies, and festive shows happening all across the state. From ballet and theater to cozy outdoor screenings, there is something for everyone.
Texas Theater Suggestions:
Alternative Activity:
- Cozy up at home with a favorite Christmas movie, complete with classic movie theater snacks
Christmas Adventure List: Get the FREE Printable!
This checklist offers 10 ideas for Christmas adventures along with 10 at-home alternative options.
Download the printable Christmas Adventure List from our Free Resource Library! Subscribe to Field Trip Texas for instant, free access to our ever-growing collection of fun and educational printables. Thanks for being here!
Log-in to the Free Resource Library
Merry Christmas, y’all!
