Christmas is the loveliest time of the year. And in the Lone Star State, you can truly have a Christmas to remember. This holiday season, get your loved ones together and enjoy Christmas Texas style. From boots to BBQ and everything in between, the Great State of Texas has all you need for holiday fun. Check out our list of 11 awesome Texas holiday favorites to treat your family to this year.
1. Ranch time
Get out on the range with your kin this season and spend some time having a ranch Christmas. There’s nothing quite like having a folksy traditional Christmas, waking up and making coffee as you take in the fresh country air. With plenty of holiday rental options out there, this dream is easy to turn into a reality.
2. Family BBQ
While you’re out on the ranch, why not get your family together and have a BBQ! There’s nothing better for a family holiday vacation than fresh BBQ for Christmas dinner, and in Texas, you will have access to some of the best.
3. Check out a rodeo
You can’t go all the way to Texas without experiencing the fun of a rodeo. Watching real cowboys ride around, get bucked from bulls, have an all-around amazing time is the kind of holiday experience that you and yours will always remember.
4. See the sights in Austin
Austin is the capital of Texas, and a beautiful city by any measure. Many of the city’s streets are strung up with beautiful Christmas lights around the Holiday season, so put on your best Christmas dress and take in all the city has to offer. If you’re looking for a little more, try a Lone Star Riverboat for a new experience on the water!
5. Sample the local cuisine
While you’re in the state capital, you’ve got to try out some of the local restaurants. Rainey Street and the Red River Cultural District offer some of the finest dining in the state, with interesting options ranging from Texas BBQ to Thai cuisine. Rest assured you won’t go hungry!
6. Take in the San Antonio Riverwalk
If San Antonio is more your scene, you’re in luck. The Riverwalk in downtown is beautifully decorated around the Holidays. You and your partner will revel in the beauty as you walk down the winding river paths, smelling the delicious food cooked at the restaurants along the way, and watching the light glisten off the river water.
7. Go on a historic building tour
Christmas is a time for reflection. One way to do that is to take in some history, and San Antonio has plenty of it to spare. From the famous Alamo to the Mission San Jose church, there is a lot of history in this part of Texas.
8. See the sights in Dallas
Dallas is one of the biggest cities in the US, and boasts everything from museums to lively nightlife and more. If you find yourself in The Big D this holiday season, stop by Stone Street Gardens for lovely café and bistro dining. There are plenty of fresh shopping spots here, too. Plus, at a cool average high of 58 degrees in December, you know you won’t be too cold as you take in the lights.
9. Learn to ride a horse
This one makes a great Christmas gift for the horse lover in your family. Surprise them on Christmas morning with horseback riding lessons, then spend the rest of your holiday season learning the art of riding. Texas is a great place to do it, with affordable rates and plenty of range, you’ll be riding like a cowboy with a western hat in no time.
10. Visit the Silos in Waco
Just about a hundred miles north of the state capitol of Austin is the city of Waco, where the whole family can enjoy visiting the famed Silos at Magnolia Market, owned by Joanna and Chip Gaines of the hit TV Show “Fixer Upper” on HGTV. They have a fun, festive Christmas installation during the Holiday season that includes a light display that covers the enormous Silos. Don’t forget to stop by their own restaurant, Magnolia Table, just a few miles down the road from the Silos. Parents and kids will enjoy a relaxing holiday at Magnolia Market in Waco.
11. Spend time with family
No matter where you are, the most important part of the holiday season is spending time with family. From coast to coast, appreciate those you love this Christmas. While the fun of a travel destination is great, there’s nothing that compares to the love and warmth of the people who are closest to you in life.
That’s a Wrap!
Christmas in Texas might not be your first thought for a travel destination this Holiday season, but as you can see, the Lone Star State has a lot to bring to the table!
