As the winter season approaches, many of us start planning our holiday getaways, and what better place to visit than the Lone Star State itself, Texas! December is a great time to explore the state, with mild winter weather, festive atmosphere, and a plethora of exciting events and activities to enjoy. If you’re wondering where to go and what to do in Texas during December, you’re in the right place.
Best Places to Visit in Texas in December
Texas is a vast and diverse state, offering a wide range of destinations that cater to different interests and preferences. From vibrant cities to charming small towns, beautiful beaches to scenic hill country, and rich history to thrilling theme parks, there’s something for everyone in Texas. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to explore the best places to visit in Texas in December, highlighting the top attractions, events, and experiences that you won’t want to miss.
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Get Ready for a Texas-Sized Holiday Celebration!
From festive light displays to holiday markets, and from cowboy boots to beachside strolls, Texas has it all. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, December is an excellent time to visit Texas. So, grab your coat, slip on your cowboy hat, and let’s dive into the best places to visit in Texas in December!
Best Places to Visit in Texas in December
December is a great time to visit Texas, with mild winter weather and a plethora of festive events and activities to enjoy. From bustling cities to charming small towns, Texas has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to visit in Texas in December:
San Antonio
San Antonio is a must-visit destination in December, with its famous River Walk transformed into a winter wonderland. Enjoy the Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony, which takes place on the first Friday of December. The parade features decorated floats, festive music, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Other popular attractions in San Antonio include:
- The Alamo, a historic mission and symbol of Texas’ fight for independence
- The Tower of the Americas, a 750-foot-tall observation tower with stunning views of the city
- Market Square, a vibrant public square with shops, restaurants, and live music
Austin
Austin is a great place to visit in December, with its eclectic mix of music venues, outdoor spaces, and cultural attractions. Be sure to check out the Austin Trail of Lights, a 1.25-mile walking trail featuring over a million lights and festive displays.
Other popular attractions in Austin include:
- The Texas State Capitol, a stunning building with guided tours and beautiful grounds
- Zilker Park, a 351-acre park with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a beautiful botanical garden
- 6th Street, a lively entertainment district with bars, clubs, and live music venues
Dallas
Dallas is a great destination in December, with its many holiday events and attractions. Be sure to visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, which features a festive display of lights and decorations. (See Also: Best Place To Visit In Northern Pakistan)
Other popular attractions in Dallas include:
- The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy
- The Dallas World Aquarium, a unique attraction featuring animals, fish, and even a rainforest
- The Galleria Dallas, a large shopping mall with an impressive ice skating rink
Galveston
Galveston is a great place to visit in December, with its many holiday events and attractions. Be sure to check out the Galveston Island Railroad Museum’s Polar Express, a fun and festive train ride.
Other popular attractions in Galveston include:
- The Strand, a historic district with shops, restaurants, and galleries
- The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, an amusement park with thrill rides and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico
- The Moody Gardens, a popular attraction featuring a rainforest pyramid, an aquarium, and a discovery museum
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is a charming small town in the Texas Hill Country, known for its German heritage and festive atmosphere. Be sure to visit the Fredericksburg Christmas Stroll, a fun event featuring holiday shopping, food, and entertainment.
Other popular attractions in Fredericksburg include:
- The Fredericksburg Herb Farm, a beautiful farm with gardens, shops, and a restaurant
- The Fort Martin Scott Historical Marker, a historic fort with a museum and scenic views
- The Enchanted Rock, a massive pink granite dome with hiking trails and stunning views
Houston
Houston is a great destination in December, with its many holiday events and attractions. Be sure to visit the Zoo Lights, a fun and festive event featuring over a million lights and animal displays.
Other popular attractions in Houston include: (See Also: Best Place To Visit In Thailand For First-Timers)
- The Houston Museum District, a collection of 19 museums featuring art, science, and history
- The Space Center Houston, a popular attraction featuring space exhibits and a tram tour of NASA’s Johnson Space Center
- The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a fun event featuring live music, carnival rides, and a barbecue cook-off
In conclusion, Texas has a wide range of exciting places to visit in December, from bustling cities to charming small towns. Whether you’re interested in holiday events, cultural attractions, or outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in the Lone Star State.
| City | Popular Attractions |
|---|---|
| San Antonio | River Walk, The Alamo, Tower of the Americas |
| Austin | Austin Trail of Lights, Texas State Capitol, Zilker Park |
| Dallas | Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Sixth Floor Museum, Dallas World Aquarium |
| Galveston | Galveston Island Railroad Museum’s Polar Express, The Strand, Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier |
| Fredericksburg | Fredericksburg Christmas Stroll, Fredericksburg Herb Farm, Enchanted Rock |
| Houston | Zoo Lights, Houston Museum District, Space Center Houston |
Remember to plan your trip according to the weather and event schedules, and don’t forget to pack warm clothing for the winter season. Happy travels!
Conclusion
Texas is a vast and diverse state, offering a wide range of exciting destinations to visit in December. From festive holiday events to mild winter weather, there’s something for everyone in the Lone Star State. In this article, we’ve explored some of the best places to visit in Texas in December, highlighting their unique attractions and activities.
We started by discussing the festive atmosphere in Austin, where visitors can enjoy the Trail of Lights, Ice Skating on the Plaza, and the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. Next, we headed to San Antonio, where the River Walk is transformed into a winter wonderland, and the Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony takes place.
We also explored the charming town of Fredericksburg, nestled in the Texas Hill Country, which offers a festive German-inspired Christmas market, as well as wine tastings and holiday shopping. Additionally, we touched on the vibrant city of Dallas, where visitors can enjoy the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s 12 Days of Christmas display, and the ice skating rink at the Galleria Dallas.
Last but not least, we visited the beautiful beaches of Galveston, where the temperature is mild in December, making it an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities like surfing, bird-watching, and beachcombing. We also mentioned the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier’s Winter Wonder Island event, featuring festive lights, rides, and attractions.
In conclusion, Texas has a wealth of exciting destinations to visit in December, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for festive holiday events, outdoor activities, or simply a warm winter getaway, there’s a place in Texas that’s sure to fit your interests. So pack your bags, grab your cowboy hat, and get ready to explore the best of Texas in December!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best winter festivals to attend in Texas in December?
Texas offers a variety of winter festivals in December that are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Some popular ones include the Austin Trail of Lights, Houston’s Ice Skating Rink, and the Dallas Arboretum’s The 12 Days of Christmas. These festivals offer a range of activities, from ice skating to holiday markets, and are a great way to experience the state’s winter wonderland. (See Also: Best Place To Visit In Tijuana)
Are there any special events or activities in San Antonio during December?
Yes, San Antonio is a great place to visit in December, with many special events and activities taking place throughout the month. The Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony is a popular event, where you can watch as the River Walk is transformed into a winter wonderland. Additionally, the San Antonio Zoo is decorated with over a million lights during the Zoo Lights event, and the McNay Art Museum offers a festive holiday market.
What are some popular winter outdoor activities to do in Texas in December?
Despite the cooler weather, December is a great time to enjoy the outdoors in Texas. Some popular winter outdoor activities include hiking at Big Bend National Park, birdwatching at the Gulf Coast beaches, and stargazing at one of the many dark sky preserves in West Texas. You can also explore the many scenic drives and take in the festive holiday lights and decorations in towns and cities across the state.
Are there any special holiday-themed attractions in Texas that are open in December?
Yes, Texas has many holiday-themed attractions that are open in December. The Gaylord Texan in Grapevine offers an ICE! exhibit featuring ice sculptures and a winter wonderland, while the Moody Gardens in Galveston has an Ice Land exhibit with ice carvings and a festive holiday atmosphere. Additionally, the Houston Zoo is home to a festive Zoo Lights display, and the Dallas Arboretum has a 12 Days of Christmas exhibit with elaborate holiday displays.
What are some tips for visiting Texas in December?
When visiting Texas in December, be sure to pack layers for cooler weather, especially in the mornings and evenings. Also, be prepared for larger crowds at popular attractions and festivals, and consider booking tickets or reservations in advance. Additionally, take advantage of the many holiday deals and discounts offered by hotels, restaurants, and attractions across the state.
