Lifestyle

Two Texas Towns Among Best Small, Southern Towns for Christmas Magic

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Two Texas towns, one in the Hill Country and one in North Texas, scored in Southern Living’s list of “best small towns in the south” for Christmas magic and festivities. Fredericksburg, with its German heritage and traditional attractions, along with abundant breweries and wineries, was listed as a place where everyone is “Willkommen.” The Hill Country town’s old-fashioned holiday celebrations feature carolers and parades among their Christmas festivities. A three-day Christmas festival is also featured. Downtown stores are lavishly lit and decorated, with irresistible handmade items for holiday shoppers.

Fredericksburg Festivities Show German Heritage

Two Texas Towns Among Best Small, Southern Towns for Christmas Magic

Photo: Trish McCabe-Rawls

Fredericksburg welcomes visitors with delicious Kolaches, Christmas bratwurst, and other traditional German foods. There’s also plenty of ale and other brews plus numerous wineries that offer special holiday tastings. Holiday traditions of early German settlers are remembered in the town square or Marktplatz. A replica of a 19th century German Church, the Vereins Kirche, is open for tours.

The North Texas town of Grapevine was called “Christmas Capital of Texas.” It’s true that Grapevine offers over 1,400 holiday events, including Christmas Wine Trains, during the season. A Parade of Lights and other family-friendly activities, such as concerts and classic movies at the Palace Theatre, are also featured.

Grapevine Called “Christmas Capital of Texas”

Two Texas Towns Among Best Small, Southern Towns for Christmas Magic

Photo: Gaylord Texan Resort

But Gaylord Texan Resort is the primary reason for Grapevine to be known as a Christmas Capital. Transformed with millions of lights, a rotating Christmas tree standing over 50 feet tall, and a life-sized Gingerbread House, the huge resort exudes holiday spirit and Christmas magic. Miniature train sets run throughout the resort, while 25-foot tall Nutcrackers beam down on the activities.

Incredible ice sculptures painstakingly created over a 30-day period by Chinese artisans provide the centerpiece attraction. Their artistry produces Gaylord’s exciting new ICE! Show, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures illustrate the beloved classic by Charles Shultz. Other features include an adults-only ice bar, six ice slides, and a life-sized Nativity scene.

Two Texas Towns Among Best Small, Southern Towns for Christmas Magic

Photo: Gaylord Texan Resort

Skaters are invited to enjoy the 6,000 square-foot outdoor ice rink, while snowboarders slide down an eight-lane snow-tubing hill with two million pounds of snow. Complimentary parkas are provided to keep visitors warm during their icy escapades. Other holiday treats include a snow throw, build-a-bear workshop, and a Christmas Carousel. For details on Gaylord Texan’s Lone Star Christmas, please visit this link.

For updated holiday information about Fredericksburg, see visitfredericksburgtx.com.