Take your Christmas show—and shopping—on the road this year to explore and experience the perfect German Christmas destination, Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country, west of Austin.
Searching for that special holiday getaway? Fredericksburg, Texas features over a month of holiday cheer with its 26-foot tall German Christmas Pyramid, unique local shopping along a holiday-decorated Main Street and a multitude of other festive events. This Texas Hill Country town does Christmastime—Weihnachtszeit in German—right.
The season is highlighted by Fredericksburg’s Christmas Nights of Lights, a nightly lighting countdown—which will take place each evening at Marktplatz at 6pm through Thursday, January 6, 2022.
Holiday Shopping Galore in Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is home to more than 150 shops, boutiques & art galleries—full of holiday gifts waiting to be picked. From amazing home goods in the Warehouse District to boutique shopping on Main Street, Fredericksburg has everything you need to check off your holiday list. The town’s craftsmanship stretches back centuries and so locally made products are especially abundant in Fredericksburg.
- Main Street – Downtown’s primary thoroughfare is bursting with shopping options—not to mention dozens of restaurants, wine tasting rooms, a brewpub, two museums, and more. Known for its year-round charm and architectural character, Main Street shines particularly bright during the holidays, as local shopkeepers and the city itself adorns the street in its seasonal best. Learn more about Main Street and explore the shops, restaurants, and more.
- Warehouse District – Adjacent to Main Street, the Warehouse District boasts a number of home goods and antiques stores, along with sought after fine dining at August E’s, wine tasting room Vintner’s Hideaway, and laidback local favorite Lincoln Street Wine Bar. Learn more about the shops and food and drink destinations in the Warehouse District.
- Locally-Made – Shoppers will have no trouble sourcing locally-made gifts and goodies from Fredericksburg’s skilled craftspeople and artisans. Expect foodie items, antiques and home goods, clothing and fashion (including many Texas-inspired styles perfect for Rodeo season’s big return in a few months), soaps and lotions, and (naturally) locally made wine, brews and spirits. Explore Fredericksburg’s locally-made products, brands, and craftspeople.
- Can’t Miss: The Christmas Store – Perched squarely at the intersection of Main and S. Llano streets, The 10,000 square foot, year-round Christmas Store is a destination in its own right anytime of year. But in the weeks leading up to Christmas, it’s a must do shopping destination. Guests will find Department 56 miniature villages and Christopher Radko blown glass ornaments, along with other prized Christmas lines, but the store also offers goods and gifts for Chanukah and for all holidays and occasions throughout the year. Learn more about the Christmas Store.
Unique Holiday Events & Attractions
In addition to the nightly lighting countdown, Fredericksburg features a multitude of different holiday events, including…
- Christmas Wine Affair | Daily through Christmas Eve, Friday, December 24 – Embark on a progressive winery tour, visiting any or all of the 40+ participating Texas Hill Country wineries throughout the month. Each winery will offer passport holders a complimentary tasting (limit of four wineries per day), plus a 15% discount on three-bottle purchases. Passports are $65 for individuals; $100 for couples. Order tickets, learn more, and check out participating wineries.
- Eisbahn – Outdoor Ice Skating | Daily through Sunday, January 2, 2022 – Kids and the young-at-heart can take to ice on an outdoor skating rink at the Marketplatz von Fredericksburg in the heart of the charming German-founded Hill Country town. Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. $15 per day come-and-go pass includes skate rental. Learn more.
- Fredericksburg’s Christmas Nights of Lights | Daily through Thursday, January 6, 2022 – The nightly lighting of the Community Christmas Tree and German Christmas Pyramid kicks off with holiday music at 5pm, followed by a 10-minute audio presentation telling the story of the town’s German heritage, with holiday carols, and countdown to the lighting. Music ends at 6:30pm.
- The Christmas Journey | Friday, December 10 & Saturday, December 11 | FREE – Take a 10-minute drive-through presentation of the Christmas story at Bethany Lutheran church, featuring nine scenes with special lighting, music and effects, live characters, animals, and professionally hand-painted props. 6pm to 8:30pm both nights. Learn more.
- LBJ Tree Lighting | Sunday, December 19 | FREE – Join in a 50+ year tradition started by President and Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson, when the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm at LBJ State Park hosts a spectacular tree lighting, with carolers, a live nativity, Santa Claus, refreshments, and more. The event evokes what German Christmas Eve was like 100 years ago. 5:30pm. Learn more.
- …& more – That’s just the tip of the Christmas tree. Take a look at all the upcoming holiday events in Fredericksburg.
Unique Lodging & Accommodations
With so much to see and do, plan ahead and stay awhile. Fredericksburg is home to more than 1,500 vacation rentals, cabins, cottages, and bed and breakfasts—as well as boutique hotels and motels. Expect many of them to be decked in their holiday finest.
Insider Tip for Houstonians: Midweek Getaways
Houstonians looking to escape the holiday hustle and bustle in the city should consider visiting Fredericksburg during the week for more room at local shops, wineries, and restaurants.
Most restaurants, shops and attractions are open all week long. So plan for a Sunday to Thursday visit to experience Fredericksburg at a slower pace with even more lodging options, as weekends are naturally a popular time to visit.
Learn more about a midweek getaway to Fredericksburg.
This article has been sponsored by the event organizer. Per our advertising and sponsorship policy, we only accept sponsored content from organizations that meet our editorial standards and truly present a valuable activity, event, resource or destination for residents and visitors across the greater Houston area. Advertising revenue helps support 365 Things to Do in Houston, and our contributors, allowing us to expand our coverage of activities and events around the Houston area. Learn more about promoting your event or business.