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Outdoor Experiences
Retreats
Weddings
The winter months are one of the best times to visit Texas, thanks to the mild temperatures and fewer crowds. But did you know that the Lone Star State is one of the only places in the US where you can experience an authentic, German-style Christmas? Learn more about that and other escapes from the ordinary in our guide to the most incredible places to visit in Texas in December.
Located northwest of the Texas Gulf Coast, Texas’s Hill Country is in the winter sweet spot. During the winter, it experiences cooler temperatures that still feel wintery but aren’t “freeze-your-nose-off” cold. The flora is still green and vibrant, but occasionally a flurry of snow will coat everything in a picturesque glaze of frost. For a little while, anyway; no risk of getting snowed in here.
One of the things that makes the Hill Country one of the best places to visit in Texas in December is its cultural heritage. Hill Country is home to a large German immigrant population, lending it a distinct flair that sets it apart from the state’s typical southwestern vibe. It still has plenty of that southern charm, but it’s blended with a unique Germanic influence that really shines during the holidays. In fact, the best place to experience Hill Country’s take on Christmas culture is the first stop on our list.
Many of our holiday traditions in the United States can be traced back to Germany. Advent Calendars? German. Holiday wreaths? Also German. The Christmas Tree?! You can bet your tannenbaum, it’s German too. The result is that Weihnachtszeit, or the German Christmas season, feels extra Christmas-y. Experiencing a German-style Christmas is like eating Tex-Mex made by a Texan; there’s an authenticity to it that makes it that much more special.
The best place to visit in Texas in December to experience an authentic Weihnachtszeit is Fredericksburg—this town, founded by German immigrants in 1846, has been described as a real-life Hallmark movie. Now, we at Nook Outdoors can’t guarantee that a visit to Fredericksburg will help you meet a hunky, tree-farming cowboy who will teach you the true meaning of Christmas. But we also can’t guarantee that it won’t happen either.
The centerpiece of the holiday celebrations in Fredericksburg is the Weihnachtspyramide, or Christmas pyramid. These structures, which are typically placed on a table or hung from the ceiling, are a whimsical German holiday tradition. This one isn’t fitting on a table, though; it’s 26 feet tall! This incredible structure consists of five tiers, each featuring holiday figures rotating around like a carousel. The top of the structure is a full-sized windmill, adding a whimsical final touch to the already magical pyramid. You can find the Weihnachtspyramide at Marktplatz, where you can also watch a nightly tree-lighting ceremony.
For travelers who prefer their holiday spirits to be of the alcoholic variety, Fredericksburg is home to dozens of wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Winery tours are one of the town’s tourism highlights, and many wineries offer special holiday offerings. You can even take a self-guided holiday tour of 50 wineries.
While Christmas in Fredericksburg is traditional, the accommodations at Onera Fredericksburg are anything but. These striking cabins, lodges, and treehouses are as modern as they come, both inside and out. Ever want to spend Christmas in a treehouse?
The accommodations at this boutique landscape hotel are architectural masterworks, perfectly complementing the Texas scenery. Some accommodations are elevated, featuring striking views of Bonnet Creek and the surrounding juniper trees. Geodesic domes or cozy cocoons inspire others. All feature a heated soaking tub or hot tub, access to the communal sauna, and unimpeded views of the night sky. Trust us, no amount of twinkling Christmas lights can compare. It’s the perfect spot for your next winter vacation.
Just a day trip down the Texas highways away from Fredericksburg, the small town of Wimberley embraces an entirely different vibe than its more traditional neighbor. There’s no mistaking it here: this is Texas, loud and proud.
During Wimberley’s Hometown Holidays, downtown transforms into a winter wonderland. This tiny town hosts holiday events throughout the month, featuring street vendors, music, and an abundance of holiday cheer. One of the highlights is the Wishes of Wimberley Parade. It opens with the lighting of the Emily Ann Trail of Lights, an eight-acre holiday display. Afterwards, there’s a parade through the twinkling lights and a visit from Santa. It’s one of the best places to visit in Texas in December for those who want a southwestern flair for their winter trip.
Near Wimberley, you can enjoy outdoor adventures at Blanco River State Park or the Jacob Hill Natural Area. Texas offers incredible hiking, especially during the cooler months. Other popular winter activities include biking and stargazing, giving you plenty to do during your next weekend getaway.
Just a few miles from Wimberley Square, The Bygone is a vintage motor lodge that has been transformed into a boutique hotel. While most popular for warm-weather retreats, The Bygone is a hidden gem during the Texas winter, offering easy access to Wimberley’s downtown area and nearby outdoor activities.
The Bygone is one of the top places to visit in Texas in December for a wellness retreat. It has a sauna, cold plunge, heated pool, lawn, and an elevated yoga deck. Even if you’re not into yoga, you can bask in the natural beauty and incredible landscape views that surround the resort while enjoying local wines and cocktails. Thanks to the mild temperatures, guests can enjoy these amenities all winter long. Well, except maybe the cold plunge. We won’t blame you for skipping that one during the freezing temperatures.
Just 25 minutes from Austin, Dripping Springs is known as the Gateway to Hill Country. Dripping Springs is, well, dripping with small-town charm. It’s known as the wedding capital of Texas, boasts a vibrant music scene, and is rich in natural beauty and wonder. All of that is reason to visit on its own, but some special holiday highlights make it one of the best places to visit in Texas in December.
A Christkindlmarkt, or Christmas Market, is yet another holiday tradition invented by the Germans. These markets highlight local artisans and their handcrafted goods. Think of it like a craft fair or farmer’s market, but with more eggnog. Holiday markets are a great place to find unique holiday gifts, festive confections, and one-of-a-kind decorations. While you can find Holiday markets across the country, Dripping Springs is unique in that it hosts one lasting the entire month of December, featuring a rotating series of vendors.
Dripping Springs Ranch Park is home to the Dripping Springs Farmers Market on Wednesdays throughout most of the year. During December, however, the whole park transforms into Western Wonderland. During this holiday market, which runs every day in December except Christmas Day, you can also try your hand at ice skating. They have a covered rink made of real ice, with skate rentals included in the entrance fee. The rink isn’t climate-controlled, so you can even skate in swimwear if you want.
This eight-acre resort, just minutes from Dripping Springs, is perfect for large group getaways and intimate retreats. The horseshoe cottages are the centerpiece of The Liney Moon. These ten industrial design cottages each accommodate two guests, featuring a shared common space in the center that’s ideal for stargazing. Guests looking for larger accommodations can book one of the larger Triplet cabins or the palatial Stellar House.
The Liney Moon offers easy access to all the great food and fun places to visit in Dripping Springs, while also providing plenty of on-site amenities. Take advantage of the mild temperatures with a resort-style pool, pickleball court, and other outdoor activities. It’s also a popular venue for weddings and parties, making it ideal for those seeking a wintery wedding.
Whether you’re planning a Texas road trip or a Hawaiian getaway, Nook Outdoors can help. Our curated collection of bespoke, one-of-a-kind accommodations can take your next winter vacation from ordinary to extraordinary. Our mission is to help people connect with the beauty and wonder of the great outdoors, without sacrificing the creature comforts we’ve come to rely on.
So don’t settle for the same old hotel. Browse our curated collection, and start planning your dream getaway today.
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