Home Care In Fredericksburg, TX

Considered the heart of the Texas Hill Country, the quaint town of Fredericksburg is nestled between San Antonio and Austin and has become one of the most popular small towns for weekend getaways for those looking for culture, food, shopping, adventure, and small-town charm. It's easy to reach, but it still feels a million miles away from city life. The tiny town dates back to 1846, when German immigrants and settlers founded it and still honors old-fashioned traditions and authentic German roots. We believe the town of Fredericksburg is one of the best destinations for seasonal escapes, family outings, and girlfriend trips in the whole Lone Star State—and that's saying something.

Fredericksburg's appeal originates from many things: The picturesque Hill Country scenery, the town's uncanny ability to maintain its dual German-Texan heritage, and its impressive (and group-friendly) attractions. From more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms to a Main Street bustling with shops, galleries, restaurants, and biergartens, here are the best things to do when visiting Fredericksburg, Texas.

Enjoy Local Cuisine

Head to Old German Bakery & Restaurant for a hearty breakfast, but make sure to get there early to snag a table and taste the German pancake. Early risers can grab a cup of coffee at one of the charming German-inspired cafés, including KaffeeHaus (lines can get long on weekends), Rockhaus Coffee, and Caliche Coffee Bar (make sure to show up early to get one of the Czech kolaches before they sell out).

, 225 West Main St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 109 North Adams St., Fredericksburg, TX, 78624, multiple locations

It wouldn't be a trip to Fredericksburg without Tex-Mex cuisine, schnitzels, sauerbraten (German pot roast), and German beer gardens. You can find delicious food and handcrafted spirits at more than 70 restaurants, including upscale eatery Cabernet Grill, classic German specialty restaurant Der Lindenbaum, and brasserie-style Otto's German Bistro.

, 2805 S State Highway 16, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 312 East Main St. #4612, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 316 East Austin St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624

For drinks and live music, start the evening at 78624 Bar before heading to dinner at the acclaimed Vaudeville, a French-style bistro on Main Street. Other great dinner spots are Hill & Vine and The Restaurant at Albert Hotel. Follow that up with live music at a honky-tonk or outdoor beer garden—there's somebody playing most nights of the week.

, 229 East Main St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624 , 230 East Main St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 210 South Adams St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 213 East Austin St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624

There is no shortage of German-style brews to enjoy well beyond Oktoberfest, including saddling up to the taps at The Auslander, sitting on the patio at Altdorf Biergarten, and enjoying the scenic views at Altstadt Brewery.

, 323 East Main St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 301 West Main St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 6120 East, US-290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Head To Texas Wine Country

They don't call this part of Texas "wine country" for nothing. More than 100 vineyards and tasting rooms are located in and around town, providing the ultimate vino experience while learning about Texas grapes. Fredericksburg is one of the most-visited wine destinations in the country. Book the 290 Wine Shuttle for safe all-day transportation between the wineries. Our favorite recommendations include Grape Creek Vineyards, Messina Hof Hill Country Winery, Signor Vineyards, and Barons Creek Vineyards.

At Rhinory, you can taste South African-inspired wines on a 55-acre ranch while also saying hello to the vineyard's mascot: a 4,000-pound real-life rhinoceros named Blake. The owners grew a passion for rhinoceros conservation after a visit to South Africa and hatched a dream to provide land for future rescue rhinos and establish a working winery, with the sales of the wine helping further their cause. Currently, there is one rhino who lives on the ranch, who you can see relaxing in a big fenced-in area while you're sipping on wine flights.

, 13112 US-290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Turns out, the land of Texas wine country can also be conducive for other distilling and fermenting purposes, including a much-forgotten brew: mead. Made with honey, mead is a familiar alcoholic drink known widely as a medieval staple. However, it's being brought back with trendy new concepts, including The Hive Patio Bar and Meadery.

, 403 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Get Outside

Unlike most floral fields where you can look but not touch, you can pick a bouquet at the nation's largest working wildflower farm, Wildseed Farms. This family-owned countryside escape has 200 acres of wildflower fields, a beautiful butterfly garden, a wine-tasting room, and frequent special events.

, 100 Legacy Dr, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Just a short 20-minute drive outside of Fredericksburg brings you to the enormous batholith that's part of Enchanted Rock State Park, which was once Native American sacred grounds. An incentive for reaching the peak of this pink granite dome is the breathtaking view of the Texas Hill Country that awaits you at the top. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike, picnic, and camp overnight in the state park.

, 16710 Ranch Road 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

In the 1970s, this tiny Texas-German town right outside Fredericksburg went up for sale. A local legend named John "Hondo" Crouch and a few partners plunked down the cash to buy it, and it quickly became an iconic country music stomping ground. Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, and Waylon Jennings have all performed in Luckenbach. To this day, Luckenbach's tiny dance hall still hosts popular live music events and festivals throughout the year.

The 36th president of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson, hails from central Texas, and just a few miles from Fredericksburg, there are historical sites dedicated to commemorating his life in Stonewall and Johnson City. The Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site offers public access to the LBJ ranch, Texas White House, LBJ’s birthplace, Johnson family cemetery, old Junction School, LBJ’s grandparents’ home, and the ranch showbarn.

Note that in January 2024, the Texas White House Complex closed as they begin the construction phase of the Texas White House rehabilitation. The LBJ Ranch driving tour, however, remains open, where you can see the school, cemetery, birthplace and showbarn.

, 1048 Park Road #49, Stonewall, TX 78671

Learn Something New

Probably the last place you'd expect to hear detailed accounts and witness bona fide relics of World War II in the Pacific is in this little Southern Texas town. In fact, history is waiting to be explored in Fredericksburg's National Museum of the Pacific War. In its vast gallery space, patrons can participate in interactive exhibits and view tanks and aircraft used in the war.

, 311 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Glimpse into the daily lives of the German settlers of the Texas Hill Country at the Pioneer Museum. Located in downtown Fredericksburg, it features historic homesteads and buildings donated by the founding families of Gillespie County. Among the exhibits are a one-room schoolhouse, a log cabin, a Sunday house, a bathhouse, a barn, and a smokehouse that all showcase artifacts and architecture.

, 325 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

You'll likely notice the town’s most recognizable building, thanks to a unique octagonal shape and position on the center Marktplatz. The Vereins Kirche—which means "society church"—was originally built in 1847 and served as the first public building used as a town hall, school, and church for all faiths.

, 100 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Spend Time On Main Street

Shops and tourist attractions may come and go, but one aspect of Fredericksburg has stood the test of time: the historic storefronts up and down Main Street. You can even see "Wilkommen" (translation: welcome) signs on full display throughout town. In addition to stores, art galleries, and artisan gifts and treats, the epicenter of Main Street is the Marktplatz.

Depending on what time of year you visit, there is almost always a seasonal festival on the lineup. For example, in spring, expect events surrounding the Texas bluebonnets in bloom. In the fall, however, the town is gearing up for its biggest event: Oktoberfest. Fredericksburg has hosted Oktoberfest for over 40 years in an effort to honor and sustain the traditions of the German immigrants who settled there during the 19th century.

Oktoberfest will be happening on October 2-4, 2026.

Fredericksburg also gets decked out for the holidays and is not to be missed. During Weihnachtszeit, the town installs a traditional German Christmas pyramid, which looks like a giant wooden windmill with whirling figures depicting Christmas scenes. You can attend the opening events of the month-long Christmas festivities during the first weekend of December, including a parade.

This region of Texas is known for having a really robust agriculture and ranching scene, which makes for an abundant weekly farmers' market where you can take home wildflower bunches, famed peaches from down the road, fresh eggs, unique artisan wares, and more. Typically, visitors can also enjoy wine tastings and live music in downtown Fredericksburg at the Adelsverein Halle at Marktplatz.

Where To Stay

Fredericksburg offers a full range of accommodations, from hotels and motels to camping, cabins, and B&Bs. Search around for historic vacation cottages throughout Fredericksburg, or stay in one of the many new and old bed-and-breakfast properties right in town.

Luckily, there are many options of bed-and-breakfasts within walking distance of Main Street. If you're looking for a freshened-up, retro-meets-Texan style, The Trueheart Hotel offers amenities such as a communal outdoor fireplace and morning deliveries of hot biscuits. Get the same classic small-town feel as the Dragonfly Inn in Gilmore Girls at Hoffman Haus. Book one of the cozy cottages at Hill Country Herb Garden, a bucolic spot with an on-site restaurant and spa.

, 201 Llano St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 608 East Creek St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 405 Whitney St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624

If your main objective when visiting Fredericksburg is to have a wine weekend, choose from one of the one-site lodgings located along the 290 Wine Road. Some of our favorite recommendations for both stays and vinos are the accommodations at Barons Creek Vineyards, Messina Hof Winery, and Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa.

, 5865 E, US-290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 9996 US-290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, 4064 US-290, Johnson City, TX 78636

Set in a quiet nature setting, but still very close to downtown Fredericksburg, this unique set of luxury tents, cabins, and repurposed shipping containers called Onera is the perfect place to unplug in between bouts of exploring the area and town. You can expect amenities such as fire pits and hot tubs.

, 173 Basse Ln, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

The Hangar Hotel was designed in the spirit of a WWII-era military hangar, complete with nostalgic airplane memorabilia and aviation-themed decor. There's a classic 1940s diner on site, as well as year-round lodging. Make sure to visit the second-floor observation deck for views of the grounds.

, 155 Airport Rd, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Three days in Texas is long enough to flirt with adventure but still completely unwind if that's what you're after in a three-day weekend romantic getaway. Outside of San Antonio or Houston are an array of small towns in the Hill Country, on the Gulf of America, or woven into the riverbanks of the U.S. state. Places like South Padre Island or Jefferson or Rockport all tempt couples to sip wine, chase sunsets, explore tide pools, hike a mountain, or stroll under twinkling lights at Christmas time. Romance wears many faces, and in Texas, every pair can find the version that fits them best, perhaps with a little mischief along the way.

Port Aransas

Couples can wander Port Aransas Beach with nothing but warm Gulf water in front of them and pastel-painted cottages behind them. A couple blocks away from the beach, Seashell Village Resort is just one of the more romantic places to stay in this Gulf resort town on Mustang Island. Roberts Point Park gives you one of the better places to walk hand-in-hand with fishing boats sliding in and out of the harbor and dolphins occasionally breaching close enough to shore. Not far away is the 1,217-acre coastal Port Aransas Nature Preserve, which provides scenic trails and wildlife spotting opportunities mere minutes from downtown. Speaking of downtown, there are numerous date night spots to enjoy during your long weekend getaway. This includes Tortuga's Saltwater Grill and the Crazy Cajun.

South Padre Island

South Padre Island stretches along the Gulf of America with 34 miles of beach that make sun and sand as easy to find as margaritas on a patio in this resort town. The shoreline itself is frequently rated as one of the best beaches in the U.S., so it's no wonder why this is one of the better spots for couples to plan a long weekend. Beyond the sand, the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center lets you wander boardwalks through salt marsh and spot egrets and herons from elevated platforms, and Sea Turtle, Inc. brings couples face-to-face with rescued sea turtles. Lagoon cruises and eco-tours out of the island's marinas let you look for pelicans and dolphins on the water, and a sunset cruise on Breakaway Cruises may take the cake. Given this is a resort town, there's really no shortage of places to stay. You have Margaritaville Beach Resort near Isla Blanca Beach, Coco Beach Hotel on the beach, and a number of cottages and vacation homes. Beyond town, Ocean Boulevard will take you up through sand dunes, past deserted beaches, to South Padre Adventure Park, where horses will guide you up the sand further as the road comes to an end.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is a major romantic getaway spot and wedding destination in the middle of Texas Hill Country. Limestone buildings, German lettering, and an endless line of tasting rooms make Main Street ideal for couples seeking somewhere magical for a three-day weekend. Among the many tasting rooms along the strip are Fredericksburg Winery, Pontotoc Vineyard Weingarten, and Grape Creek. Numerous date-spot restaurants crowd Main Street as well, and the Marktplatz von Fredericksburg, the central community park, becomes even more romantic when the Christmas lights go up. Museums and galleries are also plentiful in this Texas town, especially those honoring the German settlers who helped found it in 1846. There's an array of accommodation options in Fredericksburg to pick from, including hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and traditional bed and breakfasts such as Clear Springs Log Cabin and Behr House. The latter sits on a sprawling property less than two miles from historic Main Street. About 20 minutes north of town is the Enchanted Rock Natural State Area with its well-known 425 ft tall pink granite rock. But within the town limits, couples can enjoy the trails through wetlands and mud flats at the Fredericksburg Nature Center.

Marble Falls

A Colorado River town backed by Hill Country ridges, Marble Falls is built for couples who want water, wine, and a total lack of urgency. Lake Marble Falls runs along downtown, so the weekend can start with nothing more than walking the shoreline in Johnson Park and watching kayakers drift by. A few blocks inland, Blue Bonnet Cafe handles the a.m. routine, and Main Street pulls the focus at night. On it are restored early-1900s storefronts, bars, local galleries, and the Highland Arts Guild. When December rolls in, the lake turns reflective with the Walkway of Lights at Lakeside Park and the Light-Up Parade down Main Street. Hidden Falls Inn at Lake Marble Falls puts you within walking distance of it all.

Port Isabel

Port Isabel feels a lot like parts of Florida with channels weaving their way through town and Laguna Madre curled around the outside with the Queen Isabella Causeway pointing toward South Padre. The nearby island town has more of the bigger, more plush resorts, but Port Isabel is far more quaint. Meaning you'll find smaller inns to stay at, including The Lighthouse Boutique Hotel. It sits near the causeway and Pirate's Landing Pier and the Dolphin Docks, where you can embark on a cruise out into the waters to spot the playful creatures. This is jsut one of many romantic ways to spend three-days in Port Isabel. The Arturo Galvan Coastal Park is a great place to wander and catch some rays together, and the town itelf has some great date-night spots like Hooper Haus and Taqueria Los Nava.

Granbury

Granbury calls itself the "Celebration Capital of Texas" thanks to year-round events, meaning that couples can time their long weekends there to any number of annual festivals. This includes Granbury's Old Fashioned Fourth of July Festival, which includes one of the top-rated fireworks shows in America, and the Harvest Moon Festival of the Arts in October. Lake Granbury wraps the town's edge with 103 miles of shoreline that keeps boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and fishermen in motion, and Granbury City Beach Park puts sandy water access right next to town. The Inn on Lake Granbury pairs lakefront rooms and balconies with quiet spots to unwind after sunset over dinner and wine. It's also only a couple of blocks away from the historic Granbury Opera House, which fills evenings with musicals and plays and has done so since 1886.

Wimberley

Couples can plan weekends around doing nothing more than walking the banks of the Blanco River and finding a rock to stretch out on. Or they can push their limits at Wimberley Zipline Adventure, clipping into a line across pasture, cedar, and limestone hills. That's the beauty of Wimberley, a Hill Country town between Austin and San Antonio; there's pretty much something for everyone. Old Baldy is a major trail workout, with 218 stone steps to a lookout where the Hill Country rolls in every direction. In town, Emily Ann Theatre and Gardens runs everything from outdoor Shakespeare to seasonal displays, making it a draw for date nights. Onera Wimberley handles the overnight part with elevated treehouse-style suites and private soaking tubs. It's exactly what people book when they want a weekend with no airtight schedule.

Johnson City

Johnson City's changes the entire personality of its downtown during the month of December. The Blanco County Courthouse turns white with millions of bulbs for Lights Spectacular, and Memorial Park joins in, making night walks feel theatrical without going anywhere beyond a few blocks. The Boyhood Home of Lyndon B. Johnson stays open for walk-throughs on a residential corner, grounding the flashier holiday side of this Texas Hill Country town. Couples scheduling their three-day trip outside of December will find fun date activities throughout the year. Drinkers will love Pecan Street Brewing and Lost Draw's tasting room a few blocks away. Wine culture creeps right into the edge of town at Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa, where dinner, drinks, and lodging share the same property so nobody has to drive after a long flight of reds. Outdoorsy couples can head east to the Pedernales River at Pedernales Falls State Park. The stacked limestone shelves spread across 5,200 acres, and trails cut along the river's edge.

Rockport

Rockport Beach delivers shallow, Blue Wave-certified waters and picnic areas shaded by massive live oaks, a perfect place for a relaxing and intimate long weekend with your partner. This is a town that skips ostentatious vibes and instead focuses on essentials like beach access, approachable dining, and comfortable accommodations like Days Inn by Wyndham Rockport Texas and Taylor Oaks RV Park. Though there are some luxury waterfront rentals to be found. When it comes to dining options, there are a few highly rated spots like PIK-NIK Deli and Wine Bar, as well as Shelley's. Just beyond town, across the Lyndon B. Johnson Memorial Bridge, Goose Island State Park preserves 321 acres of coastal habitat, offering a 1,620-foot fishing pier, birdwatching, and the ancient "Big Tree."

Jefferson

Couples can wander Jefferson's brick streets under canopies of ancient live oaks, imagining the bustle of a 19th-century inland port while the Big Cypress Bayou curls around the east side of town down to the south. The Excelsior House Hotel, Texas' oldest continuously operating hotel, keeps its Greek Revival grandeur alive with period furnishings, perfect for a romantic night after Cajun flavors at Auntie Skinner's Riverboat Club. Days in Jefferson can be spent exploring history and various curiosities around town. The Grove property reveals Greek Revival elegance and ghost stories for couples who like a little bit of the macabre with their romance. Outdoorsy couples can enjoy one of the many bike routes that take you around historic downtown and out by Lake O' the Pines.

Lockhart

Vintage shopping, BBQ, and adventures in Lockhart State Park await couples planning a three-day weekend getaway in Lockhart, Texas. The town is just south of Austin and is stripped of all the pomp and circumstance the big city provides. But couples will find luxury, boutique cabins at The Leona. The private cabin experience can be found just a few blocks away from the hub of town, despite being on a lush, rural property. BBQ is a love language in Lockhart, and Kreuz Market has worked the same no-frills ritual since 1900, all market-style service and no sauce. Smitty's Market keeps its fireboxes burning inside a historic downtown grocery building, its walls darkened from decades of smoke. A great date idea is poking around the vintage shops downtown, specifically near the intersection of North Main Street and Walnut. South of town is where you'll find the State Park, complete with trails and a quaint waterfall tumbling over a dam.

From paddling along Lake Granbury to sipping wine on the banks of the Pedernales or feeling sand between your toes on South Padre Island, there's no single formula for romance in Texas. These towns let couples write their own long-weekend story, whether that means late-night strolls along a lake, ziplining over cedar hills, dancing at a festival, or laughing over breakfast in a 19th-century cafe. In Texas, three days can stretch as wide as your sense of adventure... and still leave you wanting more.

Last Updated On – 19th December, 2025

Christmas in Fredericksburg, Texas, transforms this Hill Country town into a festive blend of German heritage, small-town charm, and holiday celebrations that attract visitors from across the state. From the iconic Christmas pyramid to evening light displays and lively market stalls, the season brings a warm and spirited atmosphere that lasts from mid-November through early January.

If you’re planning a holiday getaway or a day trip during the 2025 season, this guide covers the lights, shows, parade, markets, and seasonal experiences that define Fredericksburg, TX Christmas.

Looking ahead to the weekend? Don’t miss our complete guide to events & activities in San Antonio this weekend, including free festivals, live music, and hidden gems.

Editor’s Note: We strive to keep listings up to date, but details are subject to change. Always verify with event organizers or participating locations before heading out.

This article may contain affiliate links. Purchases made through them may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Also, check out our recent articles on UIW Light The Way 2025, Boerne Christmas Lights, San Antonio Zoo Lights, Windcrest Christmas Lights, Monte Vista San Antonio Christmas Lights, New Braunfels Christmas Lights, Alamo Heights Christmas Lights, and San Antonio River Walk Christmas Lights.

Christmas in Fredericksburg TX – What to Expect

As December settles into the Hill Country, Fredericksburg transforms into a festive, German-inspired holiday destination where the town square comes alive with glowing lights, traditional decorations, and a cozy pace that invites you to linger and soak in the atmosphere.

The heart of the season centers on Marktplatz, where you can enjoy free nightly light displays running through early January. Towering Christmas pyramids, illuminated trees, and twinkling holiday décor also create a magical backdrop for photos, strolls, and festive gatherings.

Aside from that, you’ll be able to catch parades, caroling, and cultural events sprinkled throughout the season, showcasing Fredericksburg’s German heritage alongside Texas Hill Country charm.

As you explore the lit streets, you can pause at shops, sip warm drinks, and take in the mixed and charming traditions of the town.

2025 Holiday Season Dates & Key Events

Fredericksburg lights up with holiday spirit throughout the season, and you’ll be able to plan your visit around a mix of lights, activities, and cultural celebrations. Here’s what to expect in 2025:

Enjoy a free, family-friendly experience at Marktplatz, starting with holiday music at 5 p.m. and a 10-minute audio presentation on German heritage and carols.

At 6 p.m., join the countdown as the 26-foot handcrafted German Christmas Pyramid and the 23-foot community tree illuminate Main Street. Afterward, stroll amid twinkling storefronts and glowing displays, soaking in warm Hill Country hospitality and festive charm.

When: November 25, 2025 – January 4, 2026

On the 100 block of West Main, you’ll be able to glide across the outdoor rink under twinkling lights. Skate rentals are available, and the surrounding decorations create a classic winter atmosphere perfect for families, couples, or solo fun—even in mild Texas weather.

When: November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Tour over 45 Hill Country wineries, tasting festive wines, enjoying special pairings, and soaking in vineyard views. You can also enjoy live music, holiday-themed drinks, and discounts. Purchase multi-day passes online to plan your own festive wine adventure.

When: November 24 – December 19, 2025

Step back into history and Hill Country tradition as you join carolers, meet Santa, and view a live nativity. Then, watch the tree light up while enjoying refreshments and a cozy holiday ambiance.

When: December 21, 2025

Stroll more than 150 glowing boutiques, hunting for unique gifts, German ornaments, and festive décor. Pair your shopping with the twinkling lights and warm Hill Country hospitality for a fully immersive holiday experience.

When: Throughout the season

Family-Friendly Christmas Activities at Fredericksburg, TX Christmas

Fredericksburg offers you and your family a warm, festive escape with a variety of activities that blend German heritage, lights, and Hill Country charm. This includes:

You can stroll Marktplatz and Main Street nightly to admire the glowing German Christmas Pyramid, the community tree, and festively decorated storefronts during Christmas Nights of Lights. Kids especially love the 6 p.m. lighting countdown, carols, and twinkling displays.

At the Eisbahn outdoor rink, you and your family can glide under holiday lights, rent skates for everyone, and enjoy hot cocoa breaks along the way. The mild Texas weather makes it easy to combine skating with nearby shopping for a full, lively experience.

You can visit sites like Sauer-Beckmann Farm’s Deck the Halls to try pioneer-era crafts such as popcorn garlands, wreath-making, and candle-dipping. These interactive, free demonstrations let children explore historical traditions while getting creative.

You can enjoy Santa visits at parades, Peppermint Platz, or the LBJ Tree Lighting, complete with carolers, a live nativity, and festive refreshments. These moments create personalized holiday magic, photos, and sing-alongs perfect for building lasting family traditions.

At the Pioneer Museum’s Singing Christmas Tree, 60 singers perform from a lighted 30-foot tree. Families can relax outdoors, listening to harmonious carols amid historic grounds, blending music, nostalgia, and festive community spirit into one memorable experience.

Food, Wine & Holiday Experiences

Fredericksburg’s holiday season brings the perfect blend of delicious food, festive wine, and unique holiday experiences for every taste. Here are some of the best foodie activities to enjoy this season:

You can enjoy guided tours on festively decorated trolleys or shuttles, visiting three local wineries for tastings paired with holiday treats.

These scenic Texas Wine Trail rides take you through downtown Fredericksburg’s twinkling lights while offering insights into wine-food pairings, all set against the backdrop of Marktplatz decorations.

During Christmas Nights of Lights and the Light the Night Parade, vendors gather at Peppermint Platz, serving seasonal favorites like hot cocoa, pretzels, sausages, and German sweets. You can snack casually while enjoying free carol performances and Santa visits.

You can dine at local gems like Otto’s German Bistro, where Christmas Eve/Day dinners feature festive menus including roast goose, gingerbread, and glühwein (German mulled wine).

Many restaurants also offer special takeout options or pop-up tastings, so you can enjoy cozy meals with Hill Country wines and traditional holiday fare.

Through December, local wineries host holiday markets where you can sample cheese and wine pairings, mulled wines, and light bites like charcuterie.

These informal markets offer the perfect blend of festive atmosphere and delicious local wines, perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy the season’s best flavors.

Tips for Visiting Fredericksburg During Christmas

To make the most of your Fredericksburg holiday experience, here are some practical tips that will help you enjoy the lights, festivities, and local charm to the fullest:

More Christmas Events Near the Hill Country

If you’re looking to extend your holiday experience beyond Fredericksburg, the Hill Country and surrounding areas offer a variety of festive events and activities that will delight you and your family. Here’s a list of other must-visit Christmas events:

This unique holiday experience takes you underground, where Christmas lights weave through stunning cave formations around a massive Christmas tree. Above ground, enjoy campfires, carolers, hayrides, and a December 10 5K Night Run.

This indoor-outdoor holiday wonderland features snowfall effects, visits from Santa, sparkle zones, and heartwarming displays. Perfect for families, it’s an amazing wonderland where you can shop, enjoy seasonal treats, and create lasting holiday memories with loved ones.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas lights up with millions of lights, including themed zones like Candy Cane Lane, holiday rides, and festive performances such as the Majesty of Christmas musical. And for those who enjoy a thrill with their holiday cheer, the adrenaline-pumping rides paired with holiday magic make this a must-visit.

SeaWorld offers Texas’s largest Christmas light display, plus live shows like O Wondrous Night, Merry Mariachis, and visits with Cowboy Santa and Rudolph. You can also enjoy festive foods and explore the illuminated marine exhibits that bring holiday cheer to both children and adults.

The San Antonio River Walk is one of the most magical holiday spots in the area, with millions of twinkling lights draped over palm trees, bridges, and walkways.

Floating boat parades with carolers create a festive atmosphere, while riverside dining with tamales, glühwein, and mariachi music sets the mood for a true holiday celebration.

And if you want even more ways to explore what’s happening in San Antonio, check out the latest roundup of Weekend activities & events in San Antonio before planning your next outing.

About an hour from San Antonio, you'll find a tiny Texas town with enchanting holiday charm — like stepping straight into a cute, slightly cheesy Hallmark movie. Fredericksburg's rich German heritage sets the stage for a town that truly earns its title as the most magical winter destination in Texas.

The Texas Hill Country town doesn't just decorate for the holidays — it commits. You'll find Christmas wreaths hung at nearly every shop along Main Street, bright holiday lights and a charismatic main square, all ingredients for a great holiday film. But, if that isn't appealing enough, the city hosts a nightly countdown of lighting a massive Christmas tree and the iconic German Christmas Pyramid.

From its holiday efforts to its traditions, thousands of tourists visit every year. In 2024, tourism generated $175 million in visitor spending, supported 1,200 local jobs, and contributed $17 million in tax revenue to the community, according to the Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau.

In November, Texas Family Resorts, a popular statewide family blog that ranks Texas' top destinations, even named the city as the top spot to visit in the winter. Due to its allure, MySA visited Fredericksburg to experience a magical holiday. Here's what it was like:

A Fredericksburg Christmas

Every night, Fredericksburg hosts the Christmas Nights of Lights, the city's favorite holiday festivities, according to the visitor bureau. Holiday music takes over the main square at 5 p.m., and a 10-minute audio program follows at 6 p.m. The program features the story of the town's German heritage and the background on the Christmas tree.

After the program, there's an exciting 10-second countdown of the lighting of the tree and the German Christmas Pyramid, a 26-foot carousel-like structure called a Weihnachtspyramide. The wooden pyramids are a traditional German decoration dating back to the 16th century, according to the city. It is an art form that many believe evolved into the current custom of a Christmas tree.

In that area, you'll also find the Eisbahn ice skating rink, which attracts hundreds of visitors, skaters, and spectators from local communities and metropolitan areas each year. A portion of the proceeds from Eisbahn is also donated to two local charities. It costs $15 for a full-day pass. You can purchase tickets at the skate trailer. I did not skate because I'm scared of falling, but many brave children and families enjoyed it while I was there.

Skating isn't the only attraction this holiday season. The city is hosting several events, such as the Santa Day Parade and Kinderfest on December 6 and the 56th annual LBJ Tree Lighting at LBJ State Historic Site on December 21. For more information, visit the city's website.

What to do in Fredericksburg, TX?

Aside from the fun holiday events, visitors can stroll the historic downtown Main Street and shop at the over 150 local shops, galleries, bakeries and art studios. It's a perfect place to wander, grab a coffee or pastry and soak in the Hallmark vibes. I spent nearly all day pursuing the shops and found a ton of trinkets and holiday gifts.

You can also go wine tasting. The town sits in the heart of the Texas Wine Country. You'll find dozens of wineries and tasting rooms, some right downtown or nearby.

If you're looking for an outdoor activity, the lovely Enchanted Rock State Park is nearby and about only 20 minutes away. The park has a massive pink-granite dome that you can hike up for panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country.

To eat, there are plenty of restaurants to visit. Many locals told me to try the Vaudeville Bistro & Wine Bar, which was closed by the time I went on Sunday, and the Ottp's German Bistro. I enjoyed a delightful dinner of steak and chicken at my hotel, the Albert Hotel.

I went to Fredericksburg yearning for an experience that felt like a holiday flick, and I received exactly that.

It's hard to rank the best of the Hill Country's favorite hotspots. Every town has something unique to offer — whether it's food, wine, beer, history, shopping, art or antiques — but according to a top travel magazine, one spot just has the best of it all, and it's not far from San Antonio.

Travel + Leisure, a renowned worldwide travel brand just named Fredericksburg the "unofficial capital of the Texas Hill Country," calling the charming tourism destination a "must-visit town" in a November 15 article.

Fredericksburg isn't the only Hill Country community with fine dining, bed-and-breakfasts, or vineyards. But Travel+Leisure argues that the town's mix of experiences and amenities are unmatched. Visitors can browse the "one-of-a-kind" 30,000-square-foot Carol Hicks Bolton Antiquities store, shop at the San Saba Soap Company (known for using cold-pressed Texas pecan oil in its products), or spend hours wandering the eclectic boutiques along the town's historic Main Street.

Of course, the wineries still define the area for many travelers. The publication notes that Fredericksburg is the perfect home base for day trips to surrounding Hill Country attractions. But it's not just for wine lovers.

Enchanted Rock is the perfect spot for outdoor explorers, and those looking to dance the night away can enjoy a trip to nearby Luckenbach for live music or a drive around hunting for some of Fredericksburg's famous peaches and pecans.

The article also mentions the small town's increasingly sophisticated hotel and restaurant scene. Top lodging venues include the Hoffman Haus, The Albert and Trueheart hotels. Meanwhile, recommended restaurants range from Eaker Barbecue to Vaudeville, and the area's nightlife spans from the classy speakeasy at Salvation Spirits to the pink-dream Brooke’s Bubble Bar and more.

"You'll find plenty of history, charm, and adventures to keep you busy from dawn to dusk," the article said.