Join in the excitement of the holiday season when you travel the state of Texas! No matter where you’re visiting - be it the Plains, the Hills, or the Gulf Coast - there are sights, sounds, and sensations to be had; particularly when you follow our “Bonus Holiday Trip Tips!”  

 

— South Texas Plains — 

San Antonio 

If you’re looking for an adventure rich in history and culture San Antonio is a must. Stay in Hotel Emma, a boutique riverfront hotel in the Historic Pearl District, which bursts with urban elegance. From there, take a stroll though El Mercado, an authentic Mexican Marketplace, browse modern European and American art at the McNay Art Museum, or explore a broad range of history and world culture exhibited at the San Antonio Museum of Art. And of course, don’t miss a trip to the Alamo. From historical hotels, marketplaces and museums, San Antonio is where culture sings.  
thehotelemma.com  
marketsquaresa.com  
mcnayart.org  
samuseum.org  
thealamo.org  

 

Bonus Holiday Trip Tip: One of the most magical events of the season is the Ford Holiday River Parade and River Lighting Ceremony. Held this year on November 25th, this has been a San Antonio tradition for the past 41 years. This tradition offers a spectacular one hour parade along the San Antonio River Walk. This year’s theme, “Tastes & Traditions Around the World,” will kick off the San Antonio tradition of ringing in the holiday season. Always held the day after Thanksgiving, the parade and river lighting ceremony will feature 28 illuminated floats and over 100,000 lights (2,250 strands) are illuminated on the River Walk. The lights turn on from sundown to sunrise every day until the weekend following New Year’s Day.  
thesanantonioriverwalk.com  

 

Son’s Island  

For an unforgettable stay-and-play experience, glamp on a tiny island surrounded by the glistening waters of Lake Placid. Forget the frustration of setting up camp; the staff at Son’s Island does everything for you. The three-and-a-half acre island is equipped with volleyball courts, kayaks, paddleboards and waterfront cabanas to wear out even the most active of families. End the day roasting s’mores near the campfire (the staff will even light the fire for you) before hitting the hay in the plush queen beds. 
sonsisland.com  

 

— Hill Country — 

Austin  

You can’t take a trip to the Hill Country without Austin in the itinerary. Hailed as the Live Music Capital of the world Austin is everything you heard about and more. Head to the historic Broken Spoke dance hall for two stepping lessons, or take a dip at the historic Barton Springs Pool, just minutes from downtown. With vibrant entertainment, art, culture, inspiring cuisine and stunning outdoor experiences, Austin is the perfect soundtrack to your Texas trip.  
brokenspokeaustintx.net  

 

Bonus Holiday Trip Tip: Don’t miss the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar in Austin, held December 17th to the 23rd this year. A 10-day affair in all things fine art, the Armadillo Christmas bazaar is a December shopping destination not to be missed. Featuring national and award-winning artists, live music, and two full bars, this Christmas shopping shindig is a festive and lively extravaganza running December 15th through 24th. Celebrating 44 seasons bringing a holiday shopping experience to Texans and tourists, this iconic event showcases the work and skill of nearly 200 touring visual artists, award-winning bands, and talented newcomers. Experience family focused activities for the little ones, an art concierge service, and a shopping scavenger hunt all while listening to live music, sipping a craft beer or cocktail, and enjoying food from local eateries. With the lights low, the spirits high, and the holiday music just right, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a holiday shopping experience for art and music lovers alike. 
armadillobazaar.com  

 

Cypress Valley  

Sleeping in the tree houses of Cypress Valley is a stay and play adventure out of childhood dreams. Find yourself nestled amongst ancient cypress trees, wrap yourself in a blanket and stargaze, listen to the owls, or chase the hundreds of fireflies lighting the creek-bed below. Remember the playfulness of childhood while retaining the creature comforts you’ve come to enjoy as an adult. After a night’s sleep, rekindle your spirit of adventure and explore the properties’ spring fed creek, swim in the pond, or fly through a cypress tree canopy on steel zip lines from platform to platform for a thrilling eco-adventure.   
cypressvalley.com  

 

Wineries and Breweries 

Looking for some superb sips? The Hill Country region is renowned for its wineries, vineyards and breweries, with award winners like Becker Vineyards, Fall Creek Vineyards, and Duchman Family Winery. In Wimberley, dine al fresco on the large outdoor decks at Jobell Café and Bistro, offering delicious rustic French-inspired fare. In Fredericksburg the city's German heritage is featured at the Pioneer Museum with a display of settlers' homesteads and artifacts. Towering above the town square, Marktplatz, the Vereins Kirche is a replica of a 19th century German church that once stood in the city. 
beckervineyards.com  
fcv.com  
duchmanwinery.com  
jobellcafe.com  
visitfredericksburgtx.com  

 

— Panhandle —   

Lubbock 

Hailed as the friendliest city in America, Lubbock is a great place to call home base in the panhandle. Known for its legions of popular musicians and high plains wineries, don’t miss the Buddy Holly Center and Llano Estacado Winery, Texas’ largest and most award winning premium winemaker.  
buddyhollycenter.org  
llanowine.com  

 

Bonus Holiday Trip Tip: Visit the Holiday Happening from November 16th to 20th at the Lubbock Civic Center to enjoy a fantastic five day event that will bring cheer to any traveler. The event, always held the week before Thanksgiving, features more than 130 merchants, specialty ticketed events, silent auctions, and more!
jllubbock.com  

 

Palo Duro Canyon State Park  

Palo Duro Canyon is Americas second largest canyon and has easily one of the best glamping views in Texas and possibly the world. Outfitted with air conditioning, rustic furnishing, and coffee makers, the Doves Rest Cabins are a perfect rugged stay and play. All Doves Rest Cabins are located a few minutes from the main (and only) entrance to Palo Duro Canyon. Beautifully custom designed and uniquely appointed luxury home rentals, no two cabins are alike and all offer views overlooking Palo Duro Canyon. Wake to the sun rising over the multi colored layers of rock, and head out to explore the Grand Canyon of Texas by foot, mountain bike, horse or car. Palo Duro Canyon is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful parks in the Southwest.
dovesrestcabins.com  

 

Route 66 

Drive along Historic Route 66 and be amazed at sights like the Cadillac Ranch, a public art installation featuring 10 graffiti covered Cadillacs buried upright in the sand. Or visit the Devil’s Rope Museum and discover everything there is to know about barbed wire. Caprock Canyon State Park is home to the state’ official bison herd. Located approximately 100 southeast of Amarillo, the park was once home to several Native American groups, including the Folsom Indians – one of the earliest recorded Native American cultures. With more than 100 miles of trails and a 120-acre lake, Caprock State Park is an excellent place to hike, fish, ride a horse, or take a refreshing dip in the cool waters of Lake Theo.  
theroute-66.com  
barbwiremuseum.com  

 

— Piney Woods —  

Getaway Piney Woods  

With 40 cabins spread across nearly 100 wooded acres, Getaway comes by its name honestly. With no check-in desk, no in-person interaction with staff and a cellphone lockbox in your cabin, this is the ultimate city-dweller’s detox. Thirty-two of the cabins feature one bed and are built with couples in mind; the remaining eight have two beds, so you can bring the kids - or have extra space for the dog. This particular East Texas getaway is found 90 minutes from Dallas in Larue.   
getaway.house/dallas    

 

Bonus Holiday Trip Tip: A real treat for visitors of Dallas this holiday season is Holiday at the Arboretum, held November 10th through December 31st. Holiday at the Arboretum, presented by Reliant, is Dallas’ favorite holiday tradition! Stroll the garden to see the 25-foot-tall elaborately decorated Victorian-style gazebos that represent each of the 12 Days of Christmas. In the evenings, the garden comes to life for a beautiful nighttime experience aglow with over one million lights. Enjoy our Christmas Village, visits with Santa Claus, entertainment, shopping, and food & beverage options. Back by popular demand, the Dazzling Musical Tree, a 50 foot tall tree animated with over 42,000 lights, returns with a new show for the season.
dallasarboretum.org  

 

Big Thicket National Preserve  

After a night in your private bungalow, head out and explore Big Thicket National Preserve. The Big Thicket region is a comprehensive introduction to some of the most compelling aspects of the Piney Woods’ natural world – a timeless woodland where canopies unravel in fragrant blooms or collapse in draping moss while paths, boardwalks and bridges elevate you above a landscape ruled by carnivorous plants, amphibious creatures and a past primordial power. If you’re feeling paddle strong, grab your canoe and take on the 21-mile Village Creek Paddling Trail, located along a stretch of the Neches River. This one-way trip meanders between high banks and sandy beaches beneath cypress shade, providing paddlers with a fisheye view of the Piney Woods.  
nps.gov/bith   

 

— Big Bend —  

Marfa  

After playing in the park, escape to the quirky town of Marfa for an artists' retreat. Watch the sun set from a restored airstream or star gaze from your very own tepee at El Cosmico. Hang your hat in the boutique hotel El Paisano where James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor stayed filming the famed movie Giant, or relax poolside at Thunderbird, a hip retro motel where the style of a bygone era still resides. Either way, if you’re in Big Bend County, stay in Marfa.  
elcosmico.com  
hotelpaisano.com  
thunderbirdmarfa.com  

 

Bonus Holiday Trip Tip: Ready to shop ’til you drop? Then attend the Marfa Holiday Bazaar that takes place each year in December! The bazaar is a great place to pick up gifts you can’t find anywhere else. Shops, artists, makers, and organizations set up booths in downtown Marfa along Highland Avenue to showcase their offerings. A visit from Santa, twinkling holiday decorations, crafts for kids and live entertainment round out this festive gathering.  
visitmarfa.com  

 

Big Bend National Park  

Big Bend Country is home to Big Ben National Park, one of Americas’ largest national parks. Stretching 800,000 acres along the Rio Grande River, Big Bend is an adventurers’ playground. Raft the glassy waters of the Rio Grande through the breath taking Santa Elena canyon. Brave the Fresno-Sauceda mountain biking loop through 59 miles of Technicolor desert landscapes or drive the scenic Chisos Basin Road and experience one of America’s most stunning mountain vistas. Big Bend offers endless possibilities to explore, so don’t forget to bring your wide-eyed wonder.  
nps.gov/bibe  

 

Brewster County 

In Brewster County, one of the top attractions greeting visitors to the Big Bend Region is the Terlingua Ghost Town. A formerly booming mining town the city is full of friendly locals and rip roaring good times. The historic Starlight Theatre offers a fine selection of gourmet dishes, live entertainment, and sumptuous libations.
brewstercountytx.com 
thestarlighttheatre.com