10 Family Trips in Texas for Winter Break

 
Rudolph Ice Slide at the Gaylord Texas Resort in Grapevine. Photo courtesy of the Gaylord Texas Resort.

1. Grapevine

It's no surprise that our list starts with the Christmas Capital of Texas, with its amazing parade of lights, ice rink, stunning decorations, Christmas market, and animated characters!

Hotel pick: Go snow tubing, have breakfast with Santa, or make a gingerbread house at the Gaylord Texan Resort. They have faux snow in case the Places to Find Snow in Texas haven’t had any! 

2. San Antonio 

There are plenty of kid-friendly things to do in San Antonio, but the city really shines at Christmas. Take a trip on a festively decorated boat on the river and admire the twinkling holiday lights. Younger kids will also love the LEGOLAND Discovery Center (Read our review here!) and animal lovers will have fun at the zoo and SeaWorld.

Hotel pick: Enjoy a Christmas stay at the Riverwalk Plaza Hotel. This family-friendly hotel is ideally located for festive fun on the San Antonio Riverwalk and has informal dining choices on-site with a coffee shop and restaurant.

 
Moody Gardens is full of cheer during the holidays. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston

3. Galveston

Yes, a beach town can be a holiday wonderland. Head to Holidays in the Gardens to see a Festival of Lights or see A Christmas Carol at The Grand. While on the island, check out our Top Things to Do in Galveston with Kids.

Hotel pick: Experience the festive excitement at the Moody Gardens Hotel. As well as being surrounded by Christmas activities such as an ice rink, you can go in the pool and eat at one of the four restaurants.

4. Dallas

Holiday at the Arboretum transforms the beautiful gardens in Dallas into a holiday wonderland with music, lights, and a Christmas Village with Santa in residence. You’ll find more sparkle at the Dallas Zoo lights.  While you're in town, check out our list of the 25 Best Things To Do in Dallas. 

Hotel pick: Kids stay free at the Beeman Hotel, which has great family rooms and an indoor pool.

5. Fredericksburg

Escape to the Texas Hill Country with Kids and enjoy the German Christmas Market and holiday parades. Older kids will enjoy the short hike up nearby Enchanted Rock (be sure to make a reservation). The holidays are a great time to explore Texas's State Parks.

Hotel pick: Breakfast is included at the Fredericksburg Inn & Suites, which also has fire pits so you can enjoy s’mores as part of your festive stay.

6. The Woodlands

You don’t need to go far to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. There are plenty of things to do in The Woodlands all year, but the city's Christmas fun features an ice rink, a 70-foot Christmas tree, and dazzlingly lit trees lining the Waterway, where you can even enjoy a ride on a swan pedalo!

Hotel pick: The Woodlands Resort is perfect for an active family, with golf courses, tennis courts, kayaks, and a vast network of walking and biking paths. Santa and his elves visit over Christmas, and you can take family photos in a six-foot indoor sleigh!

 
Checking out lights in Austin. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com

7. Austin

Check off some of our favorite things to do in Austin with kids, and then add some holiday activities: walk through over 2 million holiday lights at the Zilker Park Trail of Lights, enjoy ice skating overlooking Ladybird Lake, or watch The Nutcracker at the Long Center. Head out of town to the Circuit of Americas, drive through the Peppermint Parkway light show, and enjoy the plaza with music, food, and games.

Hotel pick: Austin has so many Kid-Friendly Hotels and Resorts that you’ll be spoiled for choice. Stay a short drive away from the hustle and bustle to take advantage of the Omni Barton Creek’s Santa Suite Offer, including a festively decorated room, 20% off your stay, and a $100 hotel credit.

8. Palestine

Ride aboard the Polar Express for a magical holiday experience on a steam train with hot chocolate and cookies. Santa and his elves will greet you when you arrive at the North Pole. This is just one of several Christmas Train Rides Near Houston. 

Hotel pick: The Hampton Inn & Suites Palestine has five-star reviews and is only a few miles from the Railroad.

9. New Braunfels

The historic town of New Braunfels is a great weekend getaway during the Holiday season. As well as the beautiful lights around the town, you can drive to Santa’s Ranch Drive-Thru Christmas Light Park for a great, fun family experience.

Hotel pick: The suites at Homewood Suites by Hilton include a kitchen so you can easily heat bottles or prepare snacks or a meal.

 
Don't forget to take a photo with Cowboy Santa. Photo by Lola Lavender-Hardisty, Lavender Photos 

10. Fort Worth

Saddle up and enjoy Christmas at the Stockyards, including photos with Cowboy Santa, reindeer games, an ice rink, and a matinee rodeo at the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Hotel pick: Be close to the cowboy festive fun in the Stockyards at the Hyatt Place Fort Worth Historic Stockyards hotel.

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