When we look at those wonderful settings in Hallmark films, most of us usually think, “That’s just in the movies.” But guess what? It isn’t always just in the movies, especially in Texas! That’s because the state has its very own Hallmark Christmas wonderland in its Fredericksburg TX Christmas festival!
Here, you’ll get to experience a magical mix of German Christmas traditions and all the fun things Texans are known for during this wonderful Weihnachtszeit or the Christmas season. Whether it’s marveling at the authentic German Christmas pyramid and the town’s 30-foot Christmas tree, ice skating, shopping along the town’s Main Street fully decked out in sparkles and lights, or enjoying a festive wine tasting event and local cuisine, the Fredericksburg Christmas is a magical thing to watch out for.
We’ve put together a list of the jolliest activities the city has to offer. So put on your best ugly sweaters, don your Christmas boots, put on your Santa hats, and enjoy what the Fredericksburg Texas Christmas has waiting for you!
Editor’s Note: Our staff tries to bring you the latest information. However, all information in the article below is subject to change. As always, please confirm before you head out.
Fredericksburg TX Christmas 2022 – Nights of Lights
One of the most incredible things visitors always wait for year after year in this event is the Fredericksburg Nights of Lights. Every night from Thanksgiving all the way through the first week of January, Fredericksburg’s Marktplatz comes to life with thousands of lights!
The opening night of the event usually features a storytelling of the town’s German heritage, plenty of holiday carols, and an exciting countdown for the opening of the lights. But don’t worry, all this fun doesn’t stop at opening night. Each evening from then on will start with holiday music at 5 p.m. and an audio presentation at 6 p.m. which will then end with the lighting countdown. After the countdown, the music will then stop at 6:30 p.m. But it doesn’t end there.
In addition to the formal Fredericksburg Christmas lights program, there are plenty more attractions that you should see in the Nights of Lights.
One of these is the town’s famous traditional German Christmas pyramid. It will just not be Christmas in Fredericksburg TX without it! The pyramid stands at 26 feet and features moving wooden figures and a spinning windmill. It’s one of the grandest Christmas pyramids in the country and is a clear reflection of the city’s German heritage. In fact, the pyramid was also constructed in Germany and was shipped to the town in 2009.
A few feet from the pyramid is also the city’s impressive 30-foot community Christmas tree. It’s huge, it’s grand, and it’s definitely one of the things that scream Texan Christmas in the town. It’s definitely one to watch out for though since it makes a perfect backdrop for holiday photos and it’s also the perfect thing to give you a sense of the holiday cheer.
If you want to feel like you’re in a Hallmark film with your loved ones though, the best way to do that is to walk along the cheery and brightly lit streets of Main Street. Everything you’d want to see at Christmas is there to provide you with all the holiday cheer you deserve.
Fredericksburg TX Christmas 2022 – Holiday Events and Attractions
The lights and the trees are not the only things that make the Fredericksburg TX Christmas a blast. All the way through New Year, the town will be filled with plenty more activities for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Here are some of the jolliest Fredericksburg events you can look forward to.
Deck the Dancehalls 2022 w/ Kevin Fowler and Carson Jeffrey
Dance your heart out and be merry with your friends or family at the Deck the Dancehalls 2022 with Luckenbach buddies Kevin Fowler and Carson Jeffrey. They’ll be performing classic holiday tunes as well as other songs to get the party and dancing going at Luckenbach Texas. Make sure to wear comfy shoes and comfy clothes so you can have a blast.
Take note, tickets for this dance hall show are limited so get your tickets as early as you can. Tickets cost $30 for advanced reservations and $35 at the gate.
Santa Fly-In
If you’re expecting Santa to be flown in by his reindeer this year, you’ll be disappointed because this time, Santa is coming in vintage style. He’ll be flying in on a red and white 1962 Piper Super Cub at the Gillespie County Airport at 1 p.m. on December 17. And when he arrives, you can take pictures with him alongside the vintage plane.
While waiting, you and the kids can enjoy free hot chocolate, cookies, and caroling with the Fredericksburg United Methodist Church Chancel Choir. You could also donate canned goods to the Fredericksburg Flying Club for the local Food Pantry in the spirit of sharing.
Annual LBJ Tree Lighting
Join this special 50-year-old tradition started decades ago by President and Mrs. Johnson at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site on the third Sunday of December. Starting at 5:30 p.m., there will be carolers, a live nativity, Santa Claus, refreshments, and of course, a spectacular tree lighting. After that, you can visit the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm to experience what a real German Christmas would have felt like a century ago.
Zweite Weihnachten
Zweite Weihnachten or second Christmas is an annual German tradition that Fredericksburg has also adopted. Some of the classic German items you’ll be able to see here include traditional baked Stollen and warm Gluhwein along with the singing of carols in both German and English. There will also be tons of other food, drinks, and music to enjoy. So head on out to the Gillespie County Historical Society Sanctuary & Social Hall on December 26 with your friends from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for free and enjoy a second Christmas feast!
City of Fredericksburg Countdown to the New Year
Fredericksburg loves the New Year as much as it loves Christmas and on December 31st, the town will be hosting a family-friendly event on New Year’s eve. There will be children’s amusements, face painting, music, dance performances, free activities, arts and crafts, and more for everyone in the family to enjoy. The event will start at 3 p.m. at the Marktplatz and will end with the iconic ball drop at 6:30 p.m. Get ready to ring in a spectacular New Year!
Traveling for the holidays? Check out our articles on Magical Winter Lights in Houston, Best Christmas Lights Houston 2022, and also Best Christmas Lights Austin 2022
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