When you think of Texas Christmas towns, what comes to mind?
Maybe it’s a historic small town with Hallmark movie style twinkling lights and a friendly Santa in the town square.
Or maybe it’s a bustling Main Street with charming window displays and holiday markets on every corner.
Whatever your vision, Fredericksburg, Texas is the perfect place to spend Christmas in the Lone Star State.
This quaint little town is located in the heart of Texas hill country and boasts the best of German Christmas traditions in Texas!
Here’s the ultimate guide to spending the Christmas season – or Weihnachtszeit in Fredericksburg.
Also Read: 41 Best Things to do in Fredericksburg, Texas
Celebrate a German Christmas in Fredericksburg, Texas
Founded in 1846 by German settlers, Fredericksburg has a rich history steeped in German culture.
From the traditional German foods and beers served in local restaurants to the annual Oktoberfest celebration…
….there are plenty of ways to experience German heritage in Fredericksburg.
However, the most famous of them all is the traditional German Christmas celebration.
Also Read: 10 Best German Towns in Texas
Best Things to do for Christmas in Fredericksburg
During the Christmas season, the town comes alive with festive lights, decorations, and events that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale.
Here are our favorite things to do for Christmas in Fredericksburg, TX to get into the holiday spirit.
Participate in Light the Night Christmas Parade
The Christmas season in Fredericksburg officially kicks off with the Light the Night Christmas Parade.
This much-anticipated event features several floats adorned with twinkling lights, holiday music, and of course, Santa Claus himself!
You can also see marching bands and Christmas carolers adding to the festive vibes of the parade.
The parade starts at 6:30 pm on the first Friday in December and runs through historic downtown Fredericksburg.
See the German Christmas Pyramid in downtown Fredericksburg
In the center of town, you’ll find a 26-foot tall German Christmas Pyramid.
This beautiful structure was handcrafted in Germany.
It is adorned with hand-carved wooden figurines that tell the story of the nativity scene.
The pyramid is illuminated with over 1,000 lights and its spinning is sure to dazzle visitors of all ages.
The Fredericksburg Christmas tree is also located here.
Attend Fredericksburg’s Christmas Nights of Lights show
One of the best ways to experience Christmas in Fredericksburg is to see the Nights of Lights audio show.
The event takes place every evening at 6 pm through the holiday season and lasts for 10 minutes.
During the show, you will learn about the German history of the town and listen to Christmas carols.
The show is followed by the millions of lights displayed throughout historic downtown and Marktplatz being turned on for the night as well as the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
It is a unique experience and we highly recommend it for visitors.
Enjoy ice skating under the twinkling lights
Another fun activity during Christmas in Fredericksburg is the Eisbahn ice skating at the Marktplatz.
The outdoor rink is a great activity for families and couples alike to create their own holiday memories!
Tip: The rink is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Buy unique gifts at the Christmas Store in Fredericksburg
The Christmas Store is a must-visit during your Christmas trip to Fredericksburg.
This unique shop specializes in German Christmas decorations and ornaments.
You’ll also find nativity scenes, nutcrackers, table-top pyramids, and other traditional German holiday items.
Enjoy the wine tasting rooms in this Texan town
Fredericksburg is home to over 40 wineries and tasting rooms.
You can find the perfect bottle of wine for your loved ones (or yourself!)
Many of the tasting rooms are located in charming historic buildings, adding to the overall festive atmosphere of Fredericksburg during Christmas.
Also Read: 20 Best Wineries in Fredericksburg, Texas
Check out the traditional German Christmas Market
Each year, the town of Fredericksburg, Texas celebrates its German heritage with several traditional Christkindlmarkts.
The markets features stalls selling everything from handmade gifts and Christmas decorations to delicious German food and drink.
Visitors can also enjoy live music, dance performances, and other festive entertainment.
Popular markets are Trade Days, Christmas Market and Festival as well as Home Tour and Holiday Market.
Browse the festive window displays on Main Street
Be sure to take a stroll down Main Street to admire the festive holiday window displays.
Many of the boutiques and restaurants in downtown Fredericksburg go all out for Christmas.
It’s fun to see the creative ways they incorporate German traditions into their displays.
Try German delicacies
If you get hungry, pop into one of the many restaurants on Main Street for a bite to eat.
We recommend the award-winning Apfelstrudel at Otto’s or the Christmas cookies at Fredericksburg Bakery.
Take a Christmas Lights Tour of the Hill Country
One of the best ways to take in the beauty of Fredericksburg during Christmastime is to take a tour of the light displays in the Hill Country.
Celebrate Christmas in the old-fashioned style at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site…
…enjoy the holidays on the San Antonio Riverwalk or see the Texas State Capitol Christmas tree in Austin…
…and admire the festivities in Luckenbach, the tiniest Christmasiest town in Texas!
This quaint Hill Country town is full of holiday cheer, from its twinkly lights and festive decorations to its many holiday events.
Whether you’re looking for a German Christmas market or a festive light display, Fredericksburg, Texas is the perfect place to spend Christmas.
What are your favorite Fredericksburg Christmas events? Let us know below.