Fredericksburg during the holidays is a magical place with a festive atmosphere and timeless holiday traditions and activities. Here are some of the best ways to experience the holiday season in Texas Hill Country.
Fredericksburg’s Christmas Night of Lights
Throughout the month of December, you are invited to learn about the town of Fredericksburg’s German heritage, listen to holiday carols and countdown to the lighting of the Marktplatz and Community Christmas Tree. Starting the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Fredericksburg’s Christmas Nights of Lights continues nightly through January 6. Each evening the holiday music and carols will start at 5 p.m., followed by an audio presentation about the town’s history at 6 p.m. and wrapping up with the countdown to the lighting of the Christmas tree and German Christmas Pyramid. Music will typically end by 6:30 p.m, just in time to find a cozy place in town for a bite to eat.
Visit The Fredericksburg German Christmas Pyramid
Every year a 26-foot-tall structure called a Weihnachtspyramide, or Christmas Pyramid, decorates the town center of Fredericksburg, known as Marktplatz. Christmas Pyramids are a traditional German decoration dating back to the 16th century and typically fit on a table. Fredericksburg’s Christmas Pyramid, which was handcrafted in Germany and first displayed during the 2009 holiday season, lights up the center of town through the first week of January each year.
Light the Night Christmas Parade
Bring a lawn chair down to Main Street for the Light the Night Christmas Parade. This annual event is put on by Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce on the first Friday of December, with beautifully lit parade floats delivering all the holiday spirit you need to kick off the season. After the parade, head to Marktplatz for food and wine vendors, or a free photo with Santa!
The Singing Christmas Tree
A unique annual Christmas concert takes place every year at the Pioneer Museum in Fredericksburg. The Singing Christmas Tree is a 26 foot tree-shaped metal structure, with carolers standing on the various levels during the performance. This special tradition is sure to make your spirit merry and bright!
Holiday Shopping in Hill Country
Fredericksburg is the perfect destination for one-stop holiday shopping. Spend the day browsing through more than 150 shops, art galleries and boutiques along Main Street while enjoying the festively lit atmosphere. With an abundance of handmade and locally crafted jewelry, artwork, antiques and more you are sure to find the perfect gift for the special people in your life.
Support Local Artisans
Check out the work of some of the many talented artists and craftspeople in Fredericksburg at the Redbud Artisan Market Holiday Show. Held in Marktplatz on a December weekend every year, this market has over 50 local artists offering their creations, along with local music. Admission is free, making this a great spot to wander through and find that unique holiday gift.
Take in the Natural Beauty of Hill Country
Pull on your hiking boots and head 20 minutes north to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area for panoramic views of Hill Country. This popular park has over 8 miles of hiking trails, interactive exhibits, picnic areas, rock climbing and cave exploration. Some of the trails are pet-friendly as well. The park is open only on select weekends in December and reservations are recommended, as the gates are closed once it reaches capacity.
Visit a Brewery or Winery
There is no shortage of extraordinary local wineries and breweries in Fredericksburg. Take a break from shopping on Main Street and stop into Fredericksburg Brewing Company, the oldest brewpub in Texas. A short drive from the center of town brings you to Altstadt Brewery, a German-style beer hall with an expansive biergarten. If you are more of a wine person, the Christmas Wine Affair passport offers free tastings and discounted bottles at more than 40 hill country vineyards.
Get Out on the Ice
The Eisbahn outdoor ice skating rink offers fun for the whole family from mid-November to January 1. The rink is located in a pavilion at Marktplatz, making it a convenient stop before or after attending the Christmas Nights of Lights celebration. Admission includes skate rental and there is food available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds from Eisbahn each year go to support local charities, and provide tuition assistance to the Heritage School, whose students volunteer to staff the event.
Find a Christmas Tree
If you are still looking for that perfect Christmas tree, look no further than Jenschke Orchards. Open through Christmas Eve, this farm offers a variety of pre-cut fir, cypress and spruce, or you can cut your own. Bring the Fredericksburg holiday spirit back to your home with this special souvenir!
Book a vacation rental for your Christmas Holiday with Gästehaus Schmidt and explore the beauty of Texas Hill Country during this festive time of year!