Texas knows how to sparkle and shine during the holidays, and this year’s lineup might be the region’s best yet. The Best of the Southwest (BOSW) gathered festivities from San Antonio’s riverfront celebrations and Austin’s creative workshops to coastal cheer in Port Aransas and rooftop escapes in Dallas. No matter where you seek to spend your Texas holidays this year, the Lone Star State has plenty to offer. Culinary happenings, hotels and city events have something for every type of holiday traveler and local visitor.

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Need more? Read more: Chase Travel highlights 26 trips to take in 2026

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Holiday magic in Texas: The state’s most festive destinations

These hotels, resorts and destinations are decking the halls with immersive pop-ups, seasonal dining and one-of-a-kind Texas holiday experiences.

Hotel Contessa and San Antonio River Walk (San Antonio)

Festivities: Art-forward Hotel Contessa brings holiday magic to the heart of San Antonio with celebrations overlooking the River Walk’s iconic cobblestones and glowing holiday lights. Guests can enjoy the AAA Four-Diamond all-suite retreat’s festive lineup, with many events perfectly positioned to take in the Ford Holiday River Parade.

• 11/28 — Hotel Contessa’s first annual tree lighting + Ford Holiday River Parade: Kick off the season with the hotel’s inaugural tree-lighting ceremony, set against the backdrop of the illuminated parade gliding down the River Walk.
• 12/4 – 12/6 — Ambler Holiday Mariachi Extravaganza: Enjoy lively performances and festive flair at Ambler’s multi-day mariachi celebration.
• 12/6 — Ambler Cookies & Cocktails Class: A spirited holiday class featuring seasonal treats and cocktail pairings.

Website: thesanantonioriverwalk.com and thehotelcontessa.com

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa (San Antonio)

Festivities: Hyatt Regency Hill Country transforms into a glowing winter wonderland with thousands of lights, holiday trees, festive décor, and a full lineup of family-friendly celebrations throughout Thanksgiving weekend and the holiday season.

• 11/27 — Thanksgiving dining at Springhouse Café & Antlers Lodge: Enjoy a festive Thanksgiving buffet at Springhouse Café or a four-course, family-style dinner at Antlers Lodge.
• 11/28 — First annual tree lighting & holiday kick-off event: Meet real reindeer, roast s’mores, sip hot cocoa and cider, enjoy live choir performances and watch Santa arrive in a bright red Ferrari to light the resort’s iconic giant live oak tree.
• 11/29 — Breakfast with Santa: A special morning at Springhouse Café featuring photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus and holiday fun for families.
• 11/29 — Weekend activities: Goat cuddles with holiday-sweatered goats, story time with elves, fireside s’mores, a holiday movie on the lawn and family game night at Tinsel Tavern.
• Fridays through 12/19 — S’mores with Santa: Meet Santa and Maple the Elf while roasting marshmallows at the oversized lobby fireplaces.
• Saturdays through 12/20 — Breakfast with Santa: A weekly breakfast buffet with Santa and Mrs. Claus greeting guests and posing for photos.
• 12/31 — New Year’s Eve celebration: A family-friendly evening capped with a spectacular fireworks show.

Website: HyattRegencyHillCountry.com

Rockin’ Around the Rooftops & Oh What Fun! (Downtown Austin)

Festivities: Downtown Austin sparkles this season with a new holiday market and a festive rooftop bar crawl hosted by five hotels, each transforming its rooftop into an immersive Winter Wonderland filled with themed cocktails, music and holiday cheer.

• During the holiday season — Oh What Fun! Holiday Market: Explore Republic Square’s new holiday market featuring 25+ retailers, a themed cocktail at the Mistletoe Lounge and local food trucks.
• During the holiday season — Rockin’ Around the Rooftops Bar Crawl: Celebrate with stops at Austin’s transformed rooftop bars, including Yule at Azul (Westin Austin Downtown), Naughty or Nice (Aloft Austin Downtown), Snow Much Fun (JW Marriott Austin), WinterSol (Otis Hotel), and Holiday Hideaway (Austin Marriott Downtown).

Website: HyattRegencyHillCountry.com

Hotel Van Zandt: Reindeer Over Rainey (Austin)

Festivities: Hotel Van Zandt launches a brand-new holiday activation on Rainey Street with Reindeer Over Rainey, transforming the hotel’s pool cabanas into festive lounges for an upscale yet cozy seasonal celebration.

• 12/3–12/28 (Wed–Sun) — Reindeer Over Rainey: Enjoy themed cabanas — Elf Lounges, Santa Lounges and Snowflake Suites — complete with a chef-curated dinner, holiday craft cocktails, vinyl holiday records, board games, decadent desserts and seasonal surprises.

Package info/costs:

• Elf Lounge (2–4 guests), $125 reservation fee, $200 F&B min.
• Santa Lounge (4–6 guests), $125 reservation fee, $250 F&B min.
• Snowflake Suite (6–10 guests), $125 reservation fee, $275 F&B min.

Website: Learn more here. 

Carpenter Hotel: Holiday Art Nights at Carpenters Hall (Austin)

Festivities: The Carpenter Hotel invites guests to unwind at its restaurant Carpenters Hall with creative, chef-driven holiday workshops that blend Austin’s artistic spirit with Carpenters Hall’s cozy, produce-forward dining.

• 12/2 — Holiday Still Life Sketching + Small Bites: Enjoy a guided still life sketching and watercolor class with local artist Emma C. Schmidt, paired with a three-course family-style dinner and a complimentary glass of wine or mocktail. (21+; art supplies included.)
• 12/9 — Holiday Cocktail Illustration Class + Sips: A festive “sip & sketch” night where guests learn to illustrate holiday cocktails while enjoying a handcrafted drink from Carpenters Hall. (21+; art supplies included.)

Website: Learn more here.

Cinnamon Shore (Port Aransas)

Festivities: Cinnamon Shore, a luxury seaside village on the Texas Gulf Coast, celebrates the season with its annual Shimmer at the Shore program, where twinkling lights, festive décor, and community events transform the coastal community into a charming holiday escape.

• During the holiday season — Shimmer at the Shore: Streets and lakeside promenades glow with dazzling lights and festive décor throughout the community.
• During the holiday season — Live music & outdoor holiday movies: Enjoy live performances and cozy movie nights under the stars.
• During the holiday season — Kids’ activities: Families can join in Santa’s First Stop, crafts, and other kid-friendly holiday fun.
• During the holiday season — Community giveback: Guests can participate in the season’s food and toy drives.
• During the holiday season — Best in Texas Coastal Home Tour (Holiday Edition): Tour a luxury Gulf Coast residence transformed with extravagant holiday décor for a festive, over-the-top coastal experience.

Website: Learn more here.

St. Henry’s Winter Wonderland at The Henry (Dallas)

Festivities: The Henry brings back its beloved holiday pop-up, St. Henry’s Winter Wonderland, transforming the restaurant’s rooftop into a cozy, twinkling winter escape filled with cheerful décor, seasonal dishes and spirited holiday cocktails.

11/11/2025–1/4/2026 — St. Henry’s Winter Wonderland: Enjoy a whimsical holiday oasis complete with festive décor, fire pits, photo ops, seasonal cocktails and warm winter bites. (Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.)

Website: thehenryrestaurant.com

Santa Soirée (Port Aransas)

Festivities: Port Aransas celebrates the season island-style with the new and improved Santa Soirée, a multi-day coastal holiday celebration featuring twinkling lights on the water, local shopping, family fun and classic Port A charm.

• 12/13 — Lighted Boat Parade: Watch the marina glow as boats decorated in dazzling holiday lights cruise through the harbor for a festive coastal spectacle.
• 12/13 — Holiday Drone Show: Immediately following the parade, more than 150 illuminated drones light up the sky with holiday-themed shapes and designs over the water.
• 12/13 — Bingo Bells: A festive, shop-local scavenger hunt that supports island businesses; complete a holiday-themed bingo card for a chance to win seasonal prizes.
• 12/12–12/14 — Holiday Shop Around: Explore local boutiques and island favorites offering holiday treasures and special discounted pricing.
• During the holiday season — Santa Sightings: Meet Santa throughout the weekend as he joins in the coastal festivities.

Website: portaransas.org/events/holiday/santa-soiree/

Chicken N Pickle Grand Prairie (Grand Prairie)

Festivities: Just 30 minutes from Dallas, Chicken N Pickle Grand Prairie brings back its beloved Holiday Igloos, offering a cozy, semi-private dining experience perfect for festive gatherings with friends and family.

During the holiday season — Holiday Igloos: Reserve themed igloos like Holiday Glam or Enchanted Forest for up to eight guests, complete with twinkling lights, wintery décor and complimentary s’mores for a cozy night out.

Website: chickennpickle.com/igloos-grand-prairie/

Holiday Happenings at The Worthington & Toro Toro (Fort Worth)

Festivities: The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel and its on-site restaurant Toro Toro roll out a full season of festive programming, from holiday cocktails and themed desserts to rooftop movie nights, parade packages and celebratory feasts.

• 12/1 — “Cozy Cocktails” at Toro Toro: Sip whimsical holiday drinks like Hot Buttered Rum, Spiked Apple Cider and Irish Coffee at Toro Toro’s lobby bar.
• Wednesdays in December — Ugly Christmas Sweater Happy Hour: Wear your best ugly sweater and enjoy 10% off all drinks, including the Cozy Cocktails menu.
• 12/1 — Winter “La Bomba” dessert: Toro Toro’s signature smash dessert gets a holiday makeover with a white chocolate shell, snowflake sprinkles and festive flavors.
• 12/1 — Rooftop Cinema Club Holiday Movie Series: Watch holiday films under the stars atop The Worthington’s garage with downtown views, blankets and Toro Toro concessions delivered to your seat.
• 11/23 — Parade of Lights & Holiday package: Stay steps from the parade route with a special holiday package offering late check-out, double Bonvoy points, a holiday-themed in-room amenity and a $50 dining credit.
• 11/29 — Thanksgiving brunch: Enjoy a vibrant Latin-inspired brunch featuring Roasted Black Turkey with guava mole, Pumpkin Brûlée, charcuterie and more.
• 11/27 — Thanksgiving Day dinner: Celebrate with a Latin twist, including oven-roasted turkey, cranberry bacon morita jam and pumpkin cheesecake.
• Christmas Day — Christmas brunch: A festive feast with Marinated Prime Rib, Churro French Toast, and Honey Cheesecake with blood orange and honeycomb.
• New Year’s Eve — NYE dinner: A celebratory five-course menu featuring Wagyu Beef Tenderloin, Chilean Sea Bass, and a Tres Leches Bomba dessert.

Website: torotorofortworth.com