Texas celebrates the Christmas season like nowhere else.
Texas's unique location and history make its Christmas season one of the most diverse in the nation. Guests of the Lone Star state can visit several major cities and experience a different holiday in each.
Texas offers pleasant winter weather, excellent food and lots of opportunities for family or adult fun. Millions of people make the state their Christmas destination -- and for good reason. With its combination of American, Mexican and Cajun traditions, Texas celebrates the Christmas season like nowhere else. Does this Spark an idea?
Austin
Each year in Austin, locals and visitors can participate in over a dozen holiday-centered activities. Unique to the city is the "Trail of Lights Festival," held in Zilker Park, whose Christmas tree stands 155 feet tall and holds more than 3,300 lights. The tree-lighting festivities take place on December 5th each year.
For a strong cultural experience, locals and tourists visit the Austin Weihnachtsmarkt, a traditional German-style market. The atmosphere is lively, featuring live music, homemade crafts and gifts from Germany's Erzgebirge region. Kids can sit for a photo with St. Nikolaus and enjoy games and craft activities.
For a more-active adventure, the Austin Whole Foods Market offers ice-skating on its roof. The rink is open from late November to mid-January. The $10 fee includes skate rental.
Houston
Houston is just a short drive southeast of Austin. Each year, from mid-November through the end of December, the city is full of activities to celebrate the holidays. The city has a strong Latino heritage, which is reflected in its holiday activities. Houston offers a Christmas festival each year, complete with both American and Mexican traditions. Guests can visit Santa, taste holiday food and beverages from around the world, and purchase gifts and crafts created by local artists.
For a fun diversion from the warm weather, the Museum of Natural Science offers its "Snow Flurry" throughout December: The museum becomes home to more than 80,000 pounds of snow, and children aged 10 and under can play, run and throw snow in a safe environment.
Galveston
An island off Texas's southern coast, Galveston is a small destination that does Christmas big. Its "Festival of Lights" takes place each December. There are thousands of lights, a several-stories-tall Christmas tree and even a replica of Santa's workshop. Music, shopping, a Nativity scene and gingerbread house are also featured, as are ice-skating, holiday-themed shows, a paddle-boat ride and a musical dinner theater.
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