By:
Ann Koehler
As the Hill Country air turns crisp and the twinkling lights begin to glow, Boerne’s cherished holiday events are a joyful blend of small-town charm and timeless tradition.
Leading the line-up is Dickens on Main, originating more than 25 years ago when downtown shop owners created a Victorian-themed holiday event to get people out to support Boerne’s local retailers. The community loved it, it grew, and eventually retailers reached out to the City for help. In 2015, Boerne officially took the reins, growing the event into what it is today, explained Rudy Vega, assistant director of Boerne Parks & Recreation. “Dickens is special because it takes the entire community to make it happen,” Vega said. “Businesses, sponsors and community organizations all step up. City officials plan for months. City employees are setting everything up weeks ahead of time. First responders are on the ground all holiday long to help make these events a reality. That’s what makes Boerne so special. Everyone is committed to the community, and it shows in the incredible final product. Simply put, Boerne puts on for Boerne.”
Dickens on Main
Friday, November 28 & Saturday, November 29
This Thanksgiving weekend, Dickens on Main is the event that rings in the holiday season! It’s a nostalgic weekend of lights, live music, street performers and scents of festive treats. Brand new this year, twirl into the holidays with “Scenes from The Nutcracker” — brought to life each day at 3:30pm by the talented dancers of the Greater San Antonio Academy of Ballet. It’s a sugarplum dream you won’t want to miss! Back by frosty demand, the beloved 22-foot ice slide returns, promising giggles and snowy thrills for the little ones. And yes, there will be snow. In Texas. On Main Street. It’s like a Hallmark movie, but with better shopping — late into the evening! Free to attend.
Weihnachts Weekend
Friday, December 5 & Saturday, December 6
Sip, stroll and sing your way into the holiday spirit! The Hill Country Mile turns into a festive playground with the beloved Wassail Walk & Caroling Contest. From 4:00 to 8:00pm on Friday, local shops will be serving up their own twist on the classic cozy drink while carolers compete for your vote as they sing holiday tunes. Free to attend.
Ready to “sleigh” your holiday shopping list? Grab you friends and head to The Hill Country Mile for two festive days of shopping at the annual Stocking Stroll. Stroll both days from 10:00am to 5:00pm, where participating businesses will be serving up holiday cheer and handing out special gifts to ticket holders. Just bring your “stocking” (aka holiday shopping bag) and fill it with goodies. Think of it as a treasure hunt meets holiday market!
The crown jewel of Weihnachts Weekend — the 38th Annual Weihnachts Parade — rolls at 6:00pm on Saturday, lighting up Main Street with nearly 100 dazzling floats. Whether you are cozying up in a chair along the parade route or strolling The Hill Country Mile, the night is yours. Shops, breweries and bistros will be open late, serving up holiday sips and tasty bites. Snag your dinner reservations early. Pro tip: Locals start setting up their chairs along the parade route that morning to ensure they have prime viewing that evening! Free to attend.
Kinderfest Weekend
Friday, December 12 & Saturday, December 13
This weekend is bursting with festive fun for kids. It’s time to rock your ugliest Christmas sweaters along The Hill Country Mile, where kids can be kids and grown-ups can shop for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.
Cookie Crawl :: 10:00am to 5:00pm, Friday & Saturday
Munch your way through downtown! With a $30 ticket (on sale at 9:00am, Nov. 12), your child gets a sweet Christmas cookie from local merchants and a fun bag to stash their sugary loot. It’s like trick-or-treating, but with sprinkles!
Santa Scavenger Hunt :: 10:00am to 5:00pm, Friday & Saturday
Free and fabulously fun! Grab your passport from participating businesses, then wander The Hill Country Mile in search of Santa hiding in local shops.
Once you’ve tracked down the jolly guy, drop off your completed passport to enter a drawing for a kid’s dream gift basket.
Down Home Christmas
Saturday, December 6 :: 12:00 to 4:00pm
The AgriCultural Museum and Arts Center
Celebrate the season with Santa photos by a tractor, antique hayrides, a petting zoo and festive crafts like cookie and ornament decorating. Shop handmade gifts, enjoy bluegrass tunes, and meet a working blacksmith! Kids will love exploring Texas’s largest antique toy tractor collection. Free to attend.
A Walk in Bethlehem
Tuesday, December 9 & Wednesday, December 10
Walk-through experiences at 6:00 & 7:30pm
St. Helena’s Episcopal Church
Wander through ancient streets, meet Roman guards and townsfolk, and cross paths with Mary and Joseph on their journey. Witness the star, the angel and the magi as the story of Christ’s birth unfolds. This free, family-friendly event is St. Helena’s gift to the community. And yes, there will be live camels!
Jingle All The Way 5/10K
Saturday, December 13 :: 8:00am
Patrick Health Public Library
This festive run benefits the incredible women and children at Transformation House, helping provide safe shelter, support and a fresh start during the most meaningful time of year. Registration and sponsorships online.
Annual Boerne Chanukah Celebration
Wednesday, December 17 :: 5:30pm
Main Plaza
Gather for the grand lighting of the giant menorah, plus live music, festive kid-friendly activities, tasty refreshments and plenty more surprises to keep the spirit shining bright. It’s a joyful evening of tradition, treats and togetherness. Free to attend.
Music in the Cave
Cave Without a Name
Joseph Kuipers, cello, and Uko Adams, guzheng: Songs of the Silk Road. November 8 :: 7:00 to 9:00pm
Tinsel, an a cappella quartet: Sounds of the Christmas Season. November 29 :: 7:00 to 9:00pm
A Nordic Christmas, traditional Nordic cello choir: Scandinavian tradition for St. Lucia’s Day. December 6 :: 7:00 to 9:00pm
Winter Solstice with Rudi & the Rudiments: Acoustic guitar, Native American flute, dulcimer, harmonica, Tibetan bowls. December 20 :: 7:00 to 9:00pm
The Jones CHRISTmas Light Drive-Thru
November 7 – December 31
6:00 to 10:00pm, weekdays, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day;
6:00 to 11:00pm, weekends; 6:00pm to Midnight, Dec. 20-22
For 18 years, the Jones family has produced a spectacular synchronized drive-thru lighting display while giving back to the community. This year brings a new indoor experience on weekends as well.
Crumbling Castle Lights
November 21 – December 31
6:00 to 9:00pm, weekdays;
6:00 to 10:00pm, weekends, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Just north of Boerne, drive through 30 acres of twinkling Texas Hill Country, transformed into a magical forest of fairy tale sculptures, festive scenes and thousands of glowing trees.
Old West Christmas Light Fest
Weekends, November 28 – December 21, plus December 22-23 :: 5:00 to 10:00pm
Enchanted Springs Ranch
Celebrate the season under the starry Texas sky at Enchanted Springs Ranch, where twinkling lights illuminate 40 glowing Old West buildings. Enjoy campfire fun, festive drinks and family cheer. And don’t miss Santa’s Holly Jolly Herd of Longhorns!
Boerne Bright
Fridays-Sundays, December 6-22 :: 6:00 to 9:00pm
Annual Christmas Concert on December 7 from 6:00 to 7:30pm
First Baptist Church
Stroll through a dazzling display of over 500,000 synchronized Christmas lights, all set to your favorite holiday tunes. Grab a hot cocoa, snap a pic in the snow globe, and soak in the sights and sounds. Free to attend.
HOLIDAY MARKETS
Boerne Handmade Fall Market
1910 Church
Friday, November 21 :: VIP Morning: 10:00am to 1:30pm / VIP Evening: 5:30 to 9:30pm
Both events are $25 and include swag bags, freebies, coupons, drinks, sweets and snacks!
Saturday, November 22 :: 9:00am to 4:00pm, open to public, $5 entry
From jewelry, apparel, leather goods, toys, home decor and art to handmade candles, food, drink and more.
The Annual Christmas Farm Shops
November 29 & December 6 :: 10:30am to 4:00pm
Rosewood Farm & Fragrance
Discover farm-fresh produce, handcrafted treasures and delicious seasonal goodies — all lovingly made right here in the community. Free to attend.
41st Annual Oma’s Christmas Fair
Saturday, December 6 :: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, December 7 :: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Kendall County Fair Grounds
Decking three halls with treasures from 100+ Texas vendors, you’ll find food concessions, door prizes, raffles and even lunch with Santa, plus the annual food and toy drive (bring 2 canned goods or 1 unwrapped toy for $1 off admission).
Cowboy Christmas Market Days
Saturday, December 20-21 :: 10:00am to 5:00pm
Main Plaza
Main Plaza transforms into a charming Christmas Market straight out of a storybook. Stroll past stalls brimming with handcrafted ornaments, artisan gifts and festive treats that make perfect stocking stuffers. Free to attend.
