Bethlehem in Burnet
The Burnet Trail of Lights leads you from Wallace Riddell Park through the Historic Square and on to Hamilton Creek Park. It all begins with the lighting of the courthouse on Monday, November 23, and continues throughout December with craft markets, holiday shows and the Christmas on the Square and parade on the 12th where visitors enjoy a full day of entertainment and vendor booths. Unique to Burnet is Main St. Bethlehem. Open the first two weekends in December, you can journey back in time to discover what life was like in the ancient town.
It’s Snowing in Boerne
November 27-28
The 16th Annual Dickens on Main brings the merriment and joy of the holidays to Boerne’s Hill Country Mile, inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy many festive activities including live musical entertainment, Dickens-era theatrical performances, live ice sculpting shows, horse-drawn carriage rides, snow on Main Street and more. Plus, you’ll find a variety of children’s activities including trackless train rides, a petting zoo, photos with Santa and a 60-foot snow slide. This is also the perfect time to shop for unique holiday gifts. Keep it local for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, with many of the shops staying open late for this two-day special event.
Johnson City’s Lights Spectacular
The Blanco County Courthouse alone has 100,000 lights. Add that to the millions of lights of local homes, businesses, churches and the Pedernales Electric Co-op’s lighted forest, and you have one of the largest light displays in the state. It’s been going strong since 1991 and Southern Living even dubbed it “the centerpiece” of the Lighting Trail. Festivities begin Friday, November 27 with a calendar full of events throughout the month, all of which are free.
Radiance at the Ranch
November 26-December 31
This is the second year running for the Christmas Light Fest at the Don Strange Ranch. The beautiful ranch setting is the perfect backdrop for this spectacular Christmas light show. Drive through two scenic miles of two million twinkling lights in a professionally designed and installed presentation. New this year – Santa’s Village will be open on weekends serving the famous Don Strange food and drink (you’ll find a limited menu during the week as well), crafts booths and, of course, the star of the show himself – Santa.
www.sanantoniochristmaslightsfest.com
Holiday Lighted Parade in Kerrville
Kerrville kicks off the holiday season early with a parade and lighting ceremony on Saturday, November 21. The parade consists of up to 100 lighted floats and the evening’s grand finale is the lighting of the Hill Country’s tallest Christmas tree boasting more than 140,000 lights that flood the area and are complimented by thousands of lights outlining the historic downtown buildings, Peterson Plaza and City Hall.
Comfort and Joy
November 28
It’s a full day of shopping, eating, drinking and holiday merriment when Comfort hosts their annual Christmas in Comfort festival. In addition to the fabulous shops and restaurants in the designated National Historic District, more than 125 vendors line the streets selling a wide variety of foods, arts and crafts and holiday gifts. Shop all day, and then stay for the lighted parade down High Street. Better yet, stay all night in one of the unique B&Bs.
