I’ve always wanted to visit the Christmas markets in Germany. Luckily, here in Texas, we have Fredericksburg TX! Book a trip this holiday season to the historic German town of Fredericksburg for all of its holiday things to do and Christmas activities in 2023.
A Fredericksburg Christmas is truly magical!
You can also enjoy all of the things to do and its unique German heritage any time of year with our guide to Fredericksburg TX!
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Christmas Card Stamping Party
Learn how to make beautiful handmade Christmas cards using a variety of stamping techniques at the Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course Cardinal Room.
This event is open to all ages and no experience is necessary. All supplies are provided. Nov. 15, 2023, from 11 AM to 3 PM. Tickets are priced at $15 per person. Email itsfun2stamp@gmail.com by Nov. 11 to sign-up.
Experience MarktPlatz
Celebrate Christmas with some German festivities at Marktplatz, where you can see a German Christmas pyramid, experience the town’s 30-foot Christmas tree, and go ice skating!
Eisbahn Outdoor Ice Skating
Give back while still having fun this holiday season by skating on real ice at the Kinderhalle Pavilion. At Eisbahn Outdoor Ice Skating, experience Fredericksburg’s holiday tradition with funds going towards the Heritage School and Cystic Fibrosis.
The schedule varies by day, but the rink will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and will close early on New Year’s Eve.
Tickets are $15 per day, including skate rental, but there is also a $10 ticket special on Tuesdays. All ages are welcome and there will also be concessions for sale. This year, Eisbahn will be open from Nov. 18 – Jan. 3, 2024
Fredericksburg’s Christmas Nights of Lights (Free)
Kickstart the holiday season at Fredericksburg’s Christmas Nights of Lights. Starting November 21, 2023, at 6 PM enjoy the lighting of the Christmas tree, holiday carols, and the story of Fredericksburg’s German heritage. Through Jan. 7, 2024.
The Light the Night Christmas Parade (Free)
Head down to the Chamber of Commerce on Dec. 1, 2023, at 6:30 PM for Fredericksburg’s Christmas night parade. Be sure to grab a bite to munch on during the parade, and afterward, snap a picture with Santa & Mrs Claus at the whimsical Peppermint Platz.
Historic Home Tour & Holiday Market
The Historic Home Tour & Holiday Market at Pioneer Museum is a beloved Fredericksburg tradition, now in its 64th year. Visitors can tour eight historic homes in Fredericksburg, all decorated in their holiday finest.
In addition to the tour, the Pioneer Museum grounds will host a Holiday Market, located at the GCHS Sanctuary & Social Hall, featuring 20+ vendors selling unique gifts, food, and holiday items.
This year’s event will be held on Nov. 18, 2023, from 9 AM to 5 PM, with tours taking place from 11 AM to 5 PM. Ticket prices ranges from $12 – $45. Get your tickets here.
Deck the Halls (Free)
Help Sauer-Beckmann Farm get ready for Christmas! Holiday activities include stringing popcorn, cookie decorating, wreath making, and more! Celebrate Christmas the old-fashion way with the farm on Nov. 25, 2023, from 10 AM to 3 PM
The 6th Christmas Bazaar (Free)
Enjoy a day of holiday fun at the Fredericksburg Christmas Bazaar. Shop local vendors, participate in arts and crafts, take advantage of a photo-op with Santa, and watch the Christmas tree lighting. Dec. 2, 2023, 11 AM to 6 PM.
A Ranger Christmas (Free)
Come see Santa Claus at the Texas Ranger Heritage Center! Enjoy crafts, cookies, hot chocolate, hot dogs, and more! Kids can even be sworn-in as an honorary Junior Texas Ranger! Dec. 2, 2023, 2 PM to 4:30 PM.
Kinderfest (Free)
Celebrate Fredericksburg’s joyous tradition of Kinderfest at the Pioneer Museum. Children 10 and under are encouraged to bring a stocking to hang on the fireplace.
While the kids enjoy refreshments and crafts, Santa and his elves will be working to fill the stockings according to German tradition. Nuts, fruit, and candy for nice children, and a lump of coal for naughty children. Luckily, all the kids at Kinderfest are on the nice list!
All children must be accompanied by an adult. Dec. 2, 2023, 10 AM to 12 PM.
The Santa Day Parade (Free)
See the Santa’s Day Parade on Main Street and visit Santa at the Gillespie County Courthouse Square where you can tell him what you want for Christmas this year. Don’t forget to grab a free holiday goodie bag from Santa! Dec. 2, 2023, 10 AM.
Holiday Shows & Performances
The Singing Christmas Tree
Attend the Fredericksburg Singing Christmas Tree event at the Pioneer Museum. Hear community choruses put on a family holiday concert. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Dec. 2 & Dec. 3, 2023, 6 PM to 7 PM.
The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker at Rockbox Theater is a magical holiday event that is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. It’s a must-see for families with children of all ages!
This year, the Fredericksburg Dance Company will present The Nutcracker on Dec. 8, 2023 at 7 PM, Dec. 9, 2023 at 7 PM and Dec. 10, 2023 at 3 PM. Ticket prices range from $25 – $45. Get your tickets here.
Special Christmas Show Hosted by Zach Top
Zach Top is a Texas country music singer and songwriter who is known for his high-energy performances and his sense of humor. His Special Christmas Show will take plate at local dancehall, Luckenbach Texas, and has been a beloved tradition for several years. Dec. 9, 2023 at 7 PM to 11 PM. Ticket prices range from $40 – $250. Get your tickets here. All ages are welcome.
Tomaseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas
Tomaseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas is a heartwarming and festive holiday show that celebrates the traditions and spirit of Christmas through Irish music, song, dance, and storytelling.
This year, the show will be performed at the Rockbox Theater on Dec. 15, 2023 at 7 PM. Ticket prices range from $48– $62. Get your tickets here.
Cirque-tacular-Shimmer
Cirque-tacular-Shimmer is a magical holiday show that combines the best of cirque du soleil, magic, and comedy.
Featuring a cast of talented performers, you’ll be amazed and delighted by their acrobatic skills, illusions, and humor. The show also features beautiful costumes, sets, and lighting. Dec. 16, 2023 at 4 PM and 8 PM. Ticket prices from $48– $62. Get your tickets here.
3 Redneck Tenors – Christmas SPEC-TAC-YULE-AR
The 3 Redneck Tenors are a unique and talented group who combine their classical vocal training with their country roots to create a truly unique and entertaining show. It features a mix of traditional Christmas carols and country-inspired Christmas songs.
Their Christmas show, titled “3 Redneck Tenors-Christmas SPEC-TAC-YULE-AR,” is a must-see for anyone looking for a fun and festive holiday experience. Dec. 22, 2023 at 7:00 PM. Ticket prices from $38– $48. Get your tickets here.
Go Shopping
The Ab Astris Winery Christmas Market
Enjoy hot mulled wine, wine, hot chocolate, live Christmas music, shopping, and more at Ab Astris Winery Christmas Market. Shop local vendors selling jewelry, vine art, glass artwork, metal artwork, and more! Dec. 3, 2023, 12 PM to 4 PM.
A Fredericksburg Holiday Market
Attend the Fredericksburg Holiday Market and shop local vendors and artisans selling handmade items, jewelry, kid’s clothing, art, and more! Dec. 9, 2023, 9 AM to 4 PM.
Visit the Christmas Store
Even if it’s not Christmas time, the Fredericksburg Christmas Store is open year-round to bring you holiday cheer, no matter what the season. This store has rooms upon rooms of Christmas décor, ornaments, little Christmas villages, and more!
Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for a loved one or just want to add some Christmas spirit to your home, the Fredericksburg Christmas Store is sure to have something for you!
Sip & Shop on Main Street
Have fun while shopping for Christmas gifts for loved ones while walking down Fredericksburg Main Street. Gluhwein is a German mulled wine, or a spiced hot wine, that I look forward to every holiday season.
The wine shops sell it during the winter, and you can actually carry it around the Main Square! There are so many cute boutiques and unique shops where you are bound to find art, clothing, and gifts for yourself—and others!
The Christmas Journey (Free)
Step into a magical world in the heart of Fredericksburg with The Christmas Journey. A drive-thru Christmas light display presented by Bethany Lutheran Church, The Christmas Journey features scenes decorated with thousands of lights and life-size figures that tell the story of Christmas.
Enter the back parking lot on N. Adams Street. There is also a walking path you can take as well. Dec. 8 & Dec. 9, 2023, 6 PM to 8:30 PM.
Herbal Holiday Gift Class
Herbalist Lauren Peterson will host a fun and educational workshop at the Hill Country Herb Garden, where you’ll create all-natural holiday treats, perfect for giving as gifts!
In this class, you’ll have the opportunity to craft three delightful items: Elderberry Syrup, a comforting Herbal Hot Cocoa Mix, and a luxurious Sugar Body Scrub. Meanwhile, you’ll get to enjoy a festive holiday cocktail and bites from the restaurant. Dec. 10, 2023, from 3 PM to 5 PM. The ticket cost is $65/person. Tickets can be purchased here.
The 16th Tannenbaum Ball
Enjoy an elegant evening at the Tannenbaum Ball. Dine on delicious food, local wines, craft beers, spirits, and signature cocktails. Bid at silent and live auctions. The Tannenbaum Ball is a great way to celebrate the holiday season and to support a worthy cause.
It’s a night of elegance, fun, and philanthropy, with funds going to the Gillespie County Historical Society and Pioneer Museum. Tickets are $200 per person. Dec. 15, 2023, 6 PM to 11 PM.
Watch Santa Fly into Town (Free)
Come watch Santa fly into Fredericksburg at the Gillespie County Airport. Enjoy free hot chocolate, cookies, and caroling while waiting for Santa’s arrival. Afterward, snap a picture with Santa and his plane! Dec. 16, 2023, 1 PM to 4 PM.
The Annual LBJ Tree Lighting (Free)
Join the Texas Hill Country Community for the Annual LBJ Tree Lighting, a holiday tradition that was started over 50 years ago by President Lyndon B. Johnson and Mrs. Johnson. Enjoy carolers, a live nativity, Santa Claus, and, of course, the spectacular tree lighting.
Afterward, take a trip to the past by visiting Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm to experience what a German Christmas Eve was like one hundred years ago! Dec. 17, 2023, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
Zweite Weihnachten (Free)
Come celebrate the German tradition, Zweite Weihnachten or Second Christmas. Festivities include German and English caroling, music, and fellowship. Try traditional German foods and drinks like Baked Stollen and warm Gluhwein. Dec. 26, 2023, 2 PM to 5 PM.
Make Seasonal Art
The Yellow Door Studio will host several Art & Vino workshops and Winter Break Mini Camps for the kiddos through the beginning of January.
Art & Vino workshop tickets are just $45 and include all necessary supplies. You’re also invited to bring your favorite alcoholic beverage. Click here to see their current offerings.
Winter Break Mini Camps will take place January 2-5, 2024. Click here to book yours now.
Don’t Forget the Wine!
A Christmas Wine Affair
Fredericksburg is known for its wineries in the same way that Germany is known for its Riesling. Have the best of both worlds on a Christmas wine tour presented by Texas Hill Country Wineries, where you’ll have the chance to enjoy complimentary tastings (limit of 4 wineries per day).
Tickets are $65 for individuals and $100 for couples. Daily from Nov. 27 to Dec. 22, 2023, during regular winery hours. Get yours here!
A Holiday Cookie & Wine Pairing
Enjoy a holiday cookie perfectly paired with a wine with help of the Texas Wine Collective. Book your seat online here. Sessions are limited to 10 people. Dec. 9, 2023. There are 4 sessions available: Sessions at 11 AM, 1 PM, 2:30 PM, & 4 PM. Tickets are $45 per person.
Go on a Holiday Wine Tour
Fredericksburg is already fun for wine tastings, but during the holiday season, it gets even better! There are Christmas carolers, Christmas lights, and all kinds of special holiday-themed activities.
Plus, there are often deals that allow you to visit multiple wineries at a major discount! Last year, you could visit 17 wineries for $45 per person. Since most tastings are $10–$20, this is an incredible deal!
Holiday Prelude at Swallows Eve – Sold Out
Get ready to dive into the holiday spirit with Fredericksburg’s charming “Holiday Prelude at Swallows Eve”! With a drink in hand, mingle with friends while enjoying the laughter and clinking of glasses. Add some soft music in the background, and you’ve got the perfect setting to kick off your holiday celebrations in style.
Main event tickets are $95 per person when purchased online in advance. VIP pre-event reception tickets are $150 per person. Nov. 14, 2023, 6 PM to 8 PM.
Holiday Events in Fredericksburg TX: Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun Christmas destination with lots of holiday things to do in 2023, Fredericksburg is a must-visit!
I love it for its international feel, the holiday spirit, and of course, the wine! Even if you don’t go during Christmas, you will be in for a good time anytime of the year!
Don’t forget to check out all of the other fun things to do in Fredericksburg!
Check out our other holiday content listed below:
Last Updated 5 months ago by Jessica Serna | Published: November 14, 2023
