San Antonio
The city of San Antonio is located in the heart of Texas. Every year the towering cypress trees found along the famous River Walk are decked out in more than 120,000 lights. If you plan a visit for the Friday after Thanksgiving, you can even take in the official lighting ceremony, which features a holiday parade and watch all the illuminated boats/floats glide gently down the San Antonio River.
San Antonio River Walk
454 Soledad St.
San Antonio, Texas 78205
(210) 227-4262
thesanantonioriverwalk.com
Dallas
Dallas is the city that best embodies Texas. During the holidays, one place to learn about the area and get some Christmas cheer is the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, which has 66 acres of landscaped gardens. Among the decorations and activities, you'll find a collection of figurines, a Christmas tree maze and horse-drawn carriage rides. Expect regular visits from choirs, carolers, Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman. You can also treat yourself to a traditional holiday tea, which is served in the DeGolyer Garden Cafe & Tea Room.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
8525 Garland Rd.
Dallas, Texas 75218
(214) 515-6500
dallasarboretum.org
Austin
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar in Austin has been a revered tradition since 1976. Held in downtown, it attracts more than 130 craftsmen who sell every type of cowboy-themed gift imaginable. As part of the event, a lineup of top musicians also perform on a central stage. Plus, many vendors offer food and holiday sweets.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Austin Convention Center
201 E. 2nd St.
Austin, Texas 78701
(512) 447-1605
armadillobazaar.com
Houston
Visit Houston---the biggest city in Texas, where the residents in the neighborhood of Prestonwood Forest know a thing or two about Christmas decorations. Each year they outdo themselves in terms of lights, inflatable animals and other extravagant displays. Located in the northwest part of the city just off Highway 249, a drive or stroll through Prestonwood Forest has become an annual tradition among both locals and visitors.
Prestonwood Forest
prestonwoodforest.com
Article Written By Yvonne Newman
Based in Las Vegas, Yvonne Newman spent 16 years writing for one of the city's popular visitors' guides. She has covered a variety of topics, including travel, shopping, sports and the arts. Newman is currently working on a book about tea houses. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Nevada and a master's degree in Anglo-Irish literature from Trinity College.
