9 Best Texas Towns For A Winter Getaway

When winter arrives in Texas, small towns reveal a quieter, cozier side of the season. From the rolling hills of the Hill Country to the piney woods of East Texas, each community settles into its own rhythm. In Wimberley, mist rises from the creek as downtown glows with holiday lights and festive events. Fredericksburg sparkles beneath its towering Christmas pyramid, and Marshall’s historic courthouse comes alive with colorful displays, horse-drawn carriages, and live performances. Towns such as Johnson City, Highland Park, Round Top, Jefferson, Silsbee, and Glen Rose also feature scenic trails, charming historic streets, and festive local traditions, creating the perfect setting for a memorable Texas winter getaway.

Marshall

Marshall is the perfect winter getaway, with historic beauty, a lively, welcoming atmosphere, and plenty to see and do. At the heart of downtown stands the iconic Harrison County Courthouse, a National Historic Register landmark and home to the Harrison County Courthouse Museum. Each year, the courthouse becomes the centerpiece of the town’s Wonderland of Lights festival, glowing with colorful displays while horse-drawn carriages, an outdoor ice rink, and live performances bring the season to life.

Beyond downtown, Marshall has a mix of outdoor adventure and leisurely pleasures. Nearby lakes like Caddo Lake, Lake O’ The Pines, and Martin Creek Lake attract fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers, while local spots like Bear Creek Smokehouse give guests a chance to shop. Just a few miles from town, Enoch’s Stomp Winery and Vineyard provides a scenic escape across rolling East Texas hills, perfect for tours, wine tastings, and winter strolls through the vineyard.

Wimberley

Nestled along Cypress Creek and the Blanco River, Wimberley settles into a gentle winter pace. As the holidays approach, Wimberley comes alive with cheer. Hometown Holidays, starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving, turns downtown into a festive wonderland, with the Holiday Courtyard by the Wimberley Café and its towering Christmas tree at the heart of the celebration. The celebration includes the magical Wishes for Wimberley Lighted Parade, a community tree lighting, seasonal performances, shopping, and plenty of family-friendly fun.

For a breath of fresh air, nearby trails, such as those at Blue Hole Regional Park, offer peaceful and scenic walks. In January, the park hosts its annual Polar Bear Plunge & 5K to kick off the New Year. Runners wind through downtown Wimberley before plunging into the icy waters of the creek, while live music, food and drink vendors, and a fire pit keep the celebration warm and festive. Late February is another great time to visit, especially for car enthusiasts. The Hot Rod Showdown takes over historic Pioneer Town at 7A Ranch, an 1800s ghost town, where classic hot rods, rock ’n’ roll, and a spirited crowd blend with the historic setting for an unforgettable winter outing.

Fredericksburg

In the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg turns into a postcard-perfect winter scene. The town’s German roots shine during the Christmas Nights of Lights, where a 26-foot Christmas pyramid and nightly lighting fill downtown with a festive glow. Seasonal events add to the charm, from ornament glassblowing at Enchanted Fredericksburg Ranch to gift shopping at the Pioneer Museum and a parade along Main Street. Local wineries such as Signor Vineyards and Becker Vineyards have cozy tasting rooms for a relaxed afternoon or early evening outing, either before or after exploring town, with daily tastings available throughout the season.

Cooler weather makes the surrounding countryside especially inviting, with trails at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and scenic Hill Country drives revealing wide, quiet views. The park also hosts the Christmas Starfest, where telescopes showcase stars, clusters, and distant galaxies. It is a serene stargazing experience beneath some of the darkest skies in Texas.

Johnson City

Johnson City, located just over an hour from Austin, exudes festive charm and outdoor exploration opportunities. During the holiday season, the Lights Spectacular illuminates the town square and surrounding streets. The Blanco County Courthouse serves as the centerpiece, featuring millions of lights each December. Just a short walk away, Pecan Street Brewing, a favorite local brewpub and restaurant, serves up craft beers and casual meals that go hand in hand with a stroll along the illuminated streets.

For outdoor exploration, Pedernales Falls State Park, along the scenic Pedernales River, provides a tranquil winter retreat. Several trails lead to overlooks above the falls and wind through canyons carved by Mescal and Tobacco creeks, looping around the surrounding mountains for a more challenging hike. The park also hosts seasonal events, including Christmastime Constellations, a winter stargazing program where telescopes reveal constellations and other celestial sights in the December sky.

Highland Park

Highland Park provides a relaxed and memorable Texas winter escape just outside the heart of Dallas. The town comes alive during the holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremony, when its iconic landmark, the Pecan Tree, is illuminated. For an even more festive atmosphere, nearby Highland Park Village is beautifully lit for the season, creating a delightful setting for a winter stroll, cozy meal, or holiday shopping.

For outdoor recreation, Lakeside Park is a serene escape along Turtle Creek. Spanning more than 14 acres of landscaped grounds, the park’s winding walking paths and inviting benches make it ideal for a peaceful winter stroll. From the bridge above the Turtle Creek Dam, you can take in scenic views of the water, while whimsical Teddy Bear statues and tranquil Read Memorial lend a touch of character and calm to the experience.

Round Top

Located under a two-hour drive from both Austin and Houston, Round Top makes for a welcoming and festive winter retreat. The holiday season kicks off with the town’s annual Christmas Parade on the first weekend in December, featuring lighted floats, photos with Santa, and plenty of small-town charm. The day is filled with community spirit, from holiday shopping around the Town Square and historic home tours to an evening of festive drinks at Duo Modern at Market Hill.

Winter in Round Top also brings can’t-miss events, from intimate antique shows like the Winter Antiques Show to the Ovation Ballet Company’s beloved production of "The Nutcracker" at Festival Concert Hill. By January, the Round Top Family Library Chili Cook-Off keeps the hometown energy going strong. And no trip is complete without a stop at Royers Round Top Café, with gourmet comfort food and holiday pies on the menu.

Jefferson

Set among East Texas forests along Big Cypress Bayou, Jefferson has a quiet, historic atmosphere in winter, with the surrounding woods and water adding to the town’s serene character. During the first two weekends in December, the Jefferson Candlelight Tour of Homes presents a glimpse into a bygone era, featuring multiple historic houses lavishly decorated for the season.

Across from the Excelsior House Hotel, Jay Gould’s private railcar, The Atalanta, displays the luxury of the Gilded Age and is adorned with festive wreaths and bows. The hotel itself hosts special events during the holidays, including Christmas concerts. Nearby, Caddo Lake adds misty reflections and a subtle, mysterious quality on cold winter mornings, providing opportunities for peaceful walks along the shoreline or quiet observation of the winter wildlife in the wetlands.

Silsbee

Nestled in the piney woods of Southeast Texas within the Big Thicket National Preserve, Silsbee is an ideal winter escape for those seeking nature and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The cooler months bring serene beauty to the forests and waterways, perfect for exploring the Roy E. Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary, open daily from sunrise to sunset and free to enter. Its network of trails provides opportunities to hike, observe wildlife, and fully immerse in the sights and sounds of the forest.

When the holidays arrive, Silsbee glows with seasonal magic. Locals line Main Street to watch the Homecoming Lighted Parade, presented by Silsbee Fire & Rescue in partnership with the Silsbee Chamber of Commerce, bringing a glowing excitement to the season. Complementing the outdoor celebrations, the Icehouse Museum & Cultural Center, housed in a 1926 icehouse, offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s railroad history and life before refrigeration, while also showcasing the work of local artists.

Glen Rose

Tucked alongside the scenic Paluxy River, Glen Rose may be small in size, but it is big on character and adventure, making it a must-visit winter destination. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the ancient dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park, take a stroll or picnic at Big Rocks Park, or get up close with exotic animals on a drive-thru safari at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.

During the holidays, Glen Rose transforms into a festive wonderland, centered around the downtown area and the beautifully decorated Somervell County Courthouse. Live music and carolers fill the air, while children meet Santa and can pose for magical photos. Holiday treats like cookies and hot cocoa add a cozy touch, and the nativity scene on the courthouse lawn captures the season’s spirit. Even the town’s quirky landmarks, like the vintage gas station built entirely of petrified wood, make a winter visit even more memorable.

Planning The Perfect Texas Winter Vacation

From peaceful hikes and scenic drives to festive parades and sparkling holiday displays, these nine Texas towns offer a variety of experiences that capture the magic of winter. Wimberley, Fredericksburg, Marshall, Round Top, Jefferson, Silsbee, Glen Rose, Highland Park, and Johnson City each offer a meld of nature, history, and seasonal traditions. Taking in quiet moments in the woods, wandering decorated streets, or joining in local celebrations, a winter visit to these communities leaves a lasting sense of warmth, connection, and wonder, proving that the season in Texas can be both relaxing and unforgettable.