10+ Best Christmas Markets In Texas In 2026

The Lone Star State does nothing quietly, and that goes for the holidays too.

Come November, Texas fills up with Christmas markets — German Christkindl villages in the north, Hill Country Weihnachtsmärkte, artisan bazaars in Austin and Dallas, and light displays big enough to see from the highway.

This guide covers 14 Christmas markets in Texas for 2026 across 11 cities, with the venue, what you'll find and this year's dates. Most Texas markets open in mid to late November and run until just before Christmas, with a few light displays carrying on into early January. Organizers publish the rest of their exact dates and ticket prices in September and October, so every entry below links straight to the official source.

• Arlington
• Dallas
• Austin
• Fort Worth
• Grapevine
• Plano
• San Antonio
• New Braunfels
• Waco
• Houston
• Sugar Land
• Galveston

Planning a whole trip around it? Our guides to Christmas towns in Texas and the best places to go during Christmas in the US cover where to go once the market closes for the night.

Texas Christmas Markets at a Glance: 2026 Dates

Christmas Markets Near Me: Find One by Region

If you're searching for Christmas markets near me rather than planning a trip, start with your metro. Dallas–Fort Worth has the largest concentration, the Hill Country has the most traditionally German markets, and the Gulf Coast leans historical and Victorian.

• Dallas–Fort Worth: The densest cluster in the state. Arlington, Fort Worth, Dallas, Grapevine and Plano sit within about an hour of each other, so most visitors do two or three Christmas markets in DFW over a single weekend.
• Austin: The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar downtown for art and live music, plus the German-Texan Heritage Society's market for the traditional version.
• San Antonio: The Pearl Holiday Night Market and the lit-up River Walk, with New Braunfels half an hour up I-35 for the state's most literal German Weihnachtsmarkt.
• Houston: Magical Winter Lights in nearby Katy and Sugar Land Holiday Lights to the southwest. Both are ticketed light events with markets attached, and both running later into January than most.

Outside Texas? Our roundups of the best Christmas markets in the US and Christmas markets in California cover the closest alternatives.

Christmas Market in Arlington: Texas Christkindl Market

Market: Texas Christkindl Market
2026 dates and times: November 20 to 23 and November 27 to December 23, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
Address: 1650 E Randol Mill Road, Arlington, TX 76011, on the North Plaza outside Globe Life Field
Entrance price: Free

German Christmas Market in Arlington, Texas

Arlington's Texas Christkindl Market brings a touch of German Christmas tradition to Texas, and it is the closest thing the state has to a true Christkindlmarkt.

Now in its 16th year, it was inspired by Arlington's sister city relationship with Bad Königshofen in Bavaria. As one of the best Christmas markets in the US, this market offers European-inspired gifts, ornaments, and delicious holiday foods. The charming holiday village atmosphere makes it a delightful place to explore.

What to Eat at the Arlington Christmas Market

Savory Foods

• Bratwurst: A classic German sausage, often served with sauerkraut.
• Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer): Hearty, shredded potato pancakes, sometimes with onions or garlic.
• Raclette: Melted Swiss cheese scraped over potatoes or other items.
• Dresdner Handbrot: A German hand-baked bread, often stuffed with savory fillings.
• Spiral Potatoes (Kartoffellanzen): Spiral-cut fried potatoes.
• Lángos: Hungarian deep-fried flatbread that can be topped with various savory or sweet ingredients.

Sweet Treats & Snacks

• Lebkuchen: Soft, anise-spiced German cookies, often heart-shaped and decorated.
• Gebrannte Mandeln: Sweet, candied almonds with cinnamon and other spices.
• Roasted Chestnuts (Maroni): A traditional holiday treat, roasted over an open fire.
• Crepes: Thin pancakes that can be served with various sweet toppings.
• Pretzels: Large pretzels that are a popular snack at these markets.

Drinks

• Glühwein/Mulled Wine: A spiced, warm wine that is a staple at Christmas markets.
• Hot Chocolate (Heiße Schokolade): A rich and creamy drink made with real chocolate.

Christmas Market in Dallas: Chi Omega Christmas Market

Market: Chi Omega Christmas Market
2026 dates and times: November 19 to 22
Address: Dallas World Trade Center, 2050 N Stemmons Freeway
Entrance price: Ticket varies based on tier, with proceeds going to local charities. Children under 12 are admitted free.

The biggest Christmas market Dallas hosts is the Chi Omega Christmas Market, a long-running charity market with more than 200 merchants under one roof — the practical choice if you're doing real Christmas shopping rather than sightseeing. It has raised over $12 million for Dallas nonprofits since 1978, and parking is free.

Also in Dallas: the NTX Vintage Markets Holiday Bazaar is a smaller, more eclectic pop-up at The Rustic, 3656 Howell St, on December 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free entry, 20+ local vendors, and a lot of local food.

Christmas Market in Austin: Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

Market: Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
2026 dates and times: December 12 to 21
Address: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Entrance price: Tickets go on sale October 20, 2026, with single-day and season pass options

Austin's Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is an iconic holiday tradition that blends the city's music and arts scene with the spirit of the season.

Now in its 51st year, the market features around 200 artists plus food vendors and a full bar, with three live music sets a day, and it is the best place in Texas to find a one-of-a-kind gift while listening to local talent.

Organizers added a rule for 2026 barring work generated primarily by AI, so everything on the floor is handmade.

Also in Austin: the German-Texan Christmas Market runs at the German-Texan Heritage Society's schoolhouse near downtown. It's smaller than Arlington's, but it has the traditional food, choir singing and craft stalls, and it's a reminder that German settlement in Texas is why so many of these markets exist at all. Tickets are available online to attend on December 5, 2026; children 12 and under are free.

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More Christmas Markets in Texas by Region

Christmas Market in Fort Worth

Market: Clearfork Holiday Market
2026 dates and times: Saturday, December 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Address: The Shops at Clearfork, Plaza & Lawn
Entrance price: confirm on the official listing

Fort Worth's holiday market is smaller and more low-key than its DFW neighbors. The Clearfork Holiday Market is a single-day event held alongside the regular farmers market, with local vendors and a relaxed, browse-at-your-own-pace feel — a good stop if you're doing a DFW weekend and want something less crowded than Arlington or Dallas.

Christmas Market in Grapevine

Market: Grapevine Christmas Market on Main Street
2026 dates and times: TBD, check website for details
Address: Cotton Belt Railroad Historic District, 705 S. Main St., Grapevine, TX 76051
Entrance price: See the official site for details

Grapevine proudly bears the title of the "Christmas Capital of Texas," and it lives up to the name with an abundance of holiday events and markets. The Christmas Market on Main Street is a highlight, featuring unique gifts, festive decor and live entertainment. Explore the town's beautifully decorated streets and take a ride on the North Pole Express for a truly magical experience that kids love.

Christmas Market in Plano

Event: Lights at Legacy East
2026 dates and times: November 22 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: The Shops at Legacy East, 5741 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX
Entrance price: Free — photos with Santa are priced at $30

Plano's Lights at Legacy transforms the Legacy East district into a twinkling wonderland. While not a traditional market, you can explore the shops and restaurants in this vibrant area while taking in the lights and decorations or taking pictures with Santa.

If you'd like a more home-grown Christmas market with artisanal goods, check out the 2026 Plano Holiday Market hosted at 6701 Coit Road for free. You can attend on November 21 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and November 22 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Christmas Market in San Antonio

Market: Pearl Holiday Night Market
2026 dates and times: Every Wednesday between December 2 and December 19, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Address: 303–312 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215
Entrance price: Free

San Antonio's historic Pearl district transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The Pearl Holiday Night Market offers a curated selection of gifts, gourmet treats, and holiday decor, with live music and the chance to meet Santa Claus.

It is worth pairing with a walk along the River Walk, which is lit for the holidays and lined with pop-up vendors and food stalls through December. Between the two, San Antonio is the easiest city on this list to enjoy without planning around a single market's opening hours.

Christmas Market in New Braunfels

Market: Weihnachtsmarkt at the Sophienburg
2026 dates and times: November 20 to 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entrance price: $15 for marketplace admission; varied prices for special events and weekend pass. You can buy tickets online.

New Braunfels was founded by German settlers, and its Weihnachtsmarkt is the most literal German Christmas market in Texas — held at the Sophienburg Museum and Archives, with handmade crafts, German baking, glühwein and the town's own Wurstfest heritage behind it.

Christmas Market in Waco

Event: Waco Wonderland
2026 dates and times: TBD, check the Waco Wonderland site, usually an early December weekend
Address: Heritage Square, 300 Austin Avenue, Waco, TX
Entrance price: General admission is typically free; a ride wristband is required for attractions. See official site for more details.

Waco Wonderland is a holiday extravaganza in the heart of Central Texas. The event includes an outdoor ice skating rink, a holiday market and the chance to meet Santa Claus, and with its festive lights and decorations it's a must-visit for families and anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit.

On wristbands, the Waco Wonderland organizers have explained it this way: a wristband is required for anyone ages 1 and older in order to ride the attractions, and includes unlimited rides on the Ferris wheel, the snow tube hill and the trackless train. Snow tube hill hours are usually shorter than the rest of the event, so check the schedule on the day you visit.

Waco has also closed its holiday weekend with a large fireworks display in past years. Worth checking the schedule if you're planning around it.

Christmas Market in Houston

Market: Magical Winter Lights
2026 dates and times: check official site for 2026 details; the event has typically run for around 50 nights from November into January
Address: Katy Mills Mall, 5000 Katy Mills Cir, Katy, TX 77494
Entrance price: Ticketed, prices TBD, check official site to book

Houston's big holiday draw is Magical Winter Lights, a mesmerizing display of holiday lights and lanterns that transports you to a world of wonder, held just west of the city in Katy. Visitors can explore themed lantern exhibits, visit Santa's Workshop, indulge in holiday treats, and shop for unique gifts at the market. It's a family-friendly destination that promises enchantment for all.

Christmas Market in Sugar Land

Event: Sugar Land Holiday Lights
2026 dates and times: November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027, check official site for updates
Address: Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Dr, Sugar Land, TX 77498
Entrance price: See official site for ticket details

Sugar Land offers a magical holiday experience with its Sugar Land Holiday Lights event. While primarily a light display, it also features a holiday market where you can find unique gifts and enjoy seasonal treats. Because it runs later into January than most, it's the easiest market on this list to catch if you're travelling between Christmas and New Year.

Christmas Market in Galveston

Event: Dickens on The Strand
2026 dates and times: December 4 to 6
Address: 2002 Strand, Galveston, TX
Entrance price: Ticket prices vary with free admission available on December 4 — check site for details. Order early, prices increase on November 20.

Step back in time at Galveston's Dickens on The Strand, a Victorian-themed Christmas festival. This unique event features costumed characters, parades and street performances that transport you to the 19th century. While not a traditional market, you'll find vendors offering vintage goods, holiday treats and crafts in the spirit of the era.

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Christmas Markets in Texas: Your Questions Answered

Texas offers a variety of Christmas markets across the state, from German-inspired celebrations in New Braunfels and Austin to festive holiday villages in Dallas, Grapevine and San Antonio. These markets typically feature holiday lights, artisan goods, seasonal treats, and entertainment for families.

When Do Texas Christmas Markets Open in 2026?

Most Texas Christmas markets open between mid and late November and run until a few days before Christmas. Sugar Land Holiday Lights opens earliest, on November 20, the same weekend as the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington and the Weihnachtsmarkt at the Sophienburg. The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar in Austin opens latest, on December 12. A handful of light displays, such as Sugar Land Holiday Lights, continue into early January.

Is There a German Christmas Market in Texas?

Yes, and Texas has more German Christmas markets than any other US state, thanks to its German settlement history. The largest is the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington. There is also a German-Texan Christmas Market run by the German-Texan Heritage Society in Austin and a Weihnachtsmarkt at the Sophienburg in New Braunfels.

Where Is the Texas Christkindl Market?

The Texas Christkindl Market is at 1650 E Randol Mill Road in Arlington, on the North Plaza outside Globe Life Field, about 20 minutes from both downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth. It runs November 20 to 23 and November 27 to December 23, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and admission is free.

What Is the Best Christmas Market in Texas?

The Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington is the best pick if you want the traditional German experience, since it's free, runs for more than a month, and is modelled on Bavarian markets. For shopping, the Chi Omega Christmas Market in Dallas has the most merchants. For atmosphere, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar in Austin pairs 200 artists with live music every day.

Are Christmas Markets Free to Enter?

It varies. Many, including the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington, the market at the Pearl in San Antonio, the Plano Holiday Market, and general admission to Waco Wonderland, are free to enter, with charges only for food, rides or attractions. Others are ticketed, including the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, the Weihnachtsmarkt at the Sophienburg, Dickens on The Strand in Galveston, and the larger light displays.

Are There Christmas Markets in Dallas–Fort Worth?

Yes, and DFW has the densest cluster in the state. Within roughly an hour of each other you'll find the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington, the Clearfork Holiday Market in Fort Worth, the Chi Omega Christmas Market and NTX Vintage Markets in Dallas, the Christmas Market on Main Street in Grapevine, and Lights at Legacy East and the Plano Holiday Market in Plano. Most visitors combine two or three over a weekend.

What Temperatures Should You Expect in Texas During Christmas Markets?

Winter in Texas can be unpredictable. Average December temperatures range from the low 40s °F (5–7 °C) at night to the mid-60s °F (16–18 °C) during the day. Northern parts of the state may be colder, while southern regions like San Antonio or Houston tend to stay milder. Sudden cold fronts can cause sharp drops, so be prepared for variation.

How Should You Prepare for Winter in Texas?

Layers are key. Wear a light sweater or long-sleeve shirt under a medium jacket, and bring a scarf or hat for chilly evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since markets often span large outdoor areas. Keep in mind that while afternoons may feel mild, evenings can become brisk, especially with wind.

What Should You Bring to a Texas Christmas Market?

Bring cash or a card for vendor stalls, a reusable shopping bag for crafts and gifts, and a water bottle to stay hydrated. If visiting with kids, consider bringing a stroller-friendly bag or backpack. Don't forget your camera or phone for festive photos.

Are Texas Christmas Markets Family-Friendly?

Yes. Many markets include children's activities such as ice skating, holiday crafts, live music, and Santa visits. The festive lights and cultural performances make them enjoyable for all ages.