If you’re visiting San Antonio, you have to take some time to explore the San Antonio River Walk, also known as the Paseo del Río. The 15-mile San Antonio River Walk runs through the center of the city. Along this pedestrian corridor, which is close to the Alamo, are eateries, stores, and the entire downtown area.

A popular activity in San Antonio is strolling along the River Walk. And in the winter, seasonal attractions are lit at this well-known downtown gateway. In January, approximately 100,000 lights are strung over the branches of the bald cypress trees that line the River Walk. The holiday atmosphere in San Antonio is illuminated by these bright bulbs from dusk until dawn. A public place is the River Walk. A leisurely stroll or even a seat at a restaurant by the water are two of the greatest ways to take in the wintertime illumination of the area. On the San Antonio River, there are also guided cruises available. A cup of hot chocolate is offered as part of the Downtown Lights Cruise in December.

Texans who want to enjoy the ocean travel to Galveston, which is only a short drive from Houston. This beachside city has a long history of serving as a tourist destination and even briefly serving as the Texas Republic's capital. Galveston's streets still reflect this history, particularly in the Strand Historic District.

Galveston offers 32 miles of beaches, as well as a bustling downtown, and it also knows how to fully enjoy winter. Galveston embraces the nickname "Winter Wonder Island of Texas" with over 50 Christmas festivities planned for the end of the year. With events like holiday lighting ceremonies and tours of decorative history, the city radiates joy throughout December. One of Galveston's most important seasonal events that you just must not miss is Holiday in the Gardens. Throughout the months of late November and early January, Moody Park hosts this amazing light and animatronic show. A different immersive experience in Galveston is Dickens on the Strand. The works of Charles Dickens bring the Strand Historic District to alive during this December event. The charm of this Christmas tradition is enhanced by the inclusion of costumed characters and creative reenactments.

Austin, the state capital of Texas, is an enjoyable destination to visit any time of year. But when winter comes, the city takes on a completely new appearance. The Austin Trail of Lights is a fantastic example of the city's creative energy. This significant neighborhood gathering offers a memorable winter experience in Texas.

The Trail of Lights, which runs throughout December, is Austin's most well-known holiday tradition. Zilker Park, one of the best places to visit in Austin, is where Trail of Lights' festivities take place. Over four million lights are on show, live music, food vendors, and other festivities. Because there are no cars at the event, it makes for a romantic nighttime stroll across the park. There are more wintertime activities in Austin besides the Trail of Lights. Austin can be as lively at any time of year thanks to the area's mild climate. Ice skating on the Whole Foods rooftop and participating in the February Austin Marathon are two other wintertime pastimes.

The Texas Hill Country is a distinctive geographical area in the state, located between San Antonio and Austin. The Texas Hill Country, which is at a higher height and really lives up to its name, is situated above the Edwards Plateau.

Even though the Hill Country is well-liked all year round, the winters in this region of Texas are beautiful. The Texas Hill Country's rolling scenery is complemented by a mild winter. Rarely do nights in December and January dip below freezing. With temperatures in the sixties, the days call for a light sweater. Winter temperatures are more suitable for activities like hiking and camping than the sometimes stifling summer weather. In the winter, Texas Hill Country towns come to life. There is a great sense of real German heritage throughout Hill Country and its small towns. Annual events like New Braunfels' Wurstfest put this history on full display. One of the state's biggest Oktoberfest festivals, this vibrant occasion is. A Christkindlmarkt and a Hometown Holiday Christmas Parade are two additional wintertime events held in New Braunfels.

Big Bend National Park spans a remarkable 800,000 acres of diverse landscape in West Texas, halfway between San Antonio and El Paso. The breathtaking Rio Grande forms the park's southern boundary; Mexico is located on the other side of the river. The Chisos Mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert are two further noteworthy landscapes in Big Bend.

The best time of year to visit Big Bend National Park is in the winter. The park's winter months are refreshingly cool in comparison to the summer's dangerously high temperatures in Big Bend. Due to this, the months of November through March tend to be the park's busiest. The park's wide route network and backcountry are ideal for exploration during the winter. Routes can be found for horse riders, mountain bikers, and hikers. The park has hiking trails for hikers of all skill levels. Winter is also a great time to go stargazing because of the amazing dark skies over Big Bend and earlier sunsets. During this busy season, it is advisable to make bookings for lodging and campsites in advance. In Big Bend National Park, there are many top-notch campgrounds. You can locate some excellent hotels and resorts just outside the park if you don't want to rough it.

No matter the season, a visit to the Dallas World Aquarium (DWA) is a must among the numerous entertaining things to do in downtown Dallas. The Historic West End District is where the aquarium is.

This vacation spot for families has a number of displays that take visitors from all over the world. DWA is home to animals from several continents, including the beaches of Borneo and the forests of Guatemala. More than 600,000 gallons of water and a variety of fish species, including sharks and manatees, are kept in the DWA's fish tanks. The aquarium also has more than just fish. Flamingos, ocelots, and penguins are some of the larger mammals in DWA. One of the many exciting locations to visit in Dallas in the winter is the aquarium. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is another must-visit museum in Dallas. This museum chronicles the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy that took place on the city streets below. Visitors to the exhibit are able to stand close to the exact location where the supposed gunman altered the course of history.

Grapevine, located in the state's north-central region between Dallas and Fort Worth, has earned the nickname "Christmas Capital of Texas". The city outdoes itself every year to maintain that title, hosting more than 1,400-holiday activities over 40 days.

These old streets stand out in the winter with costumed people and holiday animatronics in a city noted for its historical architecture. It's impossible to escape the holiday spirit at this time of year with all the decorations in the historic downtown area. Along with aesthetics, there are a number of brand-new attractions that make Grapevine a Christmas capital. To visit Mr. and Mrs. Claus at their home, visitors can board the North Pole Express in Grapevine. The Historic Palace Theatre's holiday show and Parade of Lights both help to create memorable family memories. Don't forget to visit historic Nash Farm for a full schedule of free and ticketed events, leading up to Christmas. Watch a performance at the Palace Theatre. The recently restored theater features a full lineup of holiday performances, including ballet, standup, live music, a radio play and holiday movies.

Travelers from all over the world come to Houston for a variety of reasons, including to see the city's museums. These educational institutions are well-liked all year long and are a great excursion on a chilly day. In Houston's Museum District, the most of the city's elite institutions are located.

This beautiful downtown area covers all subjects with more than 19 museums and various walking districts. The Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the most well-known museums in the area. There is a growing collection of dinosaur fossils at this magnificent location. The Museum of Fine Arts and the Children's Museum Houston are two additional enjoyable wintertime museums in the area. Another must-see Houston attraction is the Space Center Houston, which is located 30 minutes southeast of the Museum District. This remarkable establishment dives deep into American space travel as the official tourist center for NASA's Johnson Space Center. Moon rocks, a replica space shuttle, and even the chance to run into an astronaut are all included at Space Center Houston.

A trip to a Texas state park in the winter is highly recommended. The 80 state parks in Texas allow for a variety of wintertime activities. Activities like hiking, biking, or horseback riding don't require as much sweating because of the state's temperate climate.

Sightseeing state parks are waiting to be discovered across Texas in the winter, from Big Bend Ranch State Park in West Texas to Palo Duro Canyon in the Texas Panhandle. You’ll find a diverse range of nature across the many parks; lush waterfalls, mossy swamplands, dunes of sand, massive canyons and dry deserts. Depending on why you want to get away, a state park can be the greatest place to go in the winter. There are various activities to be enjoyed in Texas state parks, including fishing excursions, rock climbing, and cavern exploring. Camping is a great way to be as close as possible to all of the amazing hikes in the parks. The most popular state parks regularly reach their capacity well in advance, especially on weekends. Reservations go on sale 30 days in advance, so try to book a month out if you know you want to visit a certain park.

Texas' pleasant climate is a great place to ring in the new year. New Year's Eve is lavishly celebrated in towns all around the state. Any big city's downtown streets will likely be bustling with celebrations towards the end of the year, complete with fireworks displays.

The end of the year is welcomed in by an amplified soundtrack across Austin, the Live Music Capital of the World. With many viewing areas, Reunion Tower in Dallas serves as the focal point for the city's lights and fireworks display. A sizable outdoor festival is also held in San Antonio close to the River Walk. Texas's small towns also provide a great start to the year. The oldest dance hall in Texas, Gruene Hall, puts on a spectacular performance in New Braunfels. The town of Luckenbach also has a well-known dancing venue nearby. Galveston's Strand Historic District has gained quite a reputation for hosting New Year's events close to the shore along the coast.