Celebrate the Christmas Season in Fredericksburg
When you visit Fredericksburg, Texas, during the holiday season, you might think you're on the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie. To say this small Texas Hill Country town is big on holiday spirit is an understatement. Located less than 30 minutes north of Hotel Giles, Fredericksburg boasts the best of German Christmas traditions and warm Texas hospitality. With glorious decorations, festivals, parades and German-style Christmas markets, this is a fabulously festive place to get into the Christmas spirit.
Fredericksburg was founded in 1846 by German settlers, so it's not surprising that its holiday traditions are steeped in German culture. The 2022 Christmas season, or Weihnachtszeit, is celebrated Nov. 22 through Jan. 6, so there's plenty of time to plan your Hill Country getaway at Hotel Giles and take part in the festivities. The magical decorations in the Marktplatz are the centerpiece of the celebration. You can't miss the iconic weihnachtspyramide, or Christmas pyramid, that towers 26 feet high. This giant spinning display was handcrafted in Germany and shows off an intricate nativity season. A gorgeous 30-foot Christmas tree stands on the opposite side of the town center. Each evening at 6 p.m. this spectacular display comes to life during Fredericksburg's Christmas Nights of Lights. A nightly 10-minute audio presentation tells the story of the town’s German heritage, plays holiday carols and concludes with a countdown to the lighting of the Marktplatz.
What could be more magical than ice skating in the glow of thousands of sparkling Marktplatz lights? The Eisbahn outdoor ice rink is set up in the Kinder Halle Pavilion, where you can lace up your skates for this classic winter activity.
If that wasn't enough, the Light the Night Christmas Parade makes its grand entrance on Dec. 2. A Fredericksburg tradition for two decades, the parade marches down Main Street with over 100 entries including floats adorned with twinkling lights, bands and carolers performing holiday music, and Santa Claus himself. Mingle in the streets after the parade with a holiday film screening, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and food and drink offerings.
Of course, you're going to want to do a little Christmas shopping now that you're in the spirit. The natural place to start is The Christmas Store. With 10,000 square feet of space, the store boasts enormous collections of ornaments, candles, miniature villages and other unique treasures. While you're shopping along Main Street, pop into Fredericksburg's boutiques, antique stores, art galleries and gift shops to find just the right Christmas presents to put under your tree. You also can shop at several traditional Christkindlmarkts, which feature stalls selling everything from handmade gifts and Christmas decorations to delicious German food and drink. Popular markets are Trade Days, Christmas Market and Festival, and Home Tour and Holiday Market.
Click here for a full lineup of holiday events and activities in Fredericksburg for 2022.
