We’re big on tradition here in Texas. Our roots run deep and we aren’t afraid to embrace them during the holiday season. Although we develop customs within our own families, there are several statewide Christmas traditions that most of us adhere to (or at least know someone who does). Here are just 11 of the best Texas Christmas traditions.

  1. Picking your own tree (pine or cedar, of course)

Flickr/stefansager My mom grew up in Kirbyville, and her family used to cut down their own pine tree from the nearby forest. That’s how real Texans do it, y’all.

  1. Planting poinsettias

Flickr/lfl This tradition might have come from Mexico, but these Christmas flowers can be found outside plenty of homes in Texas during the holiday season.

  1. Hanging barbed wire wreaths

Flickr/rustiqueart Everyone else can keep their lush green wreaths studded with ribbon and pine cones. We’ll keep repping our cowboy roots.

  1. Fruitcake

Flickr/mbietz Even though most of the country despises this holiday treat, it’s an age-old tradition here. Cooks on the frontier used to spend days drying out fruit to the perfect consistency for the hardworking cowboys to enjoy after a hard day’s work.

  1. Excess

Flickr/danielray The saying, “Everything’s bigger in Texas” definitely applies to Christmas. We have to have the most lights, the biggest celebrations, the most grandiose parades, and gluttonous amounts of food - and we wouldn’t change any of it for the world.

  1. Tamales

Flickr/bigrickstuart Some people have a Thanksgiving do-over during Christmastime, but we like to do things a little different. Tamales didn’t originate in Texas, but we’re more than happy to adopt the tradition.

  1. Luminarias

Flickr/azdodsons These elegant Christmas lanterns are also a Mexican custom that we’ve made our own over the years. Seeing them practically floating in the night is a magical sight indeed.

  1. Smoked turkey

Flickr/bbqjunkie We BBQ-obsessed Texans can’t give up our kryptonite for even a day. You’ll find smoked meat of some sort on all of our holiday tables.

  1. Visiting the River Walk

Flickr/brianmoranhdr It’s not Christmas in Texas without a stroll down the most decorated street in the state: the San Antonio River Walk. The already vibrant Mexican culture of the town comes alive even more during the holiday season, and the trees adorned with lights from head to toe are sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.

  1. Watching football

Flickr/john varghese When Christmas falls on a Sunday, you bet your bottom dollar that most Texans will be parked in front of the TV to watch the game. And if it’s not on a Sunday, we’re probably watching highlights from the last game.

  1. Fried turkey

Flickr/Patsy Our Cajun roots definitely shine through with this traditional dish. There’s nothing quite like biting into the crunchy outer skin of the bird that gives way to its tender, juicy meat.

How many of these Christmas traditions in Texas does your family practice? Are there any major Christmas customs in Texas that I left off? Let us know in the comments!

Flickr/stefansager

My mom grew up in Kirbyville, and her family used to cut down their own pine tree from the nearby forest. That’s how real Texans do it, y’all.

Flickr/lfl

This tradition might have come from Mexico, but these Christmas flowers can be found outside plenty of homes in Texas during the holiday season.

Flickr/rustiqueart

Everyone else can keep their lush green wreaths studded with ribbon and pine cones. We’ll keep repping our cowboy roots.

Flickr/mbietz

Even though most of the country despises this holiday treat, it’s an age-old tradition here. Cooks on the frontier used to spend days drying out fruit to the perfect consistency for the hardworking cowboys to enjoy after a hard day’s work.

Flickr/danielray

The saying, “Everything’s bigger in Texas” definitely applies to Christmas. We have to have the most lights, the biggest celebrations, the most grandiose parades, and gluttonous amounts of food - and we wouldn’t change any of it for the world.

Flickr/bigrickstuart

Some people have a Thanksgiving do-over during Christmastime, but we like to do things a little different. Tamales didn’t originate in Texas, but we’re more than happy to adopt the tradition.

Flickr/azdodsons

These elegant Christmas lanterns are also a Mexican custom that we’ve made our own over the years. Seeing them practically floating in the night is a magical sight indeed.

Flickr/bbqjunkie

We BBQ-obsessed Texans can’t give up our kryptonite for even a day. You’ll find smoked meat of some sort on all of our holiday tables.

Flickr/brianmoranhdr

It’s not Christmas in Texas without a stroll down the most decorated street in the state: the San Antonio River Walk. The already vibrant Mexican culture of the town comes alive even more during the holiday season, and the trees adorned with lights from head to toe are sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.

Flickr/john varghese

When Christmas falls on a Sunday, you bet your bottom dollar that most Texans will be parked in front of the TV to watch the game. And if it’s not on a Sunday, we’re probably watching highlights from the last game.

Flickr/Patsy

Our Cajun roots definitely shine through with this traditional dish. There’s nothing quite like biting into the crunchy outer skin of the bird that gives way to its tender, juicy meat.

If you are searching for another Christmas tradition in Texas that the entire family will enjoy, take a road trip to the best Christmas lights in the state. Check out this itinerary to help you get started.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Texas Christmas Traditions November 04, 2022 Courtnie Erickson What is one of the most popular Christmas traditions in Texas? As you can tell from the list above, there are all types of Texas Christmas traditions. However, one of our favorites is to gather the family, hop in the car, and experience one of the state’s best Christmas lights displays. There are spectacular light shows all around the state that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. For example, you can always head to the Houston Zoo during the month of December and celebrate the season with Zoo Lights. Enjoy the twinkling lights and even see some animals on your way. There are also many drive-thru Christmas light displays that are sure to bring the magic of the season. While there are many displays located all around the Lone Star State, we’ve put together a list to help you narrow down your options. Let us know which drive-thru light display in Texas you enjoy most and if there are any you would highly recommend. What are some of the best Christmas towns in Texas? Texas sure knows how to celebrate Christmas! There are towns big and small that will help you get into the holiday spirit, even if there isn’t a winter wonderland outside your door. Some of our favorite Christmas towns in Texas to visit include Galveston, Jefferson, and Cleburne. Marshall also hosts all types of festive events in December that will help you celebrate the holiday season all month long.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Texas Christmas Traditions

November 04, 2022

Courtnie Erickson

What is one of the most popular Christmas traditions in Texas? As you can tell from the list above, there are all types of Texas Christmas traditions. However, one of our favorites is to gather the family, hop in the car, and experience one of the state’s best Christmas lights displays. There are spectacular light shows all around the state that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. For example, you can always head to the Houston Zoo during the month of December and celebrate the season with Zoo Lights. Enjoy the twinkling lights and even see some animals on your way. There are also many drive-thru Christmas light displays that are sure to bring the magic of the season. While there are many displays located all around the Lone Star State, we’ve put together a list to help you narrow down your options. Let us know which drive-thru light display in Texas you enjoy most and if there are any you would highly recommend. What are some of the best Christmas towns in Texas? Texas sure knows how to celebrate Christmas! There are towns big and small that will help you get into the holiday spirit, even if there isn’t a winter wonderland outside your door. Some of our favorite Christmas towns in Texas to visit include Galveston, Jefferson, and Cleburne. Marshall also hosts all types of festive events in December that will help you celebrate the holiday season all month long.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

As you can tell from the list above, there are all types of Texas Christmas traditions. However, one of our favorites is to gather the family, hop in the car, and experience one of the state’s best Christmas lights displays. There are spectacular light shows all around the state that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. For example, you can always head to the Houston Zoo during the month of December and celebrate the season with Zoo Lights. Enjoy the twinkling lights and even see some animals on your way.

There are also many drive-thru Christmas light displays that are sure to bring the magic of the season. While there are many displays located all around the Lone Star State, we’ve put together a list to help you narrow down your options. Let us know which drive-thru light display in Texas you enjoy most and if there are any you would highly recommend.

What are some of the best Christmas towns in Texas?

Texas sure knows how to celebrate Christmas! There are towns big and small that will help you get into the holiday spirit, even if there isn’t a winter wonderland outside your door. Some of our favorite Christmas towns in Texas to visit include Galveston, Jefferson, and Cleburne. Marshall also hosts all types of festive events in December that will help you celebrate the holiday season all month long.