Located in the Texas hill country, about an hour’s drive from San Antonio, Fredericksburg is rich in culture and history. Founded in 1846 by German immigrants led by John Meusebach, Fredericksburg still oozes with its authentic German heritage at Christmastime.
In 1847, Meusebach met with several Comanche tribes to negotiate a treaty between the Native tribes and the townspeople. The agreement: the people of Fredericksburg would be allowed to farm the surrounding lands, and the Comanche could come to town anytime they wanted. A bronze sculpture entitled “Lasting Friendship,” was installed in the town park in commemoration of the long-lasting peace treaty.
Known as “Weihnachtszeit” in German, the Christmas season is especially magical in Fredericksburg. The trees in Marktplatz, the main town center, are all aglow with lights framing the main attraction: Christmas Pyramid. Called “Weihnachtspyramide” in German, the pyramid is a 26-foot tall carousel-like structure with moving carolers and other figures, topped by a spinning windmill. Crafted in Germany, Fredericksburg’s Christmas pyramid was the first of its kind and scale in the U.S.
Join the community for the Christmas Nights of Lights event, which kicks off in late November and runs through early January. Every night, the Marktplatz offers live music and a countdown to the tree lighting. On December 17, stop by the nearby Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site for the sites’ annual tree lighting event, complete with carolers, a live nativity, Santa, and more. Experience the tradition that President and Lady Bird Johnson began over 50 years ago.
Slide across the ice amidst the sparkling lights of the Marktplatz at the “Eisbahn” outdoor ice skating rink. Open mid-November to January 1 at the Kinder Halle Pavilion, this annual event helps support local charities and is run by volunteers at a local school. After you take a twirl, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas day.
On the first Friday in December, cozy up for the free annual Light the Night Christmas parade. Following the parade, stay for the children’s activity area and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Peppermint Platz.
At the Bavarian boutique Kuckuck’s Nest, stop in for authentic German gifts, from colorful lederhosen and intricate wooden cuckoo clocks to hats and hat pins. The Grasshopper also offers German goods, like steins and nutcrackers. Find table-top versions of the Fredericksburg Christmas Pyramid to take home at both shops.
Browse local specialty jams, jellies, sauces, and lots more, at the Main Street location of family-run Fischer & Wieser. At nearby Das Peach Haus, the company’s original location, take in beautiful scenery, peruse the shelves, and sign up for a cooking class or wine tasting.
Book your stay at Best Western Plus Fredricksburg.