Winter has finally arrived in the Lone Star State. That means December is full of fun holiday-themed vacation ideas and events. Texans looking for ideas on where to travel can find it here, in our massive monthly roundup of top tips from around the state.
All over Texas
ICYMI: There are plenty of holiday events happening across the state of Texas. CultureMap has compiled the best holiday light displays to visit in Austin this winter. For those traveling to other major Texas cities, we also offer the ultimate holiday light display in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio.
in the hill country
It’s never too late to head out into the Hill Country and enjoy a luxury glamping trip under the stunning Texas skies. Star-Studded Nights, a 14-acre private glamping site in Valley Mills, has everything travelers need to enjoy a comfortable stay. Fully equipped (temperature-controlled) safari tents, plush bedding, private bathrooms, common areas with fire pits, outdoor games, and more. , there’s also a makeshift store for storing last-minute essentials and s’mores ingredients. Nightly rates start at $229.
in san antonio
San Antonio’s innovative culinary scene has earned it a new title as one of the best places to travel in 2025, according to a recent report from Travel + Leisure. The publication’s annual “Where to Go” list reviews around 120 famous places around the world and selects just 50 for a collection of the best destinations. In its report, T+L cited two recently opened hotels. The Kimpton Santo, a boutique hotel housed in a repurposed 19th-century school building, and the completely renovated InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk.
Beyond North Texas
Adolphus in Dallas is celebrating the hotel’s Holiday Glow, which offers guests a $100 dining credit and Adolphus Signature Holiday Candles, handcrafted in partnership with Dallas-based fragrance designer Niven Morgan. Starting with the ‘Package’, we are ready to offer you the most comfortable stay this winter. This package is valid for stays of two nights or more and can be booked using code ‘ES6’ for stays from now until December 30th. Rates at The Adolphus start at $254 per night.
For families looking to ring in the New Year in style, The Ritz-Carlton Dallas Las Colinas offers luxurious accommodations, the luxurious Diamond & Bowtie, which includes two children’s amenities and a Ritz Kids Experience Passport, as well as a special breakfast with Santa. ” packages (for up to 2 adults and 2 children), including free valet parking, late check-out, and more. This package is valid for a one-night stay on December 31st and includes two tickets to the hotel’s Diamonds & Bowties New Year’s Eve Party. Diamond & Bowtie packages start at $1,039.
along the gulf coast
If a winter camping trip is on your itinerary this month, South Padre Island is the place to be, according to online campground marketplace Campspot. A recent survey by the website ranked South Padre Island fifth in the South for travelers seeking a “nostalgia-driven escape” reminiscent of the “rustic charm” of the 1980s. Nearby campgrounds featured by CampSpot include Winter Haven Resort, which has over 55 locations in Brownsville, and We RV Champions of Rio Hondo.
At home in Austin
Guests who want to spend part of their fun vacation poolside at Downlight Austin can use the promo code “HOL” to receive a holiday-themed welcome amenity, $20 per day at the hotel’s breakfast and lunch bar Morningbird You can get credits for. One-time $20 food and beverage credit to Morning Bird or Swim Club. And starting Dec. 15, the Swim Club will transform into a winter wonderland pop-up called After Swim, featuring holiday-themed cocktails, snacks, and a variety of holiday events. Nightly rates at Downlight Austin start at $264 in December.
Houstonians visiting Austin with their dogs will enjoy all the pet-friendly amenities Hotel Van Zandt has to offer, including complimentary Yeti-branded dog bowls, plush pet beds, and special guest door hangers for dogs. You can enjoy it. The hotel also sells branded dog robes to help your furry best friend relax in style. Hotel Van Zandt does not have any size, weight or breed restrictions for dogs, and there is no additional charge for you to bring Fido with you during your stay. Room rates start at $195 per night.
Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa is decked out for Christmas with great holiday offers for guests and visitors alike. The resort offers two luxurious experiences for your stay in December. One is a special “Santa Suite” package that gives you 20 percent off a stay in one of our quirky holiday-themed suites and an additional $100 in hotel credit. There’s also a “Magical Memories” package that includes 20% off lodging and a $25 food and beverage credit. The Santa Suite package is valid for stays through January 3rd, and the Magical Memories package is available through January 19th. Room rates start at $329 per night.
