For many Texans, we will not get to experience a snowy, white winter. However, some lucky Lone Star State folks get to experience this every year. There’s a long list of wintery escapades to experience all throughout the state, so it’s not easy to narrow them down to just 14 particularly great ones. If you’re looking for boat tours, Mardi Gras and the very best college football, we’ve got the thing for you! Here are the 14 best winter activities to do in Texas.
San Antonio’s informational boat tours allow you to explore the city. Luckily during the winter every single year, you’ll get to witness a gorgeous display of dangling holiday lights from the towering treetops—best viewed at night of course. Grab dinner at one of the many restaurants that line the riverwalk afterwards.
Mozart’s in Austin is a buzzing spot for studious students during the school year, but if you’re lucky, you’ll snag an amazing seat with views of the calm lake and often live music shows they have on their massive outdoor patio. During the holidays, there’s a pretty snazzy lightshow that happens during closing time and other festive lights strewn about the many trees. This is perfect for a tranquil solo trip, romantic date night or fun event for the entire family.
The Vitruvian Lights of Addison, Texas, are quite the whimsical display. There may be tons of other Texan holiday lights to see but this one is a must. It sure is quite the spin on a Texas winter without snow.
There’s a huge Christmas tree right in the middle of the rink, and you’ll find some interesting characters circling the tree with you. Kiddos, new ice skaters, or just regular folks that love to jam out with a few rounds around the rink.
If you’re in Texas and can’t make the trip to New Orleans for the big party, Galveston is your next best bet! There’s tons of yummy bites to eat, the gorgeous Texas coastline and tons of beads that you’ll get for free!
Lucky for you, since many parts of Texas do not get cold during the winter, Schlitterbahn gives each person a $28 discount for coming at what most may think is an untimely time for a splash!
If you’re into sports, catch a game at one of the most famous colleges in Texas—The University of Texas! There are games in UT men and women’s basketball throughout January, February and March.
The Westcave Preserve offers some truly stunning sights. You’ll be able to view the stars through a high-quality telescope in one of the darkest night skies in Austin.
Catch some of the brightest stars in the galaxy, hike some of Texas’ beautiful nature trails and much more at Ray Roberts Lake State Park, just north of the great city of Dallas.
Take a stroll on the lawns of the state’s great capitol in Austin. This is an awesome place to learn about the history of the state and take some amazing photos.
Open all year long, the Dallas World Aquarium is a sweet spot to take the kids. There’s tons of underwater sea creatures to see and learn about.
Explore the super charming Main Street and getaway with family or friends. Take a whole day to explore the delicious eateries, shops and our favorite—The Boerne Wine Company.
Spin like crazy underneath the giant lit-up tree made up entirely of lights. It’s a favorite pastime of many a Texan childhood.
You can spend the entire winter holiday season in Grapevine, Texas, alone as they host over 1,000 different holiday events. Lights, music and parades galore!
