Twixmas in Texas: 5 Things To Do
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Twixmas, the delightful few days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is a special time of year. Even though you’re mostly in pyjamas or recovering from a hangover.
Between the 27th to the 30th of December, while there’s a slight lull in festivities, there is still a whole lot you can do in Texas! From a craft brewery tour in Ellis County and a jubilant display of lights in Austin to a Christmas musical, here are five things to do with your fam during Twixmas.
Drive-Thru A Spectacular Light Show
Trail of Lights, Zilker Park
Featuring more than 2 million twinkling lights, 90 dazzling holiday trees, glittering holiday displays, and luminous tunnels, the jubilant Trail of Lights is the most extravagant holiday tradition in Austin. Illuminating the city’s iconic Zilker Park, the spectacular light display has been running for 57 years. The 2021 edition is a drive-thru event and is the perfect outing for people of all ages (pets too!) Hosted by the Trail of Lights Foundation, prices range from $30-$65 per vehicle and include entry, water, and a refreshment.
Pro Tip: Some drive-thru tickets include holiday cookies too!
Visit a Mediaeval Castle
Newman’s Castle, Bellville
Keen on taking the kids to see a fairytale, mediaeval-inspired castle right here in Texas? Complete with moats, dungeons, towers, and turrets? Newman’s Castle in Bellville is one such hidden gem. Created and designed in 2006 by a local baker Mike Newman, this castle has everything! Including a 3000-pound drawbridge, portcullis, a chapel, fairytale turrets, a courtyard, central keep, and even alligators lurking in the moats!
Don’t miss: Participate in the castle tour and gorge on baked goods at the end of the tour.
Take A Hoppy and Adventurous Brewery Tour
Railport Brewing, Ellis County
Take your beer belly on a hoppy adventure and participate in a brewery tour of Railport Brewing in Ellis County. Kid-friendly and pet-friendly, this family-owned brewery has traditional handcrafted American, Belgian, and German Ales, along with small-batch and seasonal brews. With yard games, fresh brews, and a heady dose of liquid gold, it's an ideal place to unwind with your pets, kids, and parents.
Beer Tip: Choose from light and easy-drinking brews like the Railyard Ghost, a Belgian Witbier with coriander, orange peel, chamomile. For those who prefer their brews on the darker side, indulge in Tender Mercy, a Milk Stout with notes of whiskey, vanilla bean, and cocoa nibs. Smooth to the last drop.
Experience German Christmas Traditions
Marktplatz, Fredericksburg
Experience Weihnachtszeit, or Christmas season, in Fredericksburg, the historic Texas Hill Country. From holiday carolling and ice skating, the whole family can indulge in German traditions along with warm and friendly Texan hospitality. Admire the town's 30-foot Christmas tree and Weihnachtspyramide, the authentic German Christmas pyramid.
Don’t miss: The brewpubs that brew authentic German beers, dish out classic recipes and offer a modern take on German cuisine (What Wine Pairs Perfectly With German Cuisine).
Attend a Christmas Musical Tour
Mannheim Steamroller 2021 in Five Texas Cities
Groove to holiday tunes and Christmas classics all through Twixmas. From 26th to 30th December, Mannheim Steamroller will be performing their live musical tour in Sugar Land, McAllen, San Antonio, Lubbock, and Dallas. The perfect chance to experience heartwarming music that has become the hallmark of the holidays. This one will keep the whole family in the yuletide spirit!
Ticket information: Ticket prices start from $49.50. Check out tour dates on their website.
