The holidays in Texas are more than a season—they’re a celebration of the state’s vibrant cultural heritage. From savoring tamales to exploring historic sites adorned in seasonal splendor, there’s something for every traveler to add to their seasonal bucket list.

If there's one universal truth, it's that calories consumed during the holidays don't count. And it's a good thing too! Texans love the holidays and all the tasty goodness that comes with them. Here are some of our favorite holiday foods with a distinct Texas flair.

Tamales
In Texas, it just wouldn't be Christmas without tamales. Based on our Mexican heritage, tamales are made with corn masa and filled with various meats (typically pork) and other fillings. Then they are wrapped in corn husks to protect the precious packages. Tamales are traditionally made on Christmas Eve, and it is an all-hands and very labor-intensive process. Many Texans still make tamales the traditional way, but many others either have a "tamale lady" or know a great local restaurant that will sell them by the dozen.

Here are a few of our favorite historic Texas restaurants that can make you the star of your holiday celebration:

Adelita Tamale & Tortilla Company in San Antonio

Comanche Tortilla & Tamale Factory in Fort Stockton

Uncle Henry's Tamales in Beaumont

Fruitcake. Yes, fruitcake.
Another holiday food tradition is the giving and receiving of fruitcakes. But in Texas, you'll also want to participate in the eating of these holiday treats - especially if it's from the Collin Street Bakery in Corsicana. This north Texas bakery started in 1896 and is now synonymous with the traditional holiday fruitcake. Now a national and international sensation, the Collin Street Bakery will even ship one of their famous DeLuxe Fruitcakes right to your door!

Authentic Norwegian Luncheon
As a part of the Norwegian Country Christmas Tour in Clifton, you'll want to ensure you get tickets for the Authentic Norwegian Luncheon on December 7. Clifton and Bosque County have a rich Norwegian heritage as evidenced by Clifton's designation as the "Norwegian Capital of Texas".

Everyone knows that the holidays are best experienced through the eyes of a child. But even the young at heart are able to release their inner child at these magical Texas holiday experiences.

North Pole Flyer
Departing from the historic 1912 Bertram Depot, passengers can enjoy a magical two-hour train ride filled with holiday cheer. This festive journey includes a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, unlimited hot cocoa, on-board caroling, and a delicious holiday cookie from a local bakery. Each train car is decked out in seasonal decorations, creating the perfect setting for a live reading of The North Pole Flyer, the railroad’s unique Christmas tale. Santa will visit each car to “double-check your list,” pose for photos, and present a special gift to every child, making this a memorable holiday experience for all.

Polar Express
Another beloved holiday experience is the Texas State Railroad's Polar Express. The magic begins as the train departs the Palestine Depot, whisking passengers to the North Pole. From the enchanting soundtrack and by the chefs who serve hot chocolate and cookies while narrating Chris Van Allsburg’s classic tale, the train ride brings the beloved story of the Polar Express to life. At the North Pole, Santa and his elves will greet passengers and board the train, with Santa gifting each guest a silver sleigh bell—the first gift of Christmas, audible only to believers. On the return journey, chefs lead everyone in festive carols, wrapping up a joyful holiday experience.

Spinning under the Zilker Holiday Tree
This holiday tradition is a favorite among Austin-area residents, and is now cherished by Texans far and wide. The Zilker Holiday Tree is 155-foot tall and composed of 39 illuminated streamers in a unique spiral pattern. Visitors can see the tree during Austin's Trail of Lights event from December 1 to January 1. While spectacular all by itself, the real fun is to stand underneath it and spin around while looking up at the spiral lights ... that is, if your stomach can take it.

There are no shortage of heritage events to enjoy during the holidays. These are a few that aren't to be missed!

Tuba Christmas
If you've never experienced hearing 50+ tubas and euphoniums playing Christmas carols on the steps of the Texas State Capitol building, you must add this event to your holiday "to do" list. Hear them play on Monday, December 23 at 12 noon.

Victorian England Here at Home
If you've ever wondered what it was like in England during the 19th century, you'll get a small taste at one of two Dickens holiday events. Dickens on the Strand has been an annual holiday favorite in Galveston since 1974. Happening December 6-8, it features parades, entertainment, roaming costumed characters, and other holiday programming. Over in Boerne, you'll want to check out Dickens on Main on November 29-30. Downtown Boerne becomes a nostalgic holiday wonderland, featuring live music and performances, twinkling lights, delicious food, activities for kids, and even snow along Main Street!

King William Holiday Homes Tour
If your holiday plans take you to San Antonio, you'll want to attend the King William Holiday Homes Tour. On December 7 from 11:00am - 5:00pm, the tour visits six historic homes that are decked out in their holiday finest.

Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias
Stroll along San Antonio's River Walk and enjoy 2,000 luminarias along the route and the holiday lights overhead at the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias. Luminarias are Mexican Christmas lanterns and the tradition is centuries old. The luminarias will be on display on select weekends during December.

Norwegian Country Christmas Tour
To pay homage to their deep Norwegian roots, Clifton holds an annual Norwegian Country Christmas Tour. The event will be held on December 7 and includes a lighted parade, various open houses, a Heritage Village for shopping, a Norwegian Luncheon, tours of historic Norwegian homes and churches, and lots more.

Main Street Bethlehem (Live Nativity)
Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Bethlehem while you engage with costumed actors portraying revelers, Romans, merchants, craftspeople, taxpayers, beggars, and animals of all kinds. Main Street Bethlehem in Burnet transports you back to the experience of Joseph and Mary when they sought shelter for the night. Visit this holiday season on December 6-8 and 13-15.

Comanche Trail Festival of Lights
Beginning on the first Sunday of December, through Christmas Day, the Comanche Trail Festival of Lights in Big Spring steals the spotlight with a stunning showcase of nearly 700,000 dazzling holiday lights.

Experience the magic of the holidays while learning about Texas history! From enchanting candlelight tours to festive living history events, immerse yourself in the rich history and holiday spirit. Don't miss out on these unique holiday experiences that blend history, culture, and seasonal cheer!

Nov 26-27: Thanksgiving Crafts, Sam Bell Maxey House, Paris
Dec 1-30: Maxey House Christmas Tours, Sam Bell Maxey House, Paris
Dec 7: Cooking Class: Fudge, Magoffin Home, El Paso
Dec 7: Corn Husk Angels, San Jacinto Battleground, La Porte
Dec 7: Holiday Open House, Magoffin Home, El Paso
Dec 7: Ornament Workshop, Bush Family Home, Midland
Dec 13: Holiday on the Homefront, National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg
Dec 13-22: Trail of Lights, Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill, La Grange
Dec 14: A Very Merry Birthday Celebration, Sam Bell Maxey House, Paris
Dec 14: Trail of Lights Extravaganza, Mission Dolores, San Augustine
Dec 14: Twilight, Fanthorp Inn, Anderson
Dec 21: Victorian Christmas Fair, Fort McKavett, Fort McKavett
Dec 21: Home for the Holidays, Goodnight Ranch, Goodnight
Dec 21: Yuletide Cheer: The History of Wassail, Varner-Hogg Plantation, West Columbia